"It's your birthday too isn't it?" asked a bespectacled girl to her red headed companion. Silence. Manami inwardly winced, thinking that his birthday was a taboo subject.

"Well it's not really that big of a deal," he replied, relaxed. Stretching his arms and yawning, Karma got out of his desk. "I prefer Christmas better just because I can give pranks to other people." He smirked, showing his sharp teeth.

"Ah do you need help with them?" the girl offered as she followed his suit. Walking home together had become a ritual and Karma always wanted to make sure she was safe at home since it got dark early.

"Not this time," he mumbled. Manami was a bit shocked. There wasn't a single time where he didn't request anything for his pranks.

"Oh I see," she pouted, but quickly smiled when he turned around to face her. His mercury eyes scanned hers, searching for something in those violet orbs, but found or seemed to find nothing. "Anyways, do you want to stop by the Christmas tree to-"

"Sorry not today," apologized Karma, "I have something to do. Be careful on your way home." With that, he headed the opposite direction.

"See you tomorrow Karma-kun," said Manami, slightly disappointed. Walking on the snow filled street alone, she pondered on what Karma had to do, but it was so rare that she didn't really suspect anything big. Of course she couldn't expect Karma to always be there at her side. That would just be spoiling her.

When she got home, she flopped onto her bed, still bothered. She was meaning to pry clues off of Karma to what he wanted for Christmas. After all, he had helped her so much. What did he like? Nagisa crossdressing? There was no way she could get that. What did he not like? Asano but it's not like she was going to capture the rich brat and hand him over to the red head. Was he allergic to anything? What if she killed him?!

Manami muffled a squeal of frustration into her pillow. Looking at her desk, she stared at one of the girly magazines that she borrowed from her cousin. The title "Perfect Gift Guide for Anybody!" caught her attention and while normally she only read news on science discoveries, she spent quite a long time re-reading the article. Even though it told her that home baked goods were "prefect" there was no way she'd pull it off! She could burn water!

But she had to try.

As she pulled out all the ingredients from her fridge, she placed the fire extinguisher nearby. She read the directions and did exactlywhat it said.

Although she had no idea how to use the oven.

That would be an issue.

…

The next day, Manami packed up her stuff. Heaving a sigh, the thought of the burnt cookies flashed through her mind. Was it possible that if she used the oven properly, the cookies would come out well? And tomorrow was Christmas too! What was she going to do?

"Karma-kun are you re-"

"Sorry Okuda-san," he apologized, "I have something again." He looked truly genuine. And tired. All Manami could do was smile.

"It's ok," she replied, but she had a fear that he was avoiding her. Did she do something wrong? As she walked home, sighs escaped her mouth. She'd just have to practice baking the cookies again!

…

Manami tensed up as a knock went on her door. Her parents were still out at work so who could be knocking at her door at noon on Christmas out of all days? Opening it carefully, she was surprised to find Karma grinning.

"Merry Christmas Okuda-san!" he said, holding out a small box toward her.

"K-Karma-kun?!" she gasped. Then she ran into the house. "Hold on! I have something for you too!" Dashing toward her kitchen, she nearly tripped and tossed the five batches of burnt failure in the trash. When she ran back, she held out the bag of cookies to him. They were star shaped and little red and green candy jewels sat neatly on top of the white frosting. The two quickly exchanged, Karma smirking while Manami blushing.

"Thanks Okuda-san," he replied, "Open yours~." His playfulness made her wonder if he got her an explosive.

Carefully pulling the golden ribbon open, Manami opened the purple box. She gasped as it revealed a stunning purple butterfly pendant with golden edges, matching the box. It glittered in the faint sunlight and snowflakes fell down, creating a picturesque scene.

"It's so pretty Karma-kun!" she exclaimed, "How did you afford it?!"

"A bunch of part time jobs," laughed the boy grinning a bit mischievously, "I got fired a couple of times for conduct. It's also why I was busy these past few days."

"You didn't have to do that!" cried Manami, feeling guilty.

"But it's all worth it," he replied looking very stoic then breaking into another grin, "I get to receive these cookies from Okuda-san and it's so rare that she even shows this girly side of hers~!"