In the main room, which had begun to quiet down after the laughter and jokes faded, Issei turned to Claude and Chitoge, who were still sitting neatly in the chairs near the Christmas tree. He placed his teacup on the table and spoke in a caring tone,
"Claude, Ojou-chan. The snow outside is getting heavier. The roads are slippery, the wind is cold, it's not safe to go home now. Raku's friends are also staying over, so… how about you stay here tonight as well?"
Claude glanced briefly at the large window. Beyond the glass, snowflakes fell heavily, covering the yard with a thickening white layer. He squinted slightly, then nodded slowly.
"Very well, for Ojou-chan's safety, I accept the offer. Thank you for your kindness, host."
Chitoge, who had been hugging the Princess doll given by Raku, looked a little nervous. "Eh… y-yes, then… I will stay over too."
Issei smiled in satisfaction. "Excellent. Ryunosuke, guide them to the prepared guest rooms."
"Yes, Sir." Ryunosuke bowed and then gestured to Chitoge. "Ojou-sama, please follow me."
They walked through the long hallway of the large Ichijou house. Classic chandeliers illuminated the path with warm yellow light. Other servants had already prepared spacious and comfortable guest rooms. When the bedroom door opened, two figures were already there — Onodera and Ruri, sitting on their respective beds while chatting lightly.
Chitoge was a little surprised, but quickly smiled. "Oh… you're here too?"
Onodera looked up quickly, her face bright but slightly nervous. "C-Chitoge-chan… yes, we're staying over too. Seems like this house is hosting a lot of people tonight."
Ruri folded her hands over her chest, her tone calm. "Better this way than forcing to go home in a snowstorm. Besides… the atmosphere is quite pleasant."
The spacious guest room was lit by a table lamp with soft yellow light. Thick curtains closed the windows tightly, yet the faint sound of snow hitting the glass could still be heard. Inside, the three girls had changed into sleepwear — Chitoge in simple light-blue pajamas, Onodera in a warm floral set, and Ruri in elegant soft-purple nightwear.
They sat around a small table in the middle of the room, each with a cup of warm tea that had just been delivered by the servant. The aroma of chamomile tea filled the air, adding to the sense of comfort.
Onodera stared at her cup silently, her expression hesitant. Chitoge, who was hugging the Princess doll in her lap, noticed this. She tried to start a conversation.
"Onodera-chan… are you okay?" she asked softly, different from her usual firm or loud tone.
Onodera flinched slightly, then forced a smile. "Ah… I'm fine. Just… a little tired."
Ruri looked at her closely, then sighed. "Don't lie, Kosaki. From your face, it's obvious. You're hurt, aren't you, after hearing that Raku-kun lost his memory?"
Onodera bit her lower lip. Her hands gripped the edges of her pajamas tightly. She lowered her head, her eyes trembling. "Yes… I… I didn't expect it. All this time, I… have always kept my feelings. And now… the person I like… doesn't even remember who I am." Her voice broke, faint and almost inaudible.
Chitoge fell silent as well. Her chest tightened hearing that, even though she herself was still confused about her feelings. She hugged the Princess doll tighter, then spoke in a slightly hoarse voice, "I… am still surprised too. The Raku I knew before, he always argued with me. But tonight… he's calm, innocent, even… giving me a gift like this." She looked at the doll, her eyes glistening. "For some reason… my heart hurts."
Ruri slowly twirled her cup, her eyes watching her two friends with an expression that was calm yet full of understanding. "It seems we all feel the same. The Raku-kun from before was noisy and talkative, but that made him… real. Now, he's different. But that doesn't mean he's gone completely. Maybe… this is a new opportunity."
Onodera lifted her face, tears falling slowly. "A… new opportunity?"
Ruri nodded. "Yes. A chance to get to know him again. From the beginning. Not everyone is given a second chance to start a relationship from zero. Even if it's painful… doesn't that also mean there's a new hope?"
Chitoge stared at Ruri for a long time, then smiled slightly even though her eyes were still wet. "Hmph… you can always speak so calmly, Ruri."
Ruri shrugged lightly. "I'm just stating what I see. You two are too caught up in your feelings. Tonight… we should be enjoying Christmas together. For Raku-kun as well."
Onodera wiped her tears, trying to smile even though her face was still flushed. "Yes… you're right."
Chitoge nodded slowly. She then placed the Princess doll on the table, looking seriously at her two friends. "Then… let's make a promise. No matter what happens, even if Raku loses his memory, we'll still support him. And… if our feelings… ah, I mean… if there's more than that…" she suddenly stopped, her face turning red.
Onodera lowered her head as well, her face warm, her heart pounding. Ruri smiled faintly, then took a sip of her tea. "Alright. We'll just see what Raku-kun's fate holds. What's certain… tonight, we mustn't dwell in sadness."
The three of them finally fell silent, only the sound of the clock and the wind blowing snow outside accompanied them. Yet the atmosphere in the guest room gradually changed — no longer full of pain, but slowly becoming a new bond, an understanding between three hearts, all fluttering for the same person.
.....
In another guest room, Raku sat cross-legged on the bed, holding a small box containing the cake made by Onodera. Shu, half-lying in his usual relaxed manner, observed his friend.
Raku took a small piece of cake, put it in his mouth, and chewed slowly. His eyes stared blankly at the small table in front, as if pondering silently. After swallowing, he murmured softly, "So delicious… simple, yet comforting. Like… there's something warm inside."
Shu chuckled softly, crossing his hands behind his head. "Hahaha, that's Onodera's homemade cake. You're lucky, you know? Not everyone can taste her handiwork directly."
Raku looked over, slightly confused. "I see… even though I don't remember, I feel… this cake is indeed important." He took another bite, then swallowed slowly before looking at Shu seriously. "Shu, even though I lost my memory… somehow, I feel calmer now. But I want to know, what kind of person was I… before?"
Shu paused for a moment, then his mischievous smile appeared. "You want to know? Hmm… before, you were—noisy, quick-tempered, and… most often argued with Chitoge-san."
Raku blinked, looking confused. "Argued? With Chitoge?"
"Yes!" Shu laughed loudly, almost falling off the bed. "You always called her 'Gorilla' and she would immediately hit or shout back. Every day, constant fighting. But…" Shu held back his laughter, looking at Raku while shaking his head. "This time is different. You're so calm, innocent… to the point Chitoge-san can't reply. That's a rare sight, really. I'm surprised myself."
Raku could only stare blankly, trying to imagine his 'former self.' He took a slow breath, then murmured, "So… that's how I was before? Noisy… liked to argue. Hm."
Shu patted his shoulder casually. "No need to overthink it, Raku. What matters is, now, you're still the same Raku. Memories may be gone, but the person we knew… is still right in front of us. That's enough."
Raku lowered his head, then smiled faintly while looking at the remaining cake. "Thank you, Shu… somehow, your words make me feel a little calmer."
And that night, in two different rooms, laughter and light conversation flowed — weaving thin threads of friendship and warmth, amidst the snow that continued to fall outside.