If there's one thing that everyone has been waiting for, especially children themselves, it would be Christmas. It is late in the morning, and it is already revealed that the entirety of the city has been engulfed by the heavenly snow. What makes it more endearing on this particular day is that today is exactly Christmas Day. Making it more beneficial for the students is that today, school is off, meaning the students won't have any lessons to suffer through.

But no one is more joyful for this day to come than Sakurako herself.

Aside from the Christmas party and celebrations, she personally had a platonic relationship with winter. She herself felt already strange that she somehow came up with that word. There was something so… enchanting with the glimmers of the snow. Despite the stark whiteness the snow had encompassed over the city, it paints the modern town with such magnificence that one has to question how one blank color is able to beautify the landscape within a day. In her eyes, the sight of the snow itself can be described as delicate pieces of cotton that she could sleep on anywhere and anytime she wanted.

From within an exquisite restaurant sat a gazing Oomuro by the large window. With a pair of bored eyes, she watches the pedestrians and children passing by, seldom counting how many people have passed her. Occasionally she pays attention to the droplets of snow falling gracefully onto the ground, layering themselves upon its white brethren. She felt herself a little entranced by the sight of dancing the snow continuously compel from the heavens. Dancing of spirals, straight diagonals, and recently, waves. She forms a small smile as she interprets those snow droplets as playful children.

A slight form in the corner of her eye caught her attention, and sees a pair of teenagers walking on the sidewalk across her, high schoolers, it seemed. A girl is clinging onto the boy's arm, smiling at each other in the comfort of their own warmth. And then there's another pair from her right, who are hand-holding as they traverse through the cold winter. Christmas has been particularly the best day for people to begin dating, or so she heard since Christmas is a day of unity for either family or loved ones. As she watched those pairs come and go, another thought came into mind.

"Isn't what we're doing now really is Christmas date, though?"

The reason for that form of thought is not because she got invited out for a date but because Kyouko is at it again to find a way to have a fun time during Christmas. The first thing that Kyouko happened to come up with was obviously a Christmas date. She turns to her pair, Himawari, unsurprisingly. As to how she paired up with her, is that Kyouko used a lottery box filled with random numbers, the persons who have the same number will be a pair, and Sakurako and Himawari had the same number.

Sakurako did not complain, though, and so as Himawari. In fact, Sakurako found her blunette friend a bit thrilled to be paired up with her. The restaurant they are currently in? Himawari picked it for her. If Sakurako were to admit, it's a good spot she picked. Aside from the large view they could get there, she felt herself charmed by the Christmas-theme decorations, foods, and loving atmosphere within. Not to forget, there's this sense of nostalgia, the kind that she couldn't help but keep reliving those good old days and feel herself getting lost in it.

"Sakurako. Hey, Saa-chan."

Sakurako immediately snaps herself and levels her sight toward her eyes. "H-hai?"

"You looked distracted," Himawari stated. "Something's on your mind?"

"Oh, I was just…," Sakurako paused. "I was just daydreaming a bit."

"About what?"

"Well… previous Christmas."

"Oh, so you felt it too?" Himawari formed a warm smile. "Well, I think this time would be different."

Sakurako raises a curious eyebrow. "How so?"

"If you don't mind I'm being bold," Himawari stated as her hands firmly clasped together. "I don't have to listen to your senseless whining."

"Ah… ok," Sakurako replied with a straight face before looking at her menu.

Himawari tilts her head a little. "You're not offended, are you?"

"No, you were right about it," Sakurako then sighed to herself.

Himawari frowns at her expression. "Are you mad?"

"No, I'm just a bit annoyed," Sakurako responded with a relative pitch tone. "That Kyouko-senpai."

"Is this about her Christmas date idea?"

"No, I don't really mind about it," Sakurako shook her head. "Just… Kyouko-senpai herself."

"Huh," Himawari read on her menu again. "What's your problem with her?"

"Well… her personality annoys me, I guess," Sakurako hesitantly replied.

"You were like her a while ago, you know? But a bit worse."

Sakurako stares up at her, still maintaining that clueless look. Her look itself was enough for Himawari to clear her throat and look away.

"I'm sorry. I guess I just ruined the mood," Himawari apologized, sighing as she closed the menu. "This doesn't feel like a Christmas date, does it?"

Sakurako stays quiet for a moment. "Maybe, but I'm happy that you're here with me, Hima-chan."

Himawari raises both her eyelids. "Really?"

"Yes," Sakurako nodded. "Your boobs are a bit distracting, though."

Himawari immediately shuts and tightens her eyes. "You do not have to say that to my face, Baka."

Ignoring her retort, Sakurako then asked. "Say, what did Kyouko-senpai say we're going to do in the evening again?"

"You weren't paying attention?" Himawari asked.

"I was, but I didn't hear her words clearly," Sakurako replied. "She ran off before I could ask her."

"Oh, well, we will go to the karaoke club later," Himawari set aside the menu book.

"Hmm…," Sakurako leaned against her seat. "Do you know the karaoke club Kyouko-senpai meant?"

"I know the place. Kaede and I have been there together before," Himawari replied. "Now that being mentioned, is there a song you want to sing when we get there?"

"Hmm, a couple maybe," Sakurako replied. "Hopefully, those songs are on the list."

"Then I look forward to that," Himawari called the waiter before turning back at her. "Let's have supper. I don't want to waste more time than we need to."

"Agreed."

It won't take long for their meals to arrive, and they consummate them with delight as they spend their delicate minutes in the serenity of the winter holiday.


Evening. 16:30 PM

Following the direction Kyouko gave in her text message, Sakurako led her childhood friend and supposedly Christmas date pair throughout the silky but damp white path. Himawari had volunteered to lead the way, but Sakurako assured her she could find the said checkpoint, though it was understandable why she offered her help. Sakurako had led themselves further within the city with the use of her GPS. At the very least, Himawari was glad she finally understood how to read GPS. Admittedly, Sakurako didn't expect to make a long walk towards this particular karaoke.

Sakurako tightens the scarf around her neck and straightens out her hoodie jacket. The parachute material of her jacket has been kind to filter the shivering breeze off her body. Clouds of transparent mists form and reform with every breath she lets out. While Himawari was already comfortable with her wool sweater, it wasn't enough to deter the winter air from poking and shriveling her skin that she had to blow and rub her own hands before covering her mouth. It seems she's half regretted for not bringing a snow hat or at least a scarf.

As they approach an intersection, Himawari pats her shoulder, then points to their right. Across the road stands the only karaoke in this street. The building surprisingly has the same color as Wildwind Game Center, at least for now, it can be differentiated by red and green strips alongside stickers and paintings related to Christmas. Sakurako turns her phone off without giving it a single glance.

"That's the place?"

"Yes, just like how I remember it," Himawari replied. "Shall we?"

Sakurako merely nods before they cross the road and enter the building. A moment after Sakurako was the first to enter, she heard a yell.

"Sakurako!"

Kyouko immediately jumps and hugs the off-guard Sakurako tightly. While Himawari giggles at the usual energy Kyouko had, Sakurako was more infuriated being in this position with an annoying but carefree person.

"Kyouko-senpai, get off me!"

"Oooh, what's wrong~?" Kyouko asked back as an adoring mother would. "I'm trying to charge up your energy."

"I'm a human, not a phone," Sakurako responded. "And you are hugging me, not charging me."

"This is also for warming up your body, Saku-chan~."

"I'm feeling hot now, not warm," Sakurako grunted as she wiggled to no avail. "Just get off me already."

"I don't want to~."

Sakurako wrinkles her eyes. "Why?"

"This is mandatory for you since you're grumpy and all, just like that lousy Yui."

"Hey, I'm right here, y'know?" responded Yui, who's currently standing next to Ayano.

"Ah, hi, Yui-senpai, Ayano-senpai," Himawari greeted, at which the girls waved back.

"Kyouko," Sakurako pushed her back. "Let me go, you silly horsehead!"

Ayano and Yui spit their laughs at the ground, covering their amused faces in vain. On the other hand, Himawari is a bit stunned to hear such an unusual insult.

"Ten more minutes, Saku-chan~."

Sakurako then stands still then speaks with a deep tone. "Let me go. Now."

"Ho, ho, what are you, a boss?" Kyouko then pressed her cheek against hers. "Not a chance."

Sakurako's face remains stiff, and then she pulls out a device from her jacket.

To everyone's fright, it's the same flashbang in her hand.

"Woah, crap!" Kyouko immediately jumped back and kept her hands in the air. "O-okay, Sakurako! You sure pretty riled up, huh? Calm down now."

"Yeah, Sakurako," Ayano had even procured a sweat. "This is Christmas, after all. Now you sure don't want to ruin it with a flashbang, do you?"

"Perhaps," Sakurako responded, lowering the flashbang. "For now."

"Having the police coming over just because of that seems to be the least concern for you, huh?" Himawari asked her.

"We have Sumida-san," Sakurako shrugged. "We'll be fine."

"Yeah…," Yui awkwardly giggled at her optimism. "Anyway, how was your Christmas date?"

"It's… wonderful, I guess?" Sakurako said as she scratched her right cheek. "But I kind of feel bad, though."

"Bad?" Ayano raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"Well…," Sakurako glanced toward the blunette. "Himawari keeps bringing me to many interesting places and has been generous to me. Yet, I didn't even return the favor for doing all those things for me."

"Actually, you already did a favor for me when you insisted on leading me here even though I'm the one who knows this place," Himawari smiled, leaning forward to get another angle of her face. "Other than that, I'm glad you finally didn't end up bringing us into the middle of nowhere with the GPS."

"I see…. Thank you, then," Sakurako opened and stored away her gloves before looking up to the other blonde and noticing that she was wearing a Christmas-themed dress with a holiday cap. "How was your date with Chinatsu-chan?"

"Boy, it was so fun!" Kyouko bragged, raising her arms to the heavens. "We went to this cute café, then that cinema to watch Mirakurun, then to the book shop, the toy shop- Wee, I even got her a cute doll she wanted to get!"

"That sounds like an exciting date, alright," Ayano commented.

"Yeah, I already expected much from you," Yui replied with a smile, though her head was slightly bowed.

Now, Sakurako had her attention on Yui and Ayano. "How was your date, though?"

"Oh, ours?" the marooned-haired girl then pressed her cheek with an index finger. "Well…. Umm…."

Unfulfilled by her response, she looks up to Yui, giving the same expression as Ayano. "Y'know, it's…. How do you say it?"

After a few seconds of fruitless mumbling, Sakurako intervenes. "Awkward?"

"Ah, y-yeah, awkward," Yui then giggled that out as best as she could. "But we did have a good time, though."

"Well, where did you go?" Himawari asked curiously.

"We went for a little walk around town, but we were mostly at the park," Ayano replied.

"Meh, that sounds boring," Kyouko commented. "Maybe I shouldn't have used that lottery box so you can have fun with me next time~."

"S-sure," Ayano then looked away with a half-attempted stubborn face. "It's not like I didn't have much fun with Yui-san, alright?"

"Huh, I always thought that you would make a great pair with Yui-senpai."

Everyone turns at Sakurako as Ayano looks a little bewildered. "E-eh? We're not that much of a great pair."

"Yeah, I mean…," Yui looked to her left bottom corner. "All we did was sightseeing and stuff."

Sakurako then tilts her head. "But you both enjoyed it, right?"

"Oh, that's a good question," Kyouko added, turning at the two silent pairs. "So you guys really enjoy your date?"

"You know, I kinda enjoy it with Yui-san," Ayano replied with a sincere smile, turning at the said person. "You were giving some kind of a… nice vibe. I can't really put my finger on what it is."

"What about your other finger?"

Yui and Ayano immediately bow their heads and stifle their small burst of laughter at Sakurako's joke. Kyouko only stares at the two, a little fascinated that they laughed at Sakurako's petty question. Himawari almost smiles wide at the question, and the girls stifle their laughter.

"I didn't expect a joke from you, Sakurako," Himawari responded.

"I just felt I wanted to say it," Sakurako replied with a small smile.

"Sakurako!" Kyouko called longingly. "Please tell me the secrets of your ability to act like a jester."

"Huh? I'm not a clown," Sakurako immediately responded.

"She means the secrets of your sense of humor," Himawari corrected.

"I don't have any secrets about how to joke with someone," Sakurako immediately answered.

"Ah, okay. Anyway~…," Kyouko then spun in the spot. "Our friends are waiting for you inside."

"Oh? You've already got us a room?" Himawari wondered.

"Of course we did!" Kyouko then gestured them in. "Come on!"

With that, Kyouko immediately sped off into the building. Yui merely shakes her head as they then enter the hallway, now with Ayano leading the way. As they walk, Sakurako now realizes how many decorations were painted and/or attached to the walls. What attracted her most was the sight of Santa, who is… riding on an elk? That was a tad interesting to look at before Sakurako returned her attention onward to their destination. Soon, they spot a certain blonde in a red dress waving by the door.

Ayano and Yui were the first to enter before Himawari and finally Sakurako. They could see that their friends were all present in the room, save for Chizuru, who was mentioned by her twin sister that she was celebrating Christmas with their grandmother. However, she was more surprised to see that her friends from Nagibara were present as well.

"Oh, Misa-chan?"

"Ohayou, Saku-chan~."

Kyouko raised a finger. "Ah, right, I forgot to mention that I had invited them to celebrate our Christmas."

Sakurako then snaps at her. "Wait, so you're telling me they didn't have a Christmas date?"

"Huh? What Christmas date?" Furoda asked as the other Nagibara girls were caught off-guard.

"Kyouko-chan came up with that idea," Akari explained. "We got our pair according to the same number we got."

"And after that, you guys start dating?" Saoki asked, still a little bewildered.

"Sort of," Chitose spoke, correcting her glasses. "We got to do what we like before we came here."

"Yeah… but a date?" Misaka asked, turning her head away with an awkward grin. "You guys don't happen to… well…."

"A-ah, nothing of that sort!" Chinatsu immediately waved her hands. "I mean, that was Kyouko's idea to make us have some fun."

"Oh, I see," Misaka giggled at herself. "I never thought you guys play along with that kind of idea."

"Of course, they'll play along," Kyouko bragged with her arms crossed. "Why would my servants dare to disobey me?"

"Hey, what kind of nonsense are you talking about now?" Yui asked in annoyance.

Akari happens to look at Sakurako and immediately sounds out her shaky tone. "Sakurako-chan, calm down."

"Eh?" Kyouko had responded before they all turned at the Oomuro blonde.

Sakurako's face remains reserved. However, Himawari is holding the blonde's wrist with both her hands as a flashbang is visible within Sakurako's fingers.

Kyouko immediately gives out both open palms. "O-o-oh-kay, take it easy! I was just joking!"

"Now, now," Himawari spoke as she lowered her friend's arm. "How about we just sit down and start celebrating?"

"Okay," Sakurako responded, putting her flashbang back before they sat down at the provided seats.

"You haven't picked a song yet, right?" Ayano asked.

"Oh, no, we were waiting for you," Chinatsu replied.

"But before that," Chitose added.

The door then opens, revealing one of the karaoke waiters.

"Looks like the food has arrived," Chitose finished.

The waiters laid out the menus on the long table. After the deed was done, the waiters left. Now they were amazed and entranced by the sight of their meals. Ranging from French fries, salad, noodles, chicken wings, karaage, and even a pizza is assorted on the table. As for the drinks, they have cokes but also a jug filled with Italian strawberry soda.

"This is so amazing!" Akari commented with a bright smile.

"And delicious too!" added Chinatsu after sipping her coke.

"Well damn," Furoda merely curled her lips as she held her only braid. "Wished I didn't have lunch before coming here."

"This seems rather expensive, though," Misaka then looked up at the Santa-dressed blonde. "You're not using Sakurako's money, are you?"

"What?! No, of course not!" Kyouko then glanced sideways to her left. "But I don't mind if she pays it all for us."

Sakurako stares at her with incredulity and in response. "Did you just admit you're poor?"

"Huh?"

Everyone else laughs as Kyouko is a little stunned by the comeback.

"Oh, you meanie!" Kyouko pouted, then redirected herself toward the table. "Right, let's not waste more time. Let's cheer for our Christmas! Everyone, grab your glass!"

All the girls grab their drinks as directed and raise them in the air.

"On my count," Kyouko said aloud. "3, 2, 1!"

"MERRY CHRISTMAS!"

All cheer as their glasses collides with each other with a beautiful cling, finally marking the beginning of consummating their evening meal. The Nagibara girls went ahead to enjoy themselves with the pizza, while others opted for French fries, karaage, and chicken wings. Sakurako takes a couple of chopsticks of noodles into her plate and then adds a few salads, much to Himawari's surprise. She notices that Ayano seems to enjoy herself with just a drink, which seems unusual for her.

The first to sing was, predictably, Kyouko. Yui even had to hit Kyouko in the head for thinking no one wanted to sing, so she'll sing it all by herself. Despite that, she went on the stage and sang all the way through the lyrics according to the screen. Sakurako's first impression was that she nailed almost the entirety of the lyrics, being a pop & rock kind of lyrics, what with the playful persona she had. All save for Sakurako claps at her performance as she returns to her seat.

"Thank you, thank you~," Kyouko said as she sat down.

"Was that song from an anime?" Chinatsu curiously asked.

"Not really," Kyouko responded. "It's a pop artist song. You know Miyue Marazaki?"

"Oh, that singer?" Akari asked with raised shoulders. "I never heard that song before. Was it a new song?"

"You betcha," Kyouko nodded. "She recently released that song about a week and a half ago."

"Yeah, that song is a killer," Saoki then sipped her coke. "I wonder what song she'll come up next."

"We'll have to wait and see for that," Chitose then scanned the girls. "Who wants to sing next?"

"Me, me, me!" Furoda raised her hand as she had already inserted the selected song.

She goes on the stage, clears her throat, and starts singing. As she sings, Sakurako realizes her voice has such charm, a beautiful voice that barely resembles her own mother when she sings something. Of course, what differentiates her is the positive, extrovert energy she induced, just like Kyouko. As for the song, she recognizes it. 'Attractive Gospel' was called, sang by a male artist from Yokohama. One of her favorite songs.

Now, Sakurako also joins in clapping at her performance as she gets off the stage.

"Thanks, guys!" Furoda happily spoke.

"You have a charming voice, Furoda-chan," Himawari complimented.

"Aw, thanks, Himahima," Furoda responded with a thumbs up.

"Himahima?" Ayano giggled at the blunette. "You finally got a pet name, Hima-chan."

"That sounds a little weird, don't you think?" Himawari asked, though her tone of protest wasn't evident.

"I think it's cute, Hima-chan," Chinatsu added in. "It almost rhymed with Chihuahua."

"Hmm," Sakurako paused. "You almost sounded like my mother, Furoda-chan."

Furoda deadpans at her. "Really?!"

"Huh, I thought no one else noticed that," Chitose added. "It feels so odd, doesn't it, Sakurako?"

"A little," Sakurako responded. "At least Furoda doesn't yell like my mom, though."

"Huh, your mom?"

"Sakurako, I hope you're not speaking ill of your own mother," Himawari responded firmly.

"Ah, that one time?" Misaka asked, eating the crust of her pizza. "I can't believe your mother can scream that loud. But I think I'll fare well with her than my own mother. She's not creepy, at least."

"I don't think that's what you need to be concerned about, Misaka," Himawari disagreed with sweat on the side of her head.

"Okay, who wants to sing next?" Saoki asked.

"My turn!" Akari volunteered as she rushed onto the stage.

Akari takes the microphone and listens to the song for the cue. Like what everyone expected of her, she sings a heartfelt Christmas song. Sakurako recognizes the song as a long-time children's song while surfing the internet. However, both Akari and Sakurako were surprised to hear the others did not recognize the song, which is an adorable Christmas children's song.

During midway into the song, Sakurako continues on with her meal until she finally downed her coke. Then she realized that was the only coke she had, aside from the Italian soda.

"Huh," Sakurako turned at her blunette friend. "Himawari."

"What is it?" Himawari asked.

"Where can I get another glass of coke?"

"Oh, you're out of coke?" Himawari asked. "Why don't you drink that Italian soda?"

"I really want to drink coke for now."

"Hmm?" Kyouko happened to look over. "What's up?"

"Sakurako wants to get another glass of coke, Kyouko-senpai," Himawari replied.

"Oh, there's a drink refill station near the reception back there," Kyouko added. "You can refill it on your own."

"Really?" Himawari asked. "But doesn't that-"

"Nah, don't worry about the price," Kyouko assured her. "You guys can go ahead and refill it."

"Huh, that's neat. I was looking for another glass of it," Misaka then leaned forward and picked Sakurako's glass. "Saa-chan, I'll get you another coke."

"Misaka, I can get it on my-"

"Now, now," Misaka immediately assured her. "I'll get it for you. Besides, you looked like you're still enjoying the song."

Himawari furrows her eyebrows at Misaka's generosity, and there's that feeling again. That feeling that Misaka is trying to endear her. Himawari silently downs her entire coke as Sakurako replies.

"W-well, if you say so. Thanks, Misa-chan."

"You know? I think I'll come along as well, Misaka-chan," Himawari replied with a smile. "I want to refill my drink too."

"Oh, sure!" Misaka replied as she put those glasses on an empty tray. "Just put it here."

Himawari does so before they stand up, and she turns at Sakurako. "We'll be back in a moment, Sakurako."

"Okay, Hima-chan," was Sakurako's reply.

Himawari opens the door for Misaka before she exits the room. Himawari trails on her back as they both look for the refill station. It didn't take them long to trace their steps back to the reception, and from there, they saw the refill station on one side of the wall. Misaka places the tray next to it and begins to fill Sakurako's glass.

Now that they are outside their friend circle, Himawari thinks it's a good time to ask. "I was wondering about something."

"Hmm?" Misaka turned her head. "What is it?"

"How well do you know, Sakurako?"

Misaka raises her eyebrows as she finishes Sakurako's glass. "Huh? Well, I know her like how her other friends know her. Why'd you ask such a weird question?"

"As I said, I was just wondering," Himawari replied. "I just kind of noticed that you've been smiling brighter every time you meet her."

"Isn't that normal every time you meet with your friend?" Misaka asked back. "You would smile if you see your friend too, do you not?"

"Of course, I would smile," Himawari replied with a slight nod. "She's my childhood friend, after all."

"I see," Misaka nodded, putting Sakurako's glass and grabbing hers. "You know, I'm kinda envious that you are her childhood friend. It would be so much fun to play with you both together."

"Oh?" Himawari leaned her head back. "I never thought you would admit something like that."

"Yeah, but to be honest," Misaka said. "I like Sakurako a lot more than the others. No offense intended."

"That's alright," Himawari assured her with a gentle voice. "May I ask why you like her more than the others?"

"What do I like about her?" Misaka put her filled glass, then grabbed Himawari's. "Well, she's cute and adorable, even though she doesn't express that much. But I like how gullible she is on most things. Not that it is a bad thing, but I like to tease her sometimes."

Himawari immediately narrows her eyebrows. "Was her vulnerability the only reason you dare to plant your kiss on her lips?"

Misaka instinctively shuts the tap as the glass is filled midway. Sure enough, there was a shade that fogs up her eyes as she placed the half-filled glass back in the tray. At first, uncomfortableness emanates from both of their aurae. Then, a slight sense of resentment.

"You saw it?"

"Are you this blunt when it comes to love," Himawari gravely reiterated. "To think that you would dare to do such a thing with my beloved Oomuro behind my back…. She didn't even understand it, no less."

"Himawari…," Misaka growled, never daring to look at her golden eyes. "This is not your business."

"You insolent!" Himawari declared in a whisper. "You laid your hands on her, and you think you can get away with it!?"

Misaka's figure turns at her with a fist tightened by her waist. "Himawari, I'm warning you. Back off."

"Was that a warning?"

"… So her Christmas pair was you, wasn't it?"

"That's none of your problems."

"And so is mine," Misaka gritted her teeth. "You better shut it, Himawari."

"Why? You're going to harm me?"

"I will if you don't stop this."

"Then I suggest you keep your hands off her."

"… Never."

Himawari and Misaka continued to stare dagger at each other with such intense indignant, and each was ready to throw a slap. Both of them then gradually raised their fist-

"Finally! Free from my stupid parents!"

They stop themselves at the new voice and turn their heads at that voice with their anger replaced with instantaneous petty curiosity. A group of four chatty girls has just entered this fine establishment. Although, the moment that group laid their eyes on them, were they about to get surprised. And much to the blunette's and purplette's surprise, that group were the same bullies that dared to harm Akarin.

"You!" the leader of the group, Nebuko, pointed.

"What-" Himawari narrowed her eyebrows. "How come you're here?"

"That should be my question!" Nebuko retorted. "What the hell you bitches doing here!?"

"Excuse me?" Himawari growled.

"Nebuko-san, that's not how you address us!" Misaka firmly lectured.

"Why do ya' care? This ain't school!" Nebuko retorted as her friends made an arc around the two. "We wouldn't have been in detention if it wasn't because of you crashing our fun!"

"You call that fun!?" Himawari almost yelled. "You abhorrent women!"

"Look at that. Someone's trying to sound like an adult," Nebuko mocked. "Looks like we need to teach you a lesson for interrupting us."

Himawari had shared a glance on Misaka, and they agreed on something for now. "If you think that by playing unfair would scare us, then you're dead wrong," Misaka countered.

"You annoying student councils!" Nebuko retorted. "I'm gonna hit your face with-"

"What's going on here?"

The emergence of the new voice had prompted all to turn toward the hallways. There stands an emotionless blonde who is currently scanning the entirety of the reception room. Misaka and Himawari widen their eyes at her sudden presence, but that couldn't say the same for Nebuko and her group. Nebuko's group had taken a step back when they sighted her.

Sakurako merely looks at the group with an unmoving expression. "Oh, it's you."

"Y-you…," Nebuko gasped with such alarm. "What are you doing here?"

"Celebrating Christmas," Sakurako simply replied. "Were you about to hurt my friends?"

"Yes-no, I'm not!" Nebuko stuttered with a white look, which was an uncommon sight for Misaka. "W-we're just having a chat!"

That prompts the Nagibara student council. "Liar."

Nebuko is about to hiss at her, then remembers herself that Sakurako is still present. For now, Sakurako may seem weak, but God knows what kind of devastation she had in store after that fight. What had unnerved them much, however, was the fact that Sakurako displayed no emotion, not even a stark of rage or a move of an eyebrow. Feeling pressured by these three student councils, especially Sakurako's presence, Nebuko decided to….

"You know what? Forget it," Nebuko waved off. "Let's-let's just go."

Her friends eventually mumbled in agreement, thankfully. It seems they have learned their lesson. Nebuko and her group head off towards the hallway to get their designated room after paying for the reception, of course. Nebuko goes ahead into the hallway as the group is on her tail.

The moment she passed Sakurako, the blonde immediately tugged her arm.

Nebuko yelps, and she immediately begins to sweat. Nebuko dares to take a glance at the blonde as the Oomuro speaks. "We need to talk."

Even with the advantage of numbers, Nebuko's group didn't dare to put a single finger on the blonde. With this situation flipped around, Misaka and Himawari took a step forward as they glared at the group.

"I agree," Himawari placed her hands in front of her tummy. "We're not finished yet."

"Yes," Misaka nodded. "I have a lecture for you to listen to."

"Himawari, Misaka," Sakurako called, didn't even change her gaze. "Leave us."

"Huh?" the two student councils responded in surprise, continued by Himawari. "Why do you-"

"Leave us."

"Hey, Sakurako. I know you hate her so much," Misaka convinced. "But I wouldn't leave you alone with them just so you can-"

"Either leave us or get flashbanged. Now."

Himawari and Misaka leaned their heads back at her bitter words, and bitter was just an understatement. It is probably the first time that their only beloved person has threatened them. For Nebuko and the group, they were more than amazed at the declaration of her words.

The blunette and the dark-purplette contemplate the risk as they stare at each other, then let out a defeated sigh. "Very well. Just… watch yourself with them," Himawari advised.

The pair of student councils then fill the last glass once again and grab the tray before they make their way back to their reserved room. Once Sakurako makes sure that the two are out of sight, she lets Nebuko's arm away and stares into her green eyes, noticing her pupil is waning.

"Nebuko-san," Sakurako began. "Can we talk privately?"

"U-um, sure, blondie," Nebuko responded with what confidence she had. "Just follow me."

Sakurako trails behind her as the rest keep their distance from the Oomuro. Upon reaching the designated room, Nebuko enters first before Sakurako and the rest. They sit down and comfort themselves with the cushions as Nebuko shuts the door with a heavy sigh.

As Nebuko sits, she asks. "Look, you won that fight. I will give it to you. You blondie think it's a good idea to talk with us on your own?"

"Are you asking that because you're planning to hurt me?"

"Hey, chill! We ain't plannin' anything on you. I swear!" Nebuko recoiled, noticing her friends tensed a little. "I just felt kinda unusual, y'know? You don't like us, but you don't mind talking with us."

"I see," Sakurako bowed her head a little. "I wanted to talk to you because… something's been bothering me for these past couple of months."

Nebuko raises an eyebrow as one of the bullies asks. "And what's that?"

"Well," Sakurako paused. "About that fight long ago."

"O-oh, what we did to that redhead?"

"Her name is Akari."

"Right, Akari," Nebuko gave an open palm, then uncomfortably clamped both of her hands above her chest. "Look, S-Sakurako, was it?"

"Yes."

"Alright, look," Nebuko took a quick breath, almost gulping. "We're really sorry for hurting her. I mean it. And… we're so sorry for beating you up like that."

"That's okay," Sakurako replied with a nod. "But… I want to apologize too."

"Huh? That's…," Nebuko then began to giggle at herself, alongside her other friends who did the same. "That's- you're so stupid!"

"Well, I guess I am," Sakurako admitted.

"A'right, a'right," Nebuko sighed deeply, finally regaining her confident smile. "I like to hear you apologize for almost knocking me out."

Sakurako stares for a moment, despite the bland look, there is perplexity on her face. "It seems you don't understand."

"Huh? You're pulling our hair or something?" Nebuko retorted questionably.

"No, I didn't even touch your hair-"

"Goddammit, I was asking if you're joking."

"Oh, no, I'm not joking. Let me explain," Sakurako rested her back against her seat. "I will admit, I wanted to knock you unconscious that day for what you did to Akari… and to me. Everyone knows about it. But… there's something I kept secret from anyone, including from my own family, and I must confess. I didn't only want to knock you out."

"Huh?" Nebuko furrowed her eyebrows. "And that is…?"

"I also wanted to murder you."

Nebuko leans her head back as the others look at each other. But Nebuko didn't really take it seriously.

She half-heartedly laughs with a slight grin. "You? Kill me? No way. No way someone like you could do something like that, right? Right?"

Sakurako bows her head, though her eyes show some melancholy. "Misaka knows."

"Huh? Misaka? How did this turn to-," Nebuko paused, then she widened her eyes soon after. "Wait, you- you've killed someone before for real?"

Sakurako's pupils stare at the table. "For a good reason."

Nebuko continues to stare at the blonde, speechless as her friends begin to keep their distance from her. She could be joking for all she knows.

But after that fight? This girl is not the type to joke about it.

"So that's why…," Sakurako then looked at her green eyes. "I want to say I apologize for attempting to murder you."

"E-ehm…," Nebuko shed a sweat. "It's-it's fine. I just didn't think you were that angry."

Sakurako then leans off her seat. "I should've said this before, but…."

"What is it?"

"Can I trust you to keep this secret?" Sakurako asked in a whisper. "Everything that we talked about here should stay here."

"You-you're not going to kill me, are you?"

Sakurako winces her eyes. "Why should I? I don't like killing people."

"But you said you-"

"I didn't have a choice."

"Ah, I see," Nebuko breathed out. Still a bit tensed, though. "Alright, we won't tell anyone."

"Thank you."

Sakurako then stands off the seat. "I should go now. My friends are expecting me."

"Okay, blondie," Nebuko nodded.

Sakurako is almost reaching the door when Nebuko calls. "Wait."

The blonde turns around, and Nebuko continues. "D'you mind if I ask Misaka about you? Not that we don't believe you and all."

Sakurako only nods. "I don't mind. As you long as you keep it secret."

"Okay. See you later, Sakurako."

"Bye," and with that, Sakurako exited the room.

Her departure is the only thing that made these delinquents feel relieved once more.

"Shit… that was scary," one of her friends remarked, almost in a whisper.

"I know, right?" Nebuko agreed, taking a deep breath. "She didn't want to fight with us, at least."

"Yeah, but…," her other friend paused. "To think she wanted to kill us…."

"A-ehm, how 'bout we just start singing?" the friend next to her asked. "Our holiday is not ruined yet, right?"

"Yeah," Nebuko nodded. "Let's just sing."

In the hallways, Sakurako finally returns, enters her previous karaoke room, and discovers that Chinatsu and Kyouko are currently singing on the stage. Everyone else finally notices her return as she sits back next to Himawari.

Yui was the first to ask. "How did it go with those bullies?"

"It went well," Sakurako replied. "Don't worry, we didn't have a fight, but they apologized to me for that fight long ago."

"Really?" Chitose asked with a surprised look. "I didn't expect that out of them."

"At least they apologized," Himawari replied. "Maybe I shouldn't have assumed the worst immediately."

"That's fine," Sakurako assured her. "We only talked about something personal, that's all."

"So that's why you wanted us to leave you," Misaka commented. "Okay, then."

Saoki looks at the singing pair before looking at the Oomuro blonde. "Looks like they're about to finish. Do you want to sing, Sakurako?"

"Ah, yes," Sakurako then looked over the selections of songs. "Let's see…."

Himawari looks over in curiosity, though she was tilting her head at the song she's looking for. "You want to sing an English song?"

"Yes," Sakurako continued for a minute before finally finding a song she recognized. "This one."

"Human?" Himawari asked. "You sure you want to sing this?"

"I'm sure. I know the lyrics."

"Very well then."

"Thank you! Thank you!" Kyouko said as she and the pouting Chinatsu got off the stage. "Who's next?"

"Sakurako's next," Furoda responded.

"Ah, cool!" Kyouko then gave the microphone to the other blonde. "Can't wait to hear you sing!"

"Thanks, Kyouko-senpai," Sakurako replied before she stepped onto the stage.

She had been unaware, however, that Himawari and Misaka had exchanged glares at each other. Since they're still celebrating Christmas, they were wise to leave it as it is and continue to enjoy Christmas. The song starts, and at first, everyone is foreign to the tone and melancholic flow of the song, accompanied by blurred voices. But soon, Ayano immediately realized what song she was about to sing.

"Oh, this song. I know it."

Upon entering the cue of the music, the Oomuro sings.

"Maybe I'm foolish, maybe I'm blind.

Thinking I can see through this and see what's behind.

Got no way to prove it, so maybe I'm lying~.

But I'm only human, after all.

I'm only human, after all.

Don't put your blame on me.

Don't put your blame on me~."

Despite being an English song, everyone's starting to get along with the melancholic flow of the song, Yui nods, and some wiggle at the rhythm. Of course, things started to get interesting when Sakurako started singing the chorus. A few of the girls, namely Ayano and Kyouko, start to sing along from their seats. They all cheer as Sakurako nails her lyrics with her beautiful vocalization.

This was undoubtedly the best Christmas she ever had, thanks to Kyouko again.