Happy New Year, Thomas.

Thomas felt delighted after attending a Christmas party a few days previously. He had invited his pals to join him at a gathering that was normally conducted alone. Forrest and Ella were dating at the time of Thomas's Christmas party, he discovered. As soon as Ella begins to speak with Thomas, she confesses that she likes him.

Thomas wasn't aware of this, and he didn't care which option Ella chose. Since Forrest and Ella were dating at the time, Forrest was unaware that Ella liked Thomas. Thomas and Ella, on the other hand, did not enrage Forrest. When Ella professed her emotions to Thomas, Forrest learned that Ella was in love with Thomas.

During the Christmas gathering... (Set after Ella revealed her affections to Thomas in the previous chapter)

After speaking with Ella, Forrest squeezed Thomas and asked, "Hey, when you guys are outdoors, what are you talking about?"

"Oh my goodness, that... We're discussing a misunderstanding that occurred some time ago. She then confessed that she likes me."

Forrest was deafeningly quiet for a split second.

"What exactly did you say?"

"Ella confessed to me."

"Oh... gosh, how long has it been that she's like you?"

"It's been a long time, but she's scared I'll be upset or dissatisfied with the outcomes of the questions I answered, Forrest. She and I had known one other for many years. As a result, when she decides to start dating, she selects you as her first boyfriend."

"I was her first boyfriend?"

"I told you so... The fact that she hasn't had a partner in the past confirms her desire to attempt dating. The fact that she isn't ready to date is undeniable."

"What do you mean, I see now?"

Next, Thomas rubbed the back of Forrest's head "It would be great if you could take care of her feelings in addition to myself. Are you up to the task?"

"Yes," said Forrest, nodding his head.

"Okay…"

~~~

Alex is sipping hot cocoa next to the fire. Then Thomas approached her.

"How does it make you feel? Attending a Christmas party with someone you haven't seen in a long time?", Thomas joked about their grocery encounter.

"Hahaha… Nothing out of the usual."

"However, I'm delighted to be able to have a wonderful time with people that I love at this Christmas celebration," he said.

"Yes, except from my mum. It's comforting to know that I solely think about my family "Alex clarified the significance of her remarks.

"Hahaha, who thought of anything else?" laughed Thomas.

"I'm not sure."

"Hey.", Thomas was called by Alex.

"What?"

"Even if Ella is already dating your best buddy, I'm thrilled for you."

"Thank you, Alex. I had no idea that she liked me at first. The fact is, she hasn't shown her true sentiments in a very long time."

"Yes, it is correct. She used to send me messages telling me how to do things before she even liked you."

Ella covered Alex's lips and said, "Alright, that's enough."

"Hey, don't tell him about the message," she said quietly.

Ella's hand was freed from her lips by Alex "What's the matter, El? Are you ashamed of yourself? It's been a long time, so telling Thomas is only natural."

"But..." Ella persisted, refusing to reveal the question she used to ask Alex about Thomas.

"Yeah, if Ella doesn't want to tell, it's best not to tell," Thomas answered.

"It's all right."

Thomas smiled and nodded.

"You guys have no intention of dating each other?" Ella said, noticing Thomas and Alex's strong connection.

When they heard the question, they quickly agreed, "No."

They exchanged glances and said, "Eh?"

"Take a look at yourselves; you're all right. It is preferable for you to date."

While staring at Ella and Thomas, Alex denied "El, I've only known Thomas for a few hours. How can we become a couple right away? Isn't it preferable if we were friends first?"

Thomas gave a nod "I agree with what Alex stated. I should become friends with her first."

"Oh, sure," Ella said, hoping that Thomas and Alex were dating.

Ella left Thomas and Alex alone to talk about themselves. Ella's heart was broken at first, but because Thomas continued to support her decision without manipulating his emotions, she eventually accepted his decision.

"So, are you going to continue to support Ella in her relationship with Forrest?" Alex inquired of Thomas.

"Agreed. Again, I'm not bothered by this. So long as we are buddies."

Alex only nodded, her gaze fixed on Ella, who was laughing with the others.

Ella, never be frightened of your decisions. - Alex.

As Alex was realizing this, she said, "It appears that I do not yet have your contact information."

"Is there a way to get in touch with me? Where's your mobile phone, please? Your mobile phone number will be added to your contact list as soon as I am able to."

Thomas received Alex's smartphone, which she promptly returned. Alex noticed that Thomas's number was already saved to her cellphone's contact list.

The two agreed to keep in touch if there was a need.

"Okay."

~~~~

December 31, 2020, which is six days after Thomas's Christmas party.

Thomas rises from his bed, contemplating his plans for the coming year. He has maintained contact with his buddies since the Christmas party. Alex, on the other hand, is the person who generally sends texts. They communicate with each other after the Christmas party, sending messages and inquiring about their current circumstances, but not on a regular basis because they each have their own activities.

Alex: Hey, Tom.

Thomas: Hey, Alex. What's going on?

Alex: Well…

Alex: I've requested my mother to invite you to the New Year's Eve celebration, but due to COVID condition, can you video call tonight? In order for my mum to get to know you.

Thomas came up with an idea.

Is it better if I bring my mum as well? How could I make a video call with Alex's mum by myself? It's not amusing. - Thomas

Thomas: Let me contact mom first.

Meanwhile in The official house, Oreming.

Kring...

"Yes, Heather Mull's office. Is there anything I can do for you?", A woman was on the phone when she received the call.

"Hello? With whom is this?", Thomas inquired.

"This Mrs. Heather's assistant, may I know who is this?"

"This is Thomas, her son."

"Thomas, I'm sorry. What exactly is the issue, son? Your mother is out on the ice ring with her pals playing hockey."

Didn't she even play hockey with her pals? That's terrible. - Thomas.

"I get what you mean. Look, I'd like to invite Mom to a video chat in the new year. So, are you able to deliver my message to her?"

"Do you want to send your mother a message that you want to spend the New Year with her?"

"Yes."

"All well, I'll deliver the message."

"I appreciate it."

"You're really welcome."

Okay, I made certain that Mom would spend the New Year's Eve with Alex's family.

Thomas: Alex, I'm going to celebrate the new year with your mother. But, I also asked my mother to come with me, are you don't mind with it?

Alex: Of course, I'm OK with it. In addition, I'd like to know who your mother is. If that's the case, then our mothers must be close.

Thomas: Yes, of course. When are you going to call?

Alex: 7 PM, maybe.

Thomas: OK, see you on the video call.

Alex: Yeah, see you.

~~~

7 PM

In the living area, Thomas turns on his own laptop while starting a fire to keep the house warm. Then he receives a message from Alex stating that she will be ready to contact him. As a result, Thomas initially contacted his mother.

"How are you, Mother?"

"I'm fine, son. What's the matter?"

"Mom, what are you doing?"

"I'm preparing to switch on my laptop. What are your thoughts?"

"I'm waiting for Alex to contact me again," says Thomas.

"Okay."

The phone then rang, Alex supplied the code to join her video conference a few minutes later, and Thomas transferred the code to his mother so she could join as well. He joined Alex's video conference recently, followed by his mother.

Alex's mother and mom are there on the video call. While Thomas and his mother were separated from one another.

"Hello, is this Alex's friend?" inquired Alex's mother.

"Yes, I am Alex's friend," Thomas answered.

"So this is... Is that your mum? "Alex then turns to inquire about Thomas' mother.

"I am, in fact, Thomas' mother."

"Are you that well-known politician?" Alex's mother inquired.

"Really?" Alex inquired.

"Heath Mull is a renowned politician, and she is one of them."

"It's possible, hahaha! Heather Mull, yes I am," Clarification from Thomas's mother.

They chatted on a video call after Alex's mother was surprised.

11.58 pm.

"In 2 minutes, to be precise. It's almost midnight, so get ready for the new year! "Alex's mother expressed her thoughts.

While gazing at Thomas, Alex quickly unlocked his phone, followed by Thomas, who did the same.

Alex: All right, get ready.

Thomas: What are you getting ready for?

It's 11:59 p.m.

Alex: Get yourself ready.

Thomas: All right.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Alex: Thomas, Happy New Year.

Thomas: Alex, please accept my best wishes for the New Year.

Thomas: Is that all there is to it?

Alex: There's one more.

Thomas: ??

Alex: Do you have any plans for tomorrow?

Thomas: No, why?

Alex: Would you like to go out with me tomorrow?

Thomas: Hmm... Yeah, sure.

Wait a second... That leaving implies... - Thomas.

Thomas: Is this a date you're proposing?

Alex: Sure, maybe.

Jeez.

Thomas: Tomorrow, I'll go with you.

Alex: Look forward to seeing you on Monday, Tom!

Thomas: Hood-bye, Lex.

Alex: Thomas.

Thomas: Yeah?

Alex: Happy New Year!

The end.

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