Chapter Eight: Christmas
" Jingle bells, jingle bells,Jingle all the way..." Warm music played in my ears.
Today is Christmas Eve, and school is out for the holidays. (Japanese students typically have a winter break from December 24th, Christmas Eve, to January 10th.)
Snow was falling gently on the streets of Tokyo, filling the air with the happiness of lovers everywhere. I stood on the street, pondering what Christmas gift to get for Momoko. It was already 8 PM, and the temperature was minus 4 degrees Celsius.
Kagami, that guy, to avoid repeating his past mistake of misusing our living expenses, had gone to a sushi restaurant in Odaiba early in the morning to work. I heard he earns 30,000 yen for a sixteen-hour workday. However, it's not an easy job; it requires extraordinary perseverance.
He said that after today's work, he would be able to buy the winter coat Miyako wanted, so he left for work full of energy.
As for Shigeru, he said that he had ordered a limited edition pair of sneakers from Brazil a few months ago, and they just arrived today. He just needs to wrap them in gift paper, how easy!
As I walked, I passed the entrance of a store with a large wooden sign that read "Kintokido" in big characters. The store was about to close. I hesitated for a moment but decided to go in and ask the owner's opinion.
"Welcome~" a friendly voice greeted me. It was the store owner, Sakurako.
"What would you like to buy today, Yuzuhiko?" Sakurako asked kindly.
"Well, let me have a cup of tea first," I said. I found a seat and took a cup of hot tea from Sakurako.
"Glug~" I sipped the hot tea.
Suddenly, Sakurako asked, "Are you troubled about what to get Momoko?"
"Poof~" I sprayed the tea I was about to drink, making a mess on the table.
"Sorry!" I quickly grabbed a cloth to clean the table.
"No problem~ It seems I hit the mark, huh? Hehe~" Sakurako smiled, with a hint of mischief in her eyes.
"Can you read minds?!" I whispered.
I poured out my dilemma, "Of course I know she likes sweets, but I still don't know what to get her."
Sakurako suddenly took out a cake and said to me, "This is a special Christmas cake from our shop, and we just happen to have one left today!"
I sighed, then pulled out my almost empty wallet to buy the cake. After handing me the cake, Sakurako also gave me a small booklet.
It contained 10 free dessert coupons for Kintokido. Sakurako smiled at me and said, "This is a token of appreciation for being a regular customer!"
After thanking Sakurako profusely, I headed home.
The next day, the three of us brothers went to the research institute with the prepared gifts. Outside, snow was falling and the cold wind was biting, but inside the institute it was especially warm, filled with a festive atmosphere.
"Merry Christmas," we shouted in unison, our voices echoing in the spacious hall.
The hall of the institute was meticulously decorated, with a Christmas tree adorned with colorful lights and shiny ornaments. The walls were lined with various Christmas cards and handmade paper cuttings, and several strings of golden bells hung from the ceiling. The air was filled with the scent of gingerbread and hot chocolate, creating an incredibly cozy feeling.
We exchanged gifts with each other. Kaoru gave Shigeru a hardcover book.
Shigeru exclaimed in surprise, "Is this... Yasunari Kawabata's 'Snow Country'!? And it's a signed limited edition! How did you manage to get this!?"
(Yes, he was a real person, and that book did win the Nobel Prize in Literature.)
Kaoru proudly said, "A relative of mine helped me get it. He works at the publishing house."
"Thanks, here's yours." Shigeru handed over a beautifully wrapped box tied with a red ribbon, sparkling in the light.
" This is a limited edition Ronaldo's(Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima) autographed soccer cleats! And they're in my size! Where did you get these?!""
Kaoru opened it with excitement and exclaimed in delight.
Shigeru chuckled softly, "I'm glad you like them. I asked a Japanese-Brazilian friend in São Paulo to help me buy them."
Kagami then took out the winter coat he had spent a whole 150,000 yen on and handed it to Miyako, saying, "Miyako, Merry Christmas!"
Miyako was both surprised and delighted, her eyes shining. "Isn't this the coat I've been wanting for a long time? How did you know?"
Kagami chuckled and replied, "Last time we were shopping together, you mentioned wanting it, so I remembered."
Miyako excitedly hugged Kagami, saying, "Thank you!"
"Ah... it's nothing, as long as you like it." Kagami blushed deeply at the sudden hug, feeling awkward.
The four of us stood aside, secretly amused by their interaction.
Miyako then pulled out a delicate wooden box from behind and handed it to Kagami. "Here... I hope you'll like it."
Kagami took the box with a smile, and upon opening it, his eyes lit up with excitement. "This armor...?!"
It turned out Miyako had given Kagami a pair of exquisite armor specially designed for Kendo practitioners, adorned with intricate patterns that shimmered with a metallic sheen.
Smiling, Miyako explained, "This is a piece of armor passed down in our Gotokuji family. I've already customized it to fit your size."
Kagami's eyes gleamed like a child receiving a new toy, thanking Miyako repeatedly. "Thank you so much, this is amazing!"
As we watched them, we felt the warmth and joy of this Christmas, our hearts filled with warmth.
I handed the cake and the coupons to Momoko, "Wow! It's from Kintokido! And coupons!"
Momoko's expression of happiness overflowed, "Thank you so much, Yuzuhiko!"
I couldn't resist teasing her a bit, "Be careful not to eat too much and get fat, or you won't find a husband!"
"Hehe, someone will definitely want me!" Momoko responded with a playful smile.
"Who would that be? Apart from me..." I murmured softly.
Next, I extended my empty hands towards Momoko and asked, "Where's my gift?"
"Um... sorry, I didn't prepare a gift..." Momoko looked apologetic.
Well, she still had the audacity to be so confident!
Anyway, Christmas celebrations are all about draining the man's wallet, so I didn't blame her.
Suddenly, Professor Utonium shouted, "The party is starting!"
Various delicious foods were laid out on the table, tempting everyone's taste buds.
We all eagerly helped ourselves. When the atmosphere of the party reached its peak, Momoko suddenly collapsed!
"What's wrong?! Momoko?" Professor Utonium asked with concern. Momoko, her face flushed, pointed at the glass she had just drunk from.
Ken sniffed the liquid in the glass, "Isn't this alcohol?"
I loudly questioned everyone present, "Who the hell gave Momoko alcohol to drink?!"
The mayor, that old man, spoke up, "Sorry, I mistook sparkling juice for Momoko."
"Old bastard!" I cursed under my breath.
"Yuzuhiko, carry Momoko to the bedroom to rest!" Bellum commanded almost authoritatively.
Huh?! Why me? Faced with the control she had over my pocket money, I had no choice but to yield to her tyranny.
I carried Momoko in a bridal carry and laid her down on the bed. Outside, everyone crowded around the door. Professor Utonium said, "Take good care of her!"
With that, everyone closed the door with anticipation in their eyes, and... they conveniently locked it! Because of the rule not to damage the laboratory, otherwise, I would have broken down this door ages ago! Damn it! They actually teamed up to plot against me!
I looked at Momoko, who was drunk and asleep. With no other options, and only one bed, I reluctantly used my coat as a makeshift blanket and settled on the floor...
After the party ended,Kagami and Miyako walked hand in hand, fingers intertwined, starting their journey back to the Gotokuji household. Snowflakes gently fell around them, settling on their shoulders and hair like a silver-white velvet blanket.
They walked in silence, only the soft sound of snowflakes touching the ground and their breathing filling the air. Despite the cold wind blowing, they were enveloped in warmth and a close bond between them. In the quiet night, it felt as if their hearts were silently communicating in harmony.
Occasionally, Miyako looked up at the falling snowflakes, smiling as he felt the peace and beauty of the moment. Kagami silently guarded her side, feeling the warmth and reassurance from her hand.
Breaking the silence, Miyako smiled and asked Kagami, "Don't you think Momoko and Yuzuhiko are a perfect match?"
Kagami smiled back and said, "Yes, they are. What about us?"
Unbeknownst to them, they had already arrived at the entrance of the Gotokuji household. Miyako let go of Kagami's hand and said, "Kagami, could you close your eyes for a moment?"
Kagami was puzzled but complied, saying, "Okay."
The next moment, Kagami felt a soft touch on his lips, gentle and sweet. Miyako gave him a tender kiss, expressing her feelings in that moment.
When Kagami opened his eyes, he saw Miyako smiling warmly at him, her eyes filled with affection and warmth.
Kagami blushed deeply, steam seeming to rise from his head.
In unison, they exclaimed, "Merry Christmas!
Tokyo's streets were filled with falling snowflakes as Shigeru and Kaoru walked side by side. Watching the couples around them holding hands, Kaoru felt a bit awkward, while Shigeru remained calm and composed, as if they were just ordinary friends.
"Am I really that unattractive…?" Kaoru couldn't help but joke to herself. She rarely used makeup or wore dresses, but she was still a girl who longed for romance. Yet, it seemed like Shigeru deliberately pretended not to notice and was just accompanying her home.
Kaoru blushed slightly and, in a barely audible voice, whispered to Shigeru, "If you want to hold my hand… it's not impossible…"
Shigeru stopped, turned his head, and smiled at Kaoru. He stepped closer, gently took her hand, and said, "My princess, I would be delighted."
"What princess… you idiot…" Kaoru's face turned even redder, but she felt a warm sensation in her heart. They continued walking hand in hand, with the snowflakes glittering under the streetlights, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere. At that moment, Kaoru felt that such companionship and understanding were more precious than any romantic gesture.
When they arrived at the apartment building of the Matsubara family, Shigeru stopped and looked into Kaoru's eyes, gently saying, "Thank you for the company today, Kaoru."
Kaoru shyly nodded, "No need to thank me, Shigeru. I'm also happy to walk home with you."
They stood at the entrance, with snowflakes falling around them, and time seemed to stand still for a moment.
Shigeru suddenly pulled Kaoru gently into his arms, giving her a tender hug. Kaoru's heart raced, but she felt an inexplicable sense of peace and warmth. In the next moment, Shigeru quickly kissed her forehead and smiled, "Merry Christmas, Kaoru."
"Merry Christmas, Shigeru," Kaoru replied, her voice tinged with shyness and sweetness.
After a ambiguous and long night...
Momoko stretched lazily, "Ah~ slept so well!"
"You're awake?" I asked from the floor. ...Silence for about 3 seconds.
"Yaaah~! Pervert!" Momoko yelled while checking her clothes, making sure nothing untoward had happened.
Anxiously, she asked me, "You didn't do anything inappropriate to me, right?"
Hey, what does she take me for?!
I asked her incredulously, "Do I look like a creep to you?"
Momoko seemed apologetic like a child who realized her mistake, "Sorry, I was just nervous."
"Ugh, my head hurts!"
The aftermath of a hangover usually doesn't go away so quickly.
I couldn't help but comment, "Your tolerance for alcohol is really poor."
Momoko glared at me, "My head hurts so much, how am I supposed to get back?"
Now she's causing me trouble again!
Well, might as well be a good guy to the end. I bent down and squatted, "Come on, I'll carry you."
Momoko happily replied, "Okay!"
Snow was falling lightly, covering the ground like a silver-white carpet. I carried Momoko on my back along the road.
At that moment, Momoko thought to herself, "I wish this journey would never end..."
Momoko whispered, "I have to tell you... I like you..."
"Huh? Did you say something?"
I thought I was hearing things, "It's nothing... your back is really warm..." After saying that, she hugged me tighter, filled with tenderness and reliance.
If only time could stop at this moment... If only you would let me depend on you recklessly forever... If only you would protect me with all your might...
Momoko had many questions in her mind, but she didn't get the answers she sought from Yuzuhiko's heart.
My face turned red involuntarily, "What?"
Joyful times always pass by quickly. Before I knew it, we had arrived at the doorstep of the Akatsutsumi family.
I put Momoko down, "Goodb..."
Before I could finish my sentence, something wet and soft covered my lips, Momoko's lips.
After Momoko pulled away, her face turned red, "That's my way of saying thank you/ and... Merry Christmas! Goodbye!"
I stood there still in a daze, watching Momoko happily walk into her house and close the door behind her.
I don't even know how long it took me to come back to reality. When I woke up, I realized I had unconsciously returned to my apartment.