"How much longer?" Hotaru asked with a yawn.
"Two minutes," Setsuna said and lifted the girl into her lap. Michiru came from the kitchen and set on the table a tray with three glasses of sparkling wine and one glass of juice.
"After midnight, you're going straight to bed after brushing your teeth," she said and sat down on the sofa between Setsuna and Haruka. Hotaru was too tired to protest.
"One minute," Haruka whispered into Michiru's ear and reached to take a glass for herself and Michiru. Setsuna took the two remaining glasses and handed the juice to Hotaru. The four of them sat in silence. They had been asked to join Usagi and the others for the New Year's, but the small family had wanted to spend the midnight in peace. Time like this was important to them. None of them could have ever even dreamed of having a happy little family like this.
"Ten seconds," Setsuna said. Hotaru gathered all of her energy and sat up properly.
"5…4…3…2…1…Happy New Year!"
Haruka leaned down to kiss Michiru.
"To the new year!" Setsuna said and raised her glass. The others did the same. I wish for another year with the people I love, Setsuna thought as Hotaru finished her drink and rested her head against Setsuna.