Chapter 4
Time for Kazama’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.]
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
Kazama just now. There was definitely something weird going on, for him to give up so easily. The more I thought about it, the more it bothered me. After thinking about it a bit longer, I bowed my head to the others.
Chizuru Yukimura: "I'm sorry, Harada-sensei. Actually, I have something to take care of..."
Sanosuke Harada: "That so? It can't be helped, then. Maybe I'll get Heisuke to help."
Heisuke Toudou: "Huh...? M-Me?"
Sanosuke Harada: "Well, it requires a bit of muscle, so you're perfect. C'mon, what're you spacing out for? Follow me."
Heisuke Toudou: "W-Wait a minute!"
Harada-sensei dragged Heisuke-kun away after him.
I was a bit worried about whether he'd be okay, but I watched them go before turning back around.
Across the way was the student council room… was what I'd thought, but...when I entered, the first person I saw made my eyes pop open in surprise.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Kaoru? Why are you in the student council room?"
Kaoru Nagumo: "That's my line. Have you never heard the expression 'like a moth to a flame'? Why are you here in Kazama's lair, of all places?"
Chikage Kazama: "There is no 'why' about it. It's obvious. My betrothed is here to see me, of course."
Kyuuju Amagiri: "...No, I should think we ought not put words into her mouth."
Kyou Shiranui: "I'm with Nagumo. You some kinda idiot, traipsing in here?"
Kazama-senpai gracefully rose from his seat on the sofa with Amagiri-senpai and Shiranui-senpai. Kaoru, who was standing close by him with a document in hand, was forced back a few steps.
Chikage Kazama: "Now then, Nagumo. As the student council president, I have reviewed your reports from the disciplinary committee, and granted approval for your activities. That being the case, we are finished here. You may leave. Now."
Kaoru Nagumo: "...Sorry, but another matter that needs addressing has just popped up. Chizuru, I'm asking you one more time: why are you here?"
All eyes in the room turned to me. I didn't know what else I could do, so I decided to be honest and say what I was thinking.
Chizuru Yukimura: "I was just wondering how Kazama-senpai was feeling, so I followed him here to―"
Chikage Kazama: "Is that so? You take that much interest in my wellbeing, do you!"
Kaoru Nagumo: "Wouldn't it be more accurate to say that she was suspicious of you?"
Kyou Shiranui: "Welp, it's just the same old story here."
Chikage Kazama: "Shiranui, whose side are you on!?"
Pandemonium ensued. Kazama-senpai and Kaoru together made for an explosive mixーand Shiranui-senpai liked adding fuel to the fire. As I worried about what to do, Amagiri-senpai pulled up a chair for me.
Kyuuju Amagiri: "Please take a seat, Yukimura-kun."
Chizuru Yukimura: "T-Thank you very much, Amagiri-senpai."
Kyuuju Amagiri: "May I also interest you in some tea? For green we have gyokuro, and for black, a lovely assam."
Chizuru Yukimura: "I-I'll have the black tea, please."
Kyuuju Amagiri: "Black tea it is. Would you like some milk in it?"
Chikage Kazama: "Hah. I've said it already, but if you are finished with your business here, then leave. You are merely interfering with my and my bride's time together. Being cooped up in your disciplinary committee's gloomy science lab suits you far better."
Kyou Shiranui: "You're the one who picked the lab out for them though, Kazama. You just wanted to harass Hijikata since he's their advisor."
Kaoru Nagumo: "I don't care if you pick fights with Hijikata… But you're always causing us trouble. Learn to keep your private and public affairs separate," Kaoru snapped at Kazama-senpai, who scoffed in reply.
Amagiri-senpai and I watched them bicker from the sidelines while we drank our tea. Shiranui-senpai tossed in the odd inflammatory remark.
Eventually, I finished my tea―and yet, amazingly, the fighting continued.
Amagiri-senpai wordlessly got to his feet.
Kyuuju Amagiri: "Kazama-sama and Nagumo-dono, have you not lost sight of the point? In the beginning, the question was why she came here, if I recall correctly." Amagiri moved to mediate between the two of them, and looked back at me. "Yukimura-kun. I should like to ask you once more: why was it that you came here?"
That was…
[Because I thought he was scheming]
[Because I was worried about him]
My wording a minute ago was too unclear, which caused this argument between Kaoru and Kazama-senpai. I needed to explain myself properly.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Kazama-senpai wasn't acting like himself, so I wondered if he was feeling unwell or something. I followed after him with that on my mind."
Chikage Kazama: "Hehehehe... That you are so concerned about my physical condition signifies how much you look forward to what's to come."
Kyuuju Amagiri: "...This and that do not follow, however."
Chikage Kazama: "I did not ask for your opinion, Amagiri," he snapped. "Soon enough, the Christmas party at the Serizawa residence will take place...On top of being student council president, and on the honor roll, I'm also handsome, so my attendance is required, naturally. Do you realize what this means?"
Kyou Shiranui: "Well, I don't think being handsome has anything to do with it, though."
Kaoru Nagumo: "...If by some chance you were invited, you mean to say you'll be attending with my sister. Is that it?"
Chikage Kazama: "Yes, that's exactly right. Although it is unsatisfactory that we cannot spend it alone together, it is decided that my bride and I will spend Christmas together. Christmas is not only a day for dalliances between men and women; it is said to be a day for lovers. And in addition to attending the party together, my bride even finds herself concerned for my health."
Chizuru Yukimura: ".........Um, by that logic, wouldn't everyone attending the party be viewed as lovers...?"
Chikage Kazama: "They need not be counted. No one else there is bound by the red string of fate as we are. It is for couples like us for whom Christmas has that meaning."
Kaoru Nagumo: "...And who gets to decide who's bound by that so-called red string?"
Chikage Kazama: "Myself, of course."
Kaoru Nagumo: "......"
Dumbfounded.
If you looked up that word in the dictionary, Kaoru’s face just then would have been printed on the page. He suddenly turned to me and squeezed out the words:
Kaoru Nagumo: "Let's go, Chizuru! Talking with him is a waste of time!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ah, hang on, Kaoru!"
Chikage Kazama: "Heh. I'm looking forward to the day of the party, my bride."
Amagiri-senpai and Shinarui-senpai shot me sympathetic looks as I was dragged bodily out the door by Kaoru… It couldn't be helped, I decided, so I changed shoes and followed him out to head home.
Kaoru Nagumo: "That trio's climbing to the top of my Dead Note… As for the order, should I put them above Okita? No, but then Toudou's also..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "......" Watching Kaoru grumble and mutter to himself irritably, I recalled something from earlier. "Kazama-senpai made it sound like his goal in the first place was for us to attend the party together, but..."
...That was really just it, wasn't it?
Kazama-senpai ought to have been satisfied just by spending Christmas together with me. But the thought left me with a sense of unease.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Maybe I'm thinking too much about it...?" But a feeling of foreboding I couldn't quite shake off stuck with me as I walked home in the dusky evening.
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…’ I thought to myself. 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 woke up extra early, and spent some time lost in thought while dozing in bed.
Chizuru Yukimura: "I was too tired last night and accidentally fell asleep in the end...I don't see another way around it. We're going to need someone besides me to help..."
I was thinking about the promise I'd made to Ibuki-kun to help with the party preparations. If I understood his message from last night, it sounded like he was in a tough spot. Even if I were to lend a hand, I might've not been that much help on my own.
Chizuru Yukimura: "So if anyone would lend a hand......I'd be happy, but........." I shook my head to disperse the image of the person that came to mind. Kazama-senpai would complain the whole time, but he would still help me out. "But..." I was more scared about what would happen afterwards if I did reach out to him.
As I was fretting over what to do, my cell phone started ringing in my hand, almost like he'd just caught me worrying about it.
Chizuru Yukimura: "H-Hello...?"
???: "It's me."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Kazama-senpai...!?"
Chikage Kazama: "Oh? I don't remember giving my name. Were you already thinking of me?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ack..." I-It was true, so I couldn't deny it...! "D-Do you need something? Don't tell me you're going to say 'cancel the party and come with me,' or something..."
Chikage Kazama: "There is no reason for me to act in such a boorish manner. ...However, while I have no intention of doing anything to bother you at the party itself, any time aside from that is a different matter entirely. Are you free until the party starts? There is no reason we cannot spend that time alone."
Chizuru Yukimura: "N-No, I'm not free! I have to go help with the decorations...!" I explained the details of my situation. And then, Kazama-senpai answered in a voice oozing with barely-concealed anger.
Chikage Kazama: "If they are having a guest help, then their mindset is clearly not one of a proper host. Very well. I will go to speak with them directly, then."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Please wait! I told them that I wanted to help! You don't need to do something that would disturb them..."
Chikage Kazama: "What are you misunderstanding here? When I said that I would speak to them directly, I meant that I would accompany you and lend you my strength."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Wha―...!?"
Chikage Kazama: "I should see how they are going about this, given my masterful sense for these sorts of things."
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
Kazama-senpai must've interpreted my stunned silence as assent, because he hung up after just a few more words. He announced that he'd be picking me up, and that I would wait for him―
Afterwards…
I met up with Kazama-senpai, and the two of us headed off for Serizawa-san's house.
Naturally, when Ibuki-kun came to greet me, he was incredibly bewildered, but...well, in the end, I was mostly able to get across to him that Kazama-senpai was here to help.
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "...I don't really get how this happened, but you're...here to help, right?"
Chikage Kazama: "You're not very perceptive, are you? I have already said as much."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Well then, please find the stuff on this list in the backyard storehouse and bring it out."
Chikage Kazama: "Very well. It is a rare thing for me to perform chores such as these. Feel free to grovel in order to express your gratitude." He strode off towards the storehouse.
Chizuru Yukimura: "So, my job is..."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "I need you to help Kazama-senpai... and stop him if he gets too out of control."
Chizuru Yukimura: "I-I'll do my best..."
As we pried open the rust-covered door, the dimly-lit interior of the storehouse came into view.
Katanas, hanging scrolls, paintings… As we carefully stepped amidst the various items scattered across the floor, Kazama-senpai loudly proclaimed:
Chikage Kazama: "You may just stand there and observe my magnificence. I will take care of the tidying up."
Chizuru Yukimura: "There's no way I can do that. I'll help, too."
Together with Kazama-senpai, who was so needlessly intense that he looked ready to kill, I stepped into the storehouse...
[Minigame Victory]
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ummm, I think the extension cord should be in this box… Kazama-senpai, it looks like we'll just about make it in time at this pace, if barely."
It had been a few hours since we began working. Even if it wasn't all smooth-sailing, we kept bringing out the listed items out of the storehouse, one after another.
However...
Chikage Kazama: "......" For some reason, Kazama-senpai was silent, a dissatisfied look on his face.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Kazama-senpai?"
Chikage Kazama: "...I am displeased."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Why? I don't think we're doing so bad on time, though..."
Chikage Kazama: "Certainly. At this pace, we will make it in time for the party. We will, however, complete the preparations just before it commences. Therefore, what would happen to my plan for us to spend some enjoyable alone time?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "......" So that was what he was thinking about… As I opened my mouth to give an exasperated retort, he suddenly took his cell phone out of his pocket. I asked instead, "Eh? What are you doing?"
Chikage Kazama: "Is it not obvious? I am contacting Amagiri, and summoning the Kazama family servants. That way, the work will be completed sooner, and we will have more time to spend on a tryst. A flawless solution." He held his phone up to his ear. "Amagiri? It's me."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Please wait, Kazama-senpai!"
If he did that, Serizawa-san would get remarkably angry. If he got mad, the worst case scenario was that the party would be canceled..!
Covering Kazama-senpai's strangely expensive-looking phone with my hand, I shook my head with a tearful expression.
Chizuru Yukimura: "I-It's true that we may not have any time after we finish, but...aren't we alone together right now!?"
Chikage Kazama: "...I see. This is not how I intended things to be, but it's true that it's currently just the two of us. What's more, you desperately tried to stop me because you did not want to disturb this time alone with your beloved, no?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Huh? That's not really what I was talking about..."
Chikage Kazama: "Shiranui. Cease whatever you are doing and meet me on the double―"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Y-You're right! It’s nice with just the two of us, Kazama-senpai!"
Kazama-senpai smirked meaningfully as I rushed to stop him, like he'd just heard something that he could use as leverage later. Then, he made a show of fiddling with his cell phone, and then opened his mouth.
Chikage Kazama: "So in other words, Chizuru. You mean to say that being alone with me makes you happy?"
Chizuru Yukimura: ".........Y-Yes..."
Chikage Kazama: "Hehe...Mwahahaha!! Today is truly a day to remember. I never thought I would hear such words from your mouth...!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ugh..."
I may have accidentally said one thing too many, in trying to stop Kazama-senpai from acting recklessly… No. No more thinking unnecessary thoughts. Turning my eyes away from Kazama-senpai, who looked absolutely delighted, I returned to work...
―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.]
Conversations were blossoming like flowers, and I didn't want to intrude. ‘Maybe I can go and take care of the drinks…’
Thinking that, I took a decanter of juice in hand before taking a look around the place. As soon as I did, I happened to spot Saitou-senpai holding an empty glass.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Saitou-senpai, would you like a refill?"
Hajime Saitou: "Yukimura? Thank you, I would." He answered with few words, and kept a close watch on one part of the room as I poured him his juice. I followed his gaze on instinct, and my eyes were greeted with a fairly startling spectacle.
Kamo Serizawa: "Kazama Chikage. You're the student council president this year? ...If I recall correctly, you were also the student council president last year."
Chikage Kazama: "Hmph, any reason you're stating the obvious? The president is the most popular of all the students. Meaning it could be no one other than myself."
Kamo Serizawa: "...Putting aside the matter of popularity, the issue I'm thinking of in this case is something separate."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Saitou-senpai... Is that..."
Hajime Saitou: "Yes. ...I can't imagine everything would go swimmingly between those two. I'm keeping an eye on their movements from here. You should head somewhere else, seeing as you wouldn't want to get involved with this."
Chizuru Yukimura: "R-Right..."
It was definitely a little frightening to see those two together… I bowed my head to Saitou-senpai, then moved onto somewhere else.
[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…
Kazama-senpai had offered to walk me home, and I found myself walking down a moonlit path with him.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Um, Kazama-senpai. Where are Amagiri-senpai and Shiranui-senpai?"
Chikage Kazama: "They had some business to attend to and went home early. They should have missed the second half of the party.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Now that you mention it..."
I was so sure that Amagiri-senpai and Shiranui-senpai would be joining us, though. I didn't know why, but being alone with Kazama-senpai felt awkward. I stole a fleeting glance at his profile.
Chikage Kazama: "......"
Chikage Kazama: a third-year at Hakuo Academy. Although I didn't understand the motivation behind it at all, he insisted he wanted to marry me. He was a little manipulative and overbearing, too. Honestly, I had been afraid that he would try and pull something at today's party, even though that ended up not happening… He'd been docile the whole day for some reason, like he was trying to put me at ease.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Um...Kazama-senpai. You've been unusually...quiet, or should I say cooperative, today. I was honestly a little worried that you'd get into a fight with Serizawa-san, earlier."
That might have been kind of rude to say, actually. But, rather than being angry, Kazama-senpai merely smiled at me in response.
Chikage Kazama: "You need not have concerned yourself. I would never have done anything to jeopardize my first Christmas with you. I wanted the memory of this day to be a fond, vivid, and unforgettable one." Kazama-senpai had flashed a smile at me without warning, and turned to continue walking down the road.
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
His face was composed, and he looked more mature than usual… I felt myself relax even further, and even felt a hint of shyness.
But then he suddenly closed the distance between us and smiled meaningfully at me.
Chikage Kazama: "Chizuru. Our romance is blessed by the heavens. Don't you think so?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "...Come again?"
Chikage Kazama: "Look at this exquisite night sky. It seems that it will begin to snow at any moment. Yes, it is as if… As if the gods themselves are throwing confetti to bless us on our wedding day."
Chizuru Yukimura: "...I don't know if it'd be a blessing or anything, but the weather report predicted clear skies. Plus, it's fairly warm today. Rainfall would be more likely than snow."
Chikage Kazama: "Oh? ...Well then, let us make a wager. If it snows by the time we have reached your home, then we are destined to be wed."
Chizuru Yukimura: "...And if it doesn't?"
Chikage Kazama: "Then I will back down graciously. I will never bother you again."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Wha―...!? W-Wait a minute, please. Never...again?"
Chikage Kazama: "I will not repeat myself."
Fastening his mouth shut, Kazama-senpai began walking again in silence. I found myself getting swept up in his pace, and hurried to follow after him.
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
We walked in almost complete silence, glancing up at the sky from time to time. It was certainly true that, up until now, Kazama-senpai had always been domineering when he wanted something, which caused trouble for me and everyone else around him. But, if he never, ever talked to me again...
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
Chikage Kazama: "......"
My place wasn't even 100 yards away by now. Two more turns, and I would be home. Once we got there, would Kazama-senpai...?
Impatience seized me, spurring me to steel myself and speak up.
Chizuru Yukimura: "U-Um! Kazama-senpai―"
Chikage Kazama: "―Here it comes."
(CG get!°˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖°)
Chizuru Yukimura: "Snow...?"
Cold snow the shape of flower petals landed gently onto my cheeks and melted away. The flakes fluttered down on me one by one, melting to nothing as they came into contact with my skin. The snowflakes kept drifting gently down over us. It really did feel like some sort of blessing...
Chizuru Yukimura: "Wow, even though the weather forecast said there was no chance of snow..."
'Miracle' was the word for it. It slipped from my lips on a breath with the gentle snowfall. Kazama-senpai nodded while looking satisfied.
Chikage Kazama: "Do you see now, Chizuru? Our fates are unmistakably intertwined."
Chizuru Yukimura: "A-Are they really...?"
Chikage Kazama: "There is no longer any room for doubt now that you have seen such a miracle for yourself, no?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
Chikage Kazama: "What is wrong, my bride? Are you so moved that you're speechless?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
Chikage Kazama: "But, rest assured. I know what you mean, even if you cannot speak. Now, as for the date we should announce our engagement..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "That's not it. I want to ask you about this noise that I've been hearing for a while now."
[distant whop-whop-whop of a helicopter sounds]
Kyou Shiranui: [shouting from afar] "Hey, hey, Amagiri, ain't your aim off? That's the east part of town."
Kyuuju Amagiri: "Adjusting it now. Please wait a moment..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Those voices, and that sound… That means this snow is..."
I shut my mouth, and snapped my gaze upwards. And there I saw it:
(CG get!°˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖°)
A helicopter hovering in the sky, scattering snow onto where we were standing below.
Chikage Kazama: "I'd expected no less of Amagiri and Shiranui. They're doing very well."
(CG get!°˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖°)
Chizuru Yukimura: "I knew it...! I knew you were up to something! Isn't this against the rules!?"
Chikage Kazama: "Rules, you say? There were no rules to begin with. It is cliché to say that destiny is something one can manipulate through one's own power, but it is certainly true in this case. If it is to acquire your hand in marriage, I will even manipulate the divine providence of nature."
As we stood amidst the (artificial) snowfall, Kazama-senpai gave me a fond smile, brimming with self-confidence. It might have been kind of cool, depending on who you asked, but...
Chizuru Yukimura: "You...!" Should I have been glad? Angry? Or maybe just exasperated would've been better… I didn't know how to respond, so I rushed home to escape the only area that was experiencing any snowfall.
Chikage Kazama: "It seems we have finally reached your home. So? How was your present?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Was that, just now, my present...?"
Chikage Kazama: "Of course. I considered getting you an engagement ring, but...You are too reserved to accept such an expensive gift, even if I were to prepare one. That is why I tried this instead."
...I thought that having a helicopter create snowfall was probably also pretty expensive, but…I shook my head and let out a sigh.
Chizuru Yukimura: "...If that was meant to be a present, then I was just thinking I should maybe find some way to thank you......But I can't think of anything."
Chikage Kazama: "A way to thank me, hm? Let us pay our first respects of the year at the shrine together, then."
Chizuru Yukimura: "I-I understand. If that’s all, I'd be happy to..."
The scale of his affection felt so big that I didn't know what to do with him at times… But, to my surprise, it made me feel sort of happy, for the first time. I gave him a firm nod.
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.