"And that should be the last of it," said Ishigami as he finished packing his luggage for his trip to Hokkaido. "How long is your trip again?" Miko asked as she grabbed some tea from the fridge. "4 days, 3 nights" Ishigami replied. "I see, enjoy your vacation with Fujiwara-senpai," said Miko as she poured tea into her cup. "Do you have any plans this Christmas?" Ishigami asked Miko. "Well, my parents are back in Japan, so I`ll be spending Christmas with them," said Miko. "Well, at least I don`t have to worry about leaving you alone this Christmas," Ishigami said back. "Hey, I`m not that lonely, now come help me prepare dinner," said Miko to which Ishigami sighed and joined Miko in the kitchen.

Later in the evening

"You`re all packed?" said Chika as she and Ishigami chatted over the phone. "Yeah, never been to Hokkaido before," said Ishigami. "You`ll love it," said Chika. "Come to think of it, this is my first vacation without my parents or the rest of the Student Council" Ishigami pointed out. "That`ll make the vacation even more special," said Chika. By the way, do I need to pack a lot?" Ishigami asked. "You don`t have to pack a lot. Listen I gotta go, see you in a few days," said Chika as it was getting late. "Yeah see you then," said Ishigami as he ended the call. "This oughta be a fun four days," Ishigami thought as he lay on his bed wondering about his next adventure with Chika.

Dec 23, 7:30 am

"Wonder what`s keeping her?" Ishigami thought as he was waiting for Chika at the terminal outside. "Sorry I`m late," said Chika as she approached Ishigami. "There you are oh. why do you have so much luggage? It`s only a three-day trip, not a week-long trip" said Ishigami as he noticed Chika had packed a lot. "It`ll be fine, it`s vacation so I just brought what I needed," said Chika to which Ishigami sighed. "Let`s get checked in before it gets too packed," said Ishigami as they walked into the airport.

At the boarding gate

"Good morning, you`re here to board our 8:30 am flight to Hokkaido? Alright may I see your boarding passes" said the flight employee. "Sure, give me a second," said Chika as she dug into her bag only for her expression to change. "What`s the matter?" Ishigami asked as he noticed Chika seemed unusually tense.

"I may have forgotten to bring the tickets," Chika said nervously. "What?! What time is it?" said Ishigami as their vacation seemed to be over before it started. "It`s 7:55 now," said the flight employee. "There`s only one person who can save us in this situation," said Chika as she pulled out her phone. "Ah, Moeha and Toyomi will bring the tickets over," Ishigami thought in relief. "Hello, Dad, can you please bring the tickets to the airport please?" Chika pleaded to which Ishigami fell comically. "Of course," said Ishigami as in any situation like this, always call your parents to bail you out.

25 minutes later

"Thank you Dad," said Chika as Mr. Fujiwara came to the airport with 10 minutes to spare. "You`re quite lucky that I happened to be on my way to work, wouldn`t want your vacation to end like this," said Daichi as he handed Chika the boarding passes. "Ah Ishigami, it`s been a while, how have you been?" Daichi said to Ishigami. "Good, thank you for paying for our flight and vacation," said Ishigami as he bowed. "No worries, that reminds me, Ishigami a moment please?" said Daichi as he motioned him to step aside for a moment. "Oh okay, give me a sec Chika" said Ishigami as he followed Daichi.

"I`m glad that you and Chika have this opportunity to be together given you two are attending different colleges, but this goes without saying, try to keep things family-friendly, I know that you kids are still growing, but it would be bad news if my wife found out you two did something risky on vacation, she`s not as forgiving as me," said Daichi as he reminded Ishigami that they were still too young to take the next step.

"Sure, I`ll make sure of it," said Ishigami. "Alright, you kids have fun," said Daichi as he excused himself. "What did my Dad say to you?" Chika asked as they were cleared for their flight. "Nothing important, let`s get on our plane before anything else happens," said Ishigami as they walked through the tunnel to their plane.

On the plane

"Well at least we made our flight, I haven`t flown on a plane in years," said Ishigami as he placed his duffel on the top above their seats. "Yeah, sorry about that, I wonder what they have to eat," said Chika as they sat down. "The flight is only an hour and a half, so we only have snacks to rely on," said Ishigami as he pulled some snacks out of his bag. "Aw man, I thought they would have some meals on the flight," said Chika in disappointment. "Cheer up, have some chocolate," said Ishigami as he handed her a chocolate which she reluctantly accepted.

20 Minutes Later

"So have you been in touch with Kaguya or Miyuki?" Ishigami asked Chika as he offered her a chip. "Yeah, they`re as close as ever now that there`s no family crisis to worry about," said Chika as she took a chip from Ishigami. "Guess it won`t be long before they get married," said Ishigami. "It`ll probably be soon, I want to attend a friend`s wedding," said Chika as their conversation was interrupted by a cry next to them.

"Well so much for peace," Ishigami thought as he watched the mother sitting beside them trying to calm her baby down. "Excuse me, can I take a try?" Chika asked the mother. "Oh, uh sure," said the mother as Chika took the baby and gently rocked it, "Who`s a good boy?" Chika said softly as the baby seemingly calmed down. "Thank you so much, I`d been trying to quiet my baby for the last 20 minutes," said the mother.

"No worries, I`m the middle child in my family so I`m used to dealing with my younger sister," said Chika as she handed the baby back to the mother. "Never pegged you to be the motherly type, I guess that`s how you keep Moeha on a short leash," said Ishigami as he seemed surprised by Chika`s parental skills.

Some Time Later

"Say, is that girl your girlfriend?" said the mother. "Yeah, she is" Ishigami replied as he paused his game while Chika leaned on him asleep. "What`s the occasion?" said the woman as she rocked her baby. "Oh we`re going on a Christmas vacation together" Ishigami replied. "You`re quite a lucky guy, it`s rare for a girl as pretty as her to be so caring and nurturing, she`s a keeper," said the woman. "Yeah, I guess I am, at least I don`t have to worry about starting a family yet," Ishigami thought as he looked around observing the other families around them.

An hour later

"Wake up sleepyhead," said Ishigami as he tapped Chika`s forehead. "Hm? What time is it?" Chika said groggily as she got up. "We`re here," said Ishigami as he stood up and started getting their bags. "Oh okay, can you help me get my bag too?" said Chika as she yawned. "Sure," said Ishigami as he got their bags down. Enjoy your vacation you two" said the mother as she was getting ready to leave. "We will, bye bye," said Chika as she extended a finger out to the baby as the baby cooed happily before they left the plane.

Sapporo City, Hokkaido 10 am

"Well we`re here," said Chika as they left the airport. "It`s freezing here, good thing I listened to Miko`s advice to pack extra warm clothing," said Ishigami as he could feel the immediate cold of Hokkaido. "I say we get to our hotel and drop our luggage off before exploring," said Chika. "Yeah agreed, Taxi," said Ishigami as they hopped onto a taxi to their hotel.

JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo

"Wow, nice hotel," said Ishigami as they got off the elevator on their floor. "I pulled some strings with my parents," said Chika as she opened the door to their suite. "Are you sure this isn`t too much?" said Ishigami as he was in awe of their hotel room. "No, my parents wanted to get us a better suite, but I told them that this was fine," said Chika as there was a knock on their door.

"Wonder who it could be," said Ishigami as he opened the door. "Miss Fujiwara, we have a package for you," said the hotel employee as he handed Chika a parcel before excusing himself. "Wonder what this could be?" said Chika as she opened the parcel, revealing some cash and a note. "Whoa, 500,000 yen," said Ishigami as he had never seen this much money. "A letter," said Chika, pulling it out amongst the money.

Dear Chika,

Here is some money for you and Ishigami to spend on your vacation. Hokkaido is quite expensive so we decided to give you one less thing to worry about. Have fun, but try not to have too much fun, I don`t think me and your father are ready to become grandparents just yet.

Enjoy your vacation,

Mrs. Fujiwara

"What`d the note say" Ishigami asked as Chika put the letter down albeit slightly red. "It`s nothing, just a note from my parents telling us to have fun, let`s start getting unpacked" Chika replied. "Okay then," said Ishigami as he started unpacking his luggage.

Yep, gotta love parents.

30 minutes later

"We`re all set, let`s go explore," said Chika as they finished unpacking their luggage. "Sure, where do you wanna go? I usually go with the flow" said Ishigami as they left their room. "Let`s go walk around then, we can decide then," said Chika as she pulled out a guidebook. "Sounds like a plan," said Ishigami as they got on the elevator.

Niseko Ski Resort

"Wow this is something, maybe I should do this more," said Ishigami as they decided to go to a snowboard resort as their first stop. "Wow, you`re not bad. Are you sure you haven`t done this before?" said Chika. "Yeah, I just pick things up quickly, maybe I should try the harder course, this is kinda fun," said Ishigami. "Alright, I`m gonna go too, whoa whoa..." said Chika as she stumbled while walking with her skis. "I got you," said Ishigami as he managed to catch Chika in a compromising position. "Oh uh," Ishigami started to say as his face turned red. "It`s fine, thanks," said Chika as she got up. "Don`t mention it, wanna try one of the other slopes?" said Ishigami. "Sure," said Chika as they made their way up the hill.

"Hey wanna race? Loser has to pay for lunch" said Chika as they were taking a break on one of the hills. "I know you want free food, but I`ll accept your challenge," said Ishigami as he put his goggles on. "Alright on 3 we`ll start, 1,2,3," said Chika as they were off to the races. "Alright, I`ve got a good start, I can win this" Chika thought as she was slightly ahead of Ishigami. "I remember the ski instructor earlier telling me leaning forward would accelerate me, might be able to use that to my advantage," Ishigami thought as he maintained his pace.

"Almost there, just gotta keep the lead," Chika thought as they were nearing the bottom."Alright, see ya," said Ishigami as he waited until they were 3 quarters down the hill to accelerate. "Wait what?" said Chika as Ishigami glided forward and went past her. "Alright I win," said Ishigami as he stopped his skis upon reaching the bottom.

"Cheer up," said Ishigami as Chika was fuming that she lost the race to Ishigami. "I wanted to win, why are you better at everything that isn`t piano or politics?" Chika pouted. "She`s like a little kid, well there`s only one way to cheer her up," Ishigami thought as he sipped some hot chocolate. "Come on, I`ll pay for lunch, so don`t worry about it," said Ishigami as he gave Chika a pat on the head. "Okay," said Chika as she returned to her joyful mood. "So she just wanted free food this whole time," Ishigami thought as they took a break from the Hokkaido winter.

When in doubt, food will always be the answer.

An hour later

"I`m hungry, let`s get something to eat, what are you feeling now?" Ishigami asked as they left the ski resort. "I want ramen, I hear this is where miso ramen originated," said Chika as she pointed to a restaurant in the guidebook. "How far is it from here?" Ishigami asked. "About a 30-minute walk," Chika replied. "We should get going then," said Ishigami as they walked to the restaurant.

Ramen Alley

"Welcome, what`ll it be today," said the ramen shop employee as they took their seats. "Give me a large miso ramen with an order of karrage and gyoza, what do you want Ishigami?" said Chika. "I`ll just have a regular miso ramen and a cola," said Ishigami. "Sure, coming right up," said the employee as he went to prepare the order. "This is a lot different than what we have back home," said Ishigami as he noticed the decorations around the restaurant.

"So, how are things between you and your family?" Chika asked Ishigami as they waited for their food. "Good, it`s a bit different not having them around, I still keep in touch with them, although I kinda miss my Mom telling me to do the chores" Ishigami replied. "Yeah, it`s tough having to remember to do the chores yourself, how are things going with you and Miko?" said Chika. "Alright so far, she`s still kinda naggy," said Ishigami to which Chika chuckled. "I guess you two still haven`t changed at all," said Chika.

"Like a cat and a mouse," said Ishigami as their food arrived. "Man all that skiing and walking has made me hungry, let`s eat," said Chika as she broke some chopsticks. "Have you gotten used to the college life yet? You`re not overworked are you?" Ishigami asked Chika. "Yeah, things are much better now, what about you? I hope you`re not slacking off now that you`re not attending Shuchi`in anymore" said Chika.

"I`m hanging in there, it`s an adjustment period, have you made friends in college?" said Ishigami as he slurped some noodles. "Of course, although when I told my friends I had a boyfriend, they said you were their type, but I can`t let you get eaten by an older lady," said Chika as she finished her bowl of ramen. "Another one please" Chika called out.

"Come, what do you take me for?" Ishigami replied. "Well I can`t keep an eye on you all the time, you might have a harem of beautiful girls if I`m not careful," said Chika to which Ishigami couldn`t help but laugh. " As interesting as it sounds, having you as my girlfriend is enough of an adventure, imagine having to deal with multiple partners," said Ishigami as he took a piece of karrage. "It would be funny, seeing my introverted boyfriend being a chick magnet," said Chika as she chuckled. "What is this some rom-com scenario?" Ishigami thought as he seemed surprised with Chika`s light heartedness regarding other girls.

"That ramen was good, wouldn`t you say?" said Chika as she finished her second bowl. "Yeah, it`s a lot different than what we have back home," said Ishigami as he finished his cola. "Man I wish I could eat ramen every day," said Chika. "Too bad your budget and health can`t afford that, I`ll pick up the bill, shall we get going?" Ishigami retorted as he pulled out the wallet. "Yeah, the night is still young, I wanna explore some more," said Chika as Ishigami paid their bill and they left the restaurant.

Later

"I hear there`s a Christmas celebration happening nearby, wanna check it out?" said Chika as they walked around. "Sure," said Ishigami as they walked up to what appeared to be a festival. "Slow down, you don`t wanna get a stomachache, you just had two bowls of ramen," said Ishigami. "It`s fine, I came prepared this time," said Chika as she pulled out a small pouch of Tums. "Your appetite knows no bounds huh?," said Ishigami as he followed Chika into the festival.

"For once I don`t mind going to a festival, I might have to get some of these to leave at our place," said Ishigami as he had some yakisoba. "Ishigami, I got us some potatoes," said Chika as she handed him a baked potato. "Thanks, how did you get so many?" said Ishigami as he noticed Chika was carrying a bag of potatoes. "I got some on the house," said Chika as she took a bite of the potato. "I guess being cute has its advantages," Ishigami thought as he took a potato.

"Step right up, you could win a fabulous prize, 2 shots for 250 yen," said a vendor which caught the attention of the two. "Oh I want that prize," said Chika as she pointed to a pink bear as she put some coins down. "You know how to play this game?" Ishigami asked as Chika took the toy rifle. "Sure I do, just gotta knock over one of the props," said Chika as she fired, but was way off as she almost hit the vendor to which Ishigami tried not to laugh. "I`ve seen stormtroopers shoot better," Ishigami thought as Chika fired her last shot, but missed. "Damn it, this is hard," said Chika as she failed on her second attempt.

"Let me try," said Ishigami as he put some coins down and took the rifle. "Good luck sonny, I hope you`re a better shot than your girlfriend," said the vendor as Ishigami couldn`t help, but chuckle as he knocked over a prop. "Guess I`m not rusty," said Ishigami as he put the rifle down. "Alright, you won, what prize do you want?" the vendor asked. "Hm, I`ll take that one," said Ishigami as he pointed to the pink teddy bear.

"Here you go," said Ishigami as he handed Chika. "Thanks, you`re the best," said Chika. "Don`t mention it, there wasn`t anything else I wanted, you wanna look at the other festival games?" said Ishigami. "Sure, if I can`t win the game, you can win it for me," Chika said happily. "Guess I`m her cheat code tonight," Ishigami thought as they looked at the other festival games.

"Excuse me, are you two a couple?" said a woman who approached the two. "Uh, yes we are," said Chika. "Oh perfect, can I have you two take a photo for us? It`s for the festival social media page" the lady asked them. "Oh uh," said Ishigami seeming hesitant. "We`re giving all the couples who take a photo a commemorative gift," said the lady. "Consider it done," said Chika as she clung to Ishigami. "Sheesh, way to jump the gun," Ishigami thought.

"Okay say cheese," said the lady as she took their photo. "Thank you for your contribution, here you go," said the lady as she handed Ishigami and Chika a bag each with a copy of the photo. "Wonder what`s in it?" Ishigami thought as he took out the bag's contents: a couple's cup and a t-shirt. "Lovely," Ishigami thought as they continued walking. "Ishigami, there`s still some stalls I wanna look at," said Chika as she pulled on Ishigami. "Alright, alright, I`ll hold some of your stuff, you`re carrying too much," said Ishigami as he followed Chika behind.

"Amazake, come get some amazake, perfect for a cold winter festival," said a vendor which caught the attention of the two. "Oh I wanna try that, we still can`t drink legally so this will have to do," said Chika. "Alright then, two please," Ishigami said to the vendor. "Sure thing, are you all from around here? I haven`t seen you folks around these parts" the vendor asked as he handed them the drinks. "No, we`re from Tokyo actually," said Ishigami.

"Ah Tokyo, it`s rare we get folks from around those parts, what`s the occasion?" the vendor asked. "It`s our first vacation together," said Chika as she clung to Ishigami. "Well, aren`t you two an adorable couple? This is on the house tonight," said the vendor as their drinks were free. "Oh thank you very much," said Chika as they appreciated the kind gesture from the vendor.

Half an hour later

"Say Chika, I`ve been wondering," Ishigami asked as they sat on a nearby bench to take a break from the festival. "What is it?" Chika asked as she sipped some amazake. "What do you plan to do after college? I`ve been thinking about my future for a while now ever since I started college" Ishigami asked. "I`m going to be a politician and follow in my parent`s footsteps" Chika replied. "I see, I guess it helps to come from a family of politicians" Ishigami added.

"What about you? It`s not like you to ask a question like that out of the blue" Chika asked. "Don`t know yet, it was always decided that I would go to college and find a career, I could take over my Dad`s factory or follow my own path which I`m still unsure of" said Ishigami as he finished his amazake.

"I see, so you`re still at a crossroads, but that`s fine, life isn`t decided during our college years, who is to say that I`ll end up being a politician? I could become a pianist or some other career, basically you`re not at the point where you need to be fretting over your future, we just became adults anyways," said Chika. "I know, but I wish I was like you where at least I have an idea what I`m gonna do," said Ishigami to which Chika got up and chucked a snowball at Ishigami.

"Hey, what was that for?" said Ishigami as he wiped the snow off his face. "Did that cool you down? We`re on vacation, you can worry about your future later, catch me if you can" said Chika as she stuck out her tongue. "You`re on, come here," said Ishigami as he grabbed a snowball and ran after Chika.

"Here," said Ishigami as he handed Chika a handkerchief after chasing each other for 20 minutes. "Thanks, I haven`t had a snowball fight since I was a kid," said Chika as she wiped some snow off her face. "It`s getting late, why don`t we head back" said Ishigami as he checked the time. "Sure, I`m exhausted," said Chika as they returned to the hotel.

Back at the hotel

"Man I`m so tired," said Ishigami as they were back in their room after a long night at the festival. "You feel better?" Chika asked as she laid on the bed. "Yeah, it`s not on my mind anymore" Ishigami replied as he pulled out his Switch." Say I have an idea, since it`s Christmas tomorrow, why don`t we explore the town separately and see what gift we can get each other," said Chika. "So basically a secret Santa?," said Ishigami as he started a round of Apex Legends. "It`ll be special since it`s the first Christmas we`ve spent together alone, so let`s make it a surprise," said Chika. "Sounds fun," said Ishigami as their Christmas adventure was about to begin.

Results of Battle: Unknown for now

Note: 500,000 yen= 3233.69 USD

Hope you all enjoyed the chapter, with the Christmas vacation underway, what surprises will show up? Surprise I`m back, I know it`s been a very long time since I uploaded. I went on a long hiatus from writing, but I will try to finish this story.

As always, feel free to leave a review on what you thought of the chapter. See you guys around.