Challenge 48: New Year

[IsabellaRose]

THE CHALLENGE

It's a little late, so maybe making resolutions and New Year's parties are past us, but... what about trying to keep the resolution two weeks in? What about fallout from the party? the unintended kiss? the celebration that turned far more intimate than planned? 

For this challenge, write about a character dealing with something leftover from New Year's Eve. Perhaps they made a resolution they're having trouble keeping. Perhaps a kiss, promise, or dare took them somewhere they never thought they'd go and now they're weighing their plans vs. this new reality. Perhaps they made a bet and now they have to pay up. Limitless possibilities... 

Deadline

• Midnight (EST) Saturday 24 Jan, 2026

Limits

• 1 entry per person
• keep it around 2,000 words, no penalty for going a little over but remember, everyone has to read these to vote

Prizes

• 1st Place: 4,000 EcchiCredits
• 2nd Place: 2,000 EcchiCredits
• 3rd Place: 1,000 EcchiCredits

[Elena Ichinomiya]

Evening loom over the city. The excitement of new year has long gone, as quick as it comes. The rush hour on the streets once again fill the urban sighting, reminding us where we belong. The hurried pedestrian come in an out of subway, eager to reach their homes, and some, the embrace of a family. Skies remain dull, as if it reflects on the urban living beneath. But it doesn’t compare to a lady who walk somewhat in slow pace amidst rushing pedestrian.

Lanna is in deep thought. Not about her work, it was alright. Not about dinner either, someone already on it at home. The concern that bother her mind Is the very person who cook the dinner tonight. Mieli. Since she moving in with her, she handle most of the chore at her place. Laundry? Mieli got it covered. Cooking? Say any menu and she would try her best to get it ready on the table, piping hot. Lanna told her there’s no need for that but Mieli insist that she feel restless if she not doing anything at home. Though Lanna appreciate the girl resourcefulness, she didn’t let her move in with her just to play maid.

So a week before new year, Lanna decide that she plan to put actual spark in their new relationship. The problem is, Lanna is somewhat stiff for a partner and Mieli is pretty much her yes-woman; she never objects or throw suggestion that would sounds against her idea. But Lanna want this to work.

But now a week has passed, and today mark the middle of the January on calendar, yet she still not manages to put more color in their relationship. It’s annoying, should she give up? But she already promised Mieli and the girl told her she wants to see where this would go. As cringe as it can get, she just can’t bear the sight of those hopeful eyes become dull with disappointment. Mieli just had this aura about her. Not that Mieli is a pushover let alone spoiled person mind you.

“I should’ve ask her out” she said. But where to? They already visit pretty much dating spot in this city. Lanna schedule is pretty much tight this month so going away from town is not the option on the table right now. “Maybe…I should make dinner for her this time?” She thought but the last time she cooks, it only inconvenience Mieli “I almost burn her tongue with that pasta…” Lanna grumbled.

Before she know it, she is already in front of her apartment door. She knocked in which Mieli open the door, greeting her with the same smile, same familiarity…yet always gives different kind of warmth inside. Lanna just walk past her and laid on the couch, sighing as she throws her bag away. “Long day at work?” Mieli said. “Same as always...different days…” Lanna said. Mieli smiled and ask if she want to eat something specific. “I thought you already made one” Lanna said. Mieli sheepishly replied, “usually yes, but maybe this year, I should let you choose rather than shoot in the blind”. Lanna tilt her head, “what gives? It’s not like you ever burn the kitchen or make any weird food since you move in”. Mieli chuckled before she replied, “I decide to play as full time housewife for you this year”.

Lanna went quiet. Housewives? Was that her resolution? Before Lanna ask if Mieli is teasing her, the girl speak up first. “I admit; it was a challenge. Usually I would wake up early to prepare breakfast and bath, now I tried to wake at same time as you do. Oh and I did think about calling you while at work but…I got cold feet because I might bother you”. She then added, “I even had trouble on how should I greet you when you come home. I mean, no way a housewife would greet their lover with a deep bow like a servant”.

Lanna wasn’t sure how to put this. “Mieli, isn’t it too much of a stretch for a new year resolution? You can just settle in with learning new recipe or getting a better gig to pay our rent” she told the girl. Mieli sighed, “after hearing your resolution, I decide to make it my goal too. Don’t get me wrong, I like how things are between us. But…is it weird if I want us to be more…bold?”. Now that got Lanna thinking. For once, Mieli act without permission. Usually she always throw a thought to Lanna. There’s even at one point she ask Lanna if she could go ahead to sleep before her. Regardless, Lanna is now aware she’s not alone with the thought of how to make more spark in their relationship. Funny because turn out, they both had trouble fulfilling it. Since Lanna don't have any suggestion in mind, she decide to give Mieli some slack.

“We could” Lanna said “maybe this is the spark we’re looking for” but then she added, “what if we jinx it?"

Mieli smile remain etched to her face, “If it were, I’m sure it’s for a good reason”.

Lanna couldn't argue with that, "Then let's make it count"

As gentle embrace wrapped around Lanna, Mieli voice welcome her in new form of love.

“Thank you. And welcome home, darling…”