In the blink of an eye, there were only a few days left until Christmas.

And like every year, I was on my way to the mall to buy Rumi a present, after all, what big brother wouldn't buy his cute little sister something for Christmas?

The good news is that the gift costs are out of my father's pocket, so I have no problem being very generous about the price of the gift.

Dad has no problem giving me enough money as long as it is a gift for Rumi, although he also gives me a large amount for me, this is because since I showed more maturity as a child, I told my parents that they did not have to worry about me and instead they did it more with Rumi.

Of course, this is difficult due to their jobs, so I take care of Rumi most of the time, and when they have free time, they can spend it with her.

While this type of parenting behavior can cause children to end up hating them for not spending time with them, but since I was already someone who was almost finished studying a university degree, I understand adults in their entirety, so I never complained about this, in addition to explaining to Rumi why our parents could not be with us most of the time.

So, it was not a surprise that she understood from a young age, I guess I also appreciate that she is more mature than other girls.

Putting these thoughts aside, I headed towards the entrance of the mall.

There was no need for me to wander around looking for a gift for Rumi, after all, I already knew what she wanted, so I headed to Pan-san's shop.

When I walked into the store, I was greeted by the cashier with panda ears, I don't think they get paid enough to use that every working hour.

I went to the plush area and looked for one that had recently come out, it was version 3.0 of the Christmas pan-san, anyone would say that it is the same plush with a different accessory, and they are right, but the accessory is something new.

I grabbed one and went to the counter to pay for it.

I gave him the stuffed animal and paid for it, plus asked to have it wrapped in a Christmas theme.

"That would be it, thank you for your purchase." Said the cashier

"By the way, do you know when the Deluxe version of pan-san will be released?"

According to some forums I read, the following year an exclusive plush with a limited quantity would go on sale, due to the next movie about to come out of this one.

Although the date has not yet been announced and according to some fans of it, they say that they cannot be reserved, so it would only be left to go to the stores and buy them.

''Normally this information is private, and it is forbidden to share it with our consumers, but since you are a regular customer in addition to the few men, I have seen who share the same hobby, I can tell you about it. It will be released at the beginning of September, there will be two dates in which it will go on sale, so you have 2 opportunities to acquire it.''

''Thanks for the information.'' I guess there is still a lot of time left and luckily the launch is before Rumi's birthday, so there would be no problem getting it sooner.

''Do not worry. Please try not to share the information I told you as it is very confidential, and it was also a fan-to-fan favor.''

"Don't worry, it's not like I want more people to find out about this and reduce the possibility of acquiring it" After saying this I nodded in gratitude and left the premises.

I must be attentive to the release date of that plush, I'm sure that Rumi would like it, since she is a great collector of these, and well, I am also a fan of these, but it would be frowned upon if someone from my age has a full room panda, so the fact that Rumi has the collection is enough for me.

I think this would be all to do in the mall since I have no more pending and do not want to buy some things.

Although now that I remember, Rumi had told me that I should buy gifts for Miura and Kawasaki, but I have no idea what they might like.

I guess I'll walk until I see something that I think they will like.

I have been there for more than half an hour and I have not seen anything that I think could serve as a gift.

On second thought, what could I give them?

Even if I ram my head thinking, I can't find an answer, I guess I don't know women very well.

"Tsurumi?"

Hearing my name, I turned to see who was calling me, but from the sound of her voice I already had an idea of who she was.

''Kawasaki?" She was dressed in a jacket and jeans, it was strange to see her like that, since I was used to see her in her academy uniform.

"It's a surprise to see you here." She said as she seemed surprised by our sudden encounter.

"That's what I should say." I showed her the bag I was holding for her to have an idea of my purpose here.

''So, you're buying a gift for your sister?''

"That's correct, although I suppose you're here for that purpose too, right?"

"As insightful as ever, huh"

Since our little incident that happened at her house, we continue to speak normally, of course this is because she thinks that I forget everything that happened, and I prefer it to be that way, even if I wanted to annoy her with it, but I'm sure I would regret it to the point of fearing for my life.

"So, do you know what you are going to buy for your siblings?"

"It's obvious, after all, I know my younger siblings very well," Kawasaki said quite proudly.

"I guess that's the least I can expect from someone who adores her younger siblings too much." I sighed when I finished saying this.

For some reason, Kawasaki had a mocking expression on her face.

"And you say so? Who has a Siscon complex, don't make me laugh"

I definitely prefer the previous Kawasaki that didn't respond to my jokes.

"Just so you know, I'm not a Siscon, I just adore my little sister so much." I said this proudly.

"You know that means Siscon, right?"

"Tch, leave me"

Kawasaki laughed.

After finishing our little talk, it was time to take different paths, but until now I had no idea what I could give Kawasaki, so it occurred to me that maybe looking at her I could have some idea, besides, it's not that I have rush to get back.

"Kawasaki, can I go with you?''

My question apparently surprised Kawasaki as she seemed a bit nervous.

"Y- yes you want, I-I don't have a problem with that." She seemed quite nervous for some reason.

So, after that strange moment, we started walking in search of the gifts from the Kawasaki brothers.

"By the way, Kawasaki, what will you give Taishi?"

I was curious about it, since it didn't occur to me that you could gift a 13-year-old boy.

"I was thinking of giving him a book"

A book, huh. I guess I wasn't expecting it.

"Could you remove that smile from your face? It looks like you're making fun of my decision." Kawasaki said this while she looked upset that I was making fun of her gift.

"It's just that I don't take Taishi for someone who wants a gift book."

"Are you hinting at something!?" If she seemed upset before, now I can tell that she is upset.

I quickly waved my arms in denial, as the last thing I wanted to do was make her furious, although I think it was too late for that.

"I didn't say what you're implying, but I thought Taishi would want something else as a gift."

This seemed to calm her a bit.

"Of course, it is not just any book, since as Taishi is curious about training, I decided to look for a book that covers those topics, so that he learns the basics and will not try to do things that he saw on television."

"I guess it would be a nice gift, after all the moves he wanted to try were impossible." Although I am sure that I could replicate several of them.

"And for Keika, what do you have planned?"

''Why don't you try to guess?'' She said this with a smile on her face.

Keika is 4 years old, so she might want some stuffed animals or toys, although when I spent time playing with her, I already had an idea of what Kawasaki's gift might be.

"A coloring books?"

I could see the surprise on Kawasaki's face.

''How did you know?''

"It's an innate ability of older brothers." I said proudly.

"I just found out that you are a Siscon, plus I think I should keep you away from Keika"

We both laughed, I guess these moments are not so bad.

After our conversation we went into a bookstore.

While Kawasaki was looking for gifts from her siblings, I started looking for any book that I found interesting.

And although it seemed that nothing caught my attention, I could see the image of a panda among all the books.

When I picked up the book, I was able to read its title ''Panda's Garden'' in addition to the fact that it was in English.

Looking back, I knew that Pan-san was based on a book that an American biologist wrote for his son, but I could not find the book online, and although I looked for it in some bookstores, they did not have it, it seemed that it was not a very popular book.

I suppose that today is my lucky day, of course it could also be an inconvenience that it is in English, but in my previous life I achieved a certificate in this language, so that was not an inconvenience for me.

So, I decided to buy it.

When I got to the counter I found Kawasaki, it seems that she was able to find what she was looking for.

When we finished paying for the books, we left the store.

Although I still haven't found anything to buy as a gift.

I guess I should have focused more on paying attention to Kawasaki to know what I should give her.

Although if I arrive without a present for them, I'm sure Rumi is going to scold me.

Just remembering the long explanation, I had to give Rumi about the whole situation that happened with Kawasaki and Miura, it starts to hurt my head. My little sister is definitely too insightful.

There are still a few days until Christmas, so I'll have to search the internet for some gifts that are good for girls.

As we headed towards the exit, Kawasaki seemed to want to say something.

"Hey Tsurumi, wait a minute, I'm going to the bathroom."

"No problem, I'll wait for you outside."

When Kawasaki entered the ladies' room, I sat outside waiting.

What can I buy from Kawasaki? I wanted to make a decision once and for all, as I didn't want to have to come another day, in addition to having to endure Rumi's sermon.

"Raiden?"

It was not necessary to look up to know who had called me, after all there is only one person who refers to me that way.

"Hello Yumiko"

She was coming out of the bathroom, wearing a red blouse and jean shorts, remembering, that was part of all the clothes she bought that day. I can't deny that she looks pretty good in that outfit.

"What are you doing around here Raiden?"

"Buying Rumi's gift" I showed her the bag I was holding.

"You bought her various things; I suppose Rumi will be happy to receive all of that"

I didn't quite understand her words, but I realized that I was also holding Kawasaki's bag.

"And you Yumiko, what are you doing around here? Shopping before Christmas?"

She seemed happy to hear my question, for some strange reason.

"That's right." She said proudly, "I came with my parents, since it's rare that father can have a few days off, but he was able to free his schedule, so we decided to go out as a family."

She had a big smile when she said this, it's good that she has days that she can spend with her family.

"By the way Raiden, since you look unoccupied." She looked nervous "Would you like to come with us? Since I'm sure there would be no problem with that"

Although the proposal was tempting, I did not want to interfere in their time as a family, besides that if a stranger like me appeared, it would be quite uncomfortable, and not to mention her father. I can already imagine Yumiko's father giving me a hateful look, so I prefer to avoid the jealousy of a father.

"I don't want to bother you, I have somethings to do too, so I'm on my way home now."

Although my words seemed only a lie, they were true, after all, a half-told truth is still a truth.

Yumiko looked somewhat discouraged, but this expression quickly disappeared from her face.

''Don't worry, I guess it will be for another time, by the way, you will never be a bother.'' she said with a big smile.

"Then see you at school."

I don't want her to linger with me, instead of being with her parents.

"See you Raiden."

After Miura said this, she advanced but stopped quickly, she seemed like she was forgetting something.

''Raiden, haven't you seen my cell phone?'' Yumiko looked worried.

"Didn't you leave it there?"

I said that while pointing out the location of the women's restroom

"Maybe I left it there" Point to the women's restroom.

Yumiko rushed inside and went to get her cell phone.

After she got in, Kawasaki got out.

''Sorry for the delay.''

''Do not worry about that.''

"Then I think we can continue on our way."

Although I wanted to say goodbye to Yumiko before, or in the event that her cell phone was not in the bathroom, I would have to help her find it. More than an obligation it would be like a thank you for inviting me to hang out with her.

As I was going to tell Kawasaki to wait, she stopped, she was touching her pockets, but she didn't seem to find what she was looking for.

"Is something wrong Kawasaki?" She looked worried

"I think I forgot my wallet, so I'll be back."

Kawasaki quickly made her way back to the bathroom.

Is it the day to forget your things in the bathroom?

After Kawasaki came in, Yumiko came out, she looked quite relieved, I guess she found her cell phone.

"Looks like you managed to find your cell phone"

"I think I'm a bit forgetful."

"Quite a bit, I would say."

Yumiko pouted in response to my words, she looked quite adorable.

"By the way, won't your parents worry if you take too long?''

My words made Yumiko jump out of her thoughts.

"You're right, I guess I made them wait too long, see you at school, Raiden."

"See you, Yumiko"

Once Yumiko disappeared from my field of vision, I could see how Kawasaki seemed relieved as well.

"For some reason, everyone is forgetful today"

''It was just a little mistake; it has nothing to do with me being forgetful! ''

Seeing Kawasaki exasperated was nice.

"I understand, I understand, you don't have to worry about that."

At least this seemed to calm her.

So, we continued on our way.

Once outside the mall, looking closely at Kawasaki, I was able to realize what a gift I can give her.

I guess I should take advantage of the fact that I'm still around to buy it at once.

"Kawasaki, I forgot to buy something, so I have to go back to buy it."

"Oh." she seemed discouraged, but this only lasted a few seconds.

"And you tell me I'm someone forgetful." She quickly returned to have the mocking smile on her face.

"Unlike you, this was something that came to mind, so it wouldn't count as forgetting it."

''Excuses, excuses.''

I liked the previous Kawasaki better.

"So, I'll see you at the academy." I raised my hand in goodbye.

"See you Tsurumi"

I quickly turned around and headed to buy her gifts.