Chapter 4
Time for Okita’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," Hijikata-sensei said with a deep sigh. He fixed his gaze back on me, a miserable look in his eyes.
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 think like that, Heisuke. But 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 would be lying if I said I wasn't worried..."
From what I knew of Serizawa-san, he did seem incredibly strict about discipline. He was probably strict about etiquette as well, which made me worry what might happen if I slipped up at the party.
I looked down anxiously, and Heisuke-kun nodded in agreement with me.
Heisuke Toudou: "Right? Who knows what he would say, even."
Hajime Saitou: "...That's true. I also find myself wondering about various things."
Like Hijikata-sensei's scowling face as he listened to the announcement. Or the fallen expression on Kondou-sensei, who was so looking forward to the gift-giving event, only to have it struck down.
There seemed to be many other people who felt conflicted about this Christmas party, too. Thinking this party had caused quite the disturbance, I finished eating my lunch and waited for the break to end.
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...?"
...Where would people gather at this time of day? After thinking about it a moment, I decided to head towards the cafeteria.
Hakuo Academy's cafeteria was mostly used by students during lunchtime… But it wasn't as if there was a rule against standing there the rest of the time, either. Even if someone didn't have any lunch, there were plenty of tables and chairs, so people often hung out there. In a popular after-school spot like that, I was bound to find people I knew.
And I was right.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Oh, everyone's―"
Toshizou Hijikata: "God, I'm sick of hearing about this."
Souji Okita: "Well, sure. We're all sick of it, but do you have any right to say that, Hijikata-san?"
Hajime Saitou: "Stop it, Souji. It's not as if Hijikata-sensei is to blame for this."
Souji Okita: "......"
The air in the cafeteria crackled with tension around the group, and I missed my chance to speak up. Hijikata-sensei, Okita-senpai, and Saitou-senpai: the three of them seemed to be having some kind of face-off, and the topic of their conversation seemed to be the upcoming party.
Toshizou Hijikata: "Come on, I couldn't do anything about it. It's not like I can tell Serizawa-san not to host a party."
Souji Okita: "It doesn't really have anything to do with me whether that guy hosts a party or bullies Ibuki-kun. However... I can’t accept the trouble he's causing Kondou-sensei by going and crushing his plans."
Hajime Saitou: "It's true, Kondou-sensei's zeal for this Christmas was no ordinary level of excitement. He's been searching through catalogues for quite some time, putting earnest, serious consideration into the gifts he would give to us students..."
Toshizou Hijikata: "Well, yeah. It's all the more difficult since Serizawa-san's plans interrupted the ones already in motion."
Souji Okita: "So then why didn't you use your position to stop any of it?"
Toshizou Hijikata: "The party, you mean?"
Souji Okita: "You'd already failed Kondou-sensei to begin with from the moment you passed the word onto him. I mean, he'd obviously accept the news right away in that kind of situation, what with him being the soft-hearted type, right?"
Toshizou Hijikata: "......"
Hajime Saitou: "...That can't be helped. It's also difficult for them to turn down Serizawa-san, since he's also the board chairman."
Souji Okita: "That makes it all the more important. Isn't doing something about unreasonable requests like those your job, Hijikata-san?!"
Okita-senpai's chair clattered as he stood and squared up to Hijikata-sensei. Hijikata-sensei’s expression was sour, while Saitou-senpai wore a grimace.
I had to stop them...!
The atmosphere around them felt ready to explode. In the spur of the moment, I raised my voice to speak:
Chizuru Yukimura: "Um...!"
[I don't think it could be helped.]
[Please calm down!]
[......]
Chizuru Yukimura: "Okita-senpai! Calm down!"
Hajime Saitou: "Yukimura? ...So you heard that, did you?"
When Okita-senpai saw me wade into the fray, the look he shot me, too, was withering. Honestly, the thought of trying to talk to him when he was in such an awful mood was frightening… But I met his cold gaze levelly, and nodded my head just a little.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes, I overheard a bit of it."
Toshizou Hijikata: "Then it would've been better just to leave. Why are you sticking your neck out like this?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "I mean, it seemed like things were escalating and the argument was going to get physical, with the way things were going, so..."
Hajime Saitou: "It certainly was getting rather close, wasn't it?"
Souji Okita: "...So?" Okita-senpai interjected, "You got something you want to say?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "...I think I understand a little of your anger, Okita-senpai. When Kondou-sensei was telling me about his plans, I also saw how excited he was, after all."
Okita's eyebrow twitched.
Chizuru Yukimura: "...But, I don't think it's right to take it out on Hijikata-sensei. Especially since the news came from Serizawa-san very suddenly, so..."
Souji Okita: "......" Just when I thought he was going to finally look at me properly, he suddenly turned away and walked off.
Chizuru Yukimura: "O-Okita-senpai...! Excuse me, I'm going to go talk to him!" Without waiting for Hijikata-sensei's or Saitou-senpai's response, I ran out of the cafeteria.
Closing the distance between myself and Okita-senpai's quick steps, I chased after him with all my might, making sure not to lose sight of him. Eventually, in a far corner of the school, he stopped at a room and entered: it was the infirmary.
Keisuke Sannan: "Oh? Okita-kun and Yukimura-kun? What made you come here together?"
Souji Okita: "Nothing, really. She just up and followed me on her own. Anyway, Sannan-sensei. Tea, please. I want some."
Keisuke Sannan: "Yes, yes, that's quite alright, but..." Sensing Okita-senpai's foul mood, Sannan-sensei glanced at me.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Just now, he was talking about the party with Hijikata-sensei."
Keisuke Sannan: "Ahh... Speaking of which, Okita-kun was on the guest list, too."
So he was going to the party after all...
Nodding, I told Sannan-sensei about everything up until now. About Kondou-sensei's gift-giving ceremony, and Serizawa-san's party. And then the resulting fight between Hijikata-sensei and Okita-senpai. Listening to the whole story with an inscrutable expression, Sannan-sensei finally nodded in understanding.
Keisuke Sannan: "I see. So that's what happened. I also understand how you feel, Okita-kun. 'Kondou-sensei isn't great when it comes to public relations. I wish Hijikata-sensei would do something about it.' I can understand such a line of reasoning."
Souji Okita: "...I mean, times like these are exactly when Hijikata-san should be doing something..."
Keisuke Sannan: "Oh, my. You must think quite highly of him, don't you?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Huh?"
Keisuke Sannan: "Is that not so? Think about it. If you did not already have faith in his abilities, then you would not expect him to do something in the first place. Is that not so?"
Souji Okita: "......"
Though I agreed, by contrast, Okita-senpai's mood worsened with every word Sannan-sensei said. Sannan-sensei smiled slightly and changed his strategy.
Keisuke Sannan: "Also, we mustn't forget that Hijikata-sensei must be juggling all sorts of complications right now. He has to protect both the academy and Kondou-sensei at all costs, I should think… These invitations appear to have been made in good faith. Moreover, as the board chairman, Serizawa-san has supported Hakuo Academy in many ways."
Souji Okita: "...I understand that much. If I were to make any complaints about him, it would only offend people and create problems for Kondou-san."
He tightly gripped an invitation card identical to the one I had. Sannan-sensei smiled wryly at the crumpled paper.
Souji Okita: "Well, really, the main reason I was so opposed to it is because of how it crushed Kondou-san's gift-giving plan… But there was another reason I didn't want to go."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Another reason...?"
Souji Okita: "During the party, there's going to be a gift exchange. What do you think about that, Chizuru-chan?"
At Okita-senpai's searching look, I replied…
[It seems interesting]
[I'm not sure…]
Chizuru Yukimura: "I guess... I think that it sounds like fun..."
Souji Okita: "...Haah."
Chizuru Yukimura: "W-What's with that exasperated sigh?! I mean, not knowing whose present you'll get, it's almost like playing with a jack-in-the-box, which seems like a lot of fun...!"
Souji Okita: "Hmm... So, in other words, you don't care who you get a present from, huh." Mumbling, Okita-senpai looked away and turned on his heel. "I don't want to prepare something for someone this year when I don't even know who will get it."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Eh?"
Souji Okita: "...There are some presents that don't mean anything unless you give them to a particular personーI mean...it’s Christmas, after all."
Having said his piece, Okita-senpai walked out of the infirmary. I didn't really get the meaning behind his quiet mumbling. I looked to Sannan-sensei to ask for help, and our eyes met.
Keisuke Sannan: "It would seem that Okita-kun, in his own fashion, had already had a plan in mind, I think."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Like Kondou-sensei's, you mean?"
Keisuke Sannan: "Yes. When they both fell through, don't you think he might have finally lost his patience?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
If that really was the case...then what kind of plan had Okita-senpai had in mind, exactly...?
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…
Chizuru Yukimura: "I wonder if these clothes are fine. Or should I pick something that's easier to move in...?"
At last, December 25th had arrived.
Christmas day: a day the whole world turned festive.
I had about an hour left until the time that I promised to go see Ibuki-kun. I had woken up earlier than I usually did on my days off. I let out a sigh as I prepared my outfit.
Chizuru Yukimura: "But I'm really not all that strong… I wonder if I'll really be of any help to Ibuki-kun. If it ends up involving some large-scale preparations, it'd be better if I could rely on someone else..."
But was there anyone who'd be willing to help at the last minute just like that?
As I thought about what to do, I flipped my phone open, and my eyes just happened to pick out Okita-senpai’s name. He generally refused to do most things, so I thought he probably wouldn't help.
Chizuru Yukimura: "But I'll ask, just in case..."
I opened the messaging app on my phone.
【 Ibuki-kun's having a really hard time.
I want to have a fun time we can look back on
fondly at the Christmas party, so I was thinking of
going and helping him out.
I was hoping you could lend us a hand, too, Okita-senpai. 】
I sent him a message expressing my desire to help.
The reply I got was:
_______________________________________
RE: Please help me!
nah
_______________________________________
―Just that single word.
Chizuru Yukimura: "......" While I was sitting there at a loss for words, I almost immediately received a phone call.
Chizuru Yukimura: "H-Hello, this is Yukimura. Is this Okita-senpai?"
Souji Okita: 【Yep. Morning, Chizuru-chan.】
Chizuru Yukimura: "...Good morning. Um, about that message just now..."
Souji Okita: 【Ahh, the one about helping out Ibuki-kun?】
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes. I thought it'd be hard for just me and Ibuki-kun to get it done, so I was hoping you'd help..."
Souji Okita: 【Oh? So in other words, you don't believe in Ibuki-kun】
Chizuru Yukimura: "Huh?"
Souji Okita: 【Ibuki-kun by himself is useless, so you asked me to help, right?】
Chizuru Yukimura: "N-No! That's not what I meant...! ...Wait a minute, Okita-senpai. You said you didn't want to help, but doesn’t it seem like you’re actually still undecided right now?"
Souji Okita: 【......】 Silence fell on the other side of the phone. I couldn't see his face, but I got the mysterious feeling that Okita-senpai was grinning. Finally, he said, 【Well, if you put it like that, I guess I could help out.】
Chizuru Yukimura: "Really!?"
Souji Okita: 【Sure. But, let me ask you a question before I do: why me? If you asked someone like Hajime-kun or Heisuke, I bet they'd agree and come right away.】
Chizuru Yukimura:: "......"
If I was being honest, I asked him because my eyes just happened to land on his name. But for some reason, I didn't want him to feel like I hadn't put any thought into contacting him...
Chizuru Yukimura: "I was worried about you, Okita-senpai. You didn't look like you were very enthusiastic about the party."
Souji Okita: 【...If you noticed that, then I think that's even more reason not to call on me.】
Chizuru Yukimura: "But setting up a party is fun in its own way, right? So that's why I thought that if you helped out with the preparations as well, you'd be able to have even more fun together with everyone..."
Souji Okita: 【Hmph, 'with everyone,' huh… I'm not totally satisfied with that reasoning, but I'll give you a passing grade, I guess.】
Chizuru Yukimura: "You mean...?!"
Souji Okita: 【Well, I was getting bored just sitting around, anyway. I'll head over to you now. Be a good girl and wait for me, okay?】
And then, before long, he came to pick me up, and we headed off towards Serizawa-san's house together―
―Which was a literal mansion. The entrance was vast, and it looked like my house could fit within the property's ground many times over.
I was at a total loss for words.
Souji Okita: "This seems like the kind of mansion that would have koi in the garden and a doberman running around free as a guard dog."
Chizuru Yukimura: "If that were true, it'd be scary, so please stop it...!"
Souji Okita: "It was a joke. Well, it's not a doberman, but here comes a free-range pet dog now."
Chizuru Yukimura: "A pet dog...?"
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Who're you calling a dog!?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "G-Good morning, Ibuki-kun."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Yeah. I really appreciate you showing up, but… Answer me one question. Why is Okita-senpai here with you?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "I thought it'd be too much for us to handle alone, so he came to help."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Okita-senpai is here...to help...?"
Souji Okita: "What's with that suspicious look? If I'm not welcome, can I just go home?"
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "N-No, I'm sorry. At this point, I'd be grateful no matter who showed up, as long as they came to help."
Apparently, the chemistry between Ibuki-kun and Okita-senpai really was pretty bad… but regardless, Ibuki-kun soon turned to me and handed me what looked like some sort of list.
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "This is a list of the decorations we use for Christmas. I want you to find the stuff listed here in the storehouse in back and bring it outside."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yeah, leave it to us!"
As per Ibuki-kun's instructions, the two of us walked over to the storehouse behind the house.
The door made a rusty screech when we pried it open.
When he peered inside, Okita-senpai's face screwed up in a grimace.
Souji Okita: "Yikes, this is incredible."
Chizuru Yukimura: "W-What's incredible?"
Souji Okita: "You'll understand when you step inside. Well then, are you ready?"
I gulped loudly and nodded. With a flashlight in hand, I set foot inside the storehouse―
[Minigame Victory]
Souji Okita: "Chizuru-chan, how are we doing?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "I found the box with the wreath in it. After that should be the string lights..."
Working together with Okita-senpai, I was able to find the decorations one after another and carry them outside of the storehouse.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Phew... There's only a little more to go."
Souji Okita: "You're right. At this pace, we might be able to finish in another 30 minutes."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Let's push through and finish it in one go, then!" With renewed determination, I once again stood in the entryway of the pitch-black storehouse. And then, I suddenly remembered something, and turned back around to face Okita-senpai. "Ah, that reminds me, Okita-senpai. I'm grateful that you've been occasionally shining the flashlight in my direction, but… Could you shine the light a little closer to my hands, if possible? I feel like you've been aiming it a little weirdly..."
Souji Okita: "Don't wanna."
Chizuru Yukimura: "You don't want to, huh... Wait, w-why? With the way you were positioning the flashlight, you were only shining light at my face..."
Souji Okita: "......"
I came to a sudden realization. Okita-senpai wore a sinister grin as he examined my face.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Y-You were shining the light in my face on purpose!?" 'Why would he do such a thing...?' While I wondered about his mysterious actions―I suddenly felt Okita-senpai gently touch my cheek with his hand.
Chizuru Yukimura: "W-What are you...!?"
Souji Okita: "You're pretty dirty because of the dust and stuff. Here, I'll wipe it off for you, so don't move." Okita-senpai took a handkerchief and stared at me intently as he began to carefully wipe my face, and it felt really ticklish.
T-There was no way I could keep calm like this..!
Souji Okita: "I don't really care about Serizawa-san's party, and decorating isn't all that fun either, but...it's not so bad if I get to see your face."
Chizuru Yukimura: "What...?"
He suddenly grinned, withdrew his hand, and then headed off into the storehouse again.
Souji Okita: "C'mon, Chizuru-chan. While the day's young. You wanted to finish things in one go, right?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Y-Yeah..." ‘What did he mean, just now...?’ I went into the dim storehouse again, sensing that I wouldn't be able to concentrate so much after this...
―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.]
Everyone looked like they were having fun in their own groups, and I didn't want to interrupt them. I approached the edge of the room, away from everyone who looked like they were enjoying themselves, and watched them from afar.
As I did...
Keisuke Sannan: "Seeing the only girl in the party being such a wallflower...It makes one wonder what everyone else in the party is thinking. Please, this way, Yukimura-kun."
Sannan-sensei smiled and invited me over with a hand on my back.
Chizuru Yukimura: "S-Sannan-sensei...?!"
I found myself turning red. Two people near us had noticed and rushed over, looking ready to chew him out.
Kaoru Nagumo: "Hold it right there. You think it's acceptable for a teacher to make a pass at a student?"
Souji Okita: "Hear hear. A student should really mingle with their fellow students more. Wouldn't you agree, Chizuru-chan?"
Kaoru Nagumo: "As if! It doesn't matter if it's with another student or a teacher― illicit relationships are strictly forbidden!"
In stark contrast with the glare Kaoru shot at him, Okita-senpai shrugged diffidently.
Souji Okita: "It wouldn't be illicit in my case. I'm different from you and Sannan-sensei."
Keisuke Sannan: "You're telling me, Okita-senpai. Though I don't have any ulterior motives myself, of course."
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
Maybe it was naive of me to think I could keep a low profile… While the three of them started arguing, I quietly got out of there...
[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…
Okita-senpai had offered to escort me home, so the two of us took the moonlit path back together.
I looked up to the sky, remembering how everyone had been laughing just moments before.
Like while they forked their cakes and chatted, or from joy or sorrow during the gift exchange… It really seemed like everyone had fun. So I wondered curiously about Okita-senpai beside me and looked up at him.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Okita-senpai. How did you find the party?"
Souji Okita: "What do you mean, ‘how did I find it’? I won't get it if you don't tell me clearly."
Chizuru Yukimura: "I mean, were you able to enjoy yourself? I'd worried about that throughout the party, since it seemed like you didn't have much interest in it at first..."
Souji Okita: "Well, I didn't really feel either way about it, but Kondou-san looked like he had fun, so I'm happy about that. But Hijikata-san was the one who really made it so he could feel that way about it… I shouldn't have put it past him to invite all the students in the school. I'm no match for him..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Okita-senpai..."
Souji Okita: "Well, it was more enjoyable than I thought it'd be. I mean, I was with y―..." He trailed off. "......"
Chizuru Yukimura: "You were with...?"
Souji Okita: "...It's nothing. Just a slip of the tongue. The more I say it, the harder it gets to tell the truth from the jokes."
Chizuru Yukimura: ?
Souji Okita: "Anyway, did I look like I wasn't enjoying myself?" he gave a small, fond smile at the curious face I'd made. Compared to the face he made when he'd first heard about the party, it looked infinitely gentler.
Chizuru Yukimura: "...You looked like you had fun."
Souji Okita: "Yeah. It was great fun. It is now, too." As his eyes crinkled with his smile, Okita-senpai looked like he'd just remembered something, and pointed at a road that diverged from the one we were on. "Oh, that reminds me. I wanna take a little detour. That okay?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "That's fine, but… Where does it lead to?"
Souji Okita: "Finding out is part of the fun. C'mon, stick close so you don't get lost."
We broke off from the path that led to my house, and headed down the main street leading towards the station. I looked around every which way, wondering where we were, but Okita-senpai looked dissatisfied, his brows scrunched together.
Souji Okita: "Chizuru-chan. Sorry, but could you close your eyes for a second? You don't have to worry; I'll make sure to hold your hand."
Chizuru Yukimura: "O-Okay… Is this okay?"
Souji Okita: "Yeah, there's a good girl. Right, let's keep going for a little longer." He softly touched my hand, before gripping it unusually strongly.
But with my eyes closed, I suddenly felt uneasy for some reason. I couldn't see in front of me, and could only hear my footsteps―could only rely on the warmth of Okita-senpai's hand as I stepped carefully...
Souji Okita: "Here should be fine." His voice sounded closer than I thought it'd be, making me shiver in surprise. A warm breath caressed my cheeks. I felt Okita-senpai's lips right beside my cheek.
And then―
Souji Okita: "...You can open your eyes now."
I suddenly felt a chilly sensation against my cheek, and my eyes snapped open.
Chizuru Yukimura: ...!
(CG get!°˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖°)
Souji Okita: "...Did you think I'd kissed you?"
Okita-senpai smiled mischievously, the vari-colored lights around us dancing over his face. Lights twinkling almost like stars in all kinds of colors and sizes. They were so bright that my eyes couldn't get used to them...
I had to blink a number of times until my brain finally processed my surroundings.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Wow..."
Souji Okita: "If I’d had it my way, I would've asked you out on a date with me this Christmas. I couldn't do that this year because of the party. Still, I thought I could at least give you this scenery as a present."
The landscape looked like it was trying to outshine the starry sky above. Even though it wasn’t something I could bring home with me, I was sure that this wonderful present would stay in my heart for a long time to come.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Thank you so much, Okita-senpai. For giving me a present like this..."
Souji Okita: "You're welcome. A present should be something that'd make you the happiest if you were the one on the receiving end, right? That's why I thought I'd make the time you spend with me something special."
Chizuru Yukimura: "...Does that mean..." What made Okita-senpai happiest was...?
Souji Okita: "......"
I was sure that if I asked him, he'd only answer me with another of his grins. But asking would have been embarrassing enough on its own, and in the time that we'd gotten back to the road back to my house, I wasn't able to...
Before any of it had really sunk in, we found ourselves at my house.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Would... Would you like to come in and have some tea?"
He shook his head with a smile after I'd asked, asked instead:
Souji Okita: "Actually, would you go with me to the shrine to pay our first visit of the New Year there? I think it'd be fun to start the new year together with you. What do you say?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "I-If you're fine with going with me..."
Souji Okita: "That's a promise. Also, Chizuru-chan. Merry Christmas."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Y-Yeah!"
...It felt like Okita-senpai had made my heart skip a beat so many times today.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Phew..."
When I closed my eyes, I could still see the Christmas lights, looking for all the world like a star-filled sky. I knew the present Okita-senpai gave me this year would remain in my heart from now on...
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.