A/N: Hey there. As promised, this is the 2021 New Year bonus chapter. This year hasn't been all too easy on all of us, but I always believe that we should look at the bright side of things. I'm not saying the coronavirus isn't a big deal; it is! However, we can also look at year 2021 and tell ourselves that 'You know what? We will do much better next year if we work hard'. It's a matter of perspective, right?

With this chapter, I wish all of you a happy 2021!

It's 5 pm, and it's another New Year's Eve, which is a cherished day. Now is the time when the old year will soon go away and a new year is soon to come forth. It is a time of hope and wishes because another 365 days can offer us infinite possibilities. Nobody knows what will happen to them or what they can do differently in another year, but everybody is going to work very hard to change their lives for the better. That is why on this very day, many people set for themselves some New Year resolutions - a list of goals that they want to achieve within the next year. And though year after year people have come to understand that they will not achieve most of their goals, they will not stop doing it. Not all wishes need to be achieved, for the main purpose of setting wishes and writing down goals may not be to achieve them. When we say we want to be able to do this and that, we actually already have lots of hope and optimism. When we believe our lives can become better through hard work, we will become more confident in challenging ourselves and do better than we think we can.

Some people don't really set New Year resolutions, and that's completely fine because that is not the only way to celebrate this day. Many believe that the best way to spend this holiday is to stay with their family. Life in the jungle of concrete and metal can be exhausting, and oftentimes we are simply too busy to spend enough time with our loved ones. Christmas and the New Year, therefore, offer a great break-away from work for the modern man, for they can return to their warm home - where their family is - and for the moment throw all the troubles in life behind themselves. What's more, even for those who cannot physically return to their family, they can use their phones to connect with their family via video-chat, one of the many blessings of modern times.

In Academy City, the festive feel is dense. Being a place with a predominantly Japanese culture, the city is celebrating the approach of a fresh year in its unique way. A lot of red lanterns, a symbol of wealth and prosperity, decorate the streets, and everywhere in the commercial district, flashy neon lights add multiple layers of glamour to the already shiny buildings. There are lots of people out and about on the streets, and all of them wear a smile on their faces. In separate houses, decorations have also been put up as families sit around big round tables and enjoy a rich New Year feast. People really are enjoying themselves at this festive season.

But there's one boy who doesn't enjoy this night as much as others.

'Touma! What we are going to have for dinner tonight?'

'Ehh... Index...san? Didn't we eat just two hours ago?'

An intense stand-off is going on in A Certain High School's dormitory, as a blue-haired girl dressed in a nun suit named Index glares at a high school boy named Kamijou Touma. The girl is really short, but since she stands on the bed while he sits on the floor, it seems that Index has the real advantage.

'But I'm hungry again, Touma! It's the New Year now, and enjoying a meal is my new year's wish you must fulfil!' Index gesticulates with closed fists. Seeing that Touma doesn't respond, she throws herself onto the bed. 'I want more! I want more!' she yells as she rolls around like a mischievous kid.

'I don't have much money left already, and I cannot afford to bring you out for another feast!' says Touma as he peeks at the abysmal amount of money in his wallet.

'I don't care! You have to bring me out to buy food!' Index stands up again as she shouts.

'Look at yourself Index. The only thing you have done this year is to sleep and eat and then sleep again. And you have not earned a nickel or done me anything to repay for it while just being a freeloader and... Ehh, why are you staying quiet and staring at me like that, Index... san?'

Index indeed is. She purses her lips as her cheeks redden, and her watery blue eyes, slightly narrowed in anger, are fixated at Touma's eyes.

'I - hate - you!' Index declares, and she leaps and lands her teeth on Touma's hair.

'Nyaaaaa!'

'What should I choose... Hmmm...'

Misaka bends down as she walks sideways and gazes at the items. She has been in the store for quite a long time, but the basket she holds remains empty.

Just then, her eyes fall on a particular object, and she walks to it and holds it up in her hands.

Will that person like this? Misaka thinks to herself.

'So tiring...' Uiharu says as she stretches her arms behind. 'Why is there so much work to do on New Year's Eve?'

'No complaining about work, Uiharu.' Kuroko reminds, 'On New Year's Eve, Academy City needs Judgement to maintain civic order more than ever.'

'I understand that, but staying in the office kind of spoils the holiday mood.'

'It's fine. We will be free to go soon,' says Kuroko as she looks at her wristwatch.

'What are your plans today, Shirai-san?' Uiharu asks.

'Nothing in particular,' Kuroko says, her eyes not shifting from the work on her desk. 'What about you, Uiharu?'

'Hm hm. That shall be a secret of mine.'

'Wow. Something you cannot let me know, huh Uiharu?'

'Hehe. You will find out about that soon, Shirai-san.'

'Let's go out now! MISAKA MISAKA says as she wants to talk a stroll along the streets on New Year's Eve.'

Last Order is energetic as usual, and she jumps around gesticulating at Misaka Worst who is busy playing.

'You're goddamn noisy, little damned brat! I still want to play my video game!' Misaka Worst says, her brows furrowing in annoyance.

'Ahhh, MISAKA MISAKA exclaims as she feels frustrated by Misaka Worst's refusal.'

'Pretending to be sad doesn't work on me.'

'Hmph, says MISAKA MISAKA as she walks away from Misaka worst and towards Accelerator.'

'Hah?' The mention of his name makes Accelerator turn his head around to face the smiling little girl. Last Order grabs the tip of Accelerator's shirt and slowly pulls it.

'Neh, neh. Bring me out for a walk, Accelerator! MISAKA MISAKA begs as she doesn't let go of his clothes.'

'...' He turns around and keeps silent.

'Hey. Don't pretend you haven't heard MISAKA, says MISAKA MISAKA as she yells at you!'

'... Tch. Whatever you want then.'

Touma and Index walk along a street, and the boy has got bite marks on his hair, face, arms and legs. Most of them are covered by the layers of thick winter clothes though.

'Seriously, Index. What should I do so that you won't bite me?' Touma says, still agonising over the painful few minutes that the little nun-like girl - nun-like, for an actual nun should be peace-loving and graceful - has given him.

'You should reflect, Touma! Every time you would say something that makes me angry, and I would bite you as a form of punishment!' she says with her eyes shut in protest.

'But Index-san, isn't it true that everything I say would make you angry?'

'That's not true!'

'See? You are getting angry for no reason again!'

'Hmph!'

Index doesn't speak anymore, and Touma is relieved. At least he has not triggered another biting round. A few moments later, they seem to have entered a busy business district heaving with pedestrians. Looking around, Touma notices that there are many stalls selling local Japanese delicacies and some larger restaurants located along the street, and they are crowded as everyone wants to acquire something to satisfy their gullets. The smells of food seem to have instantly excited Index, whose nose is best at detecting edible items.

'Neh neh Touma. I want to go and take a look at this stall, this stall and this stall! I want to take a look at all of them! There are just too many but I want to buy all of their food!'

'Yeah, yeah. Bad luck to my wallet...'

...

'Ah, Short-haired!' Index yells as she points in front, causing everybody around to turn to look at her. Who is she pointing at? It's a certain middle-school brunette.

'Eh?' Misaka turns around from the stall in surprise, but she instantly recognises the nun-like girl. 'Index-san? Why did you call me?' Misaka asks as she shouts across a few people who stands in between them.

'That's my question, you know?! What are you doing here?'

'Buying some food obviously.' Misaka says as her eyes fall onto Touma, and as their eyes cross Misaka suddenly appears very bold, even aggressive. She pushes through the crowd and stands right in front of the high-school boy, and her fingers point right at his chin. Seeing Misaka behaving like this yet again, Touma raises his hands in the air and takes a few steps back.

'Hey, what do you think you are doing here, huh?' she says with eyes that are narrowed with suspicion.

'Biribiri...? Nothing in particular. I'm just being pulled around by this brat to buy food.'

'Who are you calling a brat, huh Touma?' Index says, black lines starting to appear on her face.

'And why did you call me "Biribiri" again, huh you idiot?'

'Sorry! Sorry to both of you! Just buy the food you want already! Such misfortune!'

...

'By the way, do you want something for New Year?' Misaka says to Touma with reddened cheeks, as the three stroll along a row of stalls.

'Hm? What do you mean?' unsuspecting, Touma turns to look at her.

'Uhmm... Of course... Well, you should know what I mean... Maybe I can give you something as... as... as...' As Misaka stumbles, her cheeks become redder and redder and her eyes become hazy.

'Do you mean you wanna give me a present?'

'Y - yeah. It - it is an ordinary festival thing, isn't it? Would you... Would you want it?'

'Hell yeah! For once I feel lucky in my life!'

'T~ o~ u~ m~ a~!'

'Hm? Hehe? Why does my spine suddenly (gulp) feels all cold?'

Frightened by this creepy yet so familiar feeling, Touma turns his neck like a rusted gearwheel. There, Index is glaring at him, her green eyes glowing creepily.

'Ehh...? Index-san? What have I done wrong again?'

'You want a gift from Short-haired so much, huh Touma?'

'Ehh... Actually no! I would prefer a gift from Index-sama instead!'

The zaps of electricity begin to sound behind Touma, and by instinct he already has a million bad feelings. 'You idiot...' Misaka says in a low voice, 'Actually, you want my gift, right? You want to receive a gift from Misaka Mikoto, right...?' She walks to Touma and her scowling face almost touches his, and sparks jump up and down around the Railgun's bangs.

'This has nothing to do with you, Short-haired!' Index says as she pushes her at her shoulder.

'What do you want from me, you little sh*thead nun b*tch?'

'What do you want from me, you arrogant know-nothing middle-school ojou-sama?'

'Can the two of you stop arguing...'

'Mind your own business!' The two girls shout in unison and return to their glare again.

'Fine. I shouldn't have even asked for a gift in the first place. Misaka, how long are you planning to stay with us?'

'Well for me, I need to... AHHH! It's so late already?! I'm late, I'm late for this!' Misaka says as she grabs her bag and dashes off.

'Oi! Come back, Short-haired! We aren't done yet!'

'We will argue next time!' she shouts, disappearing into the crowd.

'Phew! Conflict solved...' Touma says, wiping sweat off his temples.

Or not, for Index has grabbed Touma's arm.

'Touma, in God's name, someone must repay for Short-haired's sins, right?'

She shows her teeth, and Touma knows his fate.

'Nya nyaaaa!'

'Wow, exclaims MISAKA MISAKA as she is amazed at the glamourous landscape!'

'Tch. What is so exciting about decorations that are all the same every year?'

'Is it? MISAKA MISAKA asks as she looks at you. But it's MISAKA MISAKA's first New Year, says MISAKA MISAKA as she feels a surge of excitement in her.'

'...'

It's the first time she has seen this, for she has just been created this year.

And why were clones like her created in the first place...?

Accelerator hates himself. He can't face his past, and now that the experiment is over and he has assumed the role of Last Order's guardian, it has become nearly impossible to reconcile his past and present.

Others may forgive him, but he can find no way to forgive himself. He is incapable of that.

A pull at his hand makes him turn his head. It's Last Order pulling him with her tiny hands.

'Yes? What do you want again?'

'Come with me, MISAKA MISAKA says as she wishes Accelerator can come her way.'

'... Tch.'

'I'm sorry Shirai-san. I have to leave now, so could you help me do the remaining paperwork?' Uiharu asks as she stands up from her chair.

'Oh sure.'

'Okay see you!' Uiharu says, and she dashes off.

What is she in a rush for? Kuroko thinks to herself before returning to work.

'Ahhh! It's already half-past-six! I'm late already!'

Misaka runs through the corridor of the dormitory - completely disregarding the dorm rules against doing this - and as she stops in front of her room, she carefully knocks on the door like a thief. Hearing no response, she lets out a sigh of relief and pushes the handle to enter.

Good. Kuroko hasn't returned yet...

She sits on her bed as she takes out her phone and dials a number.

Touma is suffering - physically and mentally. As usual, Index has bought a lot of things and Touma is ordered to carry them, and the New Year seems almost depressing to him because of the fight that happened just now. But strangely, Index just doesn't look like the one who has been venting her rage with violent biting. In fact, she is light-heartedly humming a tune and walking with a bounce as if a few seconds is what it takes for her to forget her unhappiness - after Touma has suffered, that is.

Things are just unfortunate for Touma. He thought today would be that one day in the year when he can for once forget about the troubles in his life and enjoy some peaceful, pleasant time as he waits for the arrival of another year. But the reality is cruel, for it seems that the misfortune of this year will stay with him until the very end of the day and the misery of next year are waiting for him at the very start of tomorrow. There's no break for him.

He looks around, and almost everybody except him has the company of their loved ones. The plan used to be that Touma's parents would come to Academy City to spend the holidays with him, but the plan changed because both of them had to go overseas for business. They did promise to visit him in mid-January, but that would not feel the same as welcoming a new year as a family. Besides, Touma was hoping that he would suffer less from Index because she would behave better if his parents are present. That didn't happen, so Touma has been tormented by this picky and braggy nun for an entire day.

'Touma! Touma! Touma!' Index calls repeatedly as she turns around and walks backwards, her face bright with a smile.

'What is it, Index?'

'Nothing! It's fun to call someone's name without a real purpose.'

Touma smiles. This is life for the two of them: they always argue, but at the end of the day they accompany each other and are happy because of the other one's presence.

'Ah! Look look Touma! There are beautiful fireworks over there!' Index shouts excitedly as she points. Right there, colourful fiery blooms cut through the black and light up the night sky so much that it feels like the day. A few of them soon die out, but more come to their place. It's like human life in general. People are born into the world, live their short lives and return to the ground, and while a person's life is futile, human race flourishes with each generation taking the place of the previous one. The fireworks are the same, for although each shot of them has a very short life span - roughly two seconds - together they have dispelled darkness from a part of the sky, at least until the last firework dies out.

'There will be even more fireworks as we approach midnight. Index, let's stay here to watch them!' Touma says.

'Hm!' Index nods.

They gaze at the fireworks, the symbol of hope in the darkest night.

'Where do you want to bring me to?' Accelerator asks as he follows Last Order.

'We are approaching! says MISAKA MISAKA as she tries her best at hiding her excitement.'

...

'We are here, MISAKA MISAKA proudly declares. Could you stand here and wait a moment with your eyes closed? asks MISAKA MISAKA as she wants you to stay still and close your eyes.'

'Huh? Why should I do that?'

'Just close it, pleads MISAKA MISAKA as she wants you to do what she says.'

'Tch. Fine! Fine! I will close my eyes'

'Okay, MISAKA MISAKA replies as she dashes off.'

Last Order suddenly stops running and turns around.

'Don't open your eyes at all! warns MISAKA MISAKA as she doesn't want you to cheat.'

'Yeah yeah! Just do what you need to do quickly!'

A few moments later, Accelerator can hear light, quick footsteps approaching him. He knows she's back.

'Don't open your eyes and stretch out your hands in front of you, MISAKA MISAKA instructs.'

He does it, and he feels a gentle weight landing on them.

'Now open your eyes, MISAKA MISAKA excitedly says.'

Already curious what the little girl has placed in his hands, Accelerator promptly holds up the cubic item and opens his eyes to see. It is a flat box, and its wrapping has purple dots placed at equal spacing on a light-pink background. On the front face, a few words are written. 'A New Year present from Last Order,' they read.

'Heh! A gift for me, isn't it?' Accelerator removes the cover and looks inside it. There are a few clothes, five latest comic books and tens of sweets and lollipops.

'The clothes will look cute on you, while those comics and candies will make you happy. MISAKA MISAKA has bought these for you, says MISAKA MISAKA as she - Nya! Why did you suddenly hit MISAKA's head? protests MISAKA MISAKA as she feels very painful!'

'Where have you got the money from?'

'From Yomikawa's wallet of course! MISAKA MISAKA proudly says.'

'Tch, you little naughty girl. Say, what do you want for dinner?'

'Can we go to the Joseph's? asks MISAKA MISAKA as she pleads you to visit that restaurant again.'

'Tch. I think I will soon get tired of that family restaurant.'

'Yey! Joseph's for New Year! Joseph's for New Year! Joseph's for New Year!'

'Can you be quiet while walking, you little brat?'

'No! MISAKA MISAKA can't feel more excited now! Joseph's for New Year, MISAKA MISAKA happily chants!'

'I'm back- neh?'

Kuroko opens the unlocked door, but to her surprise the room is completely dark.

'Onee-sama has forgotten to lock the room again, huh?' she says to herself. 'I must scold her so that she would not to do it again, or else people may discover my precious collection of Onee-sama's underwears...' As she says that, she presses the switch for the lights, and she saw three people standing in front of her. Misaka stands motionless in the middle with arms folded in front of her chest and electricity sparking out of her bangs, while Uiharu and Saten stand on either side of Misaka as they hold her arm and whisper to her. 'Stay calm, Misaka-san' is what Kuroko can hear them repeatedly saying.

'Ahh... Onee... sama? Why... does your face look like that?'

'Ku- ro- ko... Why don't you tell me why I'm angry?'

'Ehh... Ahhahhaha! Ah underwears... Y- you see, Onee-sama. That was said sarcastically by me, and I didn't actually mean...'

'Oh, a sarcastic expression is it?'

'Y- yeah, Onee-sama. Erm... Why- why are there more and more sparks flying around your body, may I ask?'

'Sparks? Oh, they are just moving around me for fun. That is said sarcastically, right?'

'Ah... Ahaha, yeah!' Kuroko says as she begins stepping back towards the door.

'Wrong!'

She sends a bolt of electricity at Kuroko, but she teleports behind Saten to dodge it.

'Stop her, Saten-san!' Kuroko screams as she bends down to hide.

'Go away, Saten-san!' Misaka demands.

'Misaka-san!' Saten says, 'have you forgotten what we are doing this whole thing for?'

'What thing?' Kuroko blinks her eyes in bewilderment as she asks.

'Oh yeah,' Misaka says, releasing the tension in her body as the sparks instantly disappear.

'Hmm? What are you guys doing today?' Kuroko asks, coming out of hiding.

'We are here for you, Shirai-san!' Uiharu says.

'Eh? For me?'

'Yeah,' Saten says, 'you have been working so hard, and we thought we would give you a little New Year surprise! Just now we stayed in the dark planning to surprise you, but it was upstaged as Misaka-san got angry.'

'Oh.'

'And Misaka-san, haven't you prepared something for Shirai-san?'

'Oh yeah. I've nearly forgotten about that! Let me go and get it...'

'Oh? Onee-sama is gonna give me something?! Is it your precious virginity?! Ahn!'

'Nothing of the kind Kuroko!' Back-facing Kuroko, Misaka shouts as she takes out something from a paper bag.

'Aaaahhn! Kuroko doesn't want anything else, Onee-sama! We can have a shower together, all naked! Kuroko... Ahhhn...! Kuroko has been dreaming of it...'

'Come on, stop saying stupid stuff, Kuroko!' Misaka says, turning around with a white scarf in her hands.

'A... scarf?' Kuroko says.

'Ohhh. So this is what you said you decided to buy!' Saten exclaims.

'It's so beautiful!' Uiharu comments.

'Look down a bit, Kuroko,' Misaka says, raising the scarf above her head.

'...' Kuroko's cheeks gently heat up as she tilts her head and looks at the brown floor. She feels her sensitive nape gently tickled by Misaka's fingertips, and as the scarf slides to Kuroko's front, her neck is covered in pleasant warmth.

'It looks great on you, Shirai-san!' Saten says.

'How does it feel, Kuroko?'

'It... It feels warm... It's great, Onee-sama.'

'That's good. Remember to wear this every time you head out for Judgement, yeah?'

The eyes of the two girls cross, and as Misaka gives a sunny smile, Kuroko feels shy.

'O- okay,' Kuroko replies.

'And do you still remember what your punishment will be?'

'Eh? Onee-sama... are you still n- not letting that go? I- I...'

'Just kidding! Come, let's go for dinner at the school canteen!'

'Feasting among ojou-sama's... It's like a dream!' Uiharu says.

'It's not actually that high-class, Uiharu-san. Now then, let's waste no more time! I've bought some really nice food from a stall, and I think y'all will love it.' Misaka says.

'Yeah! Let's have our time on this New Year's Eve!'

A/N: I'm actually not sure where Kuroko's scarf actually comes from since I haven't got the chance to read the novel, so I have imagined it being the gift from her Onee-sama. I hope you have enjoyed this chapter, and again, happy 2021!