Chapter 4
Time for Heisuke’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 think...I'm looking forward to it, really. I mean, who knows how it'll turn out in the end, but any party where lots of people are around seems like fun to me."
Heisuke Toudou: "......" Hearing my reply, Heisuke-kun's expression darkened into a frown… But Saitou-senpai gave a small nod.
Hajime Saitou: "I think so, too. Whatever sort of party Serizawa-san plans… This is only my personal opinion. but I would think that he can host an enjoyable party."
Chizuru Yukimura: "I agree. Though I do have some worries… Right now, I’m more excited than I am concerned."
Heisuke Toudou: "......" Heisuke-kun silently brought his bread to his lips, making a face like he wanted to say something.
Just what kind of event would Serizawa-san's party turn out to be…?
The day's classes had finished, and there were only a few more school days left in the term.
Sanosuke Harada: "Well then, let's wrap up here for today. Take care of yourselves on the way home!"
As the bell rang out a dismissal, the classroom abruptly filled with commotion as my classmates stirred. People getting ready for club activities, and people opening up their phones to text. People making plans on the way home with their friends... I took my time putting my things away as I watched my classmates from the corner of my eye.
Chizuru Yukimura: "...What should I do today..."
Maybe I'd just go straight home for today. ‘Or maybe I should stop by the station and buy some groceries for dinner…’
Sanosuke Harada: "Wait up a moment, Yukimura."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes?" I stopped and turned back to the class, hearing Harada-sensei call out to me.
Sanosuke Harada: "I have something for you. Here, this is it." The single card Harada-sensei handed me was bordered in gold foil.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Is this by chance..."
Sanosuke Harada: "I'm sure you've guessed, but it's an invitation to Serizawa-san's party. I've my own opinions about the whole deal, but the invitation’s all yours now. Be sure to read it properly when you get home."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Serizawa-san's party, hmm..." I muttered to myself as I left the class, looking the invitation over. "...Now that I think of it, I wonder who else was invited. I'd feel better if other people I knew were going. Maybe I should try asking around...?"
As I thought this to myself, I found myself headed for the courtyard. People in the middle of club activities and people meeting up on their way home... It was more crowded than usual, so soon after class dismissal.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Someone must be around here..." I looked this way and that, hoping to catch sight of someone.
???: "I'm telling you! There's no way she's gonna spend Christmas with you!" A loud voice rang out from nearby.
Chikage Kazama: "Hmph. I wondered what you had to say, but to think it was something so foolish. No matter what insignificant scum like you say, the matter is settled: I will be spending Christmas with my bride."
Heisuke Toudou: "You sure do talk tough for someone who hasn't even asked her yet. And normally, even if she were spending Christmas with somebody, it'd be with me, not you! We've known each other for ages! ...I mean, that's how it always was, when we were little..."
Chikage Kazama: "It's unsightly to cling to the past so, Heisuke Toudou."
I overheard Heisuke-kun and Kazama-senpai arguing.
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
I thought it might be best if I didn't show my face just then… If I were to show up right when they were arguing about me, I was positive it would only make things worse.
Thinking that, I slowly backed away...
Chikage Kazama: "If you dare say such things, then so be it. I'll force you to face reality. It will all be made clear if we ask the woman herself. Isn't that so, my wife?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Eh?!"
Kazama-senpai's gaze pierced through me, stopping me in my tracks. Heisuke-kun's eyes also went wide open when he noticed me.
Heisuke Toudou: "Ch-Chizuru?! Did you hear all that just now?!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "...A bit..."
Chikage Kazama: "If you were listening, then there is less to explain. I'll ask now, then, shall I? Between myself, your future spouse, and this self-proclaimed childhood friend of yours… Which would you rather spend Christmas with? Me, surely. You don't even need to answer; I already know."
Heisuke Toudou: "You didn't even ask her properly!" Puffing up in anger, Heisuke-kun suddenly grabbed my shoulder. "Hear me out, Chizuru! Spending Christmas with this guy would seriously absolutely be the dangerousest danger out there!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "C-Calm down! Your words are getting all mixed up! Also, even if you ask me about Christmas… I'm already wondering what I should do, since I've just received an invitation to Serizawa-san's party..."
Heisuke Toudou: "Serizawa-san's party, huh… They said only exceptional students are invited. So if you were invited, then I..."
Chikage Kazama: "Hmph..." After seeming to casually consider this for a moment, he suddenly turned from us and left.
Chizuru Yukimura: ?
Heisuke Toudou: "What's with that guy...?"
Normally, he would snap and bicker for longer than that… Finding his sudden change puzzling, I watched him walk off. Heisuke-kun seemed to feel the same as I did, tilting his head a little in bewilderment.
Heisuke Toudou: "...Well, whatever. More importantly, Chizuru―" Heisuke-kun began to say, when...
Sanosuke Harada: "Oh, Heisuke, Yukimura. Perfect timing." Harada-sensei suddenly strolled up to us. "If you're on your way home it's fine, but if not, would you two mind coming with me? There's something I'd like a hand with."
I...
[I'd be happy to help!]
[I'm worried about Kazama.]
After only a moment's thought, I nodded my head.
Chizuru Yukimura: "I'd be happy to help. What do you need?"
Sanosuke Harada: "Sorry, guys. It’s a chore that calls for some manual labour. The new textbooks for the year have arrived, see. I'd like to split up the work and distribute them to each class. Would you guys mind helping out?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Sure!"
Following close behind Harada-sensei, we headed toward the staff room.
Sanosuke Harada: "...Here we go, these are the ones. there are quite a few, so don’t overdo it."
Next to Harada-sensei's desk was a tall pile of textbooks. There were books there for each student in my grade. It'd take who-knew-how-many trips to do this myself.
Heisuke Toudou: "Let's get to it, then. Don't push yourself to carry too much," Heisuke-kun said to me, grabbing a batch of textbooks. Contrary to his words and tone, Heisuke-kun gave a deep sigh.
Chizuru Yukimura: "...? What's wrong, Heisuke-kun?"
Heisuke Toudou: "Well, it's just... about that thing we were talking about before..."
Sanosuke Harada: "That's right; you were having some kind of argument, weren't you? Something about Christmas… Did something happen?"
Prompted by Harada-sensei, Heisuke-kun glanced my way.
Heisuke Toudou: "...I'm sure you know, Sano-san, since you're her homeroom teacher and all… But Chizuru's dad is away on some far-off island on some kind of business trip."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yeah, he is busy these days, after all. He says he'll be back sometime this year, at least."
Heisuke Toudou: "Right? So I thought you might get lonely at Christmas, and I wondered if there was something I could do about it… But then, who'd've thought Serizawa-san would throw a party, right? Everything I'd thought up suddenly became pointless..." Heisuke-kun's shoulders drooped, crestfallen. But hearing he'd put so much thought into it made me genuinely happy, and I broke into a smile.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Thank you, Heisuke-kun."
Heisuke Toudou: "...In the end, it looks like I won't be able to do anything, so there's nothing to thank me for, though."
Chizuru Yukimura: "No, even so. It's the thought that counts."
At Heisuke-kun's grin, I smiled up at him. It must've been infectious with how naturally Harada-sensei smiled, too, looking endeared as he watched us both.
Sanosuke Harada: "That ain't half-bad reasoning, for you, Heisuke."
Heisuke Toudou: "Hey, whaddaya mean, 'for me'?!"
Sanosuke Harada: "Well, I get how you feel, though. Everybody's in Christmas mode around about now. Anybody would feel the urge to do something special, this time of year. You too, right, Yukimura?"
In response to Harada-sensei's question, I said...
[Do you have any plans, Harada-sensei?]
[That's true…]
[As long as everyone enjoys themselves.]
Chizuru Yukimura: "That's true..."
Sure enough, as Christmastime neared, it was natural to start to feel a kind of anticipation. Even with the concerns about Serizawa-san's party, I was more excited for it than not. But...
Heisuke Toudou: "......"
Seeing Heisuke-kun's dark expression, I felt an ache in my chest. Even though he'd put so much thought into it for me...
Heisuke Toudou: "Haah..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Um...are you okay, Heisuke-kun?"
Heisuke Toudou: "Nah, I'm fine. Can't be helped, but I wish we could at least go to the party together. But Serizawa-san's party is just for exceptional students, right? So there's no way I'm invited."
Sanosuke Harada: "What're you talking about, Heisuke? You're on the invitee list, if I’m remembering right."
Chizuru Yukimura: !
Heisuke Toudou: "R-Really, Sano-san?! ―I mean, Harada-sensei!"
Sanosuke Harada: "Why would I lie about something like that? As far as I know, it's true. Hijikata-sensei's been swamped with work, so he's probably just late handing invitations out. I'll bet he's handing them out tomorrow during homeroom."
Chizuru Yukimura: "That's great, Heisuke-kun!"
Heisuke Toudou: "Yeah, it's different from what I had in mind, but this way we can still spend Christmas together!"
So it was that he was so overjoyed about...
After that, Heisuke-kun all but skipped as he brought the textbooks into the classrooms. We finished delivering the books much earlier than I'd expected, and made our way back to the staff room. Suddenly Heisuke-kun stopped in his tracks, crossed his arms, and tilted his head.
Heisuke Toudou: "Oh yeah. It's kinda late to be thinking about it now, but...
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes?"
Heisuke Toudou: "Why was I even invited? I'm no honor student; that's for sure."
Chizuru Yukimura: "You aren't even trying to deny it… But even so, your studies aren't everything, right? You perform well at kendo, after all. Your team got second place in the fall tournament, you placed third in the individual matches, right?"
Hakuo Academy's kendo club, of which he and Okita-senpai were members, placed second in the fall district tournament. Heisuke-kun had led the charge towards victory, nabbing a win before anyone else in the very first match.
Heisuke Toudou: "'s that so. Hehe, I guess Serizawa-san appreciates that kind of work, too, huh! ...Oh, but, hang on. That means they'll be coming as well..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "'They'?"
Heisuke Toudou: "Souji and Hajime-kun. In the solo matches, I lost to Hajime-kun and got third. Then Hajime-kun lost to Souji and came second."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Oh! So, gold, silver and bronze were all from our school for the individual matches, then."
Heisuke Toudou: "Yep, that's right. But don't think Souji's the strongest just because he got first place! Hajime-kun just has the upper hand when I'm up against his left-handed stance… And when Hajime-kun lost to Souji, it was only 'cause he was spent from competing against me. Souji said even if he wasn't already tired, he'd still win, but really, you never know how it'd actually turn out!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
Heisuke-kun clenched his fists as he explained himself to me, but what I understood from it was that everyone was really good. It seemed like he had a good rivalry going with the others, but it also looked like boys just had to know who was stronger than who…
One day at a time, the calendar's pages turned, and soon enough, the end of the year was close.
It was the night before the last big event before we would welcome in the new year: the Christmas party. As I lazed about on my bed, I looked over at the present I had prepared for the next day.
Chizuru Yukimura: "I wonder if whoever gets this will like it… I'm looking forward to tomorrow, but, I guess I'm still a bit worried too..." ‘...Who in the world will get my present?’ I wondered to myself whether the party at Serizawa-san's would really go without a hitch. I rolled about on my bed, torn between excitement and worry.
Suddenly, my phone beeped: I had mail.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Hm...from Ibuki-kun?"
_______________________________________
Sub: (Untitled)
he l p m
_______________________________________
Chizuru Yukimura: !?
It read like someone's dying message. For a moment, I could only sit there, speechless. Then:
【 Ibuki-kun, what's wrong!? 】
‘If I don’t get a reply, should I call the police or an ambulance...!?’ I found my finger hovering over the emergency contact by reflex as I waited tensely for Ibuki-kun's reply. But before long, another mail came from him.
_______________________________________
RE: (Untitled)
The truth is,
I was left in charge of getting
the venue prepared and decorated
for tomorrow's party, but…
The storehouse is in such a state,
I can't even begin to search for the decorations...
We’re really short on manpower...
_______________________________________
Even though it was just a text, I could somehow hear the fatigue in his voice. It was the sound of someone driven into a corner.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Since it's that bad..."
【 Want me to come help you out?
I could come early tomorrow morning.
We should have plenty of time to prepare for the party, then. 】
I only hesitated for a second. I typed up my reply quickly and hit send.
_______________________________________
RE: RE: (Untitled)
R-Really!?
If you really mean it, then please do...!
_______________________________________
After our back and forth, I sighed deeply.
Chizuru Yukimura: "If I'm going to help him out early tomorrow, I had better get to sleep early, too. But, even with me there, I'm not sure it’ll be enough. Would I really be much help, with so much decorating left to do...?" ‘It might be best to have at least another pair of hands…’
Looking through my phone's address book, I started to feel sleepy. Eventually, I gave in to it, and flopped back onto my bed.
I really hoped tomorrow's party would go smoothly…
At last, December 25th had arrived.
Christmas day: a day the whole world turned festive.
As per my promise with Ibuki-kun, I had woken up early and started getting dressed.
Chizuru Yukimura: "It's a little early, but I can use the extra time to get ready."
As I was mumbling to myself―
Heisuke Toudou: "Heeey! Chizuruuu!"
The voice caught me by surprise. I opened my window and saw Heisuke-kun waving at me from his garden next door.
Heisuke Toudou: "Ah, you're awake, huh? 'Mornin!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Good morning, Heisuke-kun. Is something wrong?"
Heisuke Toudou: "Naw, I was just thinking of returning the book I borrowed from you. Can I leave it in your mailbox?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ah, don't bother. I'm heading down right now, so just wait a minute!"
Heisuke Toudou: "Alright, here's the manga I borrowed. Thanks!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "You're welcome. Did you read the whole thing?"
Heisuke Toudou: "Yeah, it was amazing! I wasn’t so sure about a shoujo manga, but it was surprisingly interesting."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yeah, these days there are more and more manga series that people can enjoy, regardless of gender."
Heisuke Toudou: "Right! I was surprised by how good the battle scenes were!"
We talked about stuff like which characters we liked, and what we thought about certain scenes… While we talked about the content of the manga, suddenly Heisuke-kun looked at me and tilted his head.
Heisuke Toudou: "But wait, if you're dressed like that… Are you going to go out somewhere?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yeah, I'm supposed to go to Serizawa-san's house."
Heisuke Toudou: "Wha...? Isn't it a little early? The party starts tonight, yeah?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Well, I'm supposed to help out with the party preparations..."
When I told him about Ibuki-kun's message from last night, Heisuke-kun's cheeks puffed out in dissatisfaction.
Heisuke Toudou: "Why didn't you say so? At times like these, just ask me as soon as you need help!" He offered to help, puffing out his chest as he did so.
Heisuke Toudou: "Oh, there he is! Heeey, Ryuunosuke!"
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Hm? Yukimura and... Toudou-senpai? Why is Toudou-senpai here too?"
When I arrived at Serizawa-san's house with Heisuke-kun, Ibuki-kun's eyes widened in surprise. But when I explained the details of the situation, Ibuki-kun grabbed me firmly by the shoulders, his eyes misty with deep emotion.
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Yukimura...! I knew I was right to ask for your help..! I never thought you would bring such a valuable asset with you...! Thank you! Thank you so, so much!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Y-You're welcome...?"
Heisuke Toudou: "So, Ryuunosuke. What do we need to do?"
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Ah, you guys need to find the Christmas decorations we need in the storehouse out back and bring them out. Then, after you bring them to me, we'll decorate inside."
Heisuke Toudou: "You got it! Alright, let's do this!"
We got a list from Ibuki-kun and headed off toward the storehouse in a corner of the back garden. I wondered if anyone ever maintained the place. The design was such that the sunlight would almost never shine inside during the day.
Heisuke Toudou: "Yikes, it's pretty much pitch black in there. The floor is uneven, so be careful."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Y-Yeah. It looks like this might be tough, but let's just do things in order."
Although we were pretty much just fumbling around in the dark, we stepped into the storehouse―
[Minigame Victory]
After that, we continued our work in silence. We carried all the items on the list Ibuki-kun had given us out of the storehouse, and then began to decorate all the rooms.
Heisuke Toudou: "The tree topper is supposed to be, um..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Isn't it this star-shaped one?"
Heisuke Toudou: "Ah, thanks. Then, next is..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "It's the empty place below that, right? How about this Santa doll?"
Every time Heisuke-kun turned to me, I'd hand him one ornament after another. He stretched expansively after having placed the final ornament.
Heisuke Toudou: "...All right, we're done! Good work!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "You too, Heisuke-kun. We finished earlier than expected, didn’t we?"
Heisuke Toudou: "Hehe, that's because your timing giving me the ornaments was so good. It's like you knew what I needed next and handed it all to me one after the other. I felt like you could read my mind."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yeah, the thing you wanted next showed on your face, so I somehow knew what you were thinking."
When I smiled at him, Heisuke-kun looked like he’d been caught off-guard somehow, and he murmured:
Heisuke Toudou: "S-So, does that mean you can usually tell what I'm thinking?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Well, yeah. Because you're my childhood friend, right?"
Although I was smiling, for some reason Heisuke-kun’s expression was almost meek. Then...his gaze changed and he looked at me intently.
Heisuke Toudou: "Chizuru. ...So, do you know what I'm thinking about right now...?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Huh...?"
Heisuke-kun's green-tinted eyes seemed to be staring straight into my heart. I'd never seen that kind of look in his eyes before; it was filled with anticipation.
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
The look in Heisuke-kun's eyes was… Pulling from my most recent memory, I carefully answered him.
Chizuru Yukimura: "'I'm really looking forward to the Christmas party tonight?'"
Heisuke Toudou: "......"
Chizuru Yukimura: "A-Am I wrong?"
Heisuke Toudou: "No. Yeah, you're not wrong, that's what I'm looking forward to, but....It'd make me happy if you understood why I'm looking forward to it, y'know…" He sighed, "Haah...even though we're childhood friends, she still doesn't understand." Then he muttered, "...No, maybe it's because we're childhood friends...?"
His expression conflicted, Heisuke-kun headed off to report to Ibuki-kun that we had finished. Wondering about this mysterious behaviour, I followed after him.
―And so.
Worked like dogs, we somehow managed to finish the decorations. Then I helped with things like setting the table and serving the food.
Finally, the guests arrived at the venue one after another. But I felt like there were too many of them for some reason… It might have just been my imagination, but it was almost like the whole school had come over…
Then, once all of the invitees had gathered, we were finally ready to start the party.
Susumu Yamazaki: "Well, this is... The decorations are more elegant than I expected."
Keisuke Sannan: "The lighting in the garden is magnificent as well. I wouldn't have guessed that this was all done in someone's home. Granted, Serizawa-san's goal was likely to spite Kondou-sensei, but even so this is quite impressive."
Though some eyed the glittering decorations with awe, still others...
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Whoa, that's a whole turkey right there!"
Kaoru Nagumo: "Isn't this champagne here? I shouldn't have to ask, but there are non-alcoholic drinks for students here, right?"
The champagne, juice, and mountains of food lined up on the table caught people's eyes as well. Kondou-sensei had arrived last, and he looked plenty surprised, himself.
Isami Kondou: "...Wow. Don't tell me all my students were invited! I can take a guess at how this happened, but I expected nothing less from Serizawa-san!"
He seemed relieved and re-energized, looking like he was really enjoying it. I let out a sigh of relief. I wondered if this was what Hijikata-sensei meant when he told me not to worry.
Kamo Serizawa: "Hey, you mutt! What's the meaning of this?! I don't recall inviting this many people!"
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Don't look at me! I had no idea about this!"
Kamo Serizawa: "I see... This was Hijikata's doing."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "We got more important things to worry about, Serizawa-san. It's already time for us to start."
Having checked all the guests that had arrived, Ibuki-kun pressed Serizawa-san on the proceedings. Serizawa-san then raised his voice, and announced that the party was starting.
Kamo Serizawa: "It looks like everyone has gathered here. With this, this Christmas party sponsored by the Serizawa household has begun!"
It looked like the ball had gotten rolling, if just a bit. Everyone had looked at Serizawa-san a little meekly at first… But soon enough, the appetizing food broke the ice, and after one person made a move towards it, everyone soon followed and moved about as they pleased. Before I knew it, the venue had looked like it'd been turned into a buffet party.
Serizawa-san didn't say anything either, maybe wanting it to be a free and easy gathering.
Laughter echoed from everywhere within the grounds, and groups of people who you wouldn't normally see together were exchanging small talk.
Now then, what should I get up to next...? With everything that was going on, I decided to…
[Refill people's drinks.]
[Stand quietly.]
[Get something to eat.]
[to next] → [Check on the group in the corner.]
[to next] → [Look around the mansion.]
I suddenly looked to the garden.
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
With everyone gathered in the garden, it seemed large enough to measure up to the school grounds. The building wasn't just double the length of my house, but ten times wider and more elegant to boot. I'd thought that the whole time I was putting up the decorations, but… with it being this spacious, I got curious about what the rest of the estate was like.
As I was thinking that―
Heisuke Toudou: "Oh, there you are, Chizuru! Let's go explore the house together!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ehh!?"
Heisuke-kun startled me by popping out of nowhere, and Ibuki-kun followed suit.
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Don't you dare! I'm not about to have you exposed to the dangers lurking 'round my house!" Sure enough, Ibuki-kun was shaking his head, completely red-faced.
At that moment, Harada-sensei came into the room, looking puzzled as he walked up to us.
Sanosuke Harada: "Hey, Ryuunosuke. I was going to the washroom, and on my way there I saw a room labeled 'Kennel'..."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: !! "S-Shut up! That's not my room! It's not...!"
Sanosuke Harada: "...What was that all about?"
Heisuke Toudou: "Beats me..."
We tilted our heads as we watched Ibuki-kun run off.
[Refill people's drinks.]
[Stand quietly.]
[Get something to eat.]
[to next] → [Check on the group in the corner.]
[to next] → [Look around the mansion.]
(second time) [to next] → [Wrap things up.]
Chizuru Yukimura: "Whew..."
Sipping from my near-empty glass, I took a breath and glanced at the time. A lot of time had passed since the start of the party… But my worry that something might happen seemed to have been an unfounded one. A smile tugged at my lips as I watched everyone having fun.
I looked around the room, and let out a sigh of relief as the party continued...
With food settling comfortably in everyone's stomachs, people started taking out the presents they got for the gift exchange, one by one.
Ones that could fit in the palm in your hand, others that you'd basically have to hug to carry.
Ones giving metallic clinks and others that looked soft.
Ones that were left in the garden and didn't even make it inside the room in the first place.
Every present had pretty wrapping that you couldn't see through, but none of them looked ordinary or predictable in the least. We shuffled the presents around in circles, and before long we had one each in hand.
Isami Kondou: "Alright, we'll open them on three. Serizawa-san, if you could take the lead!"
Kamo Serizawa: "Why, so you can put me on the spot with something out of my comfort zone and laugh at me for it? I'll be having a drink. Decide on a cue amongst yourselves."
Toshizou Hijikata: "Guess we got no choice... Yukimura. You'll lead us."
Chizuru Yukimura: "M-Me!?"
Sanosuke Harada: "That sounds good to me. You helped prepare the place, after all. It follows that you should do the honors."
Keisuke Sannan: "You only need to give a shout. You need not overthink it."
Chizuru Yukimura: "I-I understand..."
Heisuke Toudou: "C'mon, Santa, I'm beggin' you here...! You know which present I got my eye on!"
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "I don’t care who it’s from; just let it be food, please..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Alright, then... One, two, three!"
(CG get!°˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖°)
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Shoot, I didn't get it! I wanted a year's worth of paid leave so bad, though!"
Sanosuke Harada: "You thought that'd be one of the presents here? And even if it was, what d'you think a student would do with it?"
Kyuuju Amagiri: "If we were on paid break, would we be able to advance a year without going to classes?"
Kyou Shiranui: "Wouldn't that be convenient. Well, even if that were a thing, it'd just be a fancy way to skip school."
Chikage Kazama: "Such a present would not be here in the first place. Though even hoping for it would be foolish… Incidentally, where is the year's worth of my bride that was supposed to go to me?"
Toshizou Hijikata: "As if that'd be more likely than a year of paid leave!"
Hajime Saitou: "...And what do you even mean by ‘a year's worth’? ...I can't comprehend it..."
Souji Okita: "Well, if I ever got such a thing, I'd make sure I enjoyed every minute of that year."
Susumu Yamazaki: "...Okita-kun, what in the world would you do with that? ...We might have a problem, depending on your answer."
Kaoru Nagumo: "God, there’s no hope for any of these idiots. Talk about ‘a year's worth’ all you like, but a little sister belongs to her older brother, don’t you know?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "...First of all, I'd like it if you didn't decide things on your own while ignoring what I want..."
A cute phone strap, a book token, an assortment of goods, a plush toy. There were many presents, but… I was hoping that who got what would stay secret so the sender could be saved from any embarrassment...
The hands on the clock refused to turn back, and kept marching forward hour by hour. I didn't know who first pointed out that it was getting late. The night wore on, and I soon realized how late it'd gotten.
The Christmas party wrapped up without issue, and people started to disperse…
Since our homes were so close, Heisuke-kun and I took the moonlit path back home together, just the two of us.
Heisuke Toudou: "Ahhh, man, I am stuffed. It feels like my stomach's gonna explode and take me with it..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "You did eat pretty much throughout the whole party, Heisuke-kun..."
Heisuke Toudou: "Hey, all the food there was delicious. You can't blame me!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Even with that in mind, it did look like you ate too much... Do you feel sick? No trouble walking?"
Heisuke Toudou: "...I mean, if we go slow, then..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Honestly..."
Although, going back home at this pace might've been just as well. I went over the memories I made today as we walked back at a leisurely pace.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Today was fun. The teachers and students all seemed to have enjoyed themselves."
Heisuke Toudou: "Yeah. Hijikata-sensei actually cracked a smile a couple of times when he usually just scowls… I mean, even Serizawa-san chuckled a little, if barely! Sounded like a total villain when he did, though!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ibuki-kun was saying how he must've been seeing things, and wondered if his eyes were alright."
But the one who'd laughed the most throughout had to have been Heisuke-kun, for sure. I wondered how it was that his smile made me so happy, too… As I thought about that while smiling myself, Heisuke-kun stared at me.
Heisuke Toudou: "But y’know… What made me happiest was seeing you smile, after all."
Chizuru Yukimura: ...!
For a moment, I wondered if he saw right through me. But he seemed to have said it spontaneously, and I smiled with him. He felt the same way I did… I was too shy to really say anything, and before I knew it, I could see my house.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Well then, Heisuke-kun. See you tomorrow."
Heisuke Toudou: "Ahh... Hey. Just a minute, before you go," he said before he zipped into his house.
Chizuru Yukimura: "I wonder what's up...?" I thought it strange as I waited, but soon Heisuke-kun had returned carrying something huge.
(CG get!°˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖°)
Heisuke Toudou: "Here, a Christmas present. It's for you!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "What...!?"
He had brought me a massive dog plushie. I felt like I'd seen its charming little face somewhere before, and blinked several times.
Heisuke Toudou: "This stuffed animal's… ...I don't know if you remember. But you really wanted it when we were small."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Oh... At the department store by the station...!?"
Heisuke Toudou: "Yeah, yeah! That was on Christmas, just like today!"
I thought that was already ancient history. My father was away because of work that Christmas, so I stayed over at Heisuke-kun's next door. At the time, he had brought me to a party, and I'd seen that stuffed toy… But even though I'd wanted it, I couldn't have just begged his parents for it. In the end, I'd given up and gone home, and then it was sold the next day. ‘I think I cried after that…’
Heisuke Toudou: "You ended up crying even though you were such a well-mannered kid, so you must've really liked it. I also wanted to do something about it then, but I was too young at the time. ...It was so hard to watch, I nearly cried, myself. It's pretty embarrassing."
Chizuru Yukimura: "It's nothing to be embarrassed about. I mean, it was all because you were thinking of me so seriously."
After I said that so resolutely, Heisuke-kun smiled sheepishly.
Heisuke Toudou: "...Well, just the other day, I spotted this lil fella in town. ...I couldn't do anything for you back then, so I thought I'd give you this as a present this time. It's all yours, Chizuru. ...Merry Christmas."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Thank...you..."
(CG get!°˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖°)
Heisuke Toudou: "Sorry I kept you waiting."
My chest tightened so much, and I felt like I was going to cry. But Heisuke didn't mention it, and just gave me a tender smile.
After that, we made plans to make our annual trip to the shrine for New Year's together, and parted ways.
My Christmas presents for the past 10 years were so warm and tender. Though I was obviously happy that I got that stuffed animal… The fact that Heisuke-kun went that far to grant me what he wasn't able to so long ago made me happier than anything else...
We waved goodbye to each other and went back to our respective homes. Hugging Heisuke-kun's present tight, I felt my expression soften in my happiness.
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.