Chapter 4
Time for Harada’s route, Chapter 4! This chapter was translated by dei-hime, yuugs, and shizuumi. Proofreading was done by dei-hime, yuugs, shizuumi, and kuririn!
With the passing of the cool autumn, even the midday wind began to blow cold enough to chill the bones.
Patches of frost started to linger in the shade, and our breath formed white clouds outside: winter had begun.
The calendar already read December. Although I don't hate school, one Monday morning
I couldn't help but feel a bit gloomy― Heisuke-kun had left for early morning club activities along with Okita-senpai, Saitou-senpai and the others, so I found myself walking to school alone.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Haahh..." ‘Monday mornings really are rough…’
As I made it through the school gates while holding back a yawn, a cheerful voice greeted meーone energetic enough to chase away all my lingering drowsiness.
Isami Kondou: "Good morning, Yukimura-kun! It's a truly lovely morning, isn't it!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Good morning to you, Kondou-sensei! You seem to be grinning more than usual today… Did something special happen?"
Isami Kondou: "Hm? Oh, of course, you're a first year so you don't know yet. It'll be explained at the school assembly later… But, actually, every year at Hakuo Academy, come Christmas, I dress up as Santa and give presents to students here at school."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Now that you mention it, it is nearly Christmas, isn't it… But, do you do it all by yourself, Kondou-sensei?"
Isami Kondou: "Of course! I can't just hand something so important over to someone else, you know! Seeing students' excited faces as I hand out presents to them… I can't help but look forward to it every year."
He struggled to keep in his beaming smile in his excitement. I couldn't help but grin and let out a small giggle myself. I really was glad I picked Hakuo Academy, with a man like this as its principal.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Well then, I will also be looking forward to this year's Christmas event!"
Isami Kondou: "This year I decided to splurge a bit, too, so I hope that you do!"
Toshizou Hijikata: "Oi, Kondou-san. ...Oh, Yukimura's here too, huh."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Good morning, Hijikata-sensei."
Hijikata-sensei suddenly approached the two of us at the gate. Looking at his unusually weary expression, Kondou-sensei squinted suspiciously at him.
Isami Kondou: "Toshi, what happened? Your face is really pale. Did some bad news come in this morning?"
Toshizou Hijikata: "Well...bad news, huh… You certainly could call it that. Long story short, Christmas is cancelled."
Isami Kondou: "Uhhh... Today, well… I have some upsetting news for everyone."
That time of year, the school morning assembly held in the schoolyard was already hard for students. The freezing winds ripped through the schoolyard; in winter, even just standing outside was torture. All us students were lined up according to which class we were in, our shoulders hunched in the cold as we listened to the principal's announcements.
But the one paler and more slumped than any student was our principal, standing up on a dais before us.
Isami Kondou: "Now, we have a last-minute announcement from the PTA Chairman, Serizawa-san. This year, Serizawa-san has kindly decided to host a Christmas party for school staff and a few select students. ...As a matter of fact, this party will be hosted in place of the usual Christmas event."
Surely, by 'usual Christmas event,' he meant the gift-giving one he was just telling me so enthusiastically about. His broad shoulders sagging miserably, Kondou-sensei shook his head a little as he spoke.
Isami Kondou: "Invitations will be delivered to those who were chosen. Students who accept will have until the day of the party to prepare presents. Those presents will be for a gift exchange at the party."
Kaoru Nagumo: "...? Hey, Toudou, did Serizawa-san host a party like this last year, too?"
Heisuke Toudou: "Nuh-uh. ...not last year, no. Seems like Kondou-sensei's surprised, too. It must be the first time this is happening."
Souji Okita: "......"
Kaoru's and Heisuke-kun's classes happen to be lined up near mine, close enough for me to overhear their conversation, which left me tilting my head. It seemed that the upperclassmen were taken as much by surprise as the rest by this announcement. Some students here and there were murmuring to their neighbours, and in the midst of this―
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "......" As for Ibuki-kun, his already pale face was getting whiter and whiter.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ibuki-kun, are you okay? If you're not feeling well, I could call Sannan-sensei over...?"
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "N-No, that's okay, but… That guy hosting a party with a bunch of hand-picked students…? What's with that? What's he scheming? ...I'll say this much: he's definitely not doing it out of the goodness of his heart...!"
Toshizou Hijikata: [over the microphone] "Now, I'm sure you all have your questions, but regardless, that is how it's going to be. Students and teachers alike who are invited should treat it as if it were a compulsory event. That is all. Dismissed."
With that, the morning assembly that had shocked the whole student body came to an end. On Hijikata-sensei's cue, we students dispersed, hurrying back into the school building.
Chizuru Yukimura: "What was first period, again..." As I changed into my indoor shoes and started back to my class, I felt a tap on my shoulder.
Toshizou Hijikata: "Yukimura."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Oh, Hijikata-sensei. Did you need something?"
Toshizou Hijikata: "Not exactly… You heard about the thing, before, right?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes… Kondou-sensei was so looking forward to it, too. It's really too bad."
Toshizou Hijikata: "Yeah... I'm actually a bit worried about that. I want to try turning it into something Kondou-sensei might also be able to appreciate."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Really, you do?"
Hijikata-sensei nodded slightly in reply, his expression determined.
Toshizou Hijikata: "And, about that. I'm only assuming at this stage, but… If, say, you received an invitation, what would you do?"
I would...
[Go to the party.]
[I'm not sure…]
After thinking on it for a moment, I gave a small nod.
Chizuru Yukimura: "I'm not confident that I'm an outstanding student or anything, so I'm not so sure that I will be invited, but… If I were invited, since he took the trouble, I think it would be rude not to accept. If I refused despite being invited, surely my teachers would be put in a difficult position, too."
Toshizou Hijikata: "......You really have a talent for overthinking things. You don't need to worry about us too, you know," Hijikata-sensei watched me intently, his expression both amused and exasperated. "You are an outstanding student, you know," he continued. "There's no doubt you'll be getting an invitation. Your grades aren't bad, and you listen properly to your teachers. Not to mention you always strive to improve yourself....But that being the case, it seems like my own question backfired on me this time," he said with a deep sigh. He fixed his gaze back on me, his eyes sad.
This party of Serizawa-san's had sprung up out of nowhere. It quickly became the talk of the school. During lunch break, I climbed up to the rooftop to meet Heisuke-kun and Okita-senpai for lunch.
Heisuke Toudou: "She's here, she's here! Chizuru! Over here!"
Hajime Saitou: "It's quite warm with the sun out today."
Chizuru Yukimura: "You're eating with us today, then, Saitou-senpai?"
He didn't normally sit with us for lunch. I greeted him with a nod and a smile.
Chizuru Yukimura: "But, where’s Okita-senpai?"
Heisuke Toudou: "Oh, Souji's kinda been in a bad mood since this morning. He ran off somewhere for lunch, see. So I thought we could eat with Hajime-kun today instead."
Chizuru Yukimura: "A bad mood...?"
That struck me as a little odd as I sat down next to Saitou-senpai. I opened up my bento. As I did, Heisuke-kun, sinking his teeth into some bread, spoke up again.
Heisuke Toudou: "That was a pretty big shock though, huh. Holding a Christmas party all of a sudden."
Hajime Saitou: "The announcement itself was very sudden as well. Even the teachers seemed surprised."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Serizawa-san, though… he's the one who came to see the cultural festival, right...?"
Not only was he the Hakuo Academy chairman of the board, but he was also the PTA chairman and Ibuki-kun's foster father. From my first impression of him, and from how fearful Ibuki-kun was around him, he seemed to be very strict with his discipline, but… Did Heisuke-kun have the same impression of him?
I let out a long sigh at the thought.
Heisuke Toudou: "Serizawa-san's party, huh... Even if I somehow did get an invite, I've got a bad feeling about it all."
Hajime Saitou: "It's just like you to have that perspective, Heisuke. It was with Serizawa-san's assistance that Hakuo Academy was first founded. You mustn't assume the worst of him now, either."
Heisuke Toudou: "But I mean, Hijikata-sensei doesn't like Serizawa-san either, right?"
[flashback to the day before the Culture Festival]
???: "Don't, Yukimura."
Toshizou Hijikata: "This doesn't concern you."
Chizuru Yukimura: "......" Now that he mentioned it, that last time, he was giving off a hostile vibe.
Hajime Saitou: "It's true that they do seem to quarrel at every opportunity, but..." Saitou-senpai, crossing his arms and pondering that thought, looked up at me. "...Yukimura. What do you think about this party?"
From where I stood, Serizawa-san's Christmas party was…
[Something I looked forward to]
[A little worrying…]
Chizuru Yukimura: "I think...I'm looking forward to it, really. I mean, who knows how it'll turn out in the end, but any party where lots of people are around seems like fun to me."
Heisuke Toudou: "......" Hearing my reply, Heisuke-kun's expression darkened into a frown… But Saitou-senpai gave a small nod.
Hajime Saitou: "I think so, too. Whatever sort of party Serizawa-san plans… This is only my personal opinion. but I would think that he can host an enjoyable party."
Chizuru Yukimura: "I agree. Though I do have some worries… Right now, I’m more excited than I am concerned."
Heisuke Toudou: "......" Heisuke-kun silently brought his bread to his lips, making a face like he wanted to say something.
Just what kind of event would Serizawa-san's party turn out to be…?
The day's classes had finished, and there were only a few more school days left in the term.
Sanosuke Harada: "Well then, let's wrap up here for today. Take care of yourselves on the way home!"
As the bell rang out a dismissal, the classroom abruptly filled with commotion as my classmates stirred. People getting ready for club activities, and people opening up their phones to text. People making plans on the way home with their friends... I took my time putting my things away as I watched my classmates from the corner of my eye.
Chizuru Yukimura: "...What should I do today..."
Maybe I'd just go straight home for today. ‘Or maybe I should stop by the station and buy some groceries for dinner…’
Sanosuke Harada: "Wait up a moment, Yukimura."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes?" I stopped and turned back to the class, hearing Harada-sensei call out to me.
Sanosuke Harada: "I have something for you. Here, this is it." The single card Harada-sensei handed me was bordered in gold foil.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Is this by chance..."
Sanosuke Harada: "I'm sure you've guessed, but it's an invitation to Serizawa-san's party. I've my own opinions about the whole deal, but the invitation’s all yours now. Be sure to read it properly when you get home."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Serizawa-san's party, hmm..." I muttered to myself as I left the class, looking the invitation over. "...Now that I think of it, I wonder who else was invited. I'd feel better if other people I knew were going. Maybe I should try asking around...?"
As I thought this to myself, I found myself headed for the courtyard. People in the middle of club activities and people meeting up on their way home... It was more crowded than usual, so soon after class dismissal.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Someone must be around here..." I looked this way and that, hoping to catch sight of someone.
???: "I'm telling you! There's no way she's gonna spend Christmas with you!" A loud voice rang out from nearby.
Chikage Kazama: "Hmph. I wondered what you had to say, but to think it was something so foolish. No matter what insignificant scum like you say, the matter is settled: I will be spending Christmas with my bride."
Heisuke Toudou: "You sure do talk tough for someone who hasn't even asked her yet. And normally, even if she were spending Christmas with somebody, it'd be with me, not you! We've known each other for ages! ...I mean, that's how it always was, when we were little..."
Chikage Kazama: "It's unsightly to cling to the past so, Heisuke Toudou."
I overheard Heisuke-kun and Kazama-senpai arguing.
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
I thought it might be best if I didn't show my face just then… If I were to show up right when they were arguing about me, I was positive it would only make things worse.
Thinking that, I slowly backed away...
Chikage Kazama: "If you dare say such things, then so be it. I'll force you to face reality. It will all be made clear if we ask the woman herself. Isn't that so, my wife?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Eh?!"
Kazama-senpai's gaze pierced through me, stopping me in my tracks. Heisuke-kun's eyes also went wide open when he noticed me.
Heisuke Toudou: "Ch-Chizuru?! Did you hear all that just now?!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "...A bit..."
Chikage Kazama: "If you were listening, then there is less to explain. I'll ask now, then, shall I? Between myself, your future spouse, and this self-proclaimed childhood friend of yours… Which would you rather spend Christmas with? Me, surely. You don't even need to answer; I already know."
Heisuke Toudou: "You didn't even ask her properly!" Puffing up in anger, Heisuke-kun suddenly grabbed my shoulder. "Hear me out, Chizuru! Spending Christmas with this guy would seriously absolutely be the dangerousest danger out there!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "C-Calm down! Your words are getting all mixed up! Also, even if you ask me about Christmas… I'm already wondering what I should do, since I've just received an invitation to Serizawa-san's party..."
Heisuke Toudou: "Serizawa-san's party, huh… They said only exceptional students are invited. So if you were invited, then I..."
Chikage Kazama: "Hmph..." After seeming to casually consider this for a moment, he suddenly turned from us and left.
Chizuru Yukimura: ?
Heisuke Toudou: "What's with that guy...?"
Normally, he would snap and bicker for longer than that… Finding his sudden change puzzling, I watched him walk off. Heisuke-kun seemed to feel the same as I did, tilting his head a little in bewilderment.
Heisuke Toudou: "...Well, whatever. More importantly, Chizuru―" Heisuke-kun began to say, when...
Sanosuke Harada: "Oh, Heisuke, Yukimura. Perfect timing." Harada-sensei suddenly strolled up to us. "If you're on your way home it's fine, but if not, would you two mind coming with me? There's something I'd like a hand with."
I...
[I'd be happy to help!]
[I'm worried about Kazama.]
After only a moment's thought, I nodded my head.
Chizuru Yukimura: "I'd be happy to help. What do you need?"
Sanosuke Harada: "Sorry, guys. It’s a chore that calls for some manual labour. The new textbooks for the year have arrived, see. I'd like to split up the work and distribute them to each class. Would you guys mind helping out?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Sure!"
Following close behind Harada-sensei, we headed toward the staff room.
Sanosuke Harada: "...Here we go, these are the ones. there are quite a few, so don’t overdo it."
Next to Harada-sensei's desk was a tall pile of textbooks. There were books there for each student in my grade. It'd take who-knew-how-many trips to do this myself.
Heisuke Toudou: "Let's get to it, then. Don't push yourself to carry too much," Heisuke-kun said to me, grabbing a batch of textbooks. Contrary to his words and tone, Heisuke-kun gave a deep sigh.
Chizuru Yukimura: "...? What's wrong, Heisuke-kun?"
Heisuke Toudou: "Well, it's just... about that thing we were talking about before..."
Sanosuke Harada: "That's right; you were having some kind of argument, weren't you? Something about Christmas… Did something happen?"
Prompted by Harada-sensei, Heisuke-kun glanced my way.
Heisuke Toudou: "...I'm sure you know, Sano-san, since you're her homeroom teacher and all… But Chizuru's dad is away on some far-off island on some kind of business trip."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yeah, he is busy these days, after all. He says he'll be back sometime this year, at least."
Heisuke Toudou: "Right? So I thought you might get lonely at Christmas, and I wondered if there was something I could do about it… But then, who'd've thought Serizawa-san would throw a party, right? Everything I'd thought up suddenly became pointless..." Heisuke-kun's shoulders drooped, crestfallen. But hearing he'd put so much thought into it made me genuinely happy, and I broke into a smile.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Thank you, Heisuke-kun."
Heisuke Toudou: "...In the end, it looks like I won't be able to do anything, so there's nothing to thank me for, though."
Chizuru Yukimura: "No, even so. It's the thought that counts."
At Heisuke-kun's grin, I smiled up at him. It must've been infectious with how naturally Harada-sensei smiled, too, looking endeared as he watched us both.
Sanosuke Harada: "That ain't half-bad reasoning, for you, Heisuke."
Heisuke Toudou: "Hey, whaddaya mean, 'for me'?!"
Sanosuke Harada: "Well, I get how you feel, though. Everybody's in Christmas mode around about now. Anybody would feel the urge to do something special, this time of year. You too, right, Yukimura?"
In response to Harada-sensei's question, I said…
[Do you have any plans, Harada-sensei?]
[That's true…]
[As long as everyone enjoys themselves.]
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yeah. I can't help but feel excited for some reason, when I see the city dressed in Christmas colors." Saying that with a laugh, I remembered something he'd casually said, and tilted my head. "Oh, but… since you said, ‘you too,’ does that mean you also have special plans for this Christmas...?"
Sanosuke Harada: "......"
...Well, Harada-sensei was an adult, after all. He must have been invited to a party somewhere, or had arranged plans with other adults, right...? For some reason, a curious feeling fluttered in my chest, and I froze.
But Harada-sensei's expression softened, as if to reassure me.
Sanosuke Harada: "You and I are in the same boat. We've both been summoned to a certain party."
Heisuke Toudou: "Oh yeah, they said the teachers were all invited. So that means you'll be going too, huh, Sano-san....But, uh, you don't seem too chipper about it, for some reason."
Sanosuke Harada: "Serizawa-san's the host, after all. Even if it's for Christmas, at my age, it's hard to be so eager about it."
Heisuke Toudou: "What's with that old man talk? ...At least you didn't get left out like I was."
Sanosuke Harada: "Huh? Don't tell me you haven't heard yet? I'm pretty sure you're on the list of invitees, too, you know. Since you do so well in your club activities."
Heisuke Toudou: "Seriously?! YESSSS!!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "That's great, Heisuke-kun."
Harada-sensei and I smiled at each other after Heisuke-kun pumped his fist in the air with glee.
Sanosuke Harada: "Ah, the joys of youth. If only I could still get as unabashedly excited as Heisuke here does. Now I'm at the age where I'm better off being the one giving gifts instead of eagerly waiting on Santa. How about you, Yukimura? Do you believe in Santa Claus?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Eh?!"
I faltered, surprised by the sudden change of subject. I had fond memories of pestering my father, worried that Santa couldn't visit us without a fireplace, but… As a teenager, I didn't have that child-like faith that Santa would come to deliver presents each year anymore.
And yet...
Chizuru Yukimura: "I think...just a little part of me still believes. Although it's not something I really thought about as a child, maybe somewhere he does really exist after all."
Sanosuke Harada: "Is that so? You're so innocent, still." Nodding in understanding, Harada-sensei smiled mischievously. "This year's party will have a gift exchange. You'd better wish for a nice gift from Santa."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Hehe. I will!"
‘...So, Harada-sensei will be attending the party, too…’
Somehow, seeing Harada-sensei's smile as he told me that melted all my worries away.
Carrying the stacks of heavy textbooks, we hurried off towards the classrooms.
One day at a time, the calendar's pages turned, and soon enough, the end of the year was close.
It was the night before the last big event before we would welcome in the new year: the Christmas party. As I lazed about on my bed, I looked over at the present I had prepared for the next day.
Chizuru Yukimura: "I wonder if whoever gets this will like it… I'm looking forward to tomorrow, but, I guess I'm still a bit worried too..." ‘...Who in the world will get my present?’ I wondered to myself whether the party at Serizawa-san's would really go without a hitch. I rolled about on my bed, torn between excitement and worry.
Suddenly, my phone beeped: I had mail.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Hm...from Ibuki-kun?"
_______________________________________
Sub: (Untitled)
he l p m
_______________________________________
Chizuru Yukimura: !?
It read like someone's dying message. For a moment, I could only sit there, speechless. Then:
【 Ibuki-kun, what's wrong!? 】
‘If I don’t get a reply, should I call the police or an ambulance...!?’ I found my finger hovering over the emergency contact by reflex as I waited tensely for Ibuki-kun's reply. But before long, another mail came from him.
_______________________________________
RE: (Untitled)
The truth is,
I was left in charge of getting
the venue prepared and decorated
for tomorrow's party, but…
The storehouse is in such a state,
I can't even begin to search for the decorations...
We’re really short on manpower...
_______________________________________
Even though it was just a text, I could somehow hear the fatigue in his voice. It was the sound of someone driven into a corner.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Since it's that bad..."
【 Want me to come help you out?
I could come early tomorrow morning.
We should have plenty of time to prepare for the party, then. 】
I only hesitated for a second. I typed up my reply quickly and hit send.
_______________________________________
RE: RE: (Untitled)
R-Really!?
If you really mean it, then please do...!
_______________________________________
After our back and forth, I sighed deeply.
Chizuru Yukimura: "If I'm going to help him out early tomorrow, I had better get to sleep early, too. But, even with me there, I'm not sure it’ll be enough. Would I really be much help, with so much decorating left to do...?" ‘It might be best to have at least another pair of hands…’
Looking through my phone's address book, I started to feel sleepy. Eventually, I gave in to it, and flopped back onto my bed.
I really hoped tomorrow's party would go smoothly…
At last, December 25th had arrived.
Christmas day: a day the whole world turned festive.
I was getting ready to go help Ibuki-kun, in the middle of checking my bag.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Alright, I'm done. I won't have time to return home after we finish. Now I need to go help out Ibuki-kun. I wonder if I'll really be able to help..."
I was not suited to hard manual labor, so I really was a little bit anxious. ‘Would it be alright if I got someone else to come and help...?’
As I thought that, my phone chimed, alerting me of an incoming message at exactly the right time.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Eh... Harada-sensei?"
_______________________________________
Sub: Wanna go together?
Yukimura? It's Harada.
Have you already bought your present
for today's gift exchange?
If you haven't gone yet,
how about we go together?
I’d like to get a woman’s opinion.
_______________________________________
Chizuru Yukimura: "It makes me really happy that Harada-sensei went out of his way to invite me, but… I've already bought my present. Plus, I have a promise to keep with Ibuki-kun." ‘What a shame…’
My brow furrowing slightly, I turned down his invitation.
After that, my phone rang with an incoming call.
Chizuru Yukimura: "...Hello? Is this Harada-sensei?"
Sanosuke Harada:【Yeah, sorry. I got fed up with typing messages and just went ahead and called you. This way, you can just tell me directly. ...So, you're going to go help Ibuki and Serizawa-san with the decorations?】
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes. I was just thinking about heading out soon."
Sanosuke Harada:【Geez, I can't tell if you're a good person or you’re just a hopeless workaholic… There was a brief moment of silence. Somehow, the voice that I heard over the phone gave me the feeling he was wearing a wry smile.【As your homeroom teacher, I can't just look the other way when my student's trying so hard. Is it okay if I come and lend a hand, too?】
Chizuru Yukimura: "It makes me happy that you'd offer, but… Don't you need to go shopping?"
Sanosuke Harada: 【Yeah, but I already have an idea about what to get. All that's left is to check the present in-store. I'll just take the opportunity to buy it on my way to meet up with you.】
And so―
After thanking Harada-sensei for coming to meet me, I decided to head off for Serizawa-san's house. The house of the man who Ibuki-kun took every opportunity to complain about. I wondered what kind of place it was as I walked there...
When we reached our destination, the first thing that Harada-sensei and I saw was Ibuki-kun, cleaning with vacant eyes.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ibuki-kun, good mor―..."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Next... Sweep the garden before the guests come… Wash enough dishes for everyone..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "...? Wasn't it just decorating?"
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Then, when that's done, pull the decorations out of the warehouse..."
Sanosuke Harada: "Hey, earth to Ryuunosuke. That's quite the face you're making."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Huh...? H-Harada-sensei and Yukimura!? You came!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yeah, Harada-sensei is here to lend a hand, too."
Sanosuke Harada: "To be honest, I thought just watching from the sidelines might be good for your sense of independence, but… There's no way I wouldn’t help out after seeing that face of yours."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Thank you! Well then, first is...!" With a frantic energy that bordered on begging, Ibuki-kun explained to us the details of what we had to do. Our job was to bring out the Christmas decorations from the storehouse in one corner of the back garden.
Chizuru Yukimura: "A storehouse, huh? I feel like we'll be able to finish up soon, but..."
Sanosuke Harada: "No, I don't think things will be that easy. Here, take a look inside."
Chizuru Yukimura: "What? ...I-It's so dark...! And so huge...!"
Sanosuke Harada: "Well, all we can do is get started on finding all the stuff on the list one by one. Let's put our hearts into it."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes, sir!"
Careful not kick any of the scattered objects, we stepped inside―
[Minigame Victory]
At that moment, I wondered how many times I had repeated that round trip in and out of the storehouse… Find an item on the list, carry it outside, and repeat.
Find a box with ornaments in it, and check that everything that should be inside it is actually inside.
After slogging through those tasks for what felt like an eternity, the end was finally in sight.
Sanosuke Harada: "Phew... It looks like this is everything. Good work in there, Yukimura. You're not tired?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes, I'm fine. You carried all the heavy things for me, Harada-sensei, so..."
Sanosuke Harada: "There were quite a few huge decorations. I really couldn't just stand by and let you carry that kind of stuff."
Sanosuke Harada: "But... What's that you've been doing for a little bit? Sewing?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "This tablecloth is torn, so I thought I'd fix it." I unfolded the tablecloth, pointing out to Harada-sensei the rip at one end of it. I wasn't particularly good at sewing, but I could fix something of this size easily enough. As I poked the needle in and out, I noticed that Harada-sensei was looking at me with a bright, somehow fond look in his eyes.
Chizuru Yukimura: "...? Is something wrong?"
Sanosuke Harada: "Naw. It's just that you learned to sew and cook from living alone. You're family-oriented, and there's pretty much no problems with your personality, either. ...I was thinking that you might become a good wife someday, that's all."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Wife...!?"
Sanosuke Harada: "Ah, no, I didn't mean to imply anything. Just thinking about what's in front of me. You're a kid after all; a first-year in high school. So even if I say that stuff, I don't mean it in a literal sense."
‘A kid.’ Harada-sensei had accumulated a lot of life experience. From his perspective, I certainly must have seemed like a child.
But… For some reason or another, I wanted to appear more mature, and I muttered:
Chizuru Yukimura: "But I can get married."
Sanosuke Harada: "...What?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "The law says that women can get married from the age of 16, right?"
Sanosuke Harada: "What? Oh, well..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
Sanosuke Harada: "Yeah, I guess. That's right. Is that right?" Harada-sensei's eyes narrowed, that gleam returning to his eyes as he gazed at me. His eyes were the same color as before, but they seemed to take on a different tint, somehow. "A kid, but not a kid, huh?" After he muttered to no one in particular, Harada-sensei suddenly grinned. Though he also seemed a little sheepish...
Chizuru Yukimura: "Sensei, I'm done with this, too, so let's get to tell Ibuki-kun!"
I finished mending the table cloth just in time to change the subject, and stood up.
―And so.
Worked like dogs, we somehow managed to finish the decorations. Then I helped with things like setting the table and serving the food.
Finally, the guests arrived at the venue one after another. But I felt like there were too many of them for some reason… It might have just been my imagination, but it was almost like the whole school had come over…
Then, once all of the invitees had gathered, we were finally ready to start the party.
Susumu Yamazaki: "Well, this is... The decorations are more elegant than I expected."
Keisuke Sannan: "The lighting in the garden is magnificent as well. I wouldn't have guessed that this was all done in someone's home. Granted, Serizawa-san's goal was likely to spite Kondou-sensei, but even so this is quite impressive."
Though some eyed the glittering decorations with awe, still others...
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Whoa, that's a whole turkey right there!"
Kaoru Nagumo: "Isn't this champagne here? I shouldn't have to ask, but there are non-alcoholic drinks for students here, right?"
The champagne, juice, and mountains of food lined up on the table caught people's eyes as well. Kondou-sensei had arrived last, and he looked plenty surprised, himself.
Isami Kondou: "...Wow. Don't tell me all my students were invited! I can take a guess at how this happened, but I expected nothing less from Serizawa-san!"
He seemed relieved and re-energized, looking like he was really enjoying it. I let out a sigh of relief. I wondered if this was what Hijikata-sensei meant when he told me not to worry.
Kamo Serizawa: "Hey, you mutt! What's the meaning of this?! I don't recall inviting this many people!"
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Don't look at me! I had no idea about this!"
Kamo Serizawa: "I see... This was Hijikata's doing."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "We got more important things to worry about, Serizawa-san. It's already time for us to start."
Having checked all the guests that had arrived, Ibuki-kun pressed Serizawa-san on the proceedings. Serizawa-san then raised his voice, and announced that the party was starting.
Kamo Serizawa: "It looks like everyone has gathered here. With this, this Christmas party sponsored by the Serizawa household has begun!"
It looked like the ball had gotten rolling, if just a bit. Everyone had looked at Serizawa-san a little meekly at first… But soon enough, the appetizing food broke the ice, and after one person made a move towards it, everyone soon followed and moved about as they pleased. Before I knew it, the venue had looked like it'd been turned into a buffet party.
Serizawa-san didn't say anything either, maybe wanting it to be a free and easy gathering.
Laughter echoed from everywhere within the grounds, and groups of people who you wouldn't normally see together were exchanging small talk.
Now then, what should I get up to next...? With everything that was going on, I decided to…
[Refill people's drinks.]
[Stand quietly.]
[Get something to eat.]
[to next] → [Check on the group in the corner.]
[to next] → [Look around the mansion.]
I suddenly looked to the garden.
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
With everyone gathered in the garden, it seemed large enough to measure up to the school grounds. The building wasn't just double the length of my house, but ten times wider and more elegant to boot. I'd thought that the whole time I was putting up the decorations, but… with it being this spacious, I got curious about what the rest of the estate was like.
As I was thinking that―
Heisuke Toudou: "Oh, there you are, Chizuru! Let's go explore the house together!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ehh!?"
Heisuke-kun startled me by popping out of nowhere, and Ibuki-kun followed suit.
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Don't you dare! I'm not about to have you exposed to the dangers lurking 'round my house!" Sure enough, Ibuki-kun was shaking his head, completely red-faced.
At that moment, Harada-sensei came into the room, looking puzzled as he walked up to us.
Sanosuke Harada: "Hey, Ryuunosuke. I was going to the washroom, and on my way there I saw a room labeled 'Kennel'..."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: !! "S-Shut up! That's not my room! It's not...!"
Sanosuke Harada: "...What was that all about?"
Heisuke Toudou: "Beats me..."
We tilted our heads as we watched Ibuki-kun run off.
[Refill people's drinks.]
[Stand quietly.]
[Get something to eat.]
[to next] → [Check on the group in the corner.]
[to next] → [Look around the mansion.]
(second time) [to next] → [Wrap things up.]
Chizuru Yukimura: "Whew..."
Sipping from my near-empty glass, I took a breath and glanced at the time. A lot of time had passed since the start of the party… But my worry that something might happen seemed to have been an unfounded one. A smile tugged at my lips as I watched everyone having fun. I looked around the room, and let out a sigh of relief as the party continued...
With food settling comfortably in everyone's stomachs, people started taking out the presents they got for the gift exchange, one by one.
Ones that could fit in the palm in your hand, others that you'd basically have to hug to carry.
Ones giving metallic clinks and others that looked soft.
Ones that were left in the garden and didn't even make it inside the room in the first place.
Every present had pretty wrapping that you couldn't see through, but none of them looked ordinary or predictable in the least. We shuffled the presents around in circles, and before long we had one each in hand.
Isami Kondou: "Alright, we'll open them on three. Serizawa-san, if you could take the lead!"
Kamo Serizawa: "Why, so you can put me on the spot with something out of my comfort zone and laugh at me for it? I'll be having a drink. Decide on a cue amongst yourselves."
Toshizou Hijikata: "Guess we got no choice... Yukimura. You'll lead us."
Chizuru Yukimura: "M-Me!?"
Sanosuke Harada: "That sounds good to me. You helped prepare the place, after all. It follows that you should do the honors."
Keisuke Sannan: "You only need to give a shout. You need not overthink it."
Chizuru Yukimura: "I-I understand..."
Heisuke Toudou: "C'mon, Santa, I'm beggin' you here...! You know which present I got my eye on!"
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "I don’t care who it’s from; just let it be food, please..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Alright, then... One, two, three!"
(CG get!°˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖°)
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Shoot, I didn't get it! I wanted a year's worth of paid leave so bad, though!"
Sanosuke Harada: "You thought that'd be one of the presents here? And even if it was, what d'you think a student would do with it?"
Kyuuju Amagiri: "If we were on paid break, would we be able to advance a year without going to classes?"
Kyou Shiranui: "Wouldn't that be convenient. Well, even if that were a thing, it'd just be a fancy way to skip school."
Chikage Kazama: "Such a present would not be here in the first place. Though even hoping for it would be foolish… Incidentally, where is the year's worth of my bride that was supposed to go to me?"
Toshizou Hijikata: "As if that'd be more likely than a year of paid leave!"
Hajime Saitou: "...And what do you even mean by ‘a year's worth’? ...I can't comprehend it..."
Souji Okita: "Well, if I ever got such a thing, I'd make sure I enjoyed every minute of that year."
Susumu Yamazaki: "...Okita-kun, what in the world would you do with that? ...We might have a problem, depending on your answer."
Kaoru Nagumo: "God, there’s no hope for any of these idiots. Talk about ‘a year's worth’ all you like, but a little sister belongs to her older brother, don’t you know?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "...First of all, I'd like it if you didn't decide things on your own while ignoring what I want..."
A cute phone strap, a book token, an assortment of goods, a plush toy. There were many presents, but… I was hoping that who got what would stay secret so the sender could be saved from any embarrassment...
The hands on the clock refused to turn back, and kept marching forward hour by hour. I didn't know who first pointed out that it was getting late. The night wore on, and I soon realized how late it'd gotten.
The Christmas party wrapped up without issue, and people started to disperse…
Harada-sensei had offered to escort me home, and I found myself walking down the moonlit path with him.
Chizuru Yukimura: "I'm sorry for making you walk with me, Harada-sensei."
Sanosuke Harada: "Don't apologize. It's too dangerous for a lady to walk alone at night, after all."
Chizuru Yukimura: "I suppose you're right. I was just thinking about it's already gotten pitch-black out here..."
Sanosuke Harada: "It's true what they say: time flies when you're having fun."
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
Sanosuke Harada: "How come you're looking so chipper?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Oh, no, I'm just very happy that you enjoyed the party, Harada-sensei."
Sanosuke Harada: "What, you were worried about that? It's fine. I had fun, including during the gift exchange. ...I did end up with a set of tinned cat food, though..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Who even put that in as a gift...?"
We chatted about the fun parts of the party, laughing and smiling as we walked along. As we reached a corner in the road, Harada-sensei cocked his head slightly.
Sanosuke Harada: "By the way, Yukimura. What did you end up with?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "I got these. Look, they're animal-shaped cookies! Each one has a different taste, and they're so, so cute!"
Sanosuke Harada: "Haha, that's good. I'm glad you got something cute. You must've really been a good kid this year. Santa only gives stuff like that to the nice ones." Harada-sensei gave me a kind smile as I stood there with a big, childish grin on my face.
I shook my head to hide my embarrassment at his expression, and returned his smile with a mischievous one of my own.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Well, it's a shame I didn't get to see Santa, though. I guess I wasn't that good of a girl after all, huh?"
Sanosuke Harada: "...You're a perfectly good girl, you," he returned my rascally smile in kind, and gently patted the top of my head.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Oh..."
Sanosuke Harada: "...Oh, yeah, that's right. You mind if we take a little detour before I drop you off at your place?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "I don't mind, but..."
Sanosuke Harada: "Alright then, this way."
I followed after Harada-sensei as he set off.
Soon, an unfamiliar alleyway came into view.
Sanosuke Harada: "You ever been here before?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "No. This isn't near the route I take to school, so I don't come this way all that often..."
Sanosuke Harada: "Well then, you're in for a treat. We'll reach the summit soon."
I nodded as we began walking again.
Before long, the buildings around us thinned out.....and gave way to an open field.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Wow...!"
The starry sky stretched as far as the eye could see. The houses that were packed together before had vanished here, and the stars seemed much closer than usual… They seemed to fill the whole sky when I looked up at them. Looking down again, I saw the sparkling city lights. The enchanting view struck me speechless.
Then, something warm was pressed into my hand.
Sanosuke Harada: "You'll get chilled to the bone at this rate. ...Here, is hot cocoa alright?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Th-Thank you." ‘...I wonder when he bought this…’
Harada-sensei was holding a coffee. I plopped down next to him.
(CG get!°˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖°)
Sanosuke Harada: "Though it's smack dab in a residential district now, this place is the same as it ever was. Not a bad view, right? This place is really special to me."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Special...?"
Sanosuke Harada: "Whenever I'm feeling worn down or worried, I come here and look at the sky. Winter, summer, whenever. I guess you could call it my secret base? It's my favorite place to be."
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
Sanosuke Harada: "What, you think it's childish for me to have a secret base?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "...Just a little bit. But I'm happy that I was able to see this side of you, Harada-sensei."
I said that, but it might have been that I felt more relieved than happy. Harada-sensei always seemed so much more mature than I was. That made him feel a bit far away at times, which made me feel lonely, too.
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
I looked around at the place we were sitting in. So this was Harada-sensei's special place. The thought that he had shared such a precious secret with me made my chest burn hotter and hotter.
Sanosuke Harada: "This is a present for the cute student of mine who worked so hard all year at Hakuo Academy. Next year I'll give you a different kind of present. Hope you look forward to it."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Next year...?"
Sanosuke Harada: "Yeah, when Christmas rolls around again."
Chizuru Yukimura: "I guess that makes you Santa, Harada-sensei."
Sanosuke Harada: "Then you wouldn't mind if I broke into your house in the dead of night and left a present by your pillow?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Hehe, my house doesn't have a chimney, though," I shot a playful retort right back at him at his joke.
But he gave me a wry smile, scratching the back of his head lightly.
Sanosuke Harada: "...So you thought I was joking, huh? I still have some ways to go if you're not taking me seriously."
Chizuru Yukimura: "...What? What do you..."
Sanosuke Harada: "...Well, it's about time we got going. We stay like this too long and we'll freeze to death."
With that, Harada-sensei escorted me home for real.
Would I not see him again until school started...? The thought of it made me a little sad. And then―as if he could read my mind―Harada-sensei suggested:
Sanosuke Harada: "When Christmas is over, New Year's will be right around the corner. Wanna do your New Year's shrine visit with me?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Oh... Yes! I would love it if we went together!"
Sanosuke Harada: "Good answer. I'll message you with the details some other time."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes, sir!"
I waved to Harada-sensei's retreating figure as he set off down the road. Harada-sensei had shared his special place with me. Feeling happy and embarrassed in equal measure, I turned and entered my house. I wouldn't forget how we viewed that starry sky together...
Thinking this, I watched Harada-sensei leave until he vanished from sight.
After arriving home from the Christmas party, I turned on the heating in the chilly room. As the room warmed up little by little, I recalled everything that went on up until earlier.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Christmas was really fun this year. Not to mention..."
Remembering the events that unfolded just moments before made my cheeks grow warm for a good long time.