After breakfast was finished, the servants began clearing the long table filled with used plates and glasses. The atmosphere was a little calmer, only the soft clinking of dishes could be heard.
Raku placed his last spoon down, then let out a small breath. He still wasn't used to the morning commotion he had just witnessed.
"...Dad," Raku said softly, glancing at Issei who was wiping his mouth with a napkin. "Is… every morning really like this? Scrambling for food… everyone acting so… impatient?"
Issei looked over briefly, then chuckled lightly. "Hahaha, you're surprised, huh?" He leaned back in his chair. "It's been a tradition in this house. If you're not quick, well—that's it—your breakfast disappears. That's how we've trained reflexes since forever."
Raku furrowed his brows. "Train… reflexes? With food?"
Issei nodded with a wide smile. "Exactly! You think only physical training matters? A hungry stomach can teach someone to be quicker than a hundred ordinary exercises."
Raku could only stay silent, staring at his father with a mixture of confusion and resignation. "…Then, I guess I have to learn to eat fast too."
Issei patted his shoulder enthusiastically. "That's the spirit, Raku! Remember, in this family, eating is also part of the battle!"
Raku let out a long sigh. "…I still don't know whether I should feel proud… or worried."
Issei laughed heartily, his voice filling the room, while some passing servants just exchanged small smiles, clearly accustomed to this kind of morning atmosphere.
After the last plates were cleared, the dining room was quiet again. Only Issei and Raku remained seated, accompanied by the aroma of warm tea that the servants had just poured.
Issei sipped slowly, then looked at Raku with a scrutinizing gaze. "Raku," he said suddenly.
Raku, who was taking a sip of his tea, nearly choked. He hurriedly set down his cup. "W-What is it, Dad?"
Issei grinned, leaning his elbows on the table and resting his chin. "Christmas is coming soon, right? Have you thought about what to give to your Ojou-chan?"
Raku froze. The words seemed to pierce straight through his chest. He diverted his gaze, staring at the fogged-up window. "...I… don't know yet," he admitted honestly.
Issei raised an eyebrow. "Really? A young man like you, whether it's a fake girlfriend or a real one, surely you've thought about giving something. Especially to a sweet Ojou-chan who's always clinging to you."
Raku's cheeks flushed slightly. He gripped his pants under the table, then muttered again, this time more clearly. "I… maybe I'll look around the shops. If I'm lucky, I might find something suitable. Something… interesting for her."
Issei slammed his palm on the table, making a loud thak! sound. "That's it! Good! That thought is already a good first step." A wide smile appeared on his face. "Then, we have to move fast. Christmas is a time for boys to show they care. Don't let yourself be outshone by the Christmas tree lights, got it?"
Raku nodded slowly, though inside he was a bit nervous imagining the weight behind those words.
Without hesitation, Issei turned toward the door and shouted loudly: "RYUNOSUKE!!"
It didn't take long for the sound of firm footsteps to be heard, and a man dressed neatly with a commanding aura entered the dining room. "Yes, Master Issei."
Issei pointed at Raku dramatically, as if pointing to a hero on a stage. "Prepare the carriage—uh, I mean the car! This boy must go to the shops. He has to find a Christmas gift for his Ojou-chan. This is an important mission!"
Raku hurriedly raised his hands, panicking. "Wait, Dad! Don't say it that loudly! The servants can hear everything—"
Sure enough, muffled giggles could be heard from the corridor as some servants happened to pass by. Raku lowered his head, his face turning even redder.
Ryunosuke simply stared calmly, but his eyes gleamed as if suppressing a smile. He then bowed respectfully. "Understood, Master. I will prepare the vehicle for Bocchan. Any specific instructions?"
Issei nodded firmly. "Yes! Make sure you take him to the best shops downtown. Places with all kinds of unique items that can make an Ojou-chan amazed when she opens her gift. Understood?"
"Understood," Ryunosuke replied shortly, then immediately left to carry out the orders.
Raku covered his face with both hands, feeling his entire body engulfed in embarrassment. "Why does it have to be like this…? I just wanted to look quietly, not be treated like it's a big mission…"
Issei just laughed freely, his voice echoing in the room. "Hahaha! That's exactly why it's important, son! Remember, a gift isn't about expensive or simple. What matters is that your intention and feelings get across. If you can make Ojou-chan smile, that's more than enough."
Raku slowly lifted his head, looking at his father who now appeared so serious behind his laughter. The words were simple, yet somehow they struck deep inside.
"...I understand," Raku said softly, this time with a slightly firmer tone.
Issei smiled contentedly, then stood up. "Good. Consider this the next training. Not just about your stomach and speed, but about your heart as well. You're my son, Raku. I believe you can do it."
Soon after, the sound of a car engine was heard from the front yard. Ryunosuke was already waiting.
Issei patted Raku's shoulder once more. "Go. And don't come back until you've found something you're sure about."
Raku took a deep breath, then stood with careful steps. He knew this trip to the shops might seem trivial… but for him, it could be the beginning of something far more meaningful.
The shiny black car slowly drove through the still-quiet city streets in the morning. Thin snow fell, sticking to the windshield, then swiftly swept away by the wipers moving rhythmically.
Raku sat in the back passenger seat, hands awkwardly folded in his lap. His gaze occasionally drifted outside the window, following the passing streetlights. Yet sometimes, his face still flushed recalling the embarrassing incident at the dining table earlier.
Ryunosuke, sitting at the wheel, glanced in the rearview mirror. His smile was faint, calm as always. "Don't think too much about it, Bocchan," he finally said, breaking the silence. His voice was deep but gentle, like comforting a child who had just been scolded by a teacher.
Raku startled slightly, hurriedly looking over. "I-I'm not… thinking about anything."
Ryunosuke smiled wider, now clearly visible. "Is that so? Then that red face of yours… is just because of the cold winter air?"
Raku quickly lowered his head, gripping his jacket. "…Just a little cold," he said briefly, though the tone clearly betrayed his embarrassment.
The silence lasted a few moments, only the soft hum of the car engine accompanying them. Finally, Ryunosuke spoke again. "Don't worry. This task is simple. Bocchan only needs to choose the gift that feels right to Bocchan's heart. No need to think about anything else."
Raku glanced briefly, then exhaled. "…But… what if I choose wrong? What if Chitoge doesn't like it?"
Ryunosuke didn't answer immediately. He turned on the turn signal, steering the car onto the main road leading to the city center. "A gift, Bocchan, isn't just an object. The most valuable thing is the intention and care contained within it. As long as Bocchan chooses sincerely, believe me—whoever receives it will feel that."
Raku fell silent, staring out the window again. The snow on the sidewalks looked like a fine layer of sugar covering the streets. Ryunosuke's words felt reassuring, yet his heart still raced uncontrollably.
Soon after, Ryunosuke added casually, "And about money… Bocchan doesn't need to worry. Buy whatever you think is appropriate. Consider this a small investment from the family for… your future with the Ojou-chan."
The last sentence almost made Raku choke on his own breath. He quickly turned, his face crimson. "D-Don't say that, Ryunosuke! That… that's too much!"
Ryunosuke chuckled lightly, just briefly, but enough to make the atmosphere in the car feel warmer. "If Bocchan says so, I won't argue. But still, sometimes adults can see things young people haven't realized yet."
Raku didn't respond, only diverted his gaze to the window, trying to calm himself. Yet his flushed cheeks clearly betrayed his feelings.
The journey continued in a calmer mood. The car passed rows of shops that were starting to open. Some displays were already decorated with Christmas trinkets: twinkling lights, snowmen, and red and gold ribbons.
Ryunosuke finally parked the car in front of a large shopping center with classic-style architecture, adorned with glittering Christmas lights. He looked briefly at the back seat. "We're here, Bocchan. I'll accompany you, but the decision is still in your hands."
Raku took a long breath, trying to gather courage. His hand reached for the door handle. "Alright… I hope I can find something suitable."
As he stepped out, the cold winter air immediately enveloped him, but the sparkling Christmas lights along the street gave a warm atmosphere. Ryunosuke stood beside him, giving a polite gesture. "Shall we, Bocchan?"