On December 24, Christmas Eve, normally this day would be a holiday and there would be no need to go to classes or work, or at least that was the way it was in my previous world, instead now I had gotten used to December 24 being like any other day, of course, the 25th was a holiday.

But looking on the bright side of this, it would be that friends who couldn't see each other on Christmas Day might exchange gifts the day before, of course I've never done anything like this before since I don't have any friends.

I hadn't even considered doing it this year, but Rumi was very insistent that I should gift Miura and Kawasaki something. And as a good older brother, I couldn't refuse her request, and I suppose it wasn't a bad idea to do so either.

And although at first, I had complications for not knowing what to give them, I had a moment of enlightenment when observing Kawasaki, so I took the opportunity to buy her gifts. I just hope they are to her liking, as Rumi would be upset if she gave them something that is not to her liking. Sometimes I don't understand what my pretty little sister thinks.

Hearing the bell brought me out of my thoughts as it signals the beginning of lunchtime. I guess having free study hours is quite rewarding as you can use those hours to waste time on your thoughts. But since we're 2 months away from the entrance exams for the different high schools in Chiba, giving free study hours became more common.

I usually spend that time reading novels or getting lost in my thoughts, since at my current level I could easily be number one at Sobu High, but I prefer to avoid having to give the opening speech, so occupying a middle position is the most feasible.

I snapped out of my thinking and averted my attention to my classmates. Most of them formed groups so that they can exchange gifts with each other as this might be the only time that they get to see each other. So, the act of exchanging gifts serves as something to help them remember each other for years to come, that's what I think if I try to read between the lines.

That would be what any student who analyzed things too much would think, but I knew it was not true. Since the exchange of gifts also served to demonstrate the economic condition of the person or his willingness to spend the money on the gift.

After all, if you had enough money and wanted to show it off, it is obvious that you would not skimp on the gift, this would serve to show off to others, and there is also the person who has enough money but only buys something cheap, this shows that you have no interest in the person who will receive this gift. Some will say: but the intention is what counts.

This is a vile lie, after all, all people are selfish, so most of the things we do are for ourselves, whether it is a whim to demonstrate superiority to others, or a social obligation, being this alone the obligation to give something away, even if it is not to the liking of the recipient.

"Raiden."

Of course, not all people are like this, sometimes there are exceptions that if they do it out of goodwill or affection towards other people, but these cases are few.

"Raiden!"

Hearing someone yell my name brought me out of my thoughts.

"Hello Yumiko."

''I've called you several times already, are you ignoring me or something?'' For some reason, after hearing this, I felt like Miura's temper was getting worse.

''My bad, I was just thinking about some things."

Instead of calming her down, I could see her squinting at me, giving a strange look that I couldn't analyze confidently.

I'd better change the subject before she starts lecturing me. Ever since she got close to Rumi, she's been talking about some things with my sister, and now when I do something bad, she scolds me.

I think it was a bad idea to get Yumiko and Rumi together.

''So, Yumiko, are we going to have lunch?''

My words snapped Yumiko out of whatever thoughts she was having right now. I'm glad that I was able to act fast since I didn't want her to lecture me.

"You're right. But we lost some time because of someone else."

"And whose fault is that?" I said this when I started heading to our regular site.

I could see out of the corner of my eye that Yumiko was pouting, she looks so cute when she does it, so it's worth making fun of her.

Once we got to our usual place, we sat down and started having lunch.

I always thought it was better to do things alone, and I still do, but after spending all this time having lunch with Miura and walking with Kawasaki, I think there are some things that are more fun to do in the company of someone else.

Of course, this wouldn't last forever, as once we enter Sobu High, Miura has been known to form her own clique, while I, once I defeat sensei at the academy, will no longer have the need to continue attending, so 'I'll stop the need to keep seeing Kawasaki, but this is inevitable since that's how human relationships are.

"Raiden."

After all, everything that happened this year was something that I never expected to happen. So, it is not something that was planned, therefore the sudden change is not something to worry about, although I guess I will miss these moments.

"¡Raiden!"

Miura's screams brought me out of my thoughts for the second time.

"Why are you screaming?'' I said this in a dubious tone, as I didn't want her to misunderstand me again.

"Because that's the only way to get your attention."

"Sorry, I think I'm quite thoughtful today."

I had no reason to lie.

At least hearing my reason, she calmed down.

"I guess it's for Christmas, right?" When she said this, she began to look up at the sky, as if she were observing a distant memory that she will never be able to have again.

''Yeah, since this is the first time that I'll spend Christmas eve with another person who is not from my family.''

Of course, this would be in this world, since I previously met with my friends to spend Christmas in their houses, in addition to drinking until dawn, to later be lectured by my mother. Remembering those moments made me somewhat nostalgic.

''I think that also applies to me, since until last year I spent Christmas with my grandmother, since my parents had to work even on that date.'' Yumiko said while still looking at the sky, as if trying to remember all the moments spent with her grandmother.

Of course, in the end this could only fondly remember those moments, because even if he tried hard, those moments would not return.

''Living in the memories can be a comforting thing, but it will never let you move on.'' Although I say this, sadly it does not apply to me, as I still have some regrets from my past life, but it is not that I could do something about it, so it only remains to leave them locked in my mind.

"I know you're right, but ..." I decided to interrupt her, since, I hadn't finished speaking.

''Besides, you're not alone now, are you?'' Yumiko turned her gaze towards me. ''After all, your parents went to the mall with you, they spend more time with you, and I'm sure they'll spend Christmas together today, right?''

While I was able to talk to her, I realized that after her grandmother died, her parents began to care more about her, either spending more time with her or going shopping, and tomorrow is a special day, so I doubt that they do not spend time in family.

Yumiko started to smile after hearing my words, she also used her hands to wipe away the tears that seemed to want to start coming out when she remembered some things.

"You always know what to say, don't you?"

"Who knows." I waved my arms to show that I didn't even know the answer to her question. "I'm also sure that your grandmother would be proud of the person you are today."

''You're right, it was thanks to her words and yours that I decided to change. While it is true that the days, I spent with her will not return, but even so, I think that remembering them sometimes will not hurt.''

After saying this, she looked up at the sky, as if seeing a distant figure, while nodding.

I know she must have been through a lot.

When she told me some things that she did with her grandmother, it made me want to meet her, as if maybe, if I had talked to her, we would have gotten along. But now that is impossible, but for some strange reason, I feel that I have a responsibility to her, I never understood the reason for this, since I never had contact with her, but also within me I have a feeling that tells me to take care of Yumiko.

Thinking about it too much won't make me understand, after all, there are things in the world that have no explanation.

I guess this would be the best time to give gift.

From my pocket I took out a box, it was wrapped in gift paper, it was the object I had bought that day.

''It may not be something compared to receiving a gift from a family member you miss, but this is something I buy when I think of you, Merry Christmas.''

She had an expression of total surprise on her face.

''Surprised?" The atmosphere felt strange for some reason, so I decided to joke to ease it.

''Yes, of course!'' She wasn't expecting a gift. I suppose this would be thanks to Rumi, but I preferred not to tell him because I feel like it will cause me trouble if I mention this.

She quickly took the gift and held it in her hands.

"Can I open it?"

"Go ahead, after all it's your gift."

She quickly removed the package and opened the small box.

From inside, Yumiko took out a necklace, it was shaped like a Y and it was jade green, the same color as her eyes. Apparently, the material was a kind of mineral because it cost me quite expensive, after all I bought it in a jewelry store.

Although several seconds had passed, Yumiko was still staring at the necklace, as if she were in a trance.

"Yumiko, are you still here?" I started waving my hand in front of her.

This seemed to come out of her thoughts.

"Yes, I did not expect something like that."

She began to touch the necklace and was looking at it very fondly.

"Raiden." For some reason, saying this, she looked quite nervous. ''Can you put the necklace on me?''

She handed me the necklace and brushed the hair on the back of her neck.

I guess I have no other choice.

I moved to her back and began to put the necklace on her, being close to her I could smell the shampoo she used, I felt a quite pleasant citrus smell, It made me remember the time I fell on Kawasaki, she had used my mother's shampoo, so her hair smelled like coconut, after all, that was my mother's favorite shampoo.

Once I finished putting the necklace on Yumiko, I returned to my original position, not that I wanted to continue smelling Yumiko's hair or anything like that.

She looked happy with the necklace.

"How do I look?" As she said this, she seemed quite nervous and for some reason she blushed.

Normally at this point I would make fun of her, but I felt like if she made a comment like that it would end badly for me, so I have to be honest.

"It looks good on you, although you look beautiful either way."

This was true. Yumiko could be considered the most beautiful girl in this school, not only because of her face, but also because of her body, since she has good proportions, in addition to only wearing a skirt, you can see her slender legs, which is why she is considered by all men as the most beautiful in this place.

Hearing my words, she looked quite happy.

She quickly approached me, and I could feel her arms around my body, well, she was giving me a hug.

This took me totally by surprise, did not expect my gift to please her so much, I think it was worth giving her that necklace.

Yumiko looked up and met mine, this lasted a few seconds, before she realized our situation.

I could see several changes in a row on her face.

First it was her surprise, then she doubts, as if she wasn't sure what was going on, then it was her nervousness, and finally her whole face turned red.

She quickly pulled away from me. For the second time I could smell her hair, and it was totally nice, I guess it wasn't too bad.

Before she could say a word of what had happened, the bell rang signaling the end of the lunch hour.

"W-We better go back; we don't want to be late." she said nervously.

After a few seconds, Yumiko had disappeared from my sight.

Was it so unpleasant to give me a hug?

Although I suppose I can make fun of her when we meet to walk home together.

With these thoughts I turned to my class.

The class passed normally, so my fight with Kawasaki had the same result, my victory.

Although today is Christmas Eve, Sensei had finished classes a little earlier so that we can have more time to spend with our families, although that's what he said, I'm sure I heard him mutter that he had to get there fast to watch the marathon of an anime that is airing. I hope to be wrong.

So now I'm on my way home with Kawasaki.

"By the way Tsurumi"

"What's up?"

"What high school are you going to apply to?" Kawasaki seemed a bit eager to hear my answer.

"I'm thinking of applying to Sobu High." Although it is certain that I will enter without much effort.

Hearing my answer, she was glad for a moment, but then she returned to her usual expression.

"I guess we agree with the high school we will apply to."

"However, I'm not sure you can get in with your current grades." I said this with a mocking tone. It was known that she would manage to get in, but Kawasaki did not know, so it could annoy her with this issue.

She looked at me but didn't say anything, just gave a long sigh.

"Perhaps you're right.''

I didn't know much about Kawasaki's grades at Sobu High School, but if she made it through the year, she must have had knowledge, right? But I suppose it would be better not to risk it.

"If you want, you can come to my house for a few days to study for the entrance exams. I don't mind helping you out either, but it's your call."

I'd rather Kawasaki manage to get into Sobu High, of course there are some things I still don't understand if my interaction with them changes anything, but just to be cautious it would be better to secure Kawasaki's entry.

My words surprised Kawasaki.

''You're smart?''

That hurt.

I know I can seem normal, but I also have my pride as a student.

I could see a smile on Kawasaki's face, as if she had explicitly said it to make fun of me, and I guess she did.

"Although it may not seem like it, I am number one in my school, plus I could get first place at Sobu High without difficulty, but I'm not interested in doing it either." I said

"That's what I'd like to see." There was mockery in her words.

"Although for this you must first enter, right?'' I would not remain silent without responding to her words.

She just looked away from my face. Point for Raiden.

"Then I guess I'll accept his proposal, sensei." I didn't know if the smile she gave me was mocking or appreciative, so we'll leave this to a draw. Besides that, she called me sensei not that she made me happy or anything like that.

''So, when you have free do not hesitate to come to my house, since I am most of the time there.'' My house would be the perfect place to study, since if I went to Kawasaki's house, I'm sure Keika would constantly interrupt us.

"Then I think she should thank you in advance."

I interrupted her before she leaned in.

''There is no reason to thank me, at the end of the day I will only teach you subjects that are difficult for you, it depends on you if you can learn it, so until you enter there is nothing to be grateful for.'' After all, it did not matter how much taught him, if she couldn't learn it, all the effort would be wasted.

"I suppose you're right about that, but don't take me as an idiot either, since I only have problems with the sciences."

''I understand that there is no reason to emphasize your lack of knowledge.'' I said this in a mocking tone.

In this way we continue talking until we reach Kawasaki's house.

"So, see you at the academy."

"See you, Kawasaki"

Before I retired, the scrunchie Kawasaki used to make her ponytail broke.

Letting her hair down. She looks pretty cool with her hair down, although her ponytail gives her style another perspective.

Kawasaki only sighed when she saw that her scrunchie had snapped.

"I think it was time to change it."

Her words made me remember the gift I had bought her, so I decided to take out the box I had in my pocket.

"Kawasaki, here." I threw the box.

Kawasaki caught the box, has good reflexes.

''And this!?''

"I can tell it's a gift-wrapped box, I think it's obvious right?"

She looked at me while she narrowed her eyes.

"I can see that, but I want to say why."

"It's Christmas Eve, so there's not much to think about.''

This seemed to surprise her, as she too began to hold the box as if she didn't know how to open it.

''Can I open it?''

Today no one can open their gift without the permission of the sender?

''Go head!''

Opening the box, she took out a pink scrunchie.

That day we met at the mall, I noticed that her scrunchie is quite worn, so it was the first thing that came to mind as a gift.

Of course, that item would be a fairly common thing, so I started exploring some areas of women's items as I was looking for a special and unusual one. In a store I found this scrunchie, according to the seller it was made of a fairly resistant and elastic material, in addition to being made of this type of material, I could ensure that it could last longer than another similar product.

I didn't know the difference, but being a fairly famous store, I assumed it was true, so I decided to buy it.

She seemed quite surprised by that. I hope Kawasaki don't ask me like Yumiko if I can put it on her.

She quickly used the scrunchie to tie her hair into her classic ponytail.

Although her loose hairstyle gives it a new twist, she looks better with her classic style.

"How do I look?" She said this while she seemed to be nervous for some reason.

''It looks good on you, of course your loose hairstyle is not bad, but I like it (I like you) more when you see yourself with your hair up.'' Since it would be best to give my honest opinion on that.

Kawasaki's expression was confused, she looked like she was getting nervous, but at the same time she wanted to say something, although her words did not come out of her mouth, she finally ended up turning red.

"I-I just remembered that I have to do something, see you," Kawasaki said as she stuttered a lot, and she quickly entered her house and closed the door.

I guess even congratulating someone like that makes her walk away quickly, huh.

With these thoughts I headed home.