Chapter 4
Time for Nagakura’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 did get an invitation, what would you do?"
I would...
[Go to the party.]
[I'm not sure…]
Chizuru Yukimura: "Well, I don't know if I'll be invited in the first place… and in any case, I'd want to think about it after I was invited. I still don't know whether I would go or not."
I closed my eyes, recalling Serizawa-san's face from the cultural festival.
[scene goes dark, Serizawa's ugly mug face appears]
Hakuo Academy's PTA chairman, and Ibuki's foster father: Kamo Serizawa.
I hadn't spoken to him much, and I didn't know a lot about him, but… Even just considering what little I'd heard from Ibuki-kun, I knew that he was very hard to please. A party hosted by such a man… If I had to say, I felt something more like a touch of dread at the thought, rather than anticipation.
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
Toshizou Hijikata: "Well, I guess it's hard to decide right off the bat. There's not much to say right now, since it's still hypothetical at this point. But let me just say that there's a very good chance you will get invited. It would be best if you made up your mind soon."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Alright, I understand."
Toshizou Hijikata: "On the day of the party, we teachers will be there as back-up, too. I can't tell you not to worry about it at all, but we'll make sure it all works out," Hijikata-sensei sighed, his expression dark.
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: "Um, everyone...!"
Toshizou Hijikata: "Oh, Yukimura. What is it?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Oh, um, I just...I happened to come over, and there seemed to be an argument, so I just called out without thinking..."
Hajime Saitou: "...So you could hear it all the way over there. How embarrassing, that you had to see that."
Souji Okita: "You don't have to worry about it. We were just complaining about the upcoming party."
It was obvious from a glance that Okita-senpai was in an awful mood, and he waved his hand as if to dismiss me. Instead, I held my ground with a gulp, and timidly spoke up:
Chizuru Yukimura: "I-I understand that Kondou-sensei put a lot of thought into this year's Christmas event. I was also looking forward to it, and really got the sense that Kondou-sensei truly treasures the students here, too."
Souji Okita: "Exactly. That's exactly why I hate that his plans were crushedー"
Chizuru Yukimura: "...But, precisely because of all that, for students to be here complaining about the party… I think, above all else, he wouldn't want for you to be feeling like this, Okita-senpai."
Souji Okita: "......" As I continued, Okita-senpai pursed his lips and fell silent.
Chizuru Yukimura: "...I'm sorry for saying something so arrogant. But..."
Souji Okita: "...I get it, already." And with a sullen look, he turned away from us.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ah! Okita-senpai! Please wait!"
Hajime Saitou: "Don't follow him, Yukimura. Leave him be."
Chizuru Yukimura: "But..."
Hajime Saitou: "...It's fine. Souji already knows. That it can't be helped that the event was cancelled in favour of the party, and that it wasn't Hijikata-sensei's duty to recover it... He knows it all. It's just that he needed someplace to vent his anger, and he didn't know what else to do. ...So, leave him to me." With a reassuring smile, Saitou-senpai walked out to follow after Okita-senpai.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Will...they be okay?"
Toshizou Hijikata: "Yeah... We've caused trouble for Saitou, too. He's way more mature than Souji, see." With a bitter smile, Hijikata-sensei suddenly turned his gaze to the back of the cafeteria. Meeting his gaze on the other side was Inoue-san, who approached us with rice balls in hand.
Genzaburou Inoue: "Sorry to keep you waiting, Toshi-san. You seemed...preoccupied."
Toshizou Hijikata: "So you were here too, Gen-san. I've even made you watch such a shameful sight, too. In any case, thanks for the rice balls. I appreciate it."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Hijikata-sensei, won't you stay and eat here?"
Toshizou Hijikata: "Sorry, but I don't have the time for that. I'm busy at the best of times, but now I'm swamped thanks to Serizawa-san's party..." He went on, "Since the original event was scrapped, I've had to phone all over to let people know it was cancelled."
Genzaburou Inoue: "Ever the workaholic, aren't you, Toshi-san? But we are truly in your debt."
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
If only there were something I could do to help make his work even just a little easier...
Then, an energetic rang out like my prayers had been answered.
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Hey, Gen-san! I'm a bit late, but I'm here to have some lunch!"
Genzaburou Inoue: "Why, welcome, Nagakura-kun. It's a little late for lunch, though… Unfortunately, by this time I've already cleaned up, and the day's menu can't be served anymore, you know?"
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Of course, even just a rice ball would be fine! ...Wait, huh? It's Hijikata-san and Yukimura-kun."
Toshizou Hijikata: "What is it, Shinpachi? Did you also come here to eat?"
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Yeah, I've been working unusually hard on my paperwork today! By the time I realized it, I'd missed my chance to eat lunch."
Toshizou Hijikata: "What, is it unusual for you to work hard? Christ, if you worked at this pace more often, I'd have an easier time as well, god forbid..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
With that, Hijikata-sensei turned on his heel and moved to continue with his work.
Seeing that, I...
[Offered to help.]
[Turned to Nagakura-sensei.]
ーNagakura-sensei's expression was unusually energetic, even for him.
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Gen-san, pack on plenty of rice, would you? You can't win a fight on an empty stomach!"
No, rather than energetic, it's more like, he was less...frugal, than usual?
Chizuru Yukimura: "Um, Nagakura-sensei. You seem to be in an exceptionally good mood today. Did something good happen?"
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Oh, thanks for asking! I'll tell you, but just between us, okay? A while back, I called a taxi for a little old lady who'd lost her way… And this morning, she came by and paid me back!"
Toshizou Hijikata: "Well, well. That sure was nice. Looks like your good karma made it back to you."
Shinpachi Nagakura: "That's right. So, Yukimura-kun, I can buy you your share, too.
Chizuru Yukimura: "What...?"
Shinpachi Nagakura: "I mean, it's fine if it's not food, too. Whatever you want, I'll help you if I can."
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
Asking a favor of Nagakura-sensei...? After thinking on it for a few seconds, I mumbled quietly:
Chizuru Yukimura: "Well then, I suppose… If it's alright, then, um… Would you please find the time
to help Hijikata-sensei with his work?"
Shinpachi Nagakura: ?!?
Toshizou Hijikata: "...I see. Since, as a student, you can't help me with it… You're thinking if it were Shinpachi, then it'd be fine, huh."
Hijikata-sensei's eyes slid over to the side. Meeting his gaze, Nagakura-sensei shook his head hurriedly.
Shinpachi Nagakura: "N-No, that'sーI mean, I said I'd do whatever, and I can do that, but… Yukimura-kun, are you really okay with just that?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes. If it's alright with you, then that is what I'd like."
Toshizou Hijikata: "In that case, I'm grateful for the help, Shinpachi. To start, I'll leave the test marking to you."
Genzaburou Inoue: "And just in time for the rice balls to be ready. I suggest bringing them with you to your desks."
Inoue-san had returned, and Nagakura-sensei took two people's worth of rice balls from him, heaving a sigh.
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Welp, guess that's how the cookie crumbles… A promise is a promise, after all… But you know, Yukimura-kun. Next time, you should wish for something for yourself. After all, it's nearly Christmas already! Kids should be more selfish this time of year!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Thank you very much, Nagakura-sensei."
Watching him walk away with a jaunty step, I felt my lips curl into a smile. As Nagakura-sensei waved at me on his way out, my chest began to feel warm and fuzzy, and I waved back at him as I left to make my way home.
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 left early in in the morning and headed for his house.
Chizuru Yukimura: "From the message I got last night, it seems like he's really been driven into a corner."
I had to hurry as much as I could… I remembered Ibuki-kun's gaunt face and quickened my pace down the road. And then, as I turned the corner, I happened to bump into someone I recognized.
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Oh? If it isn't Yukimura-kun! Morning!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Good morning, Nagakura-sensei. Why are you out so early in the morning?"
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Ah, just some minor business."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Minor...business?"
Shinpachi Nagakura "It looks like a classmate from my university days is getting hitched. My old formal wear is no good, so I got no choice but to pick up a new set. I also have to pick up a wedding gift. My wallet's crying..."
Nagakura-sensei let out a sigh, dramatically feigning enduring a headache.
Chizuru Yukimura: "It almost seems like attending a wedding is more difficult than participating in one."
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Well, maybe. But it's a joyous occasion! We gotta party and celebrate!"
He gave a pleasant smile and turned his gaze toward me.
Shinpachi Nagakura: "...Oh, but, like I said, that's minor. What are you doing out this early in the morning?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ah, Ibuki-kun asked if I could help him with the Christmas party preparations today."
Shinpachi Nagakura: "...Don't tell me, you mean you're heading to Serizawa-san's house right now? Sorry. If that's how things are, then I want to come and help too, but..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "No, it's fine. Ibuki-kun and I will take care of it, between the two of us. If you have something important to take care of, please give priority to that."
Shinpachi Nagakura: "...Is that really okay with you?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes. I certainly was a little nervous about going to Serizawa-san's house, but... Now that I've bumped into you, my tension's melted away."
Shinpachi Nagakura: "I see. That's good, then."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes! Well, I'm afraid that I'm in a bit of a hurry, so you'll have to excuse me."
Shinpachi Nagakura: "I got it. I'll get going, too… Um... Good luck!"
Nagakura-sensei walked away while looking over his shoulder apologetically a couple times. Now then, I should hurry along, too...!
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'd worked plenty hard for this. I decided I might as well get something to eat. I looked over the table and saw all kinds of dishes among the spread. Herb chicken and roast beef, salad and cream stew, and a Yule log cake...
Chizuru Yukimura:: "What should I get...?"
As I wondered to myself which luxuries to indulge in, I heard Yamazaki-senpai call out to me.
Susumu Yamazaki: "Yukimura-kun, are you eating properly?"
He really was such a thoughtful person. A smile spread across my face that matched Yamazaki-senpai’s's own, before―
???: "―Aww, yesss! This is delicious! If only I could steal some o' this for breakfast!"
Chizuru Yukimura:: ...?
I suddenly heard a voice echo from across the room and looked over to where it had come from. There I saw Nagakura-sensei cradling plates in both hands, and Shiranui-senpai looking disgusted.
Kyou Shiranui: "Nagakura. How many slices of roast beef is that?"
Shinpachi Nagakura: "It's not like I'm gonna eat all of 'em yet. Oh, that spare rib over there looks tasty!"
Kyou Shiranui: "Yo, hold your horses, man. You're givin' me heartburn just looking at you..."
Shinpachi Nagakura: "S'no problem at all! I packed plenty of external storage today for this ―it's all systems go!"
Nagakura-sensei laughed heartily as he slapped the plastic container he'd brought for sneaking food home later. Yamazaki-senpai and I looked at each other before exchanging wry smiles.
Susumu Yamazaki: "Looks like we should hurry and eat before it's all gone..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yeah. I'll eat a lot so I won't lose to Nagakura-sensei!"
[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―
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Wait up, Yukimura-kun!"
Nagakura-sensei called out to me, and I froze in my tracks.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Nagakura-sense? Did you forget something...?"
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Naw. You're leaving 'cause you couldn't help out for some reason or another, right? So you gotta let me walk you home, at least. As an apology."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Oh, I'm glad you offered."
And then...
I found myself walking down the moonlit road with Nagakura-sensei.
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Maaan, that party was fun, though! Did you enjoy yourself, Yukimura-kun?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yeah! I may have eaten a little too much, though..."
Was Nagakura-sensei tipsy? His face looked a little red. Maybe being exposed to the cold wind was sobering him up a little bit? Then he spoke, as if suddenly remembering something.
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Oh yeah. The place sure was decked out for the party… Did you guys do all of that yourselves? Musta been rough dealing with that much."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Well, I can't say it was easy. It was certainly time-consuming."
Shinpachi Nagakura: "I bet... Man, I really should have come and lent a hand."
Chizuru Yukimura: "But you had something important to do, right? You really didn't have a choice, I think. You mentioned buying some wedding attire… Did that turn out alright?"
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Yeah, it did. Thanks for asking!"
I idly imagined what Nagakura-sensei might look like in formal wear.
(CG get!°˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖°)
A smartly-dressed Nagakura-sensei with styled hair. I almost never saw him in anything but a track suit, so imagining him in a suit felt kind of...wrong...
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Well, formal wear is ridiculously expensive, though. I still gotta buy the wedding present, too. Next month's gonna be tough."
Nagakura-sensei's shoulders slumped dejectedly. I looked at him with worry.
Chizuru Yukimura: "You're spending so much on their gift… Are you really that close to the couple?"
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Well, in a manner of speaking. I'm not trying to put on airs or anything… But a wedding gift is like a physical representation of your wishes for the couple's happiness. So I gotta go all-out on it!"
I thought it was nice that Nagakura-sensei was sparing no expense, but… I couldn't help but be a little worried about him. As I sighed to myself, Nagakura-sensei muttered a few words under his breath.
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Man, it feels like everyone around my age is getting hitched already."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Have you ever thought about getting married, Nagakura-sensei?"
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Kinda, I guess. I don't even have a girlfriend, though."
Nagakura-sensei turned his gaze on me, a sort of distant, serious look in his eyes.
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Ah, but getting a pretty wife is every man's dream, after all!"
The smile plastered across Nagakura-sensei's face looked very happy. I was certain that the person who would get to see that smile up close every day would be happy also… Letting out a small sigh, I kept up with Nagakura-sensei and his largish strides.
(CG get!°˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖°)
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.