Chapter 4
Time for Ibuki’s route, Chapter 4! This chapter was translated by dei-hime, yuugs, and shizuumi. Proofreading was done by dei-hime, yuugs, shizuumi, and kuririn!
With the passing of the cool autumn, even the midday wind began to blow cold enough to chill the bones.
Patches of frost started to linger in the shade, and our breath formed white clouds outside: winter had begun.
The calendar already read December. Although I don't hate school, one Monday morning
I couldn't help but feel a bit gloomy― Heisuke-kun had left for early morning club activities along with Okita-senpai, Saitou-senpai and the others, so I found myself walking to school alone.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Haahh..." ‘Monday mornings really are rough…’
As I made it through the school gates while holding back a yawn, a cheerful voice greeted meーone energetic enough to chase away all my lingering drowsiness.
Isami Kondou: "Good morning, Yukimura-kun! It's a truly lovely morning, isn't it!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Good morning to you, Kondou-sensei! You seem to be grinning more than usual today… Did something special happen?"
Isami Kondou: "Hm? Oh, of course, you're a first year so you don't know yet. It'll be explained at the school assembly later… But, actually, every year at Hakuo Academy, come Christmas, I dress up as Santa and give presents to students here at school."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Now that you mention it, it is nearly Christmas, isn't it… But, do you do it all by yourself, Kondou-sensei?"
Isami Kondou: "Of course! I can't just hand something so important over to someone else, you know! Seeing students' excited faces as I hand out presents to them… I can't help but look forward to it every year."
He struggled to keep in his beaming smile in his excitement. I couldn't help but grin and let out a small giggle myself. I really was glad I picked Hakuo Academy, with a man like this as its principal.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Well then, I will also be looking forward to this year's Christmas event!"
Isami Kondou: "This year I decided to splurge a bit, too, so I hope that you do!"
Toshizou Hijikata: "Oi, Kondou-san. ...Oh, Yukimura's here too, huh."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Good morning, Hijikata-sensei."
Hijikata-sensei suddenly approached the two of us at the gate. Looking at his unusually weary expression, Kondou-sensei squinted suspiciously at him.
Isami Kondou: "Toshi, what happened? Your face is really pale. Did some bad news come in this morning?"
Toshizou Hijikata: "Well...bad news, huh… You certainly could call it that. Long story short, Christmas is cancelled."
Isami Kondou: "Uhhh... Today, well… I have some upsetting news for everyone."
That time of year, the school morning assembly held in the schoolyard was already hard for students. The freezing winds ripped through the schoolyard; in winter, even just standing outside was torture. All us students were lined up according to which class we were in, our shoulders hunched in the cold as we listened to the principal's announcements.
But the one paler and more slumped than any student was our principal, standing up on a dais before us.
Isami Kondou: "Now, we have a last-minute announcement from the PTA Chairman, Serizawa-san. This year, Serizawa-san has kindly decided to host a Christmas party for school staff and a few select students. ...As a matter of fact, this party will be hosted in place of the usual Christmas event."
Surely, by 'usual Christmas event,' he meant the gift-giving one he was just telling me so enthusiastically about. His broad shoulders sagging miserably, Kondou-sensei shook his head a little as he spoke.
Isami Kondou: "Invitations will be delivered to those who were chosen. Students who accept will have until the day of the party to prepare presents. Those presents will be for a gift exchange at the party."
Kaoru Nagumo: "...? Hey, Toudou, did Serizawa-san host a party like this last year, too?"
Heisuke Toudou: "Nuh-uh. ...not last year, no. Seems like Kondou-sensei's surprised, too. It must be the first time this is happening."
Souji Okita: "......"
Kaoru's and Heisuke-kun's classes happen to be lined up near mine, close enough for me to overhear their conversation, which left me tilting my head. It seemed that the upperclassmen were taken as much by surprise as the rest by this announcement. Some students here and there were murmuring to their neighbours, and in the midst of this―
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "......" As for Ibuki-kun, his already pale face was getting whiter and whiter.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ibuki-kun, are you okay? If you're not feeling well, I could call Sannan-sensei over...?"
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "N-No, that's okay, but… That guy hosting a party with a bunch of hand-picked students…? What's with that? What's he scheming? ...I'll say this much: he's definitely not doing it out of the goodness of his heart...!"
Toshizou Hijikata: [over the microphone] "Now, I'm sure you all have your questions, but regardless, that is how it's going to be. Students and teachers alike who are invited should treat it as if it were a compulsory event. That is all. Dismissed."
With that, the morning assembly that had shocked the whole student body came to an end. On Hijikata-sensei's cue, we students dispersed, hurrying back into the school building.
Chizuru Yukimura: "What was first period, again..." As I changed into my indoor shoes and started back to my class, I felt a tap on my shoulder.
Toshizou Hijikata: "Yukimura."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Oh, Hijikata-sensei. Did you need something?"
Toshizou Hijikata: "Not exactly… You heard about the thing, before, right?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes… Kondou-sensei was so looking forward to it, too. It's really too bad."
Toshizou Hijikata: "Yeah... I'm actually a bit worried about that. I want to try turning it into something Kondou-sensei might also be able to appreciate."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Really, you do?"
Hijikata-sensei nodded slightly in reply, his expression determined.
Toshizou Hijikata: "And, about that. I'm only assuming at this stage, but… If, say, you received an invitation, what would you do?"
I would...
[Go to the party.]
[I'm not sure…]
After thinking on it for a moment, I gave a small nod.
Chizuru Yukimura: "I'm not confident that I'm an outstanding student or anything, so I'm not so sure that I will be invited, but… If I were invited, since he took the trouble, I think it would be rude not to accept. If I refused despite being invited, surely my teachers would be put in a difficult position, too."
Toshizou Hijikata: "......You really have a talent for overthinking things. You don't need to worry about us too, you know," Hijikata-sensei watched me intently, his expression both amused and exasperated. "You are an outstanding student, you know," he continued. "There's no doubt you'll be getting an invitation. Your grades aren't bad, and you listen properly to your teachers. Not to mention you always strive to improve yourself....But that being the case, it seems like my own question backfired on me this time," he said with a deep sigh. He fixed his gaze back on me, his eyes sad.
This party of Serizawa-san's had sprung up out of nowhere. It quickly became the talk of the school. During lunch break, I climbed up to the rooftop to meet Heisuke-kun and Okita-senpai for lunch.
Heisuke Toudou: "She's here, she's here! Chizuru! Over here!"
Hajime Saitou: "It's quite warm with the sun out today."
Chizuru Yukimura: "You're eating with us today, then, Saitou-senpai?"
He didn't normally sit with us for lunch. I greeted him with a nod and a smile.
Chizuru Yukimura: "But, where’s Okita-senpai?"
Heisuke Toudou: "Oh, Souji's kinda been in a bad mood since this morning. He ran off somewhere for lunch, see. So I thought we could eat with Hajime-kun today instead."
Chizuru Yukimura: "A bad mood...?"
That struck me as a little odd as I sat down next to Saitou-senpai. I opened up my bento. As I did, Heisuke-kun, sinking his teeth into some bread, spoke up again.
Heisuke Toudou: "That was a pretty big shock though, huh. Holding a Christmas party all of a sudden."
Hajime Saitou: "The announcement itself was very sudden as well. Even the teachers seemed surprised."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Serizawa-san, though… he's the one who came to see the cultural festival, right...?"
Not only was he the Hakuo Academy chairman of the board, but he was also the PTA chairman and Ibuki-kun's foster father. From my first impression of him, and from how fearful Ibuki-kun was around him, he seemed to be very strict with his discipline, but… Did Heisuke-kun have the same impression of him?
I let out a long sigh at the thought.
Heisuke Toudou: "Serizawa-san's party, huh... Even if I somehow did get an invite, I've got a bad feeling about it all."
Hajime Saitou: "It's just like you to have that perspective, Heisuke. It was with Serizawa-san's assistance that Hakuo Academy was first founded. You mustn't assume the worst of him now, either."
Heisuke Toudou: "But I mean, Hijikata-sensei doesn't like Serizawa-san either, right?"
[flashback to the day before the Culture Festival]
???: "Don't, Yukimura."
Toshizou Hijikata: "This doesn't concern you."
Chizuru Yukimura: "......" Now that he mentioned it, that last time, he was giving off a hostile vibe.
Hajime Saitou: "It's true that they do seem to quarrel at every opportunity, but..." Saitou-senpai, crossing his arms and pondering that thought, looked up at me. "...Yukimura. What do you think about this party?"
From where I stood, Serizawa-san's Christmas party was…
[Something I looked forward to]
[A little worrying…]
Chizuru Yukimura: "I think...I'm looking forward to it, really. I mean, who knows how it'll turn out in the end, but any party where lots of people are around seems like fun to me."
Heisuke Toudou: "......" Hearing my reply, Heisuke-kun's expression darkened into a frown… But Saitou-senpai gave a small nod.
Hajime Saitou: "I think so, too. Whatever sort of party Serizawa-san plans… This is only my personal opinion. but I would think that he can host an enjoyable party."
Chizuru Yukimura: "I agree. Though I do have some worries… Right now, I’m more excited than I am concerned."
Heisuke Toudou: "......" Heisuke-kun silently brought his bread to his lips, making a face like he wanted to say something.
Just what kind of event would Serizawa-san's party turn out to be…?
The day's classes had finished, and there were only a few more school days left in the term.
Sanosuke Harada: "Well then, let's wrap up here for today. Take care of yourselves on the way home!"
As the bell rang out a dismissal, the classroom abruptly filled with commotion as my classmates stirred. People getting ready for club activities, and people opening up their phones to text. People making plans on the way home with their friends... I took my time putting my things away as I watched my classmates from the corner of my eye.
Chizuru Yukimura: "...What should I do today..."
Maybe I'd just go straight home for today. ‘Or maybe I should stop by the station and buy some groceries for dinner…’
Sanosuke Harada: "Wait up a moment, Yukimura."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes?" I stopped and turned back to the class, hearing Harada-sensei call out to me.
Sanosuke Harada: "I have something for you. Here, this is it." The single card Harada-sensei handed me was bordered in gold foil.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Is this by chance..."
Sanosuke Harada: "I'm sure you've guessed, but it's an invitation to Serizawa-san's party. I've my own opinions about the whole deal, but the invitation’s all yours now. Be sure to read it properly when you get home."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Serizawa-san's party, hmm..." I muttered to myself as I left the class, looking the invitation over. "...Now that I think of it, I wonder who else was invited. I'd feel better if other people I knew were going. Maybe I should try asking around...?"
As I thought this to myself, I found myself headed for the courtyard. People in the middle of club activities and people meeting up on their way home... It was more crowded than usual, so soon after class dismissal.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Someone must be around here..." I looked this way and that, hoping to catch sight of someone.
???: "I'm telling you! There's no way she's gonna spend Christmas with you!" A loud voice rang out from nearby.
Chikage Kazama: "Hmph. I wondered what you had to say, but to think it was something so foolish. No matter what insignificant scum like you say, the matter is settled: I will be spending Christmas with my bride."
Heisuke Toudou: "You sure do talk tough for someone who hasn't even asked her yet. And normally, even if she were spending Christmas with somebody, it'd be with me, not you! We've known each other for ages! ...I mean, that's how it always was, when we were little..."
Chikage Kazama: "It's unsightly to cling to the past so, Heisuke Toudou."
I overheard Heisuke-kun and Kazama-senpai arguing.
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
I thought it might be best if I didn't show my face just then… If I were to show up right when they were arguing about me, I was positive it would only make things worse.
Thinking that, I slowly backed away...
Chikage Kazama: "If you dare say such things, then so be it. I'll force you to face reality. It will all be made clear if we ask the woman herself. Isn't that so, my wife?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Eh?!"
Kazama-senpai's gaze pierced through me, stopping me in my tracks. Heisuke-kun's eyes also went wide open when he noticed me.
Heisuke Toudou: "Ch-Chizuru?! Did you hear all that just now?!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "...A bit..."
Chikage Kazama: "If you were listening, then there is less to explain. I'll ask now, then, shall I? Between myself, your future spouse, and this self-proclaimed childhood friend of yours… Which would you rather spend Christmas with? Me, surely. You don't even need to answer; I already know."
Heisuke Toudou: "You didn't even ask her properly!" Puffing up in anger, Heisuke-kun suddenly grabbed my shoulder. "Hear me out, Chizuru! Spending Christmas with this guy would seriously absolutely be the dangerousest danger out there!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "C-Calm down! Your words are getting all mixed up! Also, even if you ask me about Christmas… I'm already wondering what I should do, since I've just received an invitation to Serizawa-san's party..."
Heisuke Toudou: "Serizawa-san's party, huh… They said only exceptional students are invited. So if you were invited, then I..."
Chikage Kazama: "Hmph..." After seeming to casually consider this for a moment, he suddenly turned from us and left.
Chizuru Yukimura: ?
Heisuke Toudou: "What's with that guy...?"
Normally, he would snap and bicker for longer than that… Finding his sudden change puzzling, I watched him walk off. Heisuke-kun seemed to feel the same as I did, tilting his head a little in bewilderment.
Heisuke Toudou: "...Well, whatever. More importantly, Chizuru―" Heisuke-kun began to say, when...
Sanosuke Harada: "Oh, Heisuke, Yukimura. Perfect timing." Harada-sensei suddenly strolled up to us. "If you're on your way home it's fine, but if not, would you two mind coming with me? There's something I'd like a hand with."
I...
[I'd be happy to help!]
[I'm worried about Kazama.]
After only a moment's thought, I nodded my head.
Chizuru Yukimura: "I'd be happy to help. What do you need?"
Sanosuke Harada: "Sorry, guys. It’s a chore that calls for some manual labour. The new textbooks for the year have arrived, see. I'd like to split up the work and distribute them to each class. Would you guys mind helping out?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Sure!"
Following close behind Harada-sensei, we headed toward the staff room.
Sanosuke Harada: "...Here we go, these are the ones. there are quite a few, so don’t overdo it."
Next to Harada-sensei's desk was a tall pile of textbooks. There were books there for each student in my grade. It'd take who-knew-how-many trips to do this myself.
Heisuke Toudou: "Let's get to it, then. Don't push yourself to carry too much," Heisuke-kun said to me, grabbing a batch of textbooks. Contrary to his words and tone, Heisuke-kun gave a deep sigh.
Chizuru Yukimura: "...? What's wrong, Heisuke-kun?"
Heisuke Toudou: "Well, it's just... about that thing we were talking about before..."
Sanosuke Harada: "That's right; you were having some kind of argument, weren't you? Something about Christmas… Did something happen?"
Prompted by Harada-sensei, Heisuke-kun glanced my way.
Heisuke Toudou: "...I'm sure you know, Sano-san, since you're her homeroom teacher and all… But Chizuru's dad is away on some far-off island on some kind of business trip."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yeah, he is busy these days, after all. He says he'll be back sometime this year, at least."
Heisuke Toudou: "Right? So I thought you might get lonely at Christmas, and I wondered if there was something I could do about it… But then, who'd've thought Serizawa-san would throw a party, right? Everything I'd thought up suddenly became pointless..." Heisuke-kun's shoulders drooped, crestfallen. But hearing he'd put so much thought into it made me genuinely happy, and I broke into a smile.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Thank you, Heisuke-kun."
Heisuke Toudou: "...In the end, it looks like I won't be able to do anything, so there's nothing to thank me for, though."
Chizuru Yukimura: "No, even so. It's the thought that counts."
At Heisuke-kun's grin, I smiled up at him. It must've been infectious with how naturally Harada-sensei smiled, too, looking endeared as he watched us both.
Sanosuke Harada: "That ain't half-bad reasoning, for you, Heisuke."
Heisuke Toudou: "Hey, whaddaya mean, 'for me'?!"
Sanosuke Harada: "Well, I get how you feel, though. Everybody's in Christmas mode around about now. Anybody would feel the urge to do something special, this time of year. You too, right, Yukimura?"
In response to Harada-sensei's question, I said…
[Do you have any plans, Harada-sensei?]
[That's true…]
[As long as everyone enjoys themselves.]
Chizuru Yukimura: "I just hope everyone can enjoy themselves."
Sanosuke Harada: "You really don't have a selfish bone in your body. Well, you, me, and Heisuke are all invited, too, so don't worry."
Heisuke Toudou: "What? Me too? I'm also invited? ...YES!!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "...But what about the people who weren't?"
Sanosuke Harada: "That's...well, I don't think you have anything to worry about. So, rest easy and look forward to the party, okay?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "O-Okay."
Heisuke Toudou: "All right! I can't wait for Christmas!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yeah!"
Heisuke-kun and I both received invitations we weren't expecting to the Christmas party. According to Harada-sensei, everyone was sure to be able to have a good time. Hearing that, Heisuke-kun and I both had something to look forward to as we carried the rest of the textbooks to the classrooms.
One day at a time, the calendar's pages turned, and soon enough, the end of the year was close.
It was the night before the last big event before we would welcome in the new year: the Christmas party. As I lazed about on my bed, I looked over at the present I had prepared for the next day.
Chizuru Yukimura: "I wonder if whoever gets this will like it… I'm looking forward to tomorrow, but, I guess I'm still a bit worried too..." ‘...Who in the world will get my present?’ I wondered to myself whether the party at Serizawa-san's would really go without a hitch. I rolled about on my bed, torn between excitement and worry.
Suddenly, my phone beeped: I had mail.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Hm...from Ibuki-kun?"
_______________________________________
Sub: (Untitled)
he l p m
_______________________________________
Chizuru Yukimura: !?
It read like someone's dying message. For a moment, I could only sit there, speechless. Then:
【 Ibuki-kun, what's wrong!? 】
‘If I don’t get a reply, should I call the police or an ambulance...!?’ I found my finger hovering over the emergency contact by reflex as I waited tensely for Ibuki-kun's reply. But before long, another mail came from him.
_______________________________________
RE: (Untitled)
The truth is,
I was left in charge of getting
the venue prepared and decorated
for tomorrow's party, but…
The storehouse is in such a state,
I can't even begin to search for the decorations...
We’re really short on manpower...
_______________________________________
Even though it was just a text, I could somehow hear the fatigue in his voice. It was the sound of someone driven into a corner.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Since it's that bad..."
【 Want me to come help you out?
I could come early tomorrow morning.
We should have plenty of time to prepare for the party, then. 】
I only hesitated for a second. I typed up my reply quickly and hit send.
_______________________________________
RE: RE: (Untitled)
R-Really!?
If you really mean it, then please do...!
_______________________________________
After our back and forth, I sighed deeply.
Chizuru Yukimura: "If I'm going to help him out early tomorrow, I had better get to sleep early, too. But, even with me there, I'm not sure it’ll be enough. Would I really be much help, with so much decorating left to do...?" ‘It might be best to have at least another pair of hands…’
Looking through my phone's address book, I started to feel sleepy. Eventually, I gave in to it, and flopped back onto my bed.
I really hoped tomorrow's party would go smoothly…
At last, December 25th had arrived.
Christmas day: a day the whole world turned festive.
I left my house early in the morning and headed off towards Ibuki-kun’s place to keep my promise to him.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Based on the message I got last night, it seems like he's really desperate." ‘I should hurry there…’
As I walked around looking for the address Ibuki-kun had given me, soon enough, a massive mansion came into view.
Passing under the gate with a nameplate which read 'Serizawa,' Ibuki-kun greeted me with a bright, enthusiastic look on his face.
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Yukimura!? You came! I knew you'd show up...!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "I'm sorry I'm a bit late. I ended up talking to someone on the way here..."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "No, it's fine! Completely fine! I'm grateful that you came at all! After all, each and every one of the other guys refused me. They didn't want to be at Serizawa-san's house for a second longer than they absolutely had to. You're such a good person, really...!"
Ibuki-kun really looked like he was at his wit's end. I tried to soothe him as rare tears escaped his eyes, nodding and speaking in a reassuring tone.
Chizuru Yukimura: "...A-Anyway, let's both do our best, okay?"
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Yeah! Whether or not I can continue living long enough to grow old is in your hands...!"
Surely, he was exaggerating… I wanted to laugh it off, but his expression was much too serious for me to do so.
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Well then, I'll get started on the interior décor. Please go find the stuff on this list in the backyard storehouse!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Okay, will do. I'll come ask you about it if anything comes up."
Saying that, I headed off towards the storehouse...
[Minigame Victory]
Chizuru Yukimura: "Hmmm... Ibuki-kun, does this look right to you?"
Some time had passed since we began working. After I'd finished carrying all the decorations out of the storehouse, I had switched to working on decorating the interior with Ibuki-kun. When I placed the last ornament on the tree, he sagged with a deep sigh of relief.
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Alright, good work! Now even that stubborn Serizawa-san won't be able to complain!"
Kamo Serizawa: "Oh? You certainly sound confident."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Ack, Serizawa-san...!?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "What do you think, Serizawa-san? Ibuki-kun and I put our absolute best effort into the decorating."
Kamo Serizawa: ".........Hmph, it's not terrible." Grumbling only those few words, Serizawa-san swiftly walked away from us.
When I saw his apathetic reaction, my face clouded over with anxiety.
Chizuru Yukimura: "I guess he didn't like it..."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "No, he did. That reaction means he's in a good mood."
That was a good reaction...? What in the world was he normally like, then?
Although I had the urge to ask him, the relief flooding Ibuki-kun's face hadn’t yet faded, so I decided just to stay quiet.
―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…
As everyone began to head home for the night, I headed off to go thank Serizawa-san for hosting the party.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Serizawa-san. Thank you so much for hosting us today. Everyone was able to have a wonderful time together thanks to you."
Kamo Serizawa: "...Hmph."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Things have gotten fairly messy around here from the ruckus everyone made… If you'd like, I would be happy to help clean up―"
Kamo Serizawa: "Do not get the wrong idea, young lady. It has already been decided that the mongrel will take care of it."
His words may have been harsh, but even so, he sounded much less aggressive than before.
‘I wonder if something good happened today...?’
In any case, he had refused my offer, so I thanked him one more time and then turned away.
Just as I made to leave―
Kamo Serizawa: "Now for the tidying up. It's down to you, mutt."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "I-I'm cleaning up all of this?!"
I heard their voices ring out from behind me. I left Serizawa-san's house wondering whether Ibuki-kun would really be alright… I gradually got farther and farther away as I kept walking. Just about when I couldn't see it anymore when I turned around, I stopped and idly looked up at the sky.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Today was so fun..."
Probably because I was together with everyone else the whole day. The wind felt so cold the moment I was alone...
Chizuru Yukimura: "...I better get home quick."
I muttered to myself with a little shiver, about to continue home when, just then, Ibuki-kun came rushing up towards me.
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Yukimura! You were a lifesaver today. Thank you."
Chizuru Yukimura: "It was nothing, really."
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "No way, if you hadn't showed up, Serizawa-san would've had me half-killed... You really saved my skin."
I thought he had to be joking when he said half-killed, but it didn't look like they were on good terms...
Chizuru Yukimura: "Um... You and Serizawa-san... don't really get along, do you?"
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "You can tell just by looking, right! I mean, I am just the guy's foster son and all..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Uh, I'm sorry. I'm not actually talking about just today, but before that as well..."
I apologized for accidentally hearing what Serizawa-san had said to him before.
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "Ahh... I see. You couldn't have helped hearing all that..." Ibuki-kun spoke without a trace of anger, his eyes looking a little distant, as he began to explain their history. "The truth is... When I was kid, I took lessons from Serizawa-san in kendo. At the time, he was intent on teaching me with winning as the only goal in mind. I thought that was a given, so I acted like that at the dojo and with my friends as well. ...Serizawa-san would also beat me if I lost, so I was desperate. He didn't go easy on me either." He went on, "So, then I never lost at the dojo, and got really good. But, somewhere along the way, I became friendless there. ...One day, I realized... nobody wanted to pair up with me. It wasn’t that I was goodー I was just Serizawa-san's adopted kid. Since he was working behind the scenes for me, eventually no one felt like seriously coming after me. But then, they said if anything happened, it'd be because I was his son… I quit kendo after that. That was when it happened: I told Serizawa-san I quit, and he beat harder than he ever had in my life… But even then, I insisted I really didn't want to do kendo anymore… So he told me, 'If you quit, you'll never lift a bamboo sword again.' We’ve already been through that much... And that's why it's fine now. Never disobeying... never causing him any trouble… That's how I get by. That's also why, while I'm happy you'd worry about me, you don't have to. That stuff and the stuff from the past...what you heard earlier, too....just forget about it."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ibuki... Isn't there anything I can do?"
Ryuunosuke Ibuki: "You helped me out today. That alone was plenty," he said with a weak laugh that seemed like it was directed at himself. Then he said 'later,' and headed back.
It may well have been that there was nothing I could do about Ibuki-kun's problems. But I wondered if I couldn't do anything for him this Christmas, at least...
Souji Okita: "It’s pointless worrying over it. There’s nothing you can do."
Heisuke Toudou: "Souji! Don’t say it like that, man."
Souji Okita: "But I mean, he’s already given up, himself."
Hajime Saitou: "Everyone thinks differently. You just might be different from Ibuki."
Heisuke Toudou: "Plus, saying anything to him now might just backfire..."
Toshizou Hijikata: "Yeah. As long as he chooses not to do anything about it on his own, nothing's gonna change."
At some point, Okita-senpai, Heisuke-kun, Saitou-senpai, and even Hijikata-sensei and Harada-sensei had shown up.
Sanosuke Harada: "What we can do for him is to not miss any signs he gives when he wants help."
Chizuru Yukimura: "...Okay."
For some reason, Harada-sensei's words resonated with me, and I was able to give him a straightforward response.
Heisuke Toudou: "Right, let's head home then!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yeah!"
At Heisuke-kun's prompting, I joined everyone else going home.
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.