Thien threw himself into work with the highest intensity. He wanted to finish everything necessary so he could spend Tết with Nga. Every night, when he looked at his phone and saw her messages reminding him of their Tết plans, his heart beat just a little faster.

As for Nga, she was also racing to complete the final year-end sales campaigns. But in the middle of the hectic pace, she carved out a rare lunch break to meet her best friend, Như.

Yên Như: "Oh my god, am I finally witnessing the grand finale? After all these years, I'm basically the living testament to this love story."

Yên Như (grabbing Nga's hands, voice suddenly serious): "Listen to me. I know you're scared of change. But sometimes, love is better than friendship. Thiên is the only guy I've ever seen who's willing to wait for you without pushing you. Don't step back anymore. Move forward."

Nga looked into Như's eyes. She recalled the loneliness of carrying every pressure by herself. She gently squeezed Như's hands, and a soft smile slowly formed on her lips.

"I... don't want to step back anymore."

Her quiet voice wasn't hesitation—it was her clearest answer to herself. Deep down, she already knew her decision.

The city truly shifted into Tết mode during the last days of the lunar year. Nga and Thiên planned to visit a Tết Market so she could help him choose New Year gifts for his family.

They met at a large traditional Tết market. Despite the overflowing crowds, the two of them seemed to create their own private space amid the hustle.

"If I'm helping, then I'll choose carefully. No shortcuts today," Nga said excitedly, her eyes sparkling.

"I trust your taste and your thoughtfulness," Thiên replied with a gentle smile.

They began the shopping "mission." With the precision of a grown woman who knew what she was doing, Nga analyzed everything as if she were drafting a work plan:

Grandfather: Elegant tastes. Choose premium Oolong tea or traditional coffee beans in a classy gift box.

Grandmother: Health first. Bird's nest tonic (Yến Sào) or ready-to-drink tonic is the perfect choice.

Mother: A refined, attentive woman—so avoid household appliances. A subtle piece of jewelry would make her happy.

Father: A strong, decisive man who works near the sea. A mechanical wristwatch with good water resistance.

Younger siblings & nieces/nephews: Best choice—generous red envelopes (lì xì).

As Nga spoke, she guided Thiên through the market stalls, showing him how to pick the right products. She checked the origins, packaging, and quality with meticulous care. Thiên simply followed, paid, and carried the bags. For the first time, choosing Tết gifts didn't feel like pressure to him—it felt like pure joy.

By the time they left the market, Thiên's hands were heavy with bags, yet his eyes seemed brighter than ever.

"You really helped me. I owe you one—just tell me what you want, I'll do anything," Thiên said, gratitude deep in his gaze. "I never knew buying Tết gifts could be this fun."

Nga laughed and lightly tapped his arm.

"See? Tết isn't a burden. Tết is preparing love. And... we're even now, okay? I still owe you that dinner I never got to treat last time."

Thiên suddenly smiled, set the gift bags down, and turned to look at her. The warm streetlight softened her features, making her look almost unreal.

"I was just thinking," he began, his voice low and sincere. "You spent so much effort, so much thought choosing gifts for my whole family. So... what about your gift?"

Nga blinked, caught off guard.

"No need. Helping you was enough."

Thiên shook his head and stepped a little closer.

"No, it matters. But your gift isn't something I can buy in this market. Your gift... has to be meaningful."

He gently reached out and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"Nga," he whispered, "the greatest gift I received this year was your invitation to spend Tết at your home."

For a moment, the world seemed to pause. Nga looked into his eyes—eyes filled with gratitude, longing for warmth, and a quiet love he had carried for so long.

She didn't reply. Instead, she smiled—a soft, truly sweet smile, nothing like her usual guarded expression. She reached out and lightly tapped his arm with her finger.

"Then... my old buddy, you better stay healthy and finish your work," she murmured. "And... make sure you come visit, okay?"

Her reminder wasn't casual. It was a confirmation—a silent promise between them. Thiên understood: not only the door to her home, but the door to her heart, had never been more open.

"I'll be there. I promise," Thiên said, his voice firm and full of quiet joy. He simply stood there, savoring the moment—the moment his patience had finally been rewarded with a promise, and with acceptance.

*Glossary – Vietnamese Cultural Terms

• Chợ Tết (Tet Market):
Seasonal markets selling decorations, gifts, traditional foods, and flowers for the Lunar New Year.

• Lì xì (Red envelope):
A red envelope containing money, given during Tet to symbolize good luck and prosperity.

• Yến Sào / Tổ Yến (Bird's Nest tonic):
A traditional, premium Vietnamese health tonic made from swiftlet nests, often gifted to elders.

• Âm lịch (Lunar calendar):
Vietnam calculates Tet and traditional holidays based on the lunar calendar instead of the Western solar calendar.