THE LAST BYLINE

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL I

Dec. 24, 2025

Christmas Eve

After their classes, Kai and Lena hurried to the newsroom to decorate the office.

"Why do you need to decorate the EIC office? I know you want to decorate, but it'll take a pretty long time to do so, especially with the cobwebs and stuff" Kai said.

"Did you think I didn't choose to wear a civilian outfit for a reason?"

(No, it's probably so we'll be comfortable and warm enough to clean the office)

"We could hang some christmas ornaments on a Christmas tree, and perhaps do some digging for clues at the same time." Lena said, already rummaging through boxes of Christmas decor.

"I have a condition" Kai said confidently.

"Which is?" Lena said raising her eyebrows and crossing her arms.

"I'll make us a cup of hot chocolate and I'll tell you what you need to know."

"Deal"

(He's talking about what I said to him back then…)

Kai went to the kitchenette, preparing a cup each for them. (who knows, maybe I'll finally find the courage to tell her)

An uninvited guest knocked at their door. Will they entertain it?

Lena opened the door cautiously, but then...

"Jay?! How are you cousin?"

Jay Santos stood at the doorway of Lena's office, with a gift in hand.

"Ofc I can't miss Christmas with my 3rd cousin, and ofc I also didn't come empty-handed" he said smiling.

Lena's POV

I really want to make my office comfy and homey, due to the christmas season. I also agreed on Kai's condition, not due to the hot chocolate but also to know what he has to say about it.

(I felt nervous in opening the door for an uninvited guest, thankfully it's just Jay)

I let Jay in. We're 3rd cousins, and grew up together. (he also knows about the mystery and accidentally told me about Kai's secret)

"Kai! Jay's here!!"

Kai's POV

I almost dropped the spoon I used in stirring the hot chocolate when I heard her from the other room saying " Kai! Jay's here!!" my heart thumped against my chest, my sweater feels warm, but my face is burning hot.

(Why in the world did he have to arrive at this time?!)

I calmly walked over to them.

"Hi bro, how are you doing? Besides that, what happened to the girl you are inlove with?"

"Let me guess its L-" I muffled Jay's mouth before he said anything.

Lena

"You know each other? He's my 3rd cousin and a childhood friend"

I finally let go of Jay

"Lena?" he said smirking at us.

"Anyway, let's do an exchange gift" Jay clapped excitedly, oblivious to the chaos he caused. Lena is trying hard not to laugh, Kai is a tomato and Jay is as chill as a potato.

"Oh, I should mind my manners, Merry Christmas Kai and Lena!"

Jay said all smiles, and they exchanged gifts.

"Kai likes you Lena, whether you both deny it or not" Jay said.

A christmas ornament fell from the tree. "My dear daughter, please believe me, a a present under the tree, a picture of you and me"

They opened the present, it was a picture, her mother, the former EIC and each held a baby, a boy and a girl.

"It's us" Lena said looking at Kai, she smiled and Kai? He was too distracted.

Jay grabbed a notebook, with a doodle at the last page.

The case = HARD

Her = HARDER TO FOCUS ON

"I knew it!!" Jay said jumping happily like a kid.

Kai blushed as red as his sweater, Lena giggled at the sight of the two.

Maybe… this Christmas isn't that bad after all.

The End of Part I