Rika: This chapter is a bit shorter than the previous two (IT STILL REACHED ONE THOUSAND, THOUGH! I was kinda hoping for it to be only below 1k, oh well, there's always next time.) but it'll probably be better if it's shorter, anyway. Enjoy!

December 23

3:30 P.M.

Shopping District

= Rin's Point-of-View =

Now what am I gonna do? I'm now alone and I've searched around the district for some time. I suddenly remembered that jewelry store I was staring at a while ago. 'England's Finest!' was it?

"It won't hurt taking a look inside, I guess." I muttered. I went back and towards it.

I entered the shop, only to be met by a weird young boy who wore a captain's uniform and looked a little bit like Len. "Welcome!" He shouted with a bit of a British accent. I smiled at him.

"Are you the owner?" I asked. He shook his head.

"Well, that's the second time today… No, I am the owner's son, and I'm taking charge for today." He said.

"Hm… Sir, do you have anything here that can be given to a boy?" I asked.

"Oh, please, ma'am, call me 'Oliver'; I am only at your age, but you are the customer so I must call you 'ma'am'." He said, chuckling. At least he's polite.

"Ahem, well, yes, there are plenty here that I can recommend, but what would the boy like, exactly?"

I smiled. "That's easy; he loves anything yellow." Suddenly, Oliver grinned.

"Have you thought of something?" I asked. He nodded.

"Well! I believe I have just the thing you want, miss. Follow me!" Oliver said.

He led me to the watches section. I looked at the splendidly made watches and one caught my eye. It was a bright yellow watch with some rhinestones embedded here and there. It wasn't overly decorated, it was just perfect. Len usually complained about not having a watch.

"How much is that watch?" I asked. "Hm… I'd say it is 5, 000¥ or so, miss. Tell you what, if you buy anything, the wrapping's free." He answered. I smiled. "Alright, we have a deal!" I said happily.

I paid the money, leaving me with just enough to make it back home on train. After he finished wrapping and giving me the paper bag containing Len's birthday present, he asked me a question.

"Miss, I do not enjoy prying into the lives of other people, especially maidens such as yourself, but, by any chance, is this for a boyfriend?"

I blushed and slowly nodded. Hey, it's just a little white lie, it won't hurt, right? "Well, at least, that's what I want to happen after Christmas. If only he'd notice how I feel about him…" I said with a sad smile.

"I'm sure he'll notice, miss, don't worry, since it's Christmas, anything can happen, even romance." He said, chuckling again.

Ah, even a young boy like him sure can provide comforting words like an adult.

"Well, Merry Christmas! Don't make him wait!" He said.

I bade him Merry Christmas and bowed, walking out of the store happily. Now I have found Len's perfect birthday present. One more to go!

December 24

11:30 A.M.

Len's House

= Len's Point-of-View =

Crap.

I didn't find anything that would be perfect for her birthday present.

Am I a bad friend? I don't think so, but she'd surely treat me like some Scrooge who won't spend his money on Christmas just to buy his best friend a birthday present.

There's always tomorrow... right?

I don't think so.

December 24

11:30 A.M.

Rin's House

= Rin's Point-of-View =

"Hey, Rin! When are you planning on leaving the bathroom! You've been there for like, an hour already!" My sister Lily yelled from below.

Aww, man... he's gonna be upset when he finds out I haven't found him a Christmas present...

Sure, I bought the watch, but now I'm out of money to buy him another gift, even just those cheap cards I can't afford now... What am I gonna do?

"Give him something money can't buy, duh." It was Lily.

"Hehe, it can't hurt to try, Rinny!" She said through the other side of the bathroom door.

"Like what?" I asked curiously.

"Hm... how about a hug, or a set of coupons saying 'I'll Do Anything For You Today', or... how about... a kiss?" She playfully teased.

I blushed hard. Like, up to my ears. K-K-K-K-Kiss him!

"Ah, you mean on the cheeks, r-r-right!" I asked, though I was afraid of her answer.

"Pfft, well, Captain Obvious, you know I meant on the lips!" She said.

What am I gonna do now!

Author's Notes:

Rika: Hehe, it was pretty cool how I typed Lily's suggestion and 'Juvenile' started playing on Windows Media Player! I suddenly imagined it!

Sora: Nice! Well, as usual, criticism and reviews are very much appreciated!

Akagi: Until next time! Next up is At The Christmas Party! At Miku's house, no less!

Rika: See ya, and Merry Christmas!