Morning came slowly. The winter sunlight was still faint, only dimly reflecting off the snow covering the rooftops in the Ichijou family neighborhood. The cold air crept in through the window gaps, yet Raku's room remained warm.
On the bed, Raku opened his eyes. He stared at the ceiling for a moment, listening to the faint sounds of activity outside his room—someone walking in the corridor, the clatter of pots from the kitchen, and the servants' chatter mixed with small laughs. The atmosphere felt unfamiliar, yet soothing.
He got up slowly, sitting at the edge of the bed, and took a deep breath. "Morning again… how strange. Why does this body always wake up so early?" he murmured, glancing at the wall clock. Its hands had just passed five ten.
Raku stood, walked toward the window, and opened the curtains and glass, letting the chilly morning air touch his face. Snow still fell gently, piling up in the wide yard of his house. He gazed at it for a moment, then gave a faint smile. For some reason, a view like this made his chest feel open.
After that, he prepared himself: grabbed a towel, changed clothes, then walked toward the large bathroom like yesterday. Warm water welcomed him again, and Raku soaked for a moment with his eyes closed. But this time, his mind was not empty. He was thinking.
"That day… I received a gift. A smartphone… something they said could connect me to others. I really felt happy. I even cried… but why does it feel like there's still an empty space in my heart?"
He exhaled, staring at his faint reflection on the water surface. Something seemed missing, something he wanted to find—but couldn't yet put into words.
After finishing his bath, Raku returned to his room with calm steps. He put on warm clothes, then sat briefly at his study desk. His eyes fell on scattered books: mathematics, history, sports. He flipped page by page, reading seriously though occasionally frowning.
"School…" he whispered. "A place where people learn together. I want to know… what it feels like to be there?"
Not long after, a soft knock came from the door. "Bocchan, are you awake?" Ryunosuke's voice was heard.
Raku turned, gave a small smile, and replied, "Yes, I'm awake. I'll come out soon."
The morning atmosphere began to grow lively outside. People talking, quick footsteps of servants, and the aroma of cooking filling the hallway. A new day had begun in the Ichijou household—and for Raku, it meant a new day to try understanding the person he was now.
The hallway was already filled with the scent of cooking as Raku stepped out. Loud chatter mixed with laughter and the rapid steps of servants made the large house feel truly alive. Upon arriving at the dining room, his eyes widened slightly.
The spacious room with the long table was already bustling. Muscular men with short hair laughed while lifting bowls, servants hurried back and forth carrying plates, and a few people argued lightly just over grabbing the best dishes. Yet beneath the noisy atmosphere, there was a warmth that was hard to describe.
"Ah, Bocchan is here!" shouted one staff member, waving, followed by another voice, "Morning, Bocchan!"
Raku could only smile awkwardly and nod. Despite the noisy environment, he didn't feel disturbed. There was a kind of familiar energy slowly making him feel comfortable.
Issei was already seated, calm as both a father and the head of the household. Upon seeing Raku, he gave a warm smile. "Good morning, Raku. Sit down. Breakfast is ready."
Raku sat in the chair prepared for him, right next to Ryunosuke, who had just set down the chopsticks.
Soon after, the servants brought plates of grilled fish, hot miso soup, steaming white rice, and stir-fried vegetables. The aroma spread, and instantly everyone was waiting for the signal.
Issei raised his chopsticks, glanced at his staff, then said loudly, "Alright. Itadakimasu!"
"Itadakimasu!" a loud chorus echoed, like soldiers shouting a command.
Raku was slightly surprised by the volume, but he bowed gently and said, "Itadakimasu."
Immediately afterward, the long table turned into a scramble. Someone grabbed fish, another snatched the omelet, and a few shamelessly scolded their friends for taking too much.
"Oi! Leave some for the others!"
"Hahaha! If you want it, fight for it yourself, slowpoke!"
Although it looked wild, there was no hostility. Instead, boisterous laughter accompanied every quick grab.
Raku, initially confused, eventually smiled faintly. He took rice calmly, then tasted the grilled fish. It was simple, yet so warm.
Beside him, Ryunosuke chuckled softly. "This is every morning, Bocchan. Typical of our family. Don't be surprised if it's noisy."
Issei turned and smiled. "Right. But this is how we maintain warmth in the harsh world we live in."
Raku nodded slowly, then continued eating. The lively atmosphere, though noisy, felt like a big embrace—full of chaos, yet full of love.
At the end of the table, one servant began to mention, "Christmas is near. The tree is up, decorations are in place. But there's still preparation needed tonight."
"True," replied another. "The gifts have also started to be placed under the tree. Bocchan, you'll get a surprise too."
Raku turned, paused for a moment, then gave a faint smile. "Christmas… I don't really understand it yet, but I want to see it."
Issei patted his shoulder gently. "Tonight, you'll understand. It's not just a celebration, but also a family moment."
Raku glanced at the long table once more, seeing everyone eat heartily and laugh loudly. For some reason, his chest felt warm. Perhaps… this was what home meant.
That night, the large Ichijou household felt much livelier than usual. Small colorful lights decorated the walls, while in the corner of the main room, a giant Christmas tree stood proudly, already full of crystal balls, golden ribbons, and twinkling lights that glowed warmly.
The servants ran around busily, carrying boxes, moving chairs, or arranging the long table for tomorrow's feast. Laughter and shouts came from every corner, mingled with the clinking of neatly arranged utensils.
Ryunosuke, as usual, was the busiest figure. He moved quickly from the kitchen to the living room, the right hand holding a list of necessities, the left holding a cloth. "Don't forget, the candles on the table must be the same height! That chair, move slightly to the left! Hey, don't fight over the roast chicken, that's for tomorrow!" His voice echoed, making some servants freeze, then hurriedly follow his directions.
Elsewhere in the room, Raku sat looking somewhat confused, three small empty boxes in front of him. His hands held red ribbons, yet he seemed hesitant.
"Is it really… normal to give gifts like this? Shu, Ruri, Onodera… I don't know what they like," he murmured, lowering his head.
Issei, passing by, approached and gently patted his son's shoulder. "It's not about how big or expensive the gift is, Raku. What matters is your sincerity. They will understand."
Raku nodded slowly, then looked back at the items he had chosen earlier with Ryunosuke. There was a simple star-patterned notebook for Ruri, a cute light-blue pen for Onodera, and a small sword-shaped keychain for Shu. Not expensive, but it felt… personal.
Carefully, he began wrapping each gift one by one. His hands were slightly stiff, the first ribbon even tangled messily, making him sigh in frustration.
"Haah… this is so difficult."
Yet then he smiled faintly and tried again. This time, more patiently, though the ribbon was slightly crooked, the result wasn't bad.
Ryunosuke, having just come in after arranging the table, approached and looked at Bocchan's work. A thin smile appeared on his face. "Bocchan, the wrapping may not be perfect, but that's what makes it precious. They will definitely be happy."
Raku looked at the three small boxes now simply wrapped in front of him. For some reason, his heart thumped warmly. "I hope… they really like them."
Outside the window, snow fell slowly, covering the house's yard, as if adding a magical atmosphere to the night.