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"Thank you so much for your interest! I love Sniff freely, but I'm currently not taking illustration commissions. I appreciate your understanding." I am Japanese! This is a non-profit fan work. All rights belong to Moomin Characters Ltd.

[hottokeeeeeki]

[hottokeeeeeki]

A Story Where Moomin, Who Failed to Hibernate, Tries to Tell Sniff Everything About Winter

It seems my body has no intention of sleeping this year.

No matter how many times I close my eyes, I just don’t fall into hibernation.

Sniff would probably say, “Moomin, you really are strange.”

I wonder if Sniff could ever come to like winter.

No… it’s cold, dark, lonely, and he’s such a crybaby—he’d never manage.

But even winter has moments that can warm your heart.

So this year, I’ll record the entire winter for Sniff.

⸻

December ○

I failed to hibernate again this year.

But this time, I’ve decided what I’m going to do.

Sniff, you’re probably reading this now.

From here on, I’ll teach you everything about winter!

⸻

December ○△

Today the white, cold stuff called “snow” is falling.

Did you know? Snow comes down from the sky!

…Which is why the Moominhouse is buried in it.

Also, you were drooling and talking in your sleep.

⸻

December □○

Ugh, my hands are so numb I can hardly write…

See, winter is much colder than you think.

I’m impressed you manage to sleep through this.

Little My was sliding smoothly over the snow today.

It’s called skiing. Want to try it someday?

Watching you fall over would look extremely surreal.

⸻

December □△

The Moominvalley at night is incredibly quiet.

During the day, the snow whispers as it falls,

but at night it’s as if every sound itself has gone to sleep.

You’d probably cling to my sleeve and say,

“Moomin, it’s too quiet… I’m scared.”

Since there’s hardly any light, the stars are easy to see—

sparkling like your precious treasures.

Except unlike your treasures—

which always yell “Moomin! Did you touch that!?”—

the stars don’t complain at all. It’s strange, isn’t it?

I also met the Lady of the Cold Cabin today.

She knows everything about winter.

When I told her “I want to teach Sniff about winter,”

she said,

“Then you must learn to look at winter properly first.”

Well… she’s right.

When I got home, you were still fast asleep.

Sniff… when you sleep, you’re quieter and warmer than winter itself.

⸻

January □

Oh dear, I forgot to write for a while.

Hemulen spent days teaching me skiing—very thoroughly—

so I’ve been exhausted.

I’m sure you’d be bad at skiing too;

sliding down a mountain is terrifying, you know!?

Also, some guests without a house are staying with us.

Mama’s been cooking lots of jam, which helps a lot.

Writing letters is nice.

Maybe next year I’ll write to Snufkin too…

and of course, to you.

⸻

January ▽△

Sniff, today the air felt just a little softer.

I always thought winter’s air was sharp like needles,

but I guess there are days like this.

You would say,

“Winter’s being gentle today!”

and melt the snow instantly in your hand.

Hemulen said,

“Tomorrow will be even colder!”

His eyes sparkle when he talks about the cold—

just like yours when you look at your treasures.

⸻

January □○

Today, one of our ancestors sat on your stomach.

Was it heavy?

It was freezing today. I almost turned into ice.

Little My is skating—sliding over the frozen sea on knives.

Knives! Isn’t that dangerous?

⸻

January ▽□

Sniff, do you know what the aurora is?

It’s like a giant cloth in the sky—blue, green,

sometimes even purple.

The Lady from the cabin said,

“You never know whether it’s really there or not.”

But I think it exists.

It was beautiful like your gemstones.

⸻

February □

I’m starting to run out of things to write…

Oh, do you know the Ice Lady?

She comes to Moominvalley once every winter.

According to the cabin lady,

she’s extremely beautiful,

but if you look at her, you freeze.

So you must never look directly at her.

What a shame.

⸻

February △○

Sniff, today I heard a tiny river flowing under the snow.

I thought rivers slept all winter,

but deep below, they move quietly.

You’d probably say,

“Does the river not know how to hibernate?”

When I told the cabin lady, she said,

“Winter looks silent, but everyone is working little by little.”

…It reminded me of your sleeping posture.

You look still, but you’re always moving inside.

⸻

February ▽□

Today the snow made a kew-kew sound.

When it’s very cold, snow squeaks as you walk on it.

I want you to hear that sound.

Hemulen said,

“This is winter talking!”

and was delighted.

You’d be scared at first,

but you’d get used to it quickly.

You like new sounds, after all.

⸻

February ▽◎

I think winter is a little hard for me.

It’s so quiet.

Nothing like summer.

Everyone—except me, the cabin lady, My, and the guests—

is sound asleep.

⸻

March ○△

Sniff, today the air smelled a little like spring.

I never knew spring existed even inside the snow.

Here and there in the yard,

the snow has little dents.

Mama says it’s because the grass underneath

is breathing and waiting for spring.

Even the grass waits for spring.

Isn’t that sweet?

But you’re still asleep.

…That thought makes me a little lonely.

⸻

March □▽

Little My was angry today:

“Winter ending is boring!”

She loves skiing, skating,

and playing in the snow.

I feel relieved winter is ending…

but also a little sad.

Because my time to teach you about winter

is ending too.

⸻

April ○

Sniff, today your breathing changed just a little.

It’s the smell right before everyone wakes up.

It’s like winter whispering, “See you next time.”

This is the end of my diary.

I wonder if I managed to truly see,

hear, and touch winter enough

to share it with you.

Tomorrow, when you read this,

I’ll be smiling right next to you.

I can’t wait to see your face when you say,

“Moomin, you wrote all this!?”

⸻

Ending Scene

When I finished writing,

I placed the diary on the desk in your room

and stepped outside to greet the spring sun.

Then I heard loud footsteps thundering down the stairs—

coming closer and closer—

“Moomin!!”

“Sniff!”

“I read the whole thing!

I can’t believe you wrote a diary—winter must be terribly boring!”

“Hey, that’s all you have to say?”

“Of course not!”

“Moomin, thank you for teaching me all about winter!”

His voice rang through Moominvalley,

carried together with the chirping birds

and the cabin lady’s hand-cranked organ.

[hottokeeeeeki]

Cold

A faint puff of white breath slipped out from the corner of Sniff’s mouth and melted into the air.

—I don’t know why I’ve been staring at this for so long.

But somehow, I can’t look away.

If I stole his lips right now, would I get to keep all that breath the cold wind carries away?

Thoughts like that cross my mind.

He probably has no idea what I’m thinking.

He’s not thinking about anything at all, I bet.

(I really like him.)

I can feel a kind of affection rising from deep in my stomach—

something different from friendship—

but I ignore it.

If he ever turned to look at me,

would these feelings finally be answered?

But… not yet.

For now, I want to savor this distance between us.

With a soft sigh, I tore my gaze away from Sniff

and stepped on a fallen leaf.

[hottokeeeeeki]

[hottokeeeeeki]

[hottokeeeeeki]

[hottokeeeeeki]

I don't want to clean

[hottokeeeeeki]

Skiing

Winter. It’s cold, but there are so many delicious things to eat, and so many events—Christmas, New Year—that the season never gets boring. Moomin once said he couldn’t really like winter, but I quite do. Homework? Not now, please.

Let’s pull myself together. And it’s winter break. I was planning to enjoy it—getting New Year’s money, lazing around, sleeping in… at least, that was the plan.

“Why did you bring me to a place like this…?”

“Why? If we’re going to play, isn’t it more fun with everyone? Come on, Moomin, let’s go skiing already!”

Somehow, we ended up at the ski resort.

I’m terrible at sports, especially skiing. So why am I here…?

Determined not to do anything, I headed to the lodge—but Moomin and Floren were inside too. Apparently, Floren seemed upset.

“Geez, Moomin, you actually came all the way here! Will you ski with me?”

“Don’t be so mad… I just want to watch you glide gracefully from here! That way I can see you better.”

“But I said I wanted to ski with everyone…”

Hmm, is this what they call a quarrel?

It seems like a story that would hit a little close to home for me… I decided to sit here until they left.

“Oh! Sniff!”

…Looks like today is my unlucky day.

“Oh, Sniff, you’re here too? Honestly…”

“Well, there’s a reason for that… Oh, I was just thinking of taking a break with a warm drink!”

“But I didn’t see you skiing, Sniff.”

Ugh, why do you have to butt in unnecessarily… and that smirk! You’re no different yourself!

“Anyway, we’ll go later.”

“Yeah, yeah, have fun with the grown-ups!”

“You two really… well, fine. But you have to come back!”

In the light reflected off the silver snow, Floren lightly stepped out of the lodge.

“See you!”

She slid away with such grace, like a princess on the wind, that I couldn’t help but stare as she left.

“I didn’t know Moomin was so bad at skiing!”

“Well, I haven’t told anyone.”

Moomin gets grumpy when skiing comes up.

I can’t believe I even find that sulky face cute… Love really is powerful.

Inside the lodge, the fireplace flickers softly.

I sit next to Moomin, and just brushing our hands together makes my heart skip a beat.

“Hey, Sniff… aren’t you cold?”

“U-uh, no, I’m fine…”

Not a lie, but my heart is pounding.

Moomin laughs and gently nudges my shoulder, and that warmth makes my face heat up.

But when we lean our shoulders together, the warmth spreads through me, and it feels so cozy… I don’t want to move away.

Looking out the window, the snow glitters and reflects the light.

I wonder how many more times everyone will ski today.

But… I still want to stay like this with Moomin a little longer, and maybe let everyone have a bit more fun too.

[hottokeeeeeki]

[hottokeeeeeki]

our hands are cold—come here.

We’re on a date today.

…Well, it’s not really a date, since we’re not actually together.

So I guess it’s just an outing. Probably.

Every time I breathe in, the inside of my nose stings a little.

My white breath disappears into the cold air.

Was winter always this freezing?

My fingers are numb, and while I bury my face into my scarf, Moomin walks beside me with his usual calm expression.

I guess he noticed me rubbing my hands together.

The way he narrowed his eyes said, “Why didn’t you bring gloves?”

“Hey, Sniff.”

“Yeah? What is it?”

“…Let’s compare our hands. See which one’s bigger.”

Why now…?

I tilt my head, confused, but Moomin doesn’t care.

He’s already taken off his gloves.

“Come on. Give me your hand.”

“O-okay…”

When I timidly hold out my hand, Moomin places his fingers against mine.

In the freezing air, only his fingertips are strangely warm, and my heart jumps a little.

“…Yup. Yours are a bit slimmer.”

He says that, but our fingers don’t separate.

Wait—weren’t we just comparing…?

Before I can question it,

Moomin suddenly squeezes my hand.

“Huh? Moomin?”

“Don’t move.”

He pulls my hand toward him and stuffs it into the pocket of his coat.

W-wait, he was that worried about me?

That’s… embarrassing.

“Your hands are freezing… Get closer.

It’s hard to walk like this.”

“Well, whose fault is that when you suddenly grabbed my hand?”

I try to sound annoyed, but my face is burning so much that my scarf starts to feel in the way.

[hottokeeeeeki]

More Than Friends, Not Yet Lovers

— Sharing an Umbrella

“Hey, Moomin! I forgot my umbrella, let me in!”

“Ehh… I was only planning to let Snufkin or Floren in here…”

“Come on—what kind of rule is that!?”

“It’s a secret.”

Sniff’s hand brushes lightly against Moomin’s arm.

Their shoulders knock together under the tiny umbrella,

and both of them blush.

The sound of the rain almost hides Moomin’s small laugh.

“…Fine. Come on.”

He tilts the umbrella toward Sniff.

“You’ll get soaked if you don’t move.”

Sniff’s head snaps up, eyes sparkling so brightly

that Moomin has to look away.

“Hurry,” he mutters.

(I want to be a little kinder…)

They might still be “just friends.”

But someday, Moomin wants to be

the only one standing at Sniff’s side.

And so, the two of them walked toward school,

sharing one umbrella under the rain.

[hottokeeeeeki]

Cold

A faint puff of white breath slipped out from the corner of Sniff’s mouth and melted into the air.

—I don’t know why I’ve been staring at this for so long.

But somehow, I can’t look away.

If I stole his lips right now, would I get to keep all that breath the cold wind carries away?

Thoughts like that cross my mind.

He probably has no idea what I’m thinking.

He’s not thinking about anything at all, I bet.

(I really like him.)

I can feel a kind of affection rising from deep in my stomach—

something different from friendship—

but I ignore it.

If he ever turned to look at me,

would these feelings finally be answered?

But… not yet.

For now, I want to savor this distance between us.

With a soft sigh, I tore my gaze away from Sniff

and stepped on a fallen leaf.

[hottokeeeeeki]

Winter Coat

Autumn—when the air grows a little chilly and the fruit tastes sweetest.

In Moominvalley, everyone was busy with Snufkin’s departure and preparations for hibernation.

First, cleaning the house. Dusting the shelves, chasing out cobwebs with a broom, wiping everything until it sparkled…

Next, gifts for the neighbors. We won’t see each other during hibernation, after all. Cushions and scarves were knitted and hurriedly delivered.

Then, a coat to make sure Snufkin could survive the winter alone. And after that, preparations for the hibernation feast… Autumn was a season full of busy work.

But being so caught up in chores was boring. No matter how fun work could be, Sniff didn’t like it. There were more enjoyable things to do—making prune jam, sketching the birch leaves in autumn colors—so much more fun waiting to be had.

One day, while thinking this way, he came up with an idea.

“Hey, Mom, before Snufkin leaves, why don’t we have a bonfire together?”

Yes, a bonfire. That way he could “collect some branches” and skip some chores, and more importantly, it would be fun.

“But the cleaning isn’t finished yet,” his mother said.

“Cleaning can wait! Let’s enjoy autumn this year!”

“Well, such a selfish child!”

Sniff’s big ears caught her murmured words perfectly.

“Hey, Moomin, want to go… uh, collect some branches?”

“I heard the word ‘skip’… But why do you want to collect branches?”

“To cheer Snufkin on before he leaves! We’re going to have a big bonfire together.”

“Really? This isn’t just an excuse to slack off, is it?”

“Ugh… no, but every year everyone does all this huge work and ends up exhausted for hibernation, right? That’s boring, isn’t it?”

“Well, I guess that’s true…”

“Then, let’s go get the branches!”

Saying that, Sniff grabbed Moomin’s hand and ran into the forest.

The forest was full of autumn colors and scents.

Red and yellow leaves fluttered down, sticking to their fur.

“Ugh, they’re stuck again! Moomin, get this leaf off me!”

“Do it yourself…”

“But it’s hard, they tear off so easily!” Sniff looked up and saw Moomin covered entirely in crimson maple leaves.

Pffft!

“Ahaha, Moomin, you’re even worse!”

“Don’t laugh…”

Moomin frowned but couldn’t hide the small smile creeping onto his face.

Sniff stepped closer, carefully removing each leaf.

“Hold still. This one’s caught in your ear.”

“That tickles!”

“Can’t be helped… but your fur is so fluffy, it feels nice.”

“Well, it’s winter coat season. Yours too, Sniff.”

“Ah, true! That’s why leaves stick so easily…”

Moomin pinched Sniff’s cheek lightly.

“See? All fluffy now.”

“Wah! Don’t touch me! It feels weird!”

Sniff blushed as he smoothed his fur.

“But… it’s kind of warm.”

“Yeah. The forest air is cold, but fluffy fur makes it no problem.”

Branches swayed in the wind, and dry leaves rustled across their feet.

“All done, I think!”

“Thanks, Sniff.”

“…”

“Sniff?”

“What were we even doing again…?”

“Sniff! We came to collect branches, right? Hurry up or I’ll leave you behind!”

“Wait, Moomin!”

Ah, this autumn was the most fun one yet!

[hottokeeeeeki]

Pen Pal

Since the end of August, I’ve been exchanging letters with a stranger.

Well, technically, they haven’t told me their name or where they live, but they seem interesting and kind!

That’s why I keep rereading the first letter over and over—it’s gotten a little worn. The letter begins with,

“Dear Wonderful Person of the Valley,”

⸻

Dear Wonderful Person of the Valley,

Don’t worry, I’m not suspicious!

I saw you passing by and couldn’t help but write this letter, blinded by love.

If you don’t mind, I’d like to continue our correspondence… is that okay?

No, I can’t be weak.

Someday, I’ll win your heart—just wait for me!

⸻

At first, of course, I was cautious! But… the idea that someone could be so head over heels for me made me happy, and I ended up writing back. Then, another letter came almost immediately.

Since then, we’ve exchanged stories about the summer almost ending, about the delicious things and fun of autumn, about how bothersome it is to prepare for hibernation… Wait, hibernation can even go wrong? I’d never heard of anyone failing before. Huh… I feel like Moomin mentioned something like that once. Anyway, that’s how our letters go!

I wonder who my pen pal could be. I hope they’re cute…

⸻

Speaking of autumn, there was another big event!

The market. People in the valley sell things they no longer need—jams, furniture, handmade items. Sometimes even jewelry shows up, though it’s expensive.

Normally, Moomin goes around the market with Snufkin or Snorkmaiden, but for some reason this year, he’s going around with me! I’m happy because I want to learn more about the things Moomin likes.

“Look, Moomin! That cookie looks so good!”

“Yeah, yeah, but we have a budget—don’t buy whatever you want.”

“Ehh~ Moomin, you’re so stingy!”

“I’m not stingy!”

Today, Moomin seemed to want to spend time with me—it made me really happy.

“Oh! This sticker is cute!”

“Geez, buying unnecessary things again… huh, that is cute.”

Moomin’s interested in stickers too? Surprising… That autumn-leaf sticker looks so nice, I want it…

“Ah! I already used up my budget…”

“That’s why I said no unnecessary spending…”

“B-but there are too many nice things…”

“…Hmm, okay, I’ll buy it. How about we split it in half? There’s quite a lot.”

“Eh! Really~!? You’re so generous, Moomin!”

“…Not sure why I’m supposed to be happy about that.”

That’s mean! But still, I’m glad he’s buying the sticker. What should I give him as thanks…

⸻

Dear Stranger,

I went to the valley market today! Do you know it? Every year at this time, people sell things from their homes.

I went around with friends~! The raspberry cookies were delicious—I wish you could’ve tried them.

And I bought this sticker there! Well, actually my friend bought it for me…

I hope you’re enjoying autumn too!

—From the Wonderful Person of the Valley

⸻

Hehe, today was fun… I wonder when I’ll get a reply… Oh, that last thing wasn’t because I’m conceited, okay!? I just didn’t know what to write!

Ever since that first letter, I’ve developed a habit of checking the mailbox whenever I get home… Ah! There’s a letter! Hehe, I wonder what it says…

“…This sticker… it’s the same one?”

No, no, no! Surely… there were plenty of others at the market, and maybe they just happened to buy the same one…

Anyway, let’s open it…

⸻

Dear Wonderful Person of the Valley,

Your handwriting is as unique as ever.

It’s very cute and wonderful.

About the market—I went there too. And I bought that sticker.

Do you think it’s a coincidence? I…

“Eek!”

Before I could read further, my feet were moving toward Moomin’s house.

Knock knock knock!

“Hey, hey, don’t rush me… ah!”

“M-Moomin! What’s going on!?”

“Huh? Wha-what?”

“This sticker… the one on my letter, Moomin, you have it too!? It’s not a coincidence, right!?”

Moomin looked away a little embarrassed, but a faint smile lingered on his lips.

“…Hehe, shall we just call it a coincidence?”

“M-Moomin, you idiot!”

My face turned bright red. My heart was pounding, and I… ugh… words wouldn’t come out.

“Hehe, but… I’m really happy. Matching ones!”

“J-Just… why do you look so happy…!?”

[hottokeeeeeki]

Swimming Class

Swimming Class

I hate swimming class. The first shower is freezing, and on top of that, I’m a complete klutz. Even as a high schooler, I’m scared of swimming—truly hopeless when it comes to sports. On top of that, there’s the embarrassment of everyone possibly watching me. I don’t want to take this class at all…

As I thought this, I absentmindedly watched my partner, Moomin, gliding through the water.

“Sniff, are you still scared of the water?”

Moomin teased me lightly.

“Shut up…”

My voice lacked any energy, and he came closer, chuckling softly.

“Then I’ll hold your hand for you,”

Moomin said, reaching out his arm. I hesitated for a moment, but when I grasped his hand, a strange sense of relief washed over me.

“Can you put your face in the water?”

“Breath from the side…”

“Haha, don’t worry, I won’t let you drown. Just relax.”

Following Moomin’s instructions in the water, I slowly felt my body begin to float.

“I did it!”

I couldn’t help but exclaim, and Moomin smiled, patting my head. “See? You did it,” he said.

Today, for the first time in my life, I actually enjoyed this class.

I was planning to skip the next one, but… maybe I’ll go after all.

[hottokeeeeeki]

Cold

A faint puff of white breath slipped out from the corner of Sniff’s mouth and melted into the air.

—I don’t know why I’ve been staring at this for so long.

But somehow, I can’t look away.

If I stole his lips right now, would I get to keep all that breath the cold wind carries away?

Thoughts like that cross my mind.

He probably has no idea what I’m thinking.

He’s not thinking about anything at all, I bet.

(I really like him.)

I can feel a kind of affection rising from deep in my stomach—

something different from friendship—

but I ignore it.

If he ever turned to look at me,

would these feelings finally be answered?

But… not yet.

For now, I want to savor this distance between us.

With a soft sigh, I tore my gaze away from Sniff

and stepped on a fallen leaf.

[hottokeeeeeki]