Raku still sat quietly, staring out the window. Dawn slowly shifted the sky from gray to pale orange. The repetitive ticking of the clock hands became his only companion in the silence.
However, that calm did not last long.
The sliding door suddenly swung open, accompanied by the sound of lively footsteps. Several people entered carrying large boxes, rolls of cloth, and even decoration tools. They chatted noisily, laughed softly, and busily moved chairs and tables to the corners of the room.
Raku turned his head, eyes widening. "Eh… what's going on?"
He froze in surprise when he saw something he had never imagined. Right in the center of the living room, the men stood upright with a large tree trunk. They worked together, holding the bottom and top, then tied it with strong ropes to keep it standing.
Raku stood up, his steps halting as he saw it clearly. A large tree—almost touching the ceiling—stood proudly in the room. Its leaves were dense, though partly covered with a thin layer of snow still clinging from outside. The fresh scent of pine immediately filled the air, mixing with the faint soap aroma lingering on Raku's body.
"Why… is there a tree inside the house?" he murmured in wonder, eyes wide open.
"Bocchan!"
A familiar voice sounded. Ryunosuke entered, shaking his scarf that still dripped with snow. He smiled broadly as he saw Raku standing in front of the tree. "Up early, huh. Heh, so you're the first to see it, right?"
Raku turned, his face puzzled. "Ryunosuke… what's all this about?"
Before Ryunosuke could answer, soft footsteps came from the corridor. Issei entered carrying a cup of hot tea, a thin wisp of steam rising. He placed the cup on the table and then looked at Raku.
"Raku, Christmas is coming soon," Issei said gently. "The tradition here… is to set up a big tree in the house, then decorate it together."
"Chri…stmas?" Raku repeated the word softly, as if it sounded foreign to him. His eyes looked at the pine tree, then back to Issei. "Is that… some kind of celebration?"
Issei smiled warmly, sipping his tea slowly before answering. "Yes. A winter celebration, a time when family and friends gather, sharing happiness with each other."
Ryunosuke added, patting Raku's shoulder. "You'll like it, Bocchan. Later we'll decorate this tree together. Lights, ribbons, and a star on top. You'll see, this room will be filled with light."
Raku paused for a moment, staring again at the sturdy tree trunk. The bustling atmosphere around him began to flow into his heart. It felt strange, but also… warm.
"Sharing happiness…" he murmured softly, placing his hand on his chest.
Issei smiled at the expression, then spoke in a quiet yet meaningful tone. "In a few days, you'll experience it yourself. Your first Christmas… which might be different for you."
The large tree now stood tall in the center of the room, its deep green foliage making the space feel like a small forest. Laughter and chatter mixed with the sounds of plastic and wrapping paper as some people opened boxes containing decorations. Glass balls in red, gold, and blue were placed on a long table, along with long ribbons and small lights still tangled in their rolls.
Raku sat briefly on the tatami, eyes observing all the items with confusion. He had never seen decorations like this before.
"Bocchan," Ryunosuke called, lifting a small box containing star-shaped ornaments. "Do you want to help? Consider it a warm-up before the celebration day."
Raku approached slowly, extending his hand. The cold glass ball felt fragile, as if it could shatter with too much pressure.
"This… hangs on the tree?" he asked softly.
"Exactly," answered Issei, who now also sat down, smiling calmly. He demonstrated how to attach a small wire to a branch, then hung the glass ball that sparkled in the morning light. "Like this. Easy, right?"
Raku tried to imitate him. His hands trembled slightly, afraid of dropping the ornament. But finally, the glass ball hung gracefully on the pine branch. Raku stared at it for a long time, as if he couldn't believe he had done it.
"So beautiful…" he murmured.
Several Ichijou household staff who were helping laughed softly at his innocent expression. One of them shouted, "Bocchan, hang more! The tree still looks empty!"
Ryunosuke clapped his hands, encouraging him. "Come on, let's decorate together. With just one glass ball, the tree still looks bare."
And thus a small commotion began. Glass balls hung one by one, long ribbons were slowly wrapped around, and lights were unraveled to cover nearly the entire tree. Raku smiled faintly several times, though occasionally looked serious as he tried to adjust the decorations.
When the lights were finally turned on for a test, warm colorful reflections danced on the glass and pine needles. The room, once a deep green, transformed into a sea of tiny lights. Everyone admired the result with satisfaction.
"Perfect!" one of the men exclaimed, clapping.
Raku looked at the lights, his eyes shining. "So… this is Christmas…" he said softly, almost speaking to himself.
Issei nodded, turning to him. "Yes. Christmas is about light in the middle of winter. A kind of reminder that even in the coldest times, there is always warmth we can share."
Raku bowed his head briefly, then smiled faintly. For some reason, his heart felt lighter than before.
After the Christmas tree lights glowed beautifully, Raku's attention shifted to several neatly arranged wrapped boxes in red, green, and gold under the tree. Shiny wrapping paper reflected the light, and golden ribbons glittered like tiny stars.
Raku walked closer slowly, crouching before the stack of gifts. He stared at them for a long time, as if trying to understand the purpose of these objects. His fingers touched one small square box, then he looked at his father with a furrowed brow.
"Dad… what is this?" he asked softly. "Why are there boxes wrapped in colorful paper? Why are they placed under the tree?"
Ryunosuke and some others who were tidying ribbons paused briefly, then exchanged glances, smiling faintly. Issei approached, sitting in a chair near the tree, looking at Raku with calm eyes.
"Those… are presents, Raku," Issei answered. "Every Christmas, people exchange gifts as a symbol of love, friendship, and gratitude. They don't have to be expensive. What matters is the intention and feeling behind the giving."
"Presents…" Raku repeated the word softly, as if savoring a new meaning. His eyes returned to the colorful paper with awe. "So… everyone gives something to each other?"
"Exactly," said Issei, smiling. "Children are usually the most excited, waiting for Santa Claus to bring gifts. But for adults, the real meaning is togetherness. Gifts are just a small way to show we care."
Raku nodded slowly, eyes still fixed on the presents. His lips curved slightly, though his face remained innocent. "Then… can I give a gift to someone too?" he asked in a nearly hesitant voice, like a child learning something new.
Ryunosuke patted Raku's shoulder gently. "Of course, Bocchan. Even the smallest gift, like a smile, can mean a lot."
The room returned to a cheerful hum of warm laughter. Yet Raku kept staring at the gifts, feeling both strange and comfortable. For some reason, his chest felt warm, even though his mind was still filled with empty spaces without memories.
After all the decorations were finished, the aroma of food slowly filled the air. Several servants entered carrying large trays of warm dishes: steaming white rice, miso soup, grilled fish, fresh vegetables, and some winter specialties. The long dining table was quickly filled with colorful plates.
"Please, the meal is ready," said one of the servants, bowing.
The atmosphere immediately changed. The family members and household staff who had been busy decorating the Christmas tree now flocked to the dining table. Chairs were pulled out quickly, chopsticks picked up, and noisy chatter filled the room.
"Oi, don't eat all the fish yourself!"
"I'm first, I'm starving!"
"Hahaha, as usual, you eat too fast."
Plates passed hands, chopsticks clashed, and carefree laughter echoed in the air. Like a small morning feast.
Raku could only remain still for a moment, taking in the scene. His eyes widened, as if he couldn't believe it. They were so noisy, so lively… yet somehow, a warmth spread through his chest.
Issei sat calmly at the head of the table, eating with a composed manner, though he occasionally smiled at the antics of his subordinates. Meanwhile, Ryunosuke, without hesitation, chewed heartily, face full of enthusiasm.
"Bocchan," said Ryunosuke after swallowing a bite, "if you don't hurry, it'll be gone. You know how they are when it comes to eating."
Raku looked a little confused, but finally smiled faintly. He picked up his chopsticks, slowly reaching for a bowl of warm soup. As he sipped it, the gentle salty flavor mixed with soothing miso aroma seemed to instantly revive his spirit.
Closing his eyes, "Itadakimasu," Raku slowly began tasting the food.
"Delicious…" Raku murmured softly.
Ryunosuke laughed. "Of course it's delicious! Morning meals are always the best. Finish it quickly, Bocchan, before it's all gone."
Raku nodded, this time trying to follow their rhythm. The sound of chopsticks, laughter, and chatter blended with the aroma of the food, creating a lively yet cozy atmosphere. For a moment, he forgot the emptiness in his mind—what remained was only the warmth of the morning with family.