12 Short Stories of Christmas: Part 3
Story #9: Haru and Shiho
Narrator: Sojiro's mall gig was a bust, all happiness thrown out the window. But now it's time to monitor someone else, and that someone is Miss Shiho.
Across the street from Haru's Kitamura Cafe, Shiho was seen setting up a 'Pop-Up Cafe'. Every Christmas, she'd rent a small building space and make a cafe out of it in an attempt to make some money during the volleyball off-season. This year, the space across the street from Kitamura Cafe was open. The black haired volleyball player had just finished setting everything up inside her pop-up cafe, and now she was seen hanging up the sign outside.
The sign read, 'Seasons Eatings', and Shiho looked up at it with pride.
"Seasons Eatings is now open for business," Shiho said proudly as she went inside her pop-up cafe and waited behind the counter for customers to show up.
About an hour passed and Shiho had no luck. She was still looking at an empty cafe as a look of disappointment appeared on her face. Shiho let out a sigh as she rested her head on the counter. She was about to fall asleep when suddenly she heard the bell above her door ring, meaning someone entered her pop-up cafe. Excitedly, Shiho sprung up and saw Himari enter the scene.
"Hey, Auntie Shiho," Himari greeted.
"Hey, Himari," Shiho greeted back, "How are you today?"
"I'm fine," Himari said, "I heard you opened up your pop-up cafe, so I thought I'd swing by and support you. Can I have three chocolate chip cookies and a medium hot chocolate?"
"Coming right up," Shiho said as she slipped on some gloves, put three chocolate chip cookies in a bag and brewed up a cup of hot chocolate in a medium sized cup before handing it to the 12 year old brunette girl, "Here you go,"
"Thank you," Himari said as she handed Shiho proper payment, "As long as I'm here, can I ask you something?"
"Anything," Shiho said.
"Do you think you can tell me what the true meaning of Christmas is?" Himari asked.
"Well, I can try," Shiho said, "I know what always made Christmas for me growing up was coming home to the smell of freshly baked cakes and cookies, and then having said treats after dinner with either some hot chocolate or cold milk to help wash it down. I try to replicate that feeling for everyone around this time every year by opening up this pop-up cafe."
"And you picked the space across the street from Aunt Haru's cafe to do it?" Himari asked.
"I didn't want to set up shop here," Shiho said, "But the other spaces that I usually rent out are taken this year. This place was the only one left. You're actually the only customer I've gotten today, Himari."
"Sounds like you need to step up your game," Himari said.
"And how do I do that?" Shiho asked.
"I don't know, this ain't my story," Himari said as she made her leave, "Just use your imagination."
After Himari left, Shiho began to think of ways to attract more customers. That's when she came up with an idea. She looked across the street at Haru's cafe to see that she had a sign out front that read 'Holiday special: Buy 2 croissants, get 1 cup of coffee free'.
"Hmm," Shiho said as she tried to come up with an idea.
A few minutes later, Shiho put a sign out in the front of her pop-up cafe that read, '¥742 ($5) for a dozen donuts.' Not long after she put it out and she returned to the store did others notice the sign and started coming to her shop to give her business.
Meanwhile, at Cafe Kitamura, some of Haru's patrons noticed the business Shiho's shop across the street was getting and they left Haru's cafe in favor of the pop-up cafe. Haru took notice and began to wonder why everyone was leaving.
"Hey, where's everybody going?" Haru asked.
"I'm going to get me a dozen quality donuts for cheap!" One patron said before leaving the cafe.
Curious, Haru looked out the window and saw the sizable crowd gathered outside of 'Seasons Eatings'. She looked into the window at the cafe across the street to see Shiho taking the customer's money in exchange for the donuts she advertised.
"Shiho!" Haru bellowed, "Stealing my customers?! Well, two can play at this game!"
With that, Haru went outside and put a new sign out in the front of her cafe. This one reads 'Baker's Dozen of muffins (pick and choose) now ¥742 w/ free cup of coffee'. Not only did civilians notice this sign and come to Cafe Kitamura, but the patrons in Shiho's pop-up cafe noticed this and left Seasons Eatings in favor of Haru and her cafe.
Heartbroken, Shiho looked out the window to her cafe and saw the new deal that Haru had. That's when she remembered her status as the star player in Japan's Women's Volleyball Team. So, when everyone had left her pop-up cafe, Shiho left, making sure to lock-up before leaving entirely, and then returned with a bag full of volleyballs, a black marker, and a megaphone. Shiho turned the megaphone on and said this.
"Attention, holiday fans," Shiho said into the megaphone, "If any of you are volleyball fans, you might recognize me as the Women's Team's star player! With that said, any purchase of one cup of hot chocolate gets a free autographed volleyball signed by yours truly!"
Hearing that made anyone in the area who heard Shiho's announcement, along with most of the patrons inside Cafe Kitamura, come to Shiho and her pop-up cafe in flocks.
Haru was getting angry now as she stared at her empty cafe. That was when she came up with another plan. She pulled out her cell phone and dialed up her husband Yusuke.
(Note: This story happens the day after Hayato and Yusuke's story)
"Hey, Yusuke," Haru said, "Come to Cafe Kitamura, I need your help with something. And bring your art supplies."
A few minutes later Yusuke arrived at his wife's cafe, his art supplies in hand. In Haru's hand was a megaphone of her own, which she turned on so she could make her own announcement.
"Anyone who purchases anything from my cafe can get a free caricature courtesy of one of Japan's finest artists, and my husband, Yusuke Kitagawa," Haru announced as she pointed towards her husband.
Everyone in the area and the patrons in Shiho's pop-up cafe heard Haru's announcement and they gathered at Cafe Kitamura to get their baked goods and coffee along with a caricature from Yusuke.
Shiho watched in fury as everyone gathered at Cafe Kitamura. The volleyball player was so angry a vein started to appear on her forehead.
"This! Means! War!" Shiho exclaimed.
What ensued was an intense struggle over customers and money. Every time Haru came up with a good deal, Shiho would come up with an even better one. Every time Shiho did a publicity stunt like autographed volleyballs or free selfies with her, Haru would counteract Shiho's stunt with one of her own, whether she utilized Yusuke's art skills to her advantage or offered free coupons to her cafe.
The war between the two women and their cafes raged on until Cafe Kitamura was, once again, left empty with only Haru and Yusuke present.
"I can't believe I'm losing to a pop-up cafe," Haru lamented, "Think Yusuke, there's gotta be something I haven't tried yet to not only get customers but make them stay here."
"Don't you think you're overreacting just a little bit, darling?" Yusuke asked.
"No way," Haru said, "I was here first and Shiho's just horning in!"
"I understand that, sweetheart," Yusuke said, "But I think it's time we bring this feud to an end."
"How do you suggest we do that?" Haru asked before coming up with an idea, "I know, we'll call the health inspector and make up some phony claim about Shiho's pop-up shop having rats! Then everyone will have to come here!"
"No, Haru," Yusuke scolded, "Look, it's Christmas time, a time when we should put feuds aside and treat one another like decent human beings. If the soldiers in WWI did it, so can you and Shiho. Maybe offer her a part time position in your cafe until volleyball season starts up again."
Haru gave what her husband said some thought before letting out a defeated sigh.
"I guess you're right, Yusuke," Haru said as she walked across the street to Seasons Eatings.
Upon entering Shiho's pop-up cafe, Haru went up to the counter where Shiho was admiring all the business she managed to get. When the floofy haired women confronted the black haired volleyball player, she held out her hand.
"What's this?" Shiho asked.
"I'm willing to call a truce to our little 'business war'," Haru said, "It's Christmas time and we've been fighting like little kids when meanwhile we're two grown, successful women. We're above things like this."
"I was only trying to fill people up with holiday cheer with my baked goods," Shiho said.
"And you don't think I was?" Haru asked.
"I only set up shop here because my usual spots were already taken," Shiho said, "But you are right in that we have been acting a little immature."
"Which is why I'm willing to call a truce and give you the opportunity to work for me and my cafe this winter," Haru said, much to Shiho's surprise, "If we combine our baking and business tactics, we can give everyone a great Christmas. What do you say?"
Shiho gave Haru's offer some thought before warmly shaking her hand saying, "Haru, it's a deal!"
The next time we see Haru and Shiho, they are working together in harmony in Cafe Kitamura, giving baked goods, warm beverages, caricatures, and autographed volleyballs to anyone who came into the cafe. Even better, both Haru and Shiho looked really happy knowing that they're working together to bring Christmas cheer to their customers.
Story #10: Yuuki and Daisuke
Narrator: The women worked harmoniously to make baked goods and coffee with foam. But now we see Daisuke Watanabe, who is helping Yuuki Mishima in decorating his home.
Outside, we see Daisuke and Yuuki as they're up on the roof setting up Christmas lights.
"Thanks for your help, Daisuke," Yuuki said gratefully.
"Hey, I had nothing planned for today," Daisuke said, "I was happy to help."
"Yeah," Yuuki said, "I want to make sure that Riku and Mai have the Christmases that I never had."
"What do you mean?" Daisuke asked, "Didn't you have a big celebration with family, decorations, and presents?"
"Well, yeah," Yuuki said, "But my parents were always so busy with their jobs that they didn't really have time to put up decorations, and most Christmases I spent with my grandparents instead of my actual parents, you know, the people who actually gave me life?"
The last bit Yuuki said with resentment in his voice.
"Your parents worked on Christmas?" Daisuke asked, heartbroken.
"Those were the kind of jobs they had," Yuuki said, "Every Christmas I'd have lots of presents to open up and play with, but no parents to share those presents with or decorations to admire."
"How sad," Daisuke frowned.
"That's why every Christmas since Riku and Mai were born I try and decorate the interior and exterior of the house as much as I possibly can," Yuuki explained, "I try to be the best father I can be and show them what real paternal love looks like."
"My hat's off to you, Mishima," Daisuke said as he hooked up the last of the lights, "You're a great man, a great husband, and a great father."
"Thanks, Daisuke," Yuuki said as he and Daisuke used a ladder to get down from the roof.
Once they're back on ground level, Yuuki took a remote control out from his pocket.
"Sun's starting to go down," Yuuki said, "Ready to see if we rigged these babies up correctly?"
"Hit it!" Daisuke commanded as Yuuki clicked the button on the remote control.
Upon pressing the button, all of the Christmas lights around the Mishima Household lit up, amazing the two men.
"Wow!" Daisuke said in awe.
"It's beautiful!" Yuuki said, "It looks more beautiful every year!"
As the two men continued to admire their work, they didn't notice Himari coming up next to them. The brunette girl is also looking at the house in amazement, the colorful lights mesmerizing her.
"Oh, pretty," Himari said, catching the attention of the two men.
"Hey, Himari, what's up?" Yuuki asked the 12 year old girl.
"I just have something important I want to ask you two," Himari said.
"Go ahead, Himari, we're all ears," Daisuke said.
"Would either of you happen to know what the true meaning of Christmas is?" Himari asked.
"I'll be honest with you, Himari, I know a lot of things," Daisuke began, "But I don't think I can give you a concrete answer to that question."
"I might be able to," Yuuki offered, "See, Himari, Christmas to me is all about the decorations so you can show passersby just how much Christmas spirit you really have,"
"What if you don't have any Christmas spirit at all," Himari asked, "Like me?"
"Well, just take a good long look at these lights and tell me you don't have the Christmas spirit inside of you," Yuuki said as he, Daisuke, and Himari went back to looking at the decorated house.
Himari stared at the lights for as long as she could before letting out a sigh of defeat.
"I'm sorry, you two," Himari frowned as she walked off, "I just don't feel it."
Daisuke and Yuuki just watched as Himari walked away, her head hanging in sadness and disappointment.
"I hope Himari will be okay," Daisuke worried.
"She'll be fine," Yuuki said, "Come inside and help me assemble the tree."
Yuuki led his friend into his home so they could work on assembling the Mishima Family Christmas tree.
A few moments later, Daisuke and Yuuki were seen inside of the living room taking each part of the Mishima Family Christmas Tree out of its box before reading the instructions on how to properly assemble it. As the two men put the tree together, they decide to converse about their children, specifically Riku and Nariko.
"So, from what I hear, Nariko is getting your boy Riku something nice for Christmas," Daisuke said.
"Funny you should mention that, Daisuke, because Riku just told me he bought something nice for Nariko just the other day," Yuuki said before chuckling, "Wouldn't it be something if my son and your daughter end up getting hitched one day?"
"Hey, let's not rush things, okay," Daisuke said in an almost protective tone, "My daughter is only 12 and your boy is only 11. They're too young to date, let alone think about marriage."
"I mean, surely you've noticed how nervous Riku gets when he's around Nariko, right?" Yuuki asked, "He's been sweet on her ever since they were little."
"Of course I've noticed," Daisuke said, "Listen, Mishima, don't take this the wrong way because Riku really is a swell kid, but he's not really the type of guy I imagine Nariko falling in love with."
"Yeah, I know Riku isn't a star athlete, or the best dressed, or the rich boy that every father dreams of their little girl marrying," Yuuki said, "But where Riku lacks in all of that he makes up for in his character. Riku is one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. He never looks for trouble, he keeps up with his studies and obeys authority. Riku's my boy, Daisuke. I love him and think he's perfect just the way he is."
"Riku is a good kid, I won't deny that," Daisuke said, "I guess I just get a little overprotective of Nariko sometimes. She's a cute kid, and lots of guys in this day and age take advantage of that. I just don't want her to be abused like her mother."
"Believe me, Daisuke, Riku would never hurt a fly," Yuuki said, "He and Mai were raised on mine and Futaba's morals and we taught him to treat people how he wants to be treated, with love and respect."
"That's good," Daisuke said, "It seems like a lot of parents in this day and age don't raise their kids with the same values that we give to our kids. With this in mind, I guess I wouldn't mind it if Riku and Nariko got together one day…as long as that day happens in ten years from now…and they graduated college…and they've got their lives figured out."
"Oh, Daisuke," Yuuki sighed as he shook his head, "Always the Papa Wolf. By the way, did Nariko tell you what she got Riku for Christmas?"
"I think she said something about getting Riku a video game he really wanted for his Funtendo Switch," Daisuke answered, "Did he tell you what he got Nariko for Christmas?"
"He said something about getting Nariko some matching shoes to go with a dress of hers," Yuuki answered, "But speaking of Riku's Funtendo Switch, I haven't caught him playing with it that much lately."
"And when I last entered Nariko's room, her dress, which is usually hung up on a hook on her bedroom door, was gone," Daisuke said, "She doesn't want to put it in the closet in fear of it getting wrinkled."
"Hang on, Daisuke, I just got a crazy idea," Yuuki said, coming upon a realization, "You don't think our kids sold their most prized possessions just to scrounge up enough money to get each other something nice for Christmas, do you?"
"There might be a chance," Daisuke said.
"But where did they go to get the money?" Yuuki wondered as Daisuke took out his phone, "Who did they sell their most prized possessions to?"
"Shiho and I put a tracking device app on Nariko and Kaito's phones so we know where they are at all times," Daisuke explained, "This app will tell me where Nariko went over the last few days. With any luck it might give us a clue as to where her dress and Riku's Switch are."
Yuuki looked like he was about to say something when Daisuke cut him off by saying, "Yeah, I know I'm being a Papa Wolf, shut up!"
Further examination of the app showed that Nariko was at the pawn shop the other day.
"The pawn shop!" Daisuke exclaimed, "That's probably where the dress and Switch are! Come on, Yuuki, let's pay this pawn shop a visit!"
"You got it!" Yuuki said as he and Daisuke left the house to go to the pawn shop to get their children's possessions back.
Story #11: Himari and Hifumi
Narrator: With those two on the warpath, we cut to the next day; Christmas Eve. Himari still wandered the streets, searching for the perfect answer so her holiday blues would leave.
Himari was seen wandering the streets of Kanda in search of anyone who may have the answer to her query in regards to the true meaning of Christmas. So many people, her friends and family included, have given her a wide variety of answers as to what they believe the true meaning of Christmas is, but neither of them seemed to elevate her mood.
For the first time in Himari's life, she felt truly lost and helpless and she felt like Christmas would never be the same. She was out of people to turn to and out of possible answers as to what Christmas was all about.
"Things can't get any worse," Himari lamented.
As soon as she said that, however, a few snowflakes started to fall from the sky…then a few more…and a few more after that. Suddenly, a huge blizzard overcame the area and Himari had to find shelter fast or else she'd catch a cold.
The poor pre-teen wandered through the white-out, teeth chattering all the while, until she saw a light in the distance. She ran over to the light until she came across a pair of double doors. She opened the doors and ran inside to find that she was inside of a church.
The interior of the church was a lot warmer than the temperatures outside and Himari decided to stick around until the blizzard ended. As she walked through the church, and listened to the winds howl outside, she noticed something at the altar; a manger scene, and in front of that manger scene was a very familiar face. It was Hifumi Yajima (nee Togo).
"Auntie Hifumi?" Himari asked, causing Hifumi to turn around to face her.
"Himari, what are you doing here?" Hifumi asked, "Do your parents know you're here?"
"They will once I text them," Himari said as she took out her phone to text Makoto and Ryuji, "I was wandering around when this blizzard came. So, I found this church and decided to stay here until the storm passed. On the brightside, at least this year will be a White Christmas."
"There's no Christmas like it," Hifumi smiled.
"Anyway, what are you doing here?" Himari asked.
"I always come here to brush up on my Shogi skills," Hifumi said, "But more importantly, I come here every day around this time of year to admire this; the manger scene."
"Manger scene?" Himari asked as she stepped forward to join Hifumi.
"I guess you don't go to church often, do you?" Hifumi asked.
"My parents and I aren't regular church goers," Himari answered.
When Himari got closer to Hifumi, the Shogi player noticed a troubled look in Himari's eyes.
"Himari, you seem troubled," Hifumi said, "What's the matter?"
"It's just that," Himari began, "I feel like I've lost all Christmas spirit lately. I can't find a good reason to celebrate the holiday despite everyone's suggestions. Minato and Kimiko think the true meaning of Christmas is taking photos with your family. Riku thinks that it's about the gifts. The Tanakas think it's about Christmas trees. Hotaru thinks it's about the specials and movies. My parents think it's about love. Mana, Mitsu, Kaito, and Mai think it's about having fun in the snow. Uncle Yusuke and your husband think it's about doing good deeds. Uncle Sojiro thinks its about making children happy. Auntie Shiho thinks it's about baked goods. And Uncles Mishima and Daisuke think it's about the decorations. They seem to think strongly about these things, but I don't feel the same way."
"Yes, all of those are good reasons to celebrate the holidays, but they're not the best reason to celebrate them," Hifumi explained, "See, everyone goes through what you're going through right now at least once in their lives. Hayato went through it, Hotaru went through it, even I went through it at one point. But all three of us quickly pushed the holiday blues aside when we discovered this."
Hifumi points at the manger scene in front of her and Himari.
"This manger scene depicts the birth of our lord and savior, Jesus Christ," Hifumi explained, "Every Christmas we celebrate the miracle that occurred on that silent winter's night. Joseph the shepherd and his wife the Virgin Mary rode into Bethlehem in search of a place where Mary can give birth to her baby, Jesus."
"Wait, she's a virgin and she got pregnant?" Himari asked confused, "How did that happen?"
"It's called the immaculate conception," Hifumi explained, "Because Mary kept her virtue, God came to her and told her that she'd carry the baby that would become our lord and savior Jesus Christ. And so she became pregnant without the need for sexual intercourse, hence why it's so immaculate."
"That's wild," Himari said in amazement.
"Anyway," Hifumi continued, "There was no room at the inn in Bethlehem, so the innkeeper put Mary and Joseph up in the stables where Mary quickly gave birth to Jesus. Upon our savior's birth, three kings came from afar to offer gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the newborn king. These kings knew how big of a deal it was and wanted to honor our savior by giving him these gifts. That's why we celebrate Christmas, Himari, and by extension give each other gifts. We remember the great miracles of the immaculate conception and the birth of Jesus Christ, and we give gifts to remember the three kings who gave their best gifts to him. That's what Christmas is about to me, Himari, the belief that miracles can happen and the world momentarily became a better place on that day."
Himari, deeply touched by Hifumi's words, looked at the manger scene, specifically at the doll of baby Jesus sitting in his cradle as the dolls of the three kings gathered around him. A tear rolled down her cheek as Himari seemed to finally understand everything.
"Christmas is more than just the material things and even family," Hifumi concluded, "It's all about this miracle."
After staring at the manger scene for a few more moments, Himari spoke up.
"My God," Himari said, "I think I get it. I think I finally got it. Christmas miracles, they can and do happen when you least expect it!"
Misty eyed, Himari turned to face Hifumi and she hugged her.
"Thank you, Auntie Hifumi," Himari said, "I think I finally understand the true meaning of Christmas now."
"I'm glad, Himari," Hifumi smiled as both she and Himari noticed the winds outside had died down.
The two females left the church and saw that the winter squall had ended.
"Hey, the blizzard's over," Himari said.
"Yes it is," Hifumi smiled, "We can go home now to our families."
"Lucky thing to," Himari chimed in, "It's almost time for the Christmas Eve party at Cafe Kitamura."
"Well let's hurry back to our families before they get worried about us," Hifumi said as she and Himari went their separate ways and headed to their respective homes.
Story #12: The Finale
Narrator: With Himari's faith in the holiday restored it was time for celebration! Everyone gathered at Haru's cafe to honor the holiday that's sweeping the nation!
At Cafe Kitamura, all of the main characters we've seen so far, along with others like Sae, Daisuke's cousins and mother, Ryuji's mother Nanami, Haru's uncle, Shinya Oda, Zenkichi and Akane Hasegawa, Eiko Takao, Naoya Makigami, Tae Takemi, Shinichi Yoshizawa and his wife, Sadayo Kawakami and her boyfriend Yamato Hashimoto, Munehisa Iwai and his son Kaoru, and Chihaya Mifune are gathered to celebrate the holiday.
Haru, Yusuke, Daisuke, and Shiho are seen coming from the kitchen with trays full of baked goods and mugs of coffee and hot chocolate.
"Order up," Shiho said as the trays were placed on a nearby table and everyone lined up to get their refreshment.
With Minato and Himari, the former is noticing that the latter is looking a lot more chipper. Minato also has a present in his hands.
"Looks like someone got back in the holiday spirit," Minato smiled.
"Yeah," Himari smiled, "Auntie Hifumi helped me out."
"Really?" Minato asked, "What did she do?"
"Mmm, let's just say we had a bit of a heart-to-heart that really put things into perspective for me," Himari answered.
"Cool," Minato said as he presented his friend with the gift in his hands, "Here, this is from me. Merry Christmas."
"Oh, I wonder what's inside," Himari wondered as she opened the gift up to reveal a pair of white and blue inline roller skates, "Oh my God! Inline roller skates!"
"Your parents told me you wanted them so I saved up money and bought them for you," Minato said, "I'm glad you liked-"
"Mwah!" Himari was so overcome with emotion that she gave Minato a peck on the cheek, causing the Amamiya boy's whole face to turn red before fainting, causing Himari to laugh.
In another part of the party, Hotaru was showing off his Christmas film to some of the party goers. He used his memories to craft a story that showed the many Christmases throughout the main character's life. When it was over, the people watching the special gave Hotaru a round of applause and he took a bow.
"Your son is very talented, Mr. and Mrs. Yajima," Akane said to Hayato and Hifumi.
"Thank you," Hifumi said.
"We're so proud of him," Hayato chimed in.
Over by the bathroom, we see Ren holding his groin; he needed to pee badly. The raven haired man knocked on the door rapidly.
"Come on," Ren whined, "What's taking so long in there!"
In seconds, the bathroom door opened up and Makoto and Ryuji stepped out, both looking rather flushed. Ren saw the expressions on their faces and he immediately knew what went down in there.
"Really, guys?" Ren said in disgust.
"Cut us some slack," Ryuji said.
"Yeah," Makoto chimed in, "We tried to get intimate the last couple of days but life just kept getting in our way."
"We've had passion building inside of us for a while now and we decided that now would be a good time to let it out," Ryuji said to a Ren that was shaking his head.
"Unbelievable," Ren said as he pushed past the couple and entered the bathroom and closed the door behind him.
Speaking of Ren, we see his wife Ann as she's showing the likes of Shiho, Haru, Sadayo and Yamato, Nanami, Futaba, and Sumire the Amamiya Family Christmas Picture.
"It looks great, Ann," Sumire said.
"Yeah," Shiho chimed in, "You guys look really happy."
"You can thank Ren," Ann smiled, "This was his idea."
"I'm glad you didn't do something embarrassing like put yourselves in costume or dress up in Hawaiian clothes," Futaba said, "That would've been ridiculous."
"Uh…yeah," Ann said, remembering both her and Minato's ideas for the Christmas picture, "That would've been really dumb."
Finally, we cut to Riku and Nariko who are ready to exchange gifts.
"Merry Christmas, Nariko," Riku said as he handed her his gift.
"Merry Christmas to you too, Riku," Nariko said as she handed him her gift.
The two of them opened their gifts up and what Riku found was the Super Marco RPG game he wanted…but no Funtendo Switch to play it on, while Nariko found the shoes she needed for her dress…with no dress to wear it with.
"Oh," Riku said, "Super Marco RPG…"
"Some new shoes…" Nariko said before looking at Riku.
"Okay, you're going to laugh," Both Riku and Nariko said.
"I didn't have enough money to get you those shoes so I sold my Funtendo Switch to get the funds necessary," Riku explained.
"Oh, word?" Nariko asked, "Because I sold my dress to get you enough money for that game."
"So, we both sold our most prized possessions just to make each other happy," Riku asked.
"It looks that way," Nariko said with a blush, "You know, you didn't have to sell your Switch just for me, you know."
"And you didn't have to sell your dress just for me," Riku said.
"But our bond was worth it," Nariko said.
"My thoughts exactly," Riku smiled.
Suddenly, their fathers, Yuuki and Daisuke, came up to them with gifts of their own.
"Kids," Yuuki said, "Daisuke and I just thought you would like to have these."
The two men presented their children with the two gifts and they opened them up to reveal Riku's Funtendo Switch and Nariko's dress.
"My Switch!" Riku cheered.
"My dress!" Nariko cheered, "How did you get them back?"
"We figured out what you two did and we went back to the pawn shop to get them back," Daisuke said.
"Thanks, dad," Riku said as he hugged Yuuki
"Thank you, daddy," Nariko said as she hugged Daisuke.
"Aw, Merry Christmas kids," Daisuke said.
"We're both proud that you were willing to sacrifice so much to see each other happy," Yuuki said.
"We're proud of the people you two are becoming and we love you both," Daisuke concluded.
"We love you too," Nariko and Riku said as they continued to hug their fathers.
"Okay, everyone," Yusuke was heard saying, "Gather around for a Christmas Group Photo!"
As everyone did what was instructed of them, the narrator is heard one last time to close out the holiday special.
Narrator: As all present gathered for a photo, everyone was beaming from ear to ear. As the photo was taken, and with much cheer, everyone shouted.
All: Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
The story ends with the photo being taken and everyone is happy.
The End. Merry Christmas, Everyone!