Now that winter break had begun, the school building was deserted.
A glimpse out the windows would show the sun was already setting. You could just barely hear the sports clubs practicing outside.
The field was only faintly lit by the lights through the windows of the school building and the gym, and the streetlamps. There was no sign of people in the courtyard and only a few lights were on, so it was desolate and cold. A chilly wind blew in from the sea, rattling the windows.
But the heat was on low, so maybe that was why this room was filled with warmth.
"Ahhh… This tea is nice." Yuigahama, sitting at a diagonal from me, sighed with relief as she placed her mug on the desk.
Yukinoshita and I both casually nodded back at her and picked up our teas again. Yes, yes, you have to value your teatime, you know?
"The Christmas event went well, huh?" Yuigahama said in a mellow, calm manner. She was basking in the afterglow of a job well done.
Yukinoshita chuckled a little. "Yes. I was worried, but I suppose the burden is finally off our shoulders."
"Yeah, feels like it's been a long time since we last took it easy…," I said. For a while now, every day had been a flurry of panic from something or other hounding us.
The cultural festival, the sports festival, the school field trip, the student council election, and then the joint Christmas event. The busy season of each event had come and gone, come and gone, come and gone... Isn't that like how your life flashes before your eyes? Am I gonna die?
While sort of half reflecting on the past, I drank my remaining tea.
Even once its contents were gone, the cup remained a little warm.
I let out a short sigh that was quickly joined by two others.
Yukinoshita happened to lift her head then, glancing over at Yuigahama's mug. "Yuigahama, would you like some more tea?" "Oh, thanks," Yuigahama said, and she held her cup out gladly.
"Hikigaya, give me your cup."
"Uh-huh." I held mine out as well without particularly questioning it, but after a second, I got the feeling she'd posed the offer differently to Yuigahama. "…Uh, aren't you treating us kind of different? Can you at least try to be subtle?" I said.
But Yukinoshita was sliding her gaze over to the box on the desk, preparing the tea as she said, "There are also some extra cookies, so could you dispose of them?"
"You're not listening to me… But I won't say no to cookies. Since we won't be coming to school for a while, I wouldn't want to leave them here."
While I was pawing around inside the box that apparently had cookies in it or something, Yuigahama popped up beside me to look. "I'm taking two!"
"Sure, here."
"Yay! Yukinon's cookies are great, huh?"
Yukinoshita gave her a little smile, and Yuigahama was about to gladly bite into a cookie when she suddenly seemed to realize something and shoved her chair back, getting to her feet. "…Wait, this isn't right!" Her voice rang loud in the quiet clubroom.
"Whoa, why are we jumping up now?" I asked.
"You'll spill the tea."
But both Yukinoshita and I were used to Yuigahama's boisterous style, so we reacted with absolute calm. Yukinoshita was acting rather mom-like.
Yuigahama seemed somewhat dissatisfied by our reactions, eyes flaring wide as she kept going. "You guys are too chill right now! I was talking about what we'd do later today!"
Yukinoshita tilted her head as if she'd only just remembered this. "Now that you mention it, you're right…"
"Yeah, yeah! So what do we do about Christmas today? We've made the plans, so let's go all out!" Yuigahama had finally gotten the reaction she wanted; she nodded aggressively and flung out her arms wide.
But these topics were problematic for me. I found myself scratching my head. "What do we do? I dunno… I was just planning to spend it at home, like normal."
"Huh? Is that normal? Isn't Christmas more like, you know, everyone going all out like bang, bang, kapow?!"
"Like…what? I don't get it…"
I don't get the bang, bang, kapow part in particular. What even.
Yukinoshita put her hand to her chin and thought. "I don't think it's strange to spend it at home, though. I've heard that in the West, it's typical to spend it with your family."
"But this is Japan…," Yuigahama said in a sulky tone, and I immediately moved to stop her protests.
"Hold on. Calm down, Yuigahama. This comes from the birthplace of Christmas, Lady Europe. In this case, the correct choice is to follow her lead and spend the day at home. That's the world standard, what globalized Christmas is all about," I said, attacking with sound reasoning and a dash of English, too, for added legitimacy.
But Yuigahama was cold to the idea. She waved her hand in front of her face in a vigorous negative. "Naw, naw, I don't really know about the World or Stands or whatever; that's kinda got nothing to do with it, yeah? Everyone just has fun with it, even if they don't know about the details."
Yukinoshita hmm'd as she considered, then said, "…It's true that our way of celebrating has been localized into a unique Japanese cultural custom." It was rather unusual for Yukinoshita to be persuaded like that. But that wasn't the real shock.
"Yuigahama, making a decent argument…?" I uttered.
"Ha." With a smug chuckle, Yuigahama proudly puffed out her chest. "All right, I get it. Let's assume you're right. So how do we correctly enjoy Japanese Christmas?" I asked her.
Yuigahama tilted her head. "Huh? Um, like I said, normally…"
"To me, normal is spending it at home. I've never spent Christmas with anyone but my family. What do you do, specifically? Should I be
shouting 'Wei'? This isn't April at the train station by the university…," I said.
Yukinoshita nodded emphatically. "Indeed, the station by the university gets rather grating around April."
"'Cause they're literally yelling 'Wei, wei!'… And around town on Christmas, they're totally going 'Wei, wei, rah, rah, woof, woof.' Just thinking about people like that, I'm like…" Some people are in party mode anywhere and anytime, not just around the holiday season. The thought of them alone drained me of joy and replaced it with despair.
But Yuigahama waved her hand to say No way. "Naw, they don't say 'wei' or 'woof.'"
"Yeah, they do. Like Tobe," I instantly shot back.
Yuigahama didn't know what to say to that. "Ohhh, Tobecchi… But that's Tobecchi, so it's kinda like, nothing you can do about him…"
You're smiling to smooth this one over, but you're saying some mean things here.
Hearing this, Yukinoshita gave a puzzled look as she added to the cruelty. "I don't care about Tobe, but, um, what do you mean by 'wei' and 'woof'?" Yukinoshita truly didn't care about Tobe; she was more interested in the matter of wei and woof.
Yuigahama tilted her head with a blank look. "I dunno? I wonder… It's probably…English?"
I couldn't help but smile at her innocence. With a helpless smile, I spoke to her as I would to a small child. "That's right—you assume every word you don't know is English, huh? Oh well."
"Hey! Acting so kind about it just makes it worse!" Yuigahama huffed.
But you do remind me of a little kid. You have the same logic that assumes all foreigners are Americans. I can't help it…
Meanwhile, Yukinoshita seemed to have taken Yuigahama's statement seriously and was considering the matter. "Hmm, wei in English… So would that be weito, meaning, to wait…?"
"Uh, I'm pretty sure that isn't it."
In fact, I don't think those guys know any English. And their Japanese is pretty dubious, too. But just because your language skills are weak, it doesn't mean you're bad at communication; actually, based on the fact that they can engage in conversation using only limited vocabulary like Whoa, and Right? and Ah, man! and Like, really, you could well call their communication abilities ridiculously high. It's an ultra-high-context culture. "The culture's so different!" people sometimes say, and yeah, I can concur.
As I was pondering this, Yukinoshita's gaze swung over to me. "Hikigaya. Wait. Stay. House."
"Is this dog training…?" No way—is she going for the "woof" thing? Whoa, that's some high-level material. "You don't have to tell me. I fully intend to return to my house."
I was about to obediently get up and leave, but Yuigahama yanked on my sleeve, forcing me to sit down. "Wait, wait! Wait right there! We haven't decided anything yet!"
"Decide what…? I mean, even if we were gonna spend Christmas together, what would we do?"
Though I reluctantly seated myself again, I didn't feel like this was going anywhere. As usual, I don't know what you're supposed to do when you "hang out." I'd really like them to put out some basic standards for that. Put it in the Daijisen dictionary. I think there are a lot of people who'd be able to do it properly if they just knew the protocol.
Well, of course there are no basic standards for these things, and everyone figures out their own social wisdom through experience or things they hear from people they know.
But our local incarnation of social wisdom, aka Yui Yuigahama, was also groaning to herself as she pondered this. "Just cut loose and have fun! …But Hikki doesn't like that… The Christmas lights are pretty…but then he'd say he'd just go see them alone… Hmm, hmm…"
My heart squeezed a little watching her. "Whoa, now you know what I'm gonna say before I even say it… You've grown, Yuigahama."
"More like you haven't grown, Hikigaya… You'll wind up going regardless, so why not accept the inevitable now? You never learn," Yukinoshita insisted, exasperated.
But I had my piece to say, too. "You're the one who doesn't learn.
I'm never gonna listen to you if you keep talking to me like that…"
"Oh, don't underestimate me. I am learning." Yukinoshita's triumphant smile quickly waned. "…Yuigahama may not look it, but she can be quite persistent. Sometimes there's simply no point in refusing, you know."
"That's not learning—that's breaking…"
Eh, Yukinoshita and Yuigahama's slightly troubled relationship is its own thing. It's progressing in its own way, so this is fine. Yes.
As I thought to myself, Yuigahama clapped her hands. "Oh, I know!"
"It looks like you have an idea. Would you like to tell us about it?" Yukinoshita diligently (completely broken) asked her.
Yuigahama stuck up a finger and waved it around, unsure. "Um…like, we all eat fried chicken together!"
"We could eat fried chicken anytime…," Yukinoshita retorted.
"By that logic, then a fried chicken restaurant is like Christmas every day, isn't it? Besides, we have chicken at home," I said.
Yukinoshita spun back to face me and smiled brightly. "You have a chicken at your home, too."
"C'mon, don't act like the chicken at my house is the kind you can find just anywhere. It has no backbone at all, so it's super-easy to eat. Plus, we have two of them, if you include my dad. Not every home has that luxury. They say not to count your chickens, after all."
"Before they're inevitably slaughtered for meat, you mean?"
"No talk about slaughtering! Nothing too graphic! You're gonna make me not want to eat chicken anymore!" Yuigahama cried out in grief.
Which would ruin Yuigahama's proposal. "If we're not gonna eat chicken, then we don't have to have a party. You've lost sight of your objective."
"Hikki, you schemer!" Yuigahama choked up like she didn't know what to say, but then she continued anyway. "O-okay, so maybe not chicken, but…let's have a cake, c'mon!"
"Cake, huh…?" I considered her suggestion. Frankly, in the Christmas event we'd just held, I'd made so much damn cake, so I wasn't sure about eating more on the same day. Besides, both chicken and cake were things we could eat anytime. If we wanted a Christmas-only thing, our options were a little weak.
While I was mulling this over, Yuigahama examined my face with unease. "Huh? You're not very enthusiastic about this… You don't like sweets, Hikki?" she asked.
I opened my mouth to respond, but someone else answered before me. "No, he actually loves them."
"Why'd you answer, Yukinoshita…? Was this introduction time? I mean, you're right, but…," I said.
Yukinoshita swished her hair off her shoulders and gave me a cool look. "I didn't even need to ask. You'd have to have quite the sweet tooth to drink that cloying coffee of yours."
"Ah! You underestimate the Max can. Even if you're not addicted to sugar, necessity will press you to drink it. A high percentage of Chiba farmers buy it by the box, you know. It replenishes all the nutrients lost by performing physical labor."
Chiba farmers do indeed buy MAX Coffee by the box, and they also buy a big stock of four-panel gag magazines. I saw it myself when I went to a farmer's house in elementary school as part of this extracurricular thing, so I know it's true. Sweets really are the best when you're tired. The people of Chiba drink so much MAX Coffee; we must be utterly exhausted.
As I considered offering Yukinoshita an eloquent lecture on the greatness of MAX Coffee's sugar content, Yuigahama gave me a baffled look. "Huh… You don't seem tired, though, Hikki… You're always energy-saving…or, like, eco-friendly, or lazy? Or something like that, huh?"
"Listen, energy-saving and eco-friendly don't mean lazy, okay?"
"So you are aware of your own indolence," Yukinoshita cut in. "I would suppose that to someone who doesn't know you, those rotten eyes of yours would appear tired. But you're the picture of health… The eyes leave a powerful impression, especially yours."
"Oh, no, this conversation is definitely exhausting. Can I go home now?"
"No, you can't go!" Yuigahama insisted. "Agh, I don't even care! Just pick something! Pick now!"
"Geez, pushy…"
This is the uncanny stubbornness that broke Yukinoshita, huh…? I was thinking rudely when Yuigahama's head quietly dropped.
"If you really don't want to, then…it's fine…," she said, looking up at me with a plea in her eyes.
"Urk, well, it's not like I don't want to or anything; it's just that none of these ideas really feel like Christmas…"
When she looked at me like that, it inspired overwhelming guilt in me. But I couldn't yield and allow our Christmas to become a hollow shell; it was the top of a slippery slope. I had to consider where my line in the sand was… Whoa, someone's a pain in the ass, huh? I am, I know.
While I was struggling internally, Yukinoshita breathed a tiny sigh at us. "There's really no need to give it this much thought. You should just consider it a casual after-party, not Christmas. I'll be going with Yuigahama."
At that, Yuigahama grinned from ear to ear and leaped at Yukinoshita. "Thanks, Yukinon! That's right—maybe an after-party vibe would be nice. I'm sure Iroha-chan and the others'll be having one with the student council, and I wanna thank Sai-chan and Komachi-chan for helping us, too."
"Yes. A celebration to recognize everyone's efforts should be enough reason to satisfy him," Yukinoshita said as she peeled off Yuigahama.
I pondered her proposal a bit as well. "…Yeah, it's true; you have a point…but I can't today."
"Why not?" Leaning away from Yukinoshita, Yuigahama turned to me.
The talk of chicken and cake and stuff had reminded me that my mission that day was to pick up the party barrel I'd reserved and take it home. "Today I have to take some fried chicken back home to my family. And you know, I have to make dinner today, at least. I don't wanna make Komachi do it," I said.
Yuigahama looked surprised. "I didn't think you were such a family man…"
"And you rarely have plans."
Yukinoshita's observation brought a wry smile to my face. Indeed. Generally, I never have plans, but when it comes to promises to family—mainly to Komachi—I've never broken a single one.
"Sorry. I can't today."
"Oh…if you have plans, then I guess that's that, huh…?" Yuigahama said, and with a little nod as if I'd convinced her, she laughed. "Ahha-ha." Then she sighed quietly.
Though it had been a spur-of-the-moment suggestion, I'm sure
Yuigahama was looking forward to some Christmas fun. She did have other friends; she would have plenty of people to hang out with, but I didn't like seeing her so upset because of someone like me.
Yukinoshita must have felt the same, as she gave Yuigahama an anxious look. Then her gaze slid over to me. "If you can't today…that means you wouldn't mind tomorrow?"
"…Well, I've got nothing on the docket, really," I said, scratching my head.
Realizing what that meant, Yuigahama looked between me and Yukinoshita and clapped her hands. "Huh, huh, ah, ahhh, ohhh! Okay, let's do it tomorrow! We can all get ready together and go buy presents and stuff!" she said excitedly.
Peacefully watching her, Yukinoshita nodded. "Yes, I think that's a good idea. I'm a little tired today, too…"
Yukinoshita had given me a hand here. Thanks to her, the conversation seemed mostly over, and I stood from my seat. Now I had to go get the fried chicken and take it back home…
"…So that's that." I put my hand on the clubroom door.
Oh yeah. Maybe I should go for it. After reconsidering, I turned back to the both of them.
"See you tomorrow," I said.
Yukinoshita seemed a little surprised but immediately gave a small smile, and Yuigahama waved energetically at me.
"Yes, see you tomorrow."
"Yeah, see you!"
With their voices at my back, I left the clubroom. I felt like it had been a long, long time since I'd said those inconsequential little words of farewell.
I picked up the KFC order and headed home.
"I'm baaack," I called out and climbed the stairs. When I opened the living room door, Komachi was sprawled on the sofa. She stood up and pattered her way over.
"Welcome home, Bro!"
"Hey. Here's the chicken." I handed over the party barrel in my arms. Komachi accepted it with care, carrying it to the kitchen counter.
"Thanks! Mom's coming back soon, too."
"Huh. And Dad?"
I pulled off my coat and tossed it onto the sofa with a fwish, and Komachi picked it up. As she was sticking it on a coat hanger, she tilted her head. "I 'unno."
That was kinda cold… Did Dad do something to make Komachi hate him again?
Poor, poor Dad. Not only does his daughter hate him, but he has to work on a day like this—the corporate slave is indeed a pitiful creature.
"Anyway, you don't have to be with Yukino and Yui today?" Komachi asked.
"Naw, 'cause I'm spending Christmas Eve with family."
She gave me a dubious look. "Hmm. You sound like a girl letting a guy down gently because she likes someone else."
"…Huh? Do girls turn down invitations like that? Aw man, I feel really bad for the guy who hears that and thinks, like, She's such a nice girl, caring for her family… Why'd you have to tell me that? I didn't need to know…"
Sheesh… Girls are scary… Now I'm gonna suspect that just about everything girls do has some other meaning. Like, a girl will give me a piece of candy and I'll be thinking she's so nice, when she actually meant something like Everything you talk about is so boring. Shut up. Here, have this candy instead. It's middle school all over again.
When I trembled at the terror of it, Komachi put her hands on her hips and puffed her chest out boldly. "For such a suspicious guy, Bro, you have some very idealistic tendencies. Komachi's simply shattering those dreams, slowly over time, for you. Think of it as love from your little sister, okay?"
"Oh. Well, thanks…" I'd rather you didn't kill my fantasies, though…
While I sank into despair, Komachi glanced over at the party barrel, then gave me a look of concern. "Bro, you really don't have to worry about us, though. You could have just gone off to have fun on Christmas Eve."
"That's not what this is about. We put off the after-party until tomorrow. We'll go to buy presents, and then we'll have a party or something."
"Really? Aw man, Komachi wants to go, too!" she said with sudden enthusiasm, which made me remember something.
"Oh, that reminds me, they also said to invite you, too, as thanks for helping out today, but… You have your entrance exams, huh?"
"Nawww, one day or two isn't gonna change my scores. I just have to do two days' worth on another day!"
"That's a death flag. Once you start saying I'm still okay, I have a little more time, maybe I'll make it, that's when deadlines pass you by.
Listen, Komachi. You can get an extension on deadlines, but you can't get an extension on the exam day."
"Normally, you can't get an extension on deadlines, either, Bro…"
Komachi's eyes were serious—pitying, actually. Ha-ha-ha… That's right, you typically don't get an extension… Memories of the impending doom of the joint Christmas event tortured me. Uggghhh, why do deadlines even exist…? So many people could be happy if they didn't… Just look at how many people suffer because of them; I mean, they must be evil. Breaking such a powerful threat is an act of justice, isn't it? Well, leaving that aside…
Right now, Komachi over deadlines. Deadlines, important. Little sister, more important!
"But I dunno if going out to have fun is a good idea right now…"
I worried to myself, Oh dear, is this all right? Is this what's best for my little girl?
But Komachi herself didn't seem too hung up about it—she was mostly indifferent. "I'm fine, I'm fine. Recently, I keep wondering, How's my brother doing? Is he doing something stupid again? If my worries are keeping me from concentrating, that's an even bigger problem!"
"Well, I can understand the feeling." Lately, I'd also been wondering, How is Komachi doing right now? There aren't any weird guys hitting on her, right? Taishi Kawasaki isn't putting the moves on her at cram school, right? And if he is, I'm gonna kill that brat… It wasn't always distracting, but it happened often enough.
Seeing that her efforts were working, Komachi went in for the finishing strike. "Also, in Komachi terms, being told to go study kills my motivation."
"Yeah. Yeahhh, seriously. For real, yeah. That's totally…yeah. I'd even say it's just…yeah." I jabbed a finger at Komachi. "People telling you to study or work actually kills your efficiency. It's weird." I sighed wearily.
Komachi grinned with understanding. "Right? Soooo…"
"…Well, as long as you don't stay out too late."
"Yes! I've got to think about what to buy for a present!" Komachi threw her hands up gleefully.
But it would be best to offer her a warning, just in case. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if she failed her entrance exams because of this. "Don't forget to study hard, too. Oh yeah. Talking about presents reminded me."
I grabbed the bag I'd tossed down and took out the package from inside, and I plopped it on top of Komachi's head. "Here ya go. Merry Christmas."
With a curious look, Komachi brought her hand to the package on top of her head and examined it. Her lips gradually widened into a smile. "Is this…a present for Komachi? Thanks, Bro! Hey, can I open it?"
"Go ahead. But I didn't think too much about it; I just bought what Yukinoshita and Yuigahama recommended. If you're gonna thank anyone, thank them," I said.
That seemed to surprise her, and her hands paused on the wrappings. "…Huh? You chose it together?"
"…Well, it just worked out that way," I replied.
Komachi smirked wickedly. "Ohhh, I seeeee. Is that right?
Togeeether, huh?"
"…Why are you being so obnoxious about this?" It was really irritating. I glared sharply at her, but as usual, she simply grinned as she watched me fondly.
"Oh, no, no. I'm just smiling because I'm so happy. Your report just now was the greatest Christmas present Komachi could have gotten."
"Oh, really? As long as you're happy, I guess," I replied.
Then Komachi stuck up a finger and loftily explained. "Oh, but you know, Bro. When you give a girl a present, you can't say you chose it together with another girl. That scores low in Komachi's books. But Komachi's your little sister, so it's totally okay. In fact, it makes me happy. You, Yukino, and Yui together look like the strongest."
"Yeah, yeah. I doubt I'll have many occasions to give anyone presents, but I'll remember that, just in case. All right then, let me get dinner going already."
"Ohhh! Oh yeah, and I have to ask Yui about tomorrow…"
Casually ignoring Komachi's advice, I headed for the kitchen.
Okay. First up was Christmas in the Hikigaya household. I shall wield my skills freely… But our dinner was still mostly store-bought sides and already-cooked chicken.
The night of Christmas Eve passed, and Christmas Day had arrived.
Komachi and I were headed to our meeting place at the shopping mall. Since it was Christmas, the streets along the way sparkled with lights and ornaments, and the other people out in the city seemed kind of giddy.
And who do you think was the most excited of them all? My own little sister, Komachi Hikigaya. She'd been humming cheerily this whole time.
"You're chipper first thing in the morning, huh?" I said to her.
Komachi was a few steps ahead and spun around to face me. "Well, it's Christmas, after all! And now we're about to go shopping with Yukino and Yui. And then, we're gonna have a party and trade presents. Why wouldn't I be excited?"
She already knew the whole agenda for the day, I guess. She was even more informed than I was.
"I see. Well, I can see girls enjoying a gift trade. When I hear trade, though, I just can't help remembering the holes in my Pokédex and the ones I couldn't evolve…"
As I was indulging in fond but painful memories, Komachi kindly encouraged me. "I'm sure it'll be better in the future, Bro… Look, they're remaking Ruby and Sapphire!"
"That's a weird reason… Also, I'm an Origins fan."
Well, putting Wonder Trade in it would solve all sorts of problems for me, though. But wait, you trade with me, Komachi…, I thought, looking over at her, when she clapped a hand on my shoulder and pointed to the mall entrance.
"Don't sweat the small stuff. Look, we're here, Bro. Oh, it looks like they're waiting for us already," she said.
When I glanced over at the entrance of the shopping mall, there was Yuigahama and Yukinoshita. Yuigahama was waving her arms wide, apparently having noticed us.
"Yahallo!"
"Yui, yahallo! And yahallo to you, too, Yukino!"
"Hello."
Komachi greeted Yuigahama and Yukinoshita, but I'd like them to stop doing that greeting in public… It's a little embarrassing. I furtively glanced at the crowds all around us.
"You're early. Is this everyone? If this is it, then let's get going," I said.
Since it was Christmas, the place was pretty crowded. I really didn't want to wade through these crowds. It would be best to get this over with quickly.
But Yuigahama put a hold on that. "Wait, wait. I invited Sai-chan, too."
"Oh, you did? Then I'll wait until Totsuka comes. My whole life, if I have to."
"Um, sure, but I dunno how I feel about that…"
While Yuigahama was groaning with a hmm, Komachi said, "Yukino, Yui, thanks so much for that Christmas present."
"It's nothing. I'm just glad you like it." With a broad smile on her face, Yukinoshita shook her head as if to say, Don't worry about it, and Yuigahama also nodded enthusiastically.
"I mean, I dunno if you could expect my brother to pick something like that, so it's a good thing he got you two to choose it!"
This time, I was the one nodding vigorously. I mean, it really was a good thing that the girls had chosen it for me. Actually, I think what it was didn't matter; she was just pleased they were the ones to pick something for her.
Yuigahama returned the smile. "Oh yeah. We did give Hikki a bunch of advice, but he was the one to make the final decision."
"That's right. Even though he normally hardly thinks at all, he was dithering to the very last second…" Twirling her long hair around her finger, Yukinoshita stared at me.
Komachi's mouth popped open in shock. "…Huh? He…did?"
"Uh, you didn't have to tell her that…," I groaned. "Seriously, don't— don't say that…"
Choosing a present nonchalantly and smoothly is cool, you know. Worrying over it like I actually care is too embarrassing. Komachi's stare was getting uncomfortable, so I decided to smoothly avoid her gaze and the subject. "Hey, what do you mean, 'hardly thinks at all'? Almost no one does as much as I do. Someone should make a bronze sculpture of me."
Yukinoshita put her hand to her mouth and restrained a little smile as she said, "My, I'm sorry. It would have been correct to say you think of hardly anything worthwhile, wouldn't it?"
"I'll take it. You're not wrong."
"You will, huh…? Ah-ha-ha… Oh, but you know, Komachi-chan. Hikki actually does think stuff through… Komachi-chan?"
When Yuigahama addressed her, Komachi suddenly rebooted. "…Ah! Oh no! My brother almost tricked me with his hinedere skills yet again! A-anyway, thanks very much to the both of you. And…to you, too, Bro."
What do you mean, 'tricked'…? I'm always being tricked by Komachi's cuteness. The both of us jerked our heads away from one another in embarrassment.
"Hnn. Well, it's no big deal. Don't worry about it," I said.
"Uh-huh."
Watching me and Komachi, Yuigahama giggled. Yukinoshita was also observing with a gentle smile, but then she seemed to suddenly realize something and opened her mouth. "More importantly, I'm sorry for inviting you when you're so busy with studying for exams, Komachi. We wanted to invite you just in case, but was it really all right for you to come? If you feel we're forcing you to come along…" "Oh, no, it's okay. I need breaks, too," Komachi replied.
Yukinoshita flicked a glare over at me. "If you're only ever taking breaks, then the knowledge will all slip away from you."
"Urk, you hit where it hurts…" Indeed, people often use breaks and breathers as an excuse to slack off.
That must have been hard for Komachi to hear as well. "I guess Yukino is the tiger-mom type…," she quietly muttered beside me. "The reliable older sister… I'd like to make her my sister (in-law) one day." Her eyes sparkled.
"It'll be okay, Yukinon. Komachi-chan's got a good head on her shoulders, so you don't have to worry."
It's true; she does. Komachi must have been glad for the vote of confidence, because I could hear her whispering next to me again. "Yui comes off like the steady, traditional wife and mom type. The supportive big sister… I'd like her as my sister (in-law) one day." Another twinkle in her eyes.
"What do you keep mumbling about…?" I asked.
"Hmm? That's a secret! " With a wave of her index finger, Komachi winked at me.
…Damn it, she's so cute it's infuriating.
"Well, anyway, you don't need to worry, right? And besides—I got accepted!" Yuigahama said with a light smack on her own chest.
Yukinoshita pursed her lips awkwardly. "I can't argue with that…"
"Please argue! Come support me with helpful remarks here!" Yuigahama wailed.
"So then, question: Tell me which prefecture ranks first in production volume of satsuma sweet potatoes. Note that ranked number two is Ibaraki," Yukinoshita calmly retorted.
"H-huh?" Yuigahama was flustered by Yukinoshita's sudden question.
But you don't even have to think about a question like that… "Come on, that's super-easy… You're giving too many hints," I complained.
Groaning, Yuigahama started to rack her brain. "It's easy, and she's given too many hints… Potatoes… Ibaraki… Ah! Chiba!"
"Incorrect. She said satsuma, didn't she? So the correct answer is Kagoshima prefecture. By the way, Chiba is third."
"Yukinon, trick questions are unfair!"
"That wasn't a trick question, though. It was actually easy…" Yukinoshita sighed in exasperation, while Yuigahama grumpily moaned.
How would she get Chiba out of that hint? What, did she want to say that Chiba's like a potato, and of the same type as Ibaraki? Could you stop dissing Chiba?
With a horrified expression, Komachi muttered, "…Yui, how did you pass?"
"Because miracles and magic really do exist," I said. "Well, Komachi'll probably do okay on her exams. Any sister of mine's gotta be smart. She's a little spacey, but she's shrewd, I'd say."
"Despite your obnoxious attempt to highlight your own intelligence, I do understand what you're trying to say." It seemed Yukinoshita had no objection to my opinion, and she also nodded.
Uh, obnoxious, hey…
But in Komachi terms, my evaluation was more questionable, and she scowled. "Hmm, but shrewd doesn't really feel like a compliment…"
"Yeah, that's true. It's like another word for sneaky," Yuigahama agreed.
Ohhh, I didn't expect that to bother her. Well, Yuigahama did have a surprisingly shrewd side to her. Her deft management of her social relationships might look that way to some. I could imagine people making a snide remark or two about it. Yes, the relationships of girls are scary.
Scratching my head, I took this into account. "Gotcha. I'll think of another way to say it…like sly, or something?" "That's even worse!" Yuigahama cried.
Ignoring her, Yukinoshita put her hand to her chin, and after a hmm, she opened her mouth solemnly. "Perhaps…devious?"
"It sounds so cool when you say it, Yukinon!" I have no idea why Yuigahama was looking at Yukinoshita so admiringly.
In contrast to Yukinoshita, Komachi opened her mouth very adorably.
"Or devilish. "
"You're saying it yourself?!" Yuigahama was shocked.
Ahhh, that's just how Komachi is, you know. Like, that's part of what's shrewd about her. To put shrewd another way…
"Or Komachi's cute," I said.
Yuigahama made a face. "There it is, his sister complex… It's nice that you're close, but sometimes you're kind of an apple polisher…"
"She's the apple of my eye, after all."
"And you're still doing it?!"
While Yuigahama was being weirded out, someone else beside her was having the same reaction.
"Ohhh, that was a little cringey even for Komachi, Bro. At home it's fine, but in public, this stuff gets embarrassing."
"So it's fine at home, is it…?" Yukinoshita noted, looking halfexasperated and half-shocked. Yuigahama's smile contained a similar emotion.
"Ah, ah-ha-ha-ha…" And then, realizing something, she raised her hand. "Oh, it looks like Sai-chan is here. Heeey, here, over here!"
I looked over and saw Totsuka running up to us from the distance.
"Hachimaaan!"
"Ohhh, Totsuka, you're here!" When I took a step forward, as if to catch Totsuka in my arms as he came running, I could see something behind him like a boar rushing toward us with the force of crashing waves.
"Hachimaaan!"
"Ohhh, Zaimokuza, you're here…"
While Zaimokuza was wheezing with a sound like fushururu,
Yuigahama called out to Totsuka. "Sai-chan, yahallooo!"
"Yeah, yahallooo!"
What a lovely greeting. Greetings really are nice. Yahallo is cute, huh? As I was thinking that, Zaimokuza revived, shooting his hand up at me.
"Aye, Hachiman. Yahallo!"
This greeting is so embarrassing… But why's he only saying hi to me?
"U-uh, yeah… So who invited Zaimokuza?" I quietly asked Yuigahama and Yukinoshita.
The both of them made doubtful looks.
"Huh? You didn't invite him, Hikki?"
"I thought for sure you were in charge of him…"
"No, I didn't invite him…"
But the good thing about Zaimokuza is that any question can be answered with "Because it's Zaimokuza." There's also simply that I'm completely uninterested in his behavior. In short, Well, who cares?
"…Well, whatever. I was planning to thank you eventually anyway."
"Herm. If you've no wish for a bald head, then do not fret over the details. And why have we gathered here this day?" Zaimokuza inquired.
Komachi looked over at Yuigahama and Yukinoshita. "Um… We're about to have a Christmas party, so first we're going to go shopping for some presents to trade—right, guys?"
Yuigahama nodded in response. "Yeah. Well, everyone's here, so let's go."
"Yes, let's get this done quickly," Yukinoshita said, and she headed into the shopping mall. We followed after her.
Presents—they're a sort of test.
If you buy something unwise, you're going to make people think, Oh, so this is what he thinks of me… Huh…
It would not be an overstatement to say you can measure just about everything about a person through their choice in presents: their insight, taste, financial means… Mm, maybe it is an overstatement. Probably… Hopefully. Better brace myself just in case.
The inside of the shopping mall was also overflowing with crowds. Christmas songs were playing nonstop, and the people walking around carried big bags. There were quite a few stores in here, and many of the stores were decorated with wreaths and tinsel.
"Huh. I haven't come to this mall since it was built, but there's a lot of stuff here." As I took in the sights with the curiosity of a first timer, Yukinoshita also checked our surroundings.
"This is quite large, isn't it…? And so crowded. I assume this is due to Christmas… Just walking around is making me tired…"
This was Yukinoshita: Not only does she lack endurance; she's also bad with crowds. Every word of hers was tinged with despair.
And then there was Yuigahama. "You're so right! It's so full of energy and fun! Oh, look, there's Santa!" The cheery atmosphere inside the mall had bolstered her cheer, and Yuigahama was gleefully pointing at a nearby man dressed up as Santa who was handing out balloons.
Then she tug-tugged at my sleeve. "Hey, hey, Hikki, how long did you believe in Santa?"
"I think I believed until just before I started elementary school." "Huh, that's kinda surprising." Startled, Yuigahama's mouth hung open.
Uh, it's not really, though. I was once pure, in my childhood.
When I was thinking about making a counterargument, Komachi smoothly stepped up beside me. "My brother was supercute when he was little! If you see him in pictures and home videos and stuff… His eyes weren't rotten then."
"Oh wow, I wanna see!"
But Komachi didn't hear Yuigahama, I don't think; her eyes were distant and disappointed, even grieving for the halcyon days of yore. I-I'm sorry your big bro wound up like this…
A pitying smile came to Yukinoshita's lips as she watched the other two girls. "I wonder why he became what he is… The flow of time is cruel."
"Seriously. Definitely the flow of time," I said.
"Ahhh, you never change…" Yuigahama sighed in resignation.
Yeah, blame that on the flow of time, too. Don't blame me.
"Hikki's hopeless, but what about you, Yukinon? Did you believe in Santa?" Yuigahama asked.
Yukinoshita's gaze slid off into the distance, and she muttered, "In all my memories, my sister had already told me the truth…" "Ahhh, she's one of those…," I said.
Poor Yukinon… Yuigahama and I both gave her sympathetic looks. But that's just how it goes with Haruno. Although the vibe would be way different if she had been glued to her big sister and said things like You're always so smart!
"Hachiman, I never believed in Santa Claus for a moment! In this world, there are no gods or Buddhas or Santas or girlfriends!" Zaimokuza clenched a fist and thrust it high.
"I understand the sentiment, but why are you just talking to me…? Let's say important things like that to everyone, okay?"
I can't deny that the existence of girlfriends is as indeterminate as that of gods, Buddhas, or Santa Claus. There was value in listening to Zaimokuza's opinion on that point.
Yuigahama laughed a little shyly, maybe embarrassed to be among so many longtime nonbelievers. "Ah-ha-haaa… Wow, so you guys all realized pretty young, huh? I believed in Santa until my third year of elementary school, you know."
Then Komachi laughed in just the same way. "Ah-ha-ha, aw, Yui!"
"Ah-ha-ha, right. I was a bit of an idiot when I was little, I guess…"
Uh, that wasn't just when you were little. You're still an idiot…, I was about to say.
But before I could, I saw a flash in Komachi's eyes, and she gave an irresistible smile. "No, no, Santa really does exist. And that's worth a lot of Komachi points!"
"There it is! The bad smile!"
Even when Yuigahama pointed it out, the glint in Komachi's eyes remained.
"Well, she's always like that…," I said. "And we should stop talking about this. Some of us here might still believe in Santa…like Totsuka."
"Ah!" cried Yuigahama. "Sai-chan just might…"
When we glanced over toward Totsuka, he was hastily waving his hands back and forth. "O-oh, no, of course I don't believe anymore. But…I do think it'd be nice if he were real."
Komachi made the mistake of looking right at Totsuka as he gave his shy little eh-heh-heh laugh, and she jerked back. "Whoa! Totsuka is so radiant!"
"I-I'M HIKARI NI NARE-ING!"
Zaimokuza must have caught a glimpse of it, too, as even he was suffering. Sheesh, amateurs… Of course he's gonna be blindingly adorable, come on.
"No, nobody's becoming the light…," I grumbled. "I can't become the light, so I'm gonna become Totsuka's Santa."
"What are you even talking about…?" With an exasperated expression, Yukinoshita swept her hair back.
Ah! Shoot! I was just trying to stay calm, but I'd accidentally become the light myself…
"Anyhow, this place is so big! You don't know where to look first," Yukinoshita said as her head swiveled back and forth.
And you have no sense of direction, either…
Komachi took a moment to think. "Hmm…yeah. Guys, what kind of stuff do you want to buy?"
"I'm thinking I'm gonna check out a place that sells accessories or knickknacks or something…," Yuigahama said. "What about you guys?"
Then, surprisingly, Zaimokuza made a suggestion. "For Christmas, toys. And for toys, R Us!"
"Ahhh, the lyrics in their ad jingle are pretty good, huh?" I said. "Really sticks with you."
"How did that song go again?" Totsuka asked.
So I tried humming their ad jingle. Ummm… I think it was something like this… "I wanna stay a kiiiid, hmm hm hm hm hm, hmm hm hm? No, that's not it. Nya? Nya nyaa nyaa, I don't wanna grow up, I don't wanna get a job…"
When I tried singing it, I felt the air hanging heavier overhead. Hhuh? Was this song that dark?
Totsuka could sense it, too; his smile was a little strained. "W-was that how the song went…? I'm impressed you remember the last part when you just hummed most of it… Oh, but there is an R Us right around here, you know."
"Herm. Then let us enter."
"Ohhh, I like that idea," I agreed with Zaimokuza. "I'm getting kind of excited."
The guys were into the idea, but Yuigahama made no attempt to hide her disinterest. "Huh? We're going in here?"
As if to console her, Komachi took Yuigahama's arm. "Come on, I think they have stuff for parties, too, so why not?"
"Now that you mention it, they do. I wonder if they have party poppers as well." After mulling this over, Yukinoshita agreed.
So did Totsuka. "Yeah, let's try looking for some."
Following after Totsuka, I went into the R Us, too.
…But still, party poppers? You're awfully invested in the festivities, huh, Miss Yukinoshita…? Oh well. It's a good thing.
Christmas-themed displays decorated the store's interior, joining the typical toy-store whimsy to create a little dream or a magical kingdom. Even reluctant Yuigahama let out an appreciative "Ohhh" of delight.
A toy store really is a place where you can return to the innocence of childhood. Seriously, I don't want to grow up. I don't want to get a job…
As I was walking around this exciting place, I encountered someone familiar. She was squatting in front of the plastic-model shelf.
It was Miss Hiratsuka.
I was struggling to find words when the teacher noticed me and called out. "Oh? Hikigaya…"
"M-Miss Hiratsuka…" "Ah, Miss Hiratsuka."
"Oh, the others are with you?" our teacher said, noticing the rest of the crew following us.
"What are you doing here?" Yuigahama asked.
"H-hmm. You know… I-it's for work."
Uh, that's definitely a lie… She really hesitated to say that, and she was sweating even though the heat was hardly on.
But Yuigahama's eyes were wide and innocent. "Huh, that's tough. It's Christmas and everything."
"Urk, nghhh, y-yeah, well, that's how my work is… It's part of being a guidance counselor. We can't have you kids getting carried away during the winter break and causing problems. M-man, the struggle!
Work-life balance issues, you know. Lately, work has been taking over my dinner table conversations. Ah-ha-ha-ha-ha…"
"Miss Hiratsuka, that smile isn't going to your eyes…" Totsuka seemed frightened of the hollow laughter.
After she got a little of it out of her system, she regained her composure. "…So I'm here for work. But what about all of you?"
"We're about to have a party, so we're shopping. Oh, hey, why don't you come with us?" Yuigahama offered.
Miss Hiratsuka folded her arms and closed her eyes. "Hmm… Well, I
can't let you go too crazy. Maybe I'll tag along for a bit," she said. "I don't have any plans anyway…"
Her quiet addition made Komachi tilt her head. "But what about work…?"
"Drop it, Komachi. Don't listen." Gently grabbing Komachi's shoulder, I stopped her.
Fortunately, Miss Hiratsuka just began giddily fishing around the shelf, so she probably didn't hear. "Now that we've made plans, I'm getting excited all of a sudden! See, look, Hikigaya! Look at all the toys!"
Watching Miss Hiratsuka, Yukinoshita muttered, "That was quite an about-face…"
"I guess she's decided not to give a damn…" Well, resilience is a virtue, right?
As I was interpreting this positively, Miss Hiratsuka was pulling all sorts of things from the shelf and smiling beatifically at me. "Look, Hikigaya, how about a Mini 4WD? They're addictive when you start as an adult. And then there's B-Daman, Hyper Yo-Yo, Beyblade… I guess Transformers have to be my favorite. No, Zoids are hard to resist, too. Ahhh, but you can't forget about the trading card games, either."
Her priorities lined up well with us boys, which may have been why Zaimokuza jumped on it.
"Aye, the new Precious Memories, full of foil-stamped cards with cast autographs and original illustrations, are now on sale from Movic to rave reviews!"
"What's this random ad…?" He even sounded like a real announcer, irritatingly enough.
Totsuka nodded, too. "Card games are fun, huh? I used to play them a lot, too… Fair Play, Fair Duel!"
"You lack the hunger! A man must go with the superalloy! HIKARI NI NAREEE!"
"Come on, man. All your yelling is making me want one, too…" Zaimokuza was saying it in such a cool way, the allure of the toys was getting to me.
Meanwhile, the girls had put some distance between us, giving us cold looks.
"…Agh, boys like that stuff, huh?" Yuigahama sounded exasperated.
Komachi said soothingly, "Boys will be boys, after all."
"So why has Miss Hiratsuka joined in with them as well…?"
Yukinoshita looked puzzled, but I didn't find it so mysterious. I mean, this is Miss Hiratsuka, after all. There are no true mysteries in the world.
The guys and Miss Hiratsuka were still scouring the shelves of the R
Us when Totsuka tug-tugged at the hem of my coat. "Oh, hey,
Hachiman, look, look. They have lots of Gunpla."
Looking over, I saw shelves packed with Gundam model kits.
"Ohhh. You're right. You like that stuff?" I asked.
That didn't quite fit with my impression of Totsuka. Of course, that was partly because of the way he looks, but also, because he's on a sports team. I never got the idea that he was into that sort of thing.
Totsuka's gaze dropped to the floor, and he muttered, a little shyly, "…Yeah, I love…" I couldn't hear the last word, but that was enough for me.
"…M-me too!"
"Huh?" Totsuka stared back at me.
Whoa, yikes. That's what happens when you hear what you want to hear. My burning pathos is overflowing. Gotta be careful about that.
"Oh, uh, sorry. I couldn't really hear you, so I said something funny. Sorry, but could you say it five more times?"
"Waaait! Hachiman!"
Zaimokuza grabbed my shoulder to stop me, and I came to my senses with a gasp. I didn't even realize I was saying it. Of course, the blush dusting Totsuka's bashful cheeks and reluctant hesitance to look at me were partially to blame, but the way he tilted his head a little and widened his eyes in the perfect gesture of innocence, confusion, and surprise was just so cute, I couldn't help it.
When I gave Zaimokuza a look of gratitude, he was already tapping on his phone while he pushed up his glasses. "I'll prepare the recording equipment, so buy some time!"
"Yeah, leave it to me!"
What a dependable man, that Zaimokuza! Even I never had the idea of recording Totsuka's voice to listen to it morning and evening and make it my alarm clock! He really is a creep! But I approve! However, this is for private use only! Because I want it all to myself!
The moment I opened my mouth in an attempt to buy time, I was cut off by Komachi's sigh. Mission failed!
"Whoa, that's a disaster duo right there. Anyway, Bro, I remember you making stuff like this way back, too," Komachi said, snatching up a Gunpla box.
"Yeah, though you'd always break them… Well, that's the fate of the eldest boy."
Seriously, when you have younger siblings, these plastic models don't stand a chance. Siblings ruin your save data, too. Their foot will just randomly hit the console and make your adventure log disappear, and when you expressly save an extra file to see a certain scene again later, they'll be like, I wanted to start a new game, so I erased it . You may even shed a tear or two.
While I was sinking into some painful memories, I heard Totsuka's sweet voice. "You did, Hachiman? Me too. My dad really liked them."
"Huh. That's kind of surprising," I said. I'd assumed Totsuka would have been raised in a more refined and delicate manner. It was a little surprising to hear this hobby came from my father-in-law— whoops, I mean his dad.
Hiding his mouth with his hand, Totsuka giggled. "You think? I mean, I'm a boy, you know?" He tilted his head a little as if testing me, peering up at my face from below. He was only a tiny bit closer, but I choked anyway.
Until Zaimokuza peered at me the same way. Why?
"That's right, Hachiman. Someone this cute can't be a girl!"
"Urk, that's right; he is a boy, huh, ngh…"
It seemed Miss Hiratsuka had been observing this stupid conversation of ours, as she came up to us. Grabbing a Master Grade, she gave it a good look. "Oh, Gunpla, huh? I hear these days, girls make them, too… Before long, this might be a good hobby for your love life."
"Are you serious? Komachi might be a little interested now… Sparkle! " Her eyes shone.
Miss Hiratsuka turned to her with a challenging grin. "Oh? Well then, Hikigaya the younger, why don't you have a Gunpla competition with me?"
As Komachi and Miss Hiratsuka faced off, Yukinoshita boldly stepped forward, too. For some reason. "If you're having a competition, then I cannot accept anything less than victory."
"She jumped on it as soon as she heard competition, huh?" I muttered. "But she's usually such a Miss Yarukinainen. So competitive…" How would you do a competition with Gunpla anyway? Who has the best workmanship?
As I wondered about the specifics, I could tell that in Komachi terms, she just wanted to do it and didn't give a damn about how. With a bold smile, she pointed aggressively at both Miss Hiratsuka and then
Yukinoshita. "Heh-heh-heh, so be it! Then it's a game! If you beat Komachi, as a prize…I will give you my brother!"
"Oh-ho…" Miss Hiratsuka looked at Komachi sharply.
Oh no, she actually looks serious!
"…Hey, Komachi-chan?" I said. "I know you don't want your brother, but don't fake diplomatic tactics to get rid of him, okay? Let me just say, that's—"
"No, no! That's an awful idea!" Yuigahama cut off what I was about to say.
My attention was drawn to her as she interrupted. "O-okay… Well, it is an awful idea…"
"Ah…um, it's not that it's awful, more like, uh…"
Our eyes met, and then the both of us looked away.
"…"
"…"
And then we both went silent, too. What the heck is this? I want to die all of a sudden.
Komachi could tell something was off about the two of us, and she looked between us. "Ohhh? Ah? Komachi's never seen this before… Could this be…?" Her eyes immediately started sparkling.
Oh no, dear Komachi, don't look at your big brother with those eyes…, I was thinking when Zaimokuza butted in with utter disinterest. "Hachiman, I really don't care about all that, but can I just choose some Gunpla already?" He'd been watching this from a distance, apparently.
"Uh, oh, yeah. I'm gonna go look over there for a bit, too." When I headed briskly over to where Zaimokuza was, I could hear Komachi behind me clicking her tongue.
"Tsk, that Special Snowflake… Way to ruin the moment…"
"Heh, I guess this means our competition comes later. Well, let's go take a look around, too," Miss Hiratsuka said, and we all began hunting around the R Us.
Zaimokuza, Totsuka, and I stood in a row before the Gunpla displays.
"I'm kinda tired now…," I said with a sigh.
"Ah, Hachiman. Why don't you choose something, too?" Noticing that I was standing beside him, Totsuka turned back to me.
"But I don't really know about the recent ones. I don't trust myself to pick a good one…"
"It's okay—you don't have to worry about it! With Gunpla, there are no limits except your own imagination!" Totsuka's eyes sparkled as he gushed, and his smile was dazzling…
"If you put it like that, now I wanna build some… Then I guess I'll go with this…" Rummaging around through a few, I picked up one that spoke to me.
Then that bastard Zaimokuza sighed dramatically. "Ahhh, Hachiman, I see you're choosing that one, huh? That's the one you want to go with…"
"Huh? What, something wrong with it?" I looked at Zaimokuza, wondering what the problem was.
But he was vague. "Oh, there's nothing wrong with it, per se. But… But that one, huh…?"
"God, you're annoying… This is why some people can't stand otaku… I'm fine with this one, okay? With this mobile suit…I will become a super pilot," I said with calm, collected poise, and Zaimokuza responded by acting way cooler than he needed to.
"Oh-ho, then with this mobile suit shining inside the storm, now it's your tuuuurn!"
As the both of us glared at each other with unkind smirks on our faces, Yuigahama started clapping and stepped between us. "Okay, no more. You don't know who this present is going to. Make sure you actually think this through, you two."
"Ngh, okay…"
After hearing that, the both of us obediently returned the Gunpla to the shelf. Then I have to go for a model kit with broader appeal, huh…? I was about to pick up another Gunpla box when Yuigahama stopped me.
"Okay, choose something else! One present per person!"
"Are you my mom or something…?"
Komachi, who'd been watching this disaster from a distance, hmm'd a little in thought before clapping her hands. "If I hang around with you guys, I may not get any shopping done at all, so how about we just go our own ways now?"
"Yeah, that might be a good idea," Totsuka agreed.
Yuigahama shot up her hand, too. "Agreed! Once we're done shopping, let's meet up in front of the cake shop."
"All right, then see you later," said Yukinoshita, and at that, we all scattered.
…Okay, I guess I'll choose a present, too.
After leaving the toy store, I wandered around the shopping mall. There were all sorts of other places, but though I tried peeking into storefronts, nothing really seemed right. Also, the staff would immediately start closing in on me when I was just taking a look, and I'd dash off on instinct.
I finally went into a shop full of knickknacks and miscellany where the staff couldn't come speak to me, but I had no idea what I should choose.
"I know I'm supposed to choose a present here, but…I don't even know who's gonna wind up with this… This is hard; you gotta find something useful that everyone will more or less enjoy…"
As I was muttering to myself (my special skill) and gathering my thoughts, suddenly a figure was standing behind me. "Heh-heh-heh, it seems you're in trouble."
"Oh, Komachi? Well, you're not wrong."
I turned around to see Komachi striking a fearless pose. Then she stuck up a finger. "Times like these, you want something that'll disappear, Bro."
"Disappear?"
What does she mean? What 'disappears'? Ninjas? Or ghosts…?
When I gave her a confused look, Komachi continued. "Yeah, something you can get rid of easily. Something that won't last too long."
"O-okay… You're assuming they're gonna get rid of it…?" Why does she say such sort-of-terrifying things?
But I knew what she meant—something that will go away, something that will be consumed when you use it. Like snacks, or tea, or daily necessities and whatnot, that sort of thing. She was right; those are easy to get rid of.
I was convinced. Meanwhile, Komachi continued further. "Things that you wear have more weight to them, you know? Like accessories or expensive items."
"Scary… My little sister is showing me how a girl thinks… Well, I'll take another look."
"Yeah, good luck. Then see you later."
"Okay," I said. Komachi must been after something herself, as she briskly trotted off. I casually raised a hand to say good-bye, then scratched hard at my head.
"Things that you wear have more weight, huh? Well, that's true…"
And those things are uncomfortable for the one getting them, too, huh?
"Right, guess I'll go look… Something that Totsuka would like… Something Totsuka would like, hmm…"
With renewed determination, I decided to enter a nearby store.