Mamori entered the clubhouse, temporarily escaping the chaos of the party outside. The New Years Eve party was also celebrating the Devil Bat's victory at the Christmas Bowl, and all of their friends from the other teams, including the new ones they made at Teikoku, had come to join them.

The countdown was going to start in a few minutes, and it was only then that she had noticed Hiruma had slipped away from the party. Worried that he might be planning something, she made her way over to the clubhouse, giving an excuse about refreshments to Sena and Suzuna. She had guessed right, for Hiruma was sitting on one of the chairs inside, going over something on his laptop.

"Aren't you going to celebrate with everyone?"

He didn't look up, the steady typing of his hands continuing without pause.

"It was your team's victory at the Christmas Bowl, after all."

The typing continued. Mamori sighed, annoyed with the lack of reactions, when he spoke up. "I'll be there in a little bit, fucking manager. Go back to the party."

She probably should have felt even more annoyed, but she only stared at him in contemplative silence. She blinked when the sound of chanting flowed into her ears, signaling the start of the countdown.

5…

"The countdown's started."

4…

"Hm."

3…

She hesitated for a moment before walking briskly over to him.

2…

Hiruma looked up from his laptop when she stopped to stand directly next to him. "What do you-" He was cut off as she bent over to place her lips over his.

1…

She could here everyone outside erupting into cheers as the clocks struck midnight, announcing the arrival of the New Year. She pulled her mouth away from Hiruma, straightening up to give him a sweet smile as he stared at her in blank surprise. "Happy New Year, Hiruma."

With that, she turned to walk out of the classroom, ignoring the way her heart fluttered in her chest and the heat making its way to her cheeks. She reached the doorway and was about to step out into the cold January air when his voice stopped her.

"There are thirty-one million, five hundred and fifty-six thousand and nine hundred and twenty-six seconds in one year."

Mamori turned to stare at Hiruma, her brow rising in confusion. He looked up at her, his stare intense. "Do I have to wait that long for another kiss?"

She could feel her face stretching as the smile spread across her face.