Chapter 92 - Chapter 3: A Christmas Vow (1)

December 23rd, the day before my Christmas date with Umi.

Tomorrow's one-on-one time with Umi is important, but first, we still have today's Christmas party.

The party kicks off at 6 p.m., but just like last year, I'm on the student council's event staff. That means as soon as the second semester's closing ceremony ends, I need to get ready and head straight to the venue for preparations and final meetings.

It was the start of a fun, yet hectic day.

"Maki, mornin'~… Oh, and Umi-chan, too."

"Morning, Mom."

"Good morning, Masaki-obasan. I'll get you some coffee."

"Oh, thank you, dear."

Early in the morning, the three of us found ourselves having breakfast together, since my mom was planning on heading to work later than usual.

"Ah, Umi-chan, just so you know, I might not be able to come home today or tomorrow because of work. Could you take care of the house while I'm gone?"

"Yes, of course. Leave it to me."

"…Mom, are you sure you're asking the right person?"

"Well, Umi-chan is much more responsible than you are, Maki. She's so meticulous with her cleaning, laundry, and all the chores. Isn't that right?"

"Yes! Right, Maki? You think so too, don't you?"

"I wonder… There's still plenty of room for improvement when it comes to her cooking—"

"Ma-ki-kun?"

"You're right. She's absolutely wonderful."

"Could you stop responding like an engagement-baiting bot?"

The three of us only ate together a handful of times, but whenever Mom joins our table for two, the atmosphere becomes even more lively.

When Dad left our dinner table two winters ago, we couldn't fill that gaping hole for a while, and a heavy loneliness settled over both Mom and me.

But now, Umi is here at the Maehara family table. Her smile was so infectious, it naturally brought a smile to both my face and Mom's.

Umi had already become an indispensable presence for the Maehara family—so much so that you could truly call her a family member.

"Mom, um, about tomorrow and the day after… or rather, tomorrow specifically… Is it still okay for Umi to stay over as we planned?"

"Of course. You'll probably be swamped with studies next year, so enjoy yourselves this year. Umi-chan, did you get permission from your mother to stay out?"

"Yes, it's all set. Ah, my mom also said, 'I'm looking forward to tomorrow's get-together'."

"Oh, my. In that case, we'll have to go all out drinking tomorrow."

"Mom… drinking is fine, but please don't overdo it."

"It's fine. Alcohol is just water."

"Alcohol is not water…"

My mom and Sora-san became 'drinking buddies' after last Christmas Eve, and it seems they plan on making it an annual tradition.

As for this year, the Asanagi family's schedule for tomorrow, the 24th, is as follows:

Daichi-san: At work (apparently coming home for New Year's).

Sora-san: Drinking out with my mom (※Probably until morning).

Riku-san: At work (this is his busiest season).

Umi: On a Christmas date with me, followed by a sleepover at my house.

So, their house will be completely empty on Christmas Eve.

Compared to last year, it feels like the four of them are completely scattered, but the fact that their family bond doesn't seem to waver in the slightest is surely a testament to the strong relationship the Asanagi family has built over the years.

…If I ever have something to protect, I want to build a family just like this one.

"Well, now that I'm all refreshed, I should get to work soon. You two, I'm sure you know this already, but even if it's Christmas and you're all alone with me not here to bother you, and you can be as lovey-dovey as you want… make sure to have some decency. Got it? De-cen-cy."

"I-I know! You don't have to worry about us; you should be more concerned about your own liver. You're the one who needs to show some 'decency'."

"You're right about that. I won't be able to properly dote on the grandchildren if I'm not in good health so I'm so looking forward to it."

"Isn't it a bit too early to be looking forward to that?"

If I marry Umi and start a family, I suppose that might happen someday.

…I glanced over at Umi, and she was looking down, her face slightly flushed.

"Well, knowing you two, it might happen sooner rather than later. …Alright then, Umi-chan, I'm off."

"Ah, yes. Please take care."

The two of us saw my mom off as she hurriedly left for work, and then we cleaned up after breakfast together.

"…"

"…"

Thanks to Mom's completely unnecessary comment, both Umi and I are now weirdly conscious of tomorrow.

Tomorrow night, if nothing in particular happens…

Umi and I will 'do it' for the very first time.

Of course, I haven't actually said 'let's do it' to Umi, but since we both love each other, it feels like a natural progression.

For me, and probably for Umi too.

…No, I can't. Today is still the 23rd, and I have school and the party, but my mind is already getting filled with just 'that'.

"…You're such a perv, Maki."

"I'm just washing the dishes…"

"…Then why are you looking at me instead of the dishes? I know exactly where you're looking, you know."

"Ugh…"

Since I'm clumsy by nature, it's always painfully obvious when I'm conscious of Umi.

I always want to touch her, and I want her to touch me too, so I can't help but let my desires show in my gaze.

"I get how you feel, but you have to hold back today. Otherwise, I won't let you stay over tomorrow."

"I-I know. I promise I'll be a good boy today."

"I wonder~ Oh, by the way, the dress I'm wearing to the party this year is different from last year's. So you'd better look forward to it, okay?"

"…You're such a tease, Umi."

That's one of the things I'm most looking forward to at today's party.

I remember having trouble knowing where to look last year, but I have a feeling my eyes will be glued to Umi even more this time around.

At last year's party, we were still just 'friends', but this year we're 'lovers'.

…I have to maintain my composure until tomorrow night.

"Hey, Maki."

"Hm?"

"Let's have a lot of fun together this Christmas."

"Yeah. Let's have a blast with everyone today, and then we can savor our time together tomorrow."

"Let's take lots of pictures too. We have to fill up that album I gave you with all our new memories."

"Come to think of it, we haven't taken many pictures lately, have we?"

It was the album Umi gave me for my birthday this year, but with everything that happened with Amami-san in October and November, I wasn't really in the right headspace, so we barely had any chances to add new photos.

It's not about making up for lost time, but I do want to update our collection of memories all at once today and tomorrow.

The second semester's closing ceremony finished without a hitch, and in the classroom after school, a two-week winter break was about to begin.

Some were relieved by the brief vacation, while others were excited about their New Year's plans; various topics filled the air, but the one thing on everyone's mind was the party happening in just a few hours.

"Hey, hey, Nagisa-chan, Nagisa-chan."

"…Amami, you're being annoying, stop clinging to me. So, what is it?"

"You're coming to the party today too, right? I was hoping we could hang out together. C'mon, please?"

"I have plans with some other people, so no. Besides, why do I have to be all buddy-buddy with you outside of school, too?"

"Translation: 'I'm so sorry, Yuu-chan, I already made plans with some other girls, but I'll definitely make it up to you next time'," Yamashita-san said.

"…Yama, you're spouting nonsense again."

"Eh? But that's what you said to me when I invited you."

"…"

"Hey, Nagi-chan, don't try to shut me up without saying a word."

Neither Yamashita-san nor Amami-san pointed it out, but by saying "buddy-buddy outside of school too," Arae-san was subconsciously admitting that she's already buddy-buddy with Amami-san in class.

…I won't say a word. I don't know what Arae-san would do to me if I did.

"More importantly, Amami, you're helping out the student council today. You should go wag your tail for that guy over there."

"Muu, there you go again… Ah, Maki-kun, I'm going to head home for a bit, so go on ahead to the venue."

"Yeah, got it."

Including the event staff, there's no strict dress code for the party, so it's perfectly fine for Amami-san to come dressed up like she plans to.

Umi, Nitta-san, and Nakamura-san will also be attending in proper attire, just like her.

By the way, us guys—me, Nozomu, and Takizawa-kun—plan to attend in our uniforms. We'll arrive at the venue a little early to help with the setup alongside the event staff from other schools who are also helping to liven up the party.

So, from now until the cleanup after the party ends, my schedule for today is pretty packed until late tonight.

"Maki, I'm here to pick you up."

"Senpai, we don't have much time, so let's get going."

"Yeah, I'm coming. …Well then, Amami-san, I'll see you at the venue."

"Yup! Ah, Nozomu-kun and Takizawa-kun, I'm counting on you two today~!"

Amami-san waved brightly as she saw us off, and the three of us hurried to the venue.

Oh, but before that, I should send Umi a message.

(Maehara) Umi, I'm heading to the venue first.

(Asanagi) Okay.

(Asanagi) I'll head over with Yuu and the others once I'm done changing.

(Maehara) Got it.

(Maehara) Oh, right.

(Asanagi) ?

(Maehara) Umi, are you going to wear the hair accessory I gave you for your birthday?

(Asanagi) Let me ask you this instead, Maki: do you want me to wear it?

(Maehara) I do.

(Asanagi) Hehe, you answered right away.

(Maehara) Well, yeah.

(Maehara) Part of the reason I gave it to you was because I wanted to see you wear it.

(Asanagi) I see. Come to think of it, that's right.

(Asanagi) Well, I was planning to from the start, even without you asking.

(Maehara) I knew you would.

(Maehara) But, thank you, Umi.

(Maehara) You're beautiful.

(Asanagi) Stop with the pre-emptive "beautiful" comment.

(Maehara) Haha, sorry, sorry.

(Maehara) I'll be sure to tell you properly when I see you at the venue.

(Asanagi) Okay.

(Asanagi) I'm gonna go…

(Asanagi) …waaaay more all out than last year, so you'd better praise me a lot, okay?

(Maehara) Got it. I'll be a bot that praises Asanagi Umi all day today.

(Asanagi) …I don't hate the idea, but I'm not sure if I'm happy about it or not~

(Asanagi) Well, anyway, I'll see you in a few hours.

(Maehara) Yeah. See you then.

I wanted to text with Umi a little longer, but I cut it short so I wouldn't get exasperated looks from the other two.

Last year, I was still a bit reserved in my interactions with Umi, but lately, I feel like I've been able to converse with a bit more humor.

…Of course, I can only do this in front of Umi. I have no intention of acting this way with anyone else.

Letting my imagination run wild about my girlfriend's appearance in a few hours, I headed to the event space where this year's party was being held.

I remember last year's party, the first one ever, being decent enough, but this year it's clear they've put in even more effort. There's state-of-the-art equipment as if it were a given, and higher-grade prizes for the bingo tournament.

"Whoa, this is incredible."

"Y-Yeah."

"…I was prepared for this, but it certainly looks like it's going to be busy."

As the three of us stood there, amazed by the number of vendors who had probably been preparing since morning, a pair of girls in white blazers approached us.

"Maehara-san."

"Hey there~"

"Nitori-san, Houjou-san. Thanks for your help today. You two are attending in your uniforms, huh?"

"I thought about dressing up, but since our student council is hosting this year, I decided to stick to a supporting role. …Though that person seems to be all fired up."

"She said something ridiculous like, 'The star of the show always arrives late'~"

"…You two have it rough."

It seems they're still being pushed around by Hachiga-san, which is a pity, but from the looks of it, they've already half given up on the matter.

Nitori-san and the others handed us armbands for the event staff and Santa hats as a token party element. After putting them on, we went to help with the venue setup.

The vast, empty space was gradually transformed into a lively, Christmas-themed venue. Stars hung from the ceiling, a model of Santa Claus riding his sleigh through the night sky was displayed, and a large tree stood next to the main stage. The colorful lights wrapped around it twinkled brilliantly.

"…"

"? What's wrong, Maki? You're spacing out in front of the tree."

"No, I was just thinking that I didn't have the luxury to enjoy this kind of thing last year."

"Last year… right, that did happen."

During last year's Christmas party, my mind was so preoccupied with things other than the party—like settling things with my parents and figuring out how to confess to Umi afterward—that I don't think I enjoyed it properly.

…Come to think of it, I feel like I was crying the whole time back then. Not all of it was from sadness, of course.

"Then let's go all out and have a blast today. We'll eat, drink, and after the party, we can hang out with the usual crew late into the night."

"Sounds good. …Yeah, let's do that."

I shed all my tears last year. So this year, I'm just going to have fun.

For the sake of the precious people who stay by my side: Nozomu, Nitta-san, Amami-san, and Umi.

"—Maehara-senpai, Seki-senpai! The drinks for the venue are being brought in, so they're asking for help from anyone who's free!"

"Oh, looks like it's our turn for real. Maki, let's go."

"Yeah, let's go."

To enjoy the time ahead to the fullest, I'll work hard as an event staff for now.

This year looks like it's going to be nothing but fun.

With the help of our high school's and other schools' event staff, the setup preparations were almost complete. About two hours before the doors opened, Hachiga-san, the person in charge of organizing this event, finally arrived.

She wore a red-themed dress, black stockings, and wine-red high heels, giving off a mature vibe that was different from her usual self… or so it should have been.

"Um, President. What's that thing you're wearing on your chest?"

"Hm? This? Hehe, cool, right? I was looking for some good party goods the other day and found it by chance."

Ahem, Hachiga-san proudly puffed out her chest, wearing a sash that looked like a cheap party favor with "Today's Star!" written in a sloppy font.

She probably bought it at a hundred-yen shop, and it looked so tacky that the clash with her gorgeous dress was almost painful to look at.

…Well, it's not a super formal event, so this level of goofiness is probably within acceptable limits. It's even possible she chose it knowing full well how it would look.

"Maehara-kun, what do you think? Isn't this great?"

"...…Fashion is a matter of personal freedom."

"Thank you very much for that long, thoughtful pause. Mmm, I thought it looked pretty good… Oh well, it'd be a waste not to wear it, so I'll keep it on for today."

"It's embarrassing, so please take it off!"

"Ehh~"

"Don't 'ehh~' me!"

Hachiga-san looked dissatisfied as Nitori-san forcibly took the sash from her, but she seemed content with the "Host" armband she was given instead and headed towards the main stage in high spirits.

The main host for today's party was Hachiga-san (with Nakamura-san as co-host), so from now on, it'll mainly be rehearsals for them. We, the backstage crew, will prepare the reception at the entrance.

Right on cue, Umi, Amami-san, and Nitta-san arrived.

"Maki, sorry to keep you waiting."

"Ehehe, everyone, thank you for your hard work! You can leave the rest to us!"

"Hey, the venue's more gorgeous than I thought. Maybe it was a good idea to go all out this year."

They arrived a little later than planned, which must have been because the three of them really put a lot of effort into getting ready. The aura they gave off was clearly different from when they were in their usual school uniforms.

Amami-san's dress was a stark change from last year's sky blue; this year, it was a red one reminiscent of the furisode she wore for the New Year's shrine visit. Speaking of red, it clashed with Hachiga-san's, but compared to Hachiga-san's flamboyant decorations, Amami-san's was more subdued overall, and its simplicity seemed to emphasize her lovely figure.

Nitta-san was dressed in a uniform pale purple, and surprisingly, her hair was down instead of in its usual ponytail, which gave her a completely different impression.

"…Hey, Maki."

"What is it? Though, I have a feeling I know what you're about to say."

"I want to date Amami-san."

"…Weren't you done with that for a while?"

Leaving aside Nozomu, who was quietly suffering next to me, my gaze was, as expected, glued to my girlfriend, Umi.

"Maki, so… what do you think?"

"Yeah, um…"

It looked incredibly good on her; she was cool, cute, and beautiful. I couldn't help but think she stood out more than anyone else here, and I felt an urge to brag about her to everyone around.

Unlike Amami-san, who had completely changed her image from last year, Umi's outfit was based on the same black as last year, but I could immediately tell there were minor, thoughtful changes in the details.

Given her role as event staff, her dress was less revealing than last year's… or so I thought at first. But then I noticed the back was wide open, making my heart skip a beat at the sight of her pale back and nape. And what made me happiest of all was the blue hair accessory on her head, modestly yet firmly asserting its presence.

She had made the gift I gave her for her birthday the main feature of her look, as if she had been waiting for the perfect moment.

At times like this, I have to praise her properly without being shy.

That's what makes Umi happiest.

"Umi, that hair accessory looks amazing on you. I'm so glad I gave it to you."

"Thanks. But, is that all?"

"No, there's a lot more. Your hair is so glossy and smooth that I want to touch it right now; your skin is so pale and beautiful it's mesmerizing… and the perfume you're wearing today has a sweet and sour scent that I personally love… and the open back is also really making my heart pound."

"Maki, isn't that a little too much? …But hearing you say all that makes me feel like it was worth the effort. …Ehehe."

"Yeah. Thank you for putting in so much effort for me."

"Honestly… as always, you're just way too in love with me, Maki."

I noticed the other three had been waiting for the right moment to tease us for a while now, but we didn't care and spent our time being as lovey-dovey as we possibly could.

Tomorrow is the main event, but my feelings for Umi are already overflowing, and it's getting hard to keep them in check.

"I'm so jealous~ So jealous~ I'm so jealous of you, Umi~ I want a kind boyfriend who'll praise me for my efforts today, just like Umi~ Hey, hey, Maki-kun, what about me? Am I beautiful?"

"Amami-san, you look great too, and so do you, Nitta-san."

"The class rep treated me as an afterthought… Yuu-chin, these guys are a lost cause. Let's go on a journey to find new love. Seki, you can handle the reception for us, thanks."

"Don't just dump your work on me. …And for the record, you both look amazing, seriously. No flattery intended."

"Well, thank you. But getting praised by you doesn't really do anything for me~… right, Yuu-chin?"

"Oh, Nina-chi, you're happy, I can tell. Thanks, Nozomu-kun."

"Y-Yeah… Anyway, let's do our best today."

After reaffirming our promise to hang out as a group of five after the party, we each took our places at the reception table.

Reception sounds simple, but there's surprisingly a lot to do: checking the participant list, verifying identities with student IDs, assigning people to their tables, and distributing the cards for the bingo tournament. There are a lot of participants, so we have to be careful not to make any mistakes.

Just as we finished preparing to welcome the attendees, students began trickling into the venue.

"—Hey~ I'm here, Yuu-chan. Wow, you look amazing today, Yuu-chan~! That dress looks so good on you."

"Yama-chan, thanks~! Ehehe, your dress looks great on you too. And Nagisa-chan behind you, as well."

"—Yo."

"Mhm, welcome, Nagisa-chan! You're in your casual clothes today. Your outfit is so cute! A frilly skirt is so unexpected!"

"…The friend I came with was being annoying about how I should wear this, so I had to. I just didn't have a choice."

"Ehh~? For someone who was forced to join, you seem to have put a lot of effort into your look, though. Your hair's even in a ponytail and everything."

"…Hey, Maehara, shut this one up right now."

"Even if you say so…"

The first to arrive at our reception were our classmates, Yamashita-san and Arae-san. They were supposed to be acting separately today… but including their interaction with Amami-san just now, they've completely become a trio with a surprisingly good vibe.

Next to arrive were the former student council members, the heroes of last year's event. I didn't recognize them at first since they were in casual clothes, but I immediately understood when I saw Tomoo-senpai's face when she arrived a little later.

"Maki-kun, Nozomu."

"Tomoo-senpai, it's good to see you."

"Yo, sis."

"Hello. I'm here to enjoy myself as a guest this year. Nozomu, you'd better work hard and not slack off."

"I know. And you, sis, shouldn't you be studying instead of playing around here? The S University's entrance exams are next month, and you're taking the K University's exams too, right?"

"Oh my, are you worried about your big sister? You're such a sis-con, as always, Nozomu."

"…You old hag."

"Oh~? No~zo~mu~, did~ you~ say~ some~thing~ just~ now~?"

"Sorry, I didn't say anything. My apologies."

"If you didn't say anything, then you shouldn't be apologizing…"

And so on, we exchanged light banter with the acquaintances who occasionally came by.

"—Everyone at the venue, thank you very much for gathering here today despite the cold. We will now begin the Christmas party, which also serves as a joint social and networking event for the high schools in Joto City."

With a greeting from Hachiga-san, the student council president of Tachibana Girls' Academy and the organizer of this event, the Christmas party officially began.

"Everyone, let's forget about formalities today and have a great time. Now then—cheers!"

At Hachiga-san's announcement, the students who had been positioned at their respective spots started to move all at once. Some headed to the catering area with plates in both hands, while others formed groups and went to tables with students from other schools.

The tables where people were mainly gathering were, as expected, centered around the students from Tachibana Girls' Academy. Surprisingly, the girls from other schools seemed to be more proactive in mingling with them, while the guys were more hesitant.

Still, overall, it looked like everyone was having a good time.

"Maehara-senpai, we underclassmen will handle the rest of the reception, so please go and enjoy the party with everyone."

"Yeah, thanks, Takizawa-kun. …Well then, shall we head in?"

"Yeah."

"Ehehe, I've been waiting for this~!"

"Alright, let's go find some handsome guys from other schools~"

"Yeah. Maki, let's get some food before it's all gone."

Leaving the handling of latecomers to Takizawa-kun and the other first-year student council members, we headed to the table in the center of the venue, which was lined with a large amount of food, to fill our stomachs first.

The classic roast chicken, pizza, french fries, hors d'oeuvres, salad, non-alcoholic champagne-like drinks, and, fitting for Christmas, shortcakes topped with strawberries and various fruits… Before we knew it, the five of us had taken enough to fill the plates in both our hands.

"Hey, who's the one who piled on this much? Are the five of us about to start an eating contest?"

"Seki, you're up if there's any left. You're in the baseball club, so this should be a piece of cake, right?"

"You can do it, Nozomu-kun!"

"Seki, do your best."

"Nozomu… we'll do our best to help you too."

"You guys are as merciless as ever…"

I regretted it a little when I saw the mountain of food on my plate, but with Nozomu from the baseball club leading the charge, the four of us surprisingly had larger-than-average appetites, and the food itself was so delicious that it went down smoothly.

And then, as if drawn by our lively group of five, people around us started to gather at our table, little by little.

"Umi-chan, Yuu-chan, can we join you?"

"We'll help with that~"

"Thanks, Sanae, and you too, Manaka."

"Welcome, you two! Alright! It's been a while, let's conquer this mountain of chicken with the four childhood friends!"

First, Nitori-san and Houjou-san, who are good friends with Umi and Amami-san, joined us.

And from there, Nakamura-san's group of four joined in as well.

"Oh? What's this? You're all having fun without me, the student council president, Nakamura. Ryouko, Kaede, Miku. Shall we join the fray?"

"I don't mind, but would there be enough if we join? Should we go get some more?"

"I thought you'd say that, Ryouko, so I've already brought another heaping pile."

"As expected of Kaede. Sasu-Kae for short. Well, I did the same, though."

What started with the usual five of us had somehow grown to a large group of eleven, more than double our original number, and there was even a chance that more people like my junior, Takizawa-kun, or my classmates, Yamashita-san and Arae-san, would join later.

To think that so many friends and acquaintances would gather around me, who started high school as a loner and only had Umi for a while after that…

I'm sure Mom, and even Dad, would be a little relieved if they could see me now.

Though, it was a little unexpected that, aside from me and Nozomu, most of the people currently at the table are girls.

"…Hey, Umi."

"Hm?"

"We've only eaten so far, but this party is pretty fun, isn't it?"

"Right? Being alone is nice, but getting together with everyone once in a while is good too."

"Yeah. Not bad at all."

"Hehe."

We secretly exchanged glances and giggled together.

I quietly wished that times like these would last forever, as we put in a final spurt to finish the rest of the food.

…By the way, there was a little bit left over (thanks to the mysterious extra portion), but we decided to take it home later and the five of us would responsibly finish it after the party.

About an hour after the party started, most of the catering was gone, and a slightly bored atmosphere started to fill the venue. At that point, Hachiga-san went up on stage again.

Now, it was finally time for the games that we had agonized over in the previous meetings.

The bingo tournament with luxurious prizes is scheduled for the latter half of the party, so the first half starts with a matmaking event.

"Now then, those who have agreed to participate in the event beforehand, please come up to the stage~ Of course, you can jump in at any time, so if you're looking for a new encounter, please speak to the event staff at the stairs next to the stage~ Oh, and I'll be participating in the event as well, so I'll be handing over the rest of the proceedings to the Joto High School student council president, Nakamura-san."

"Yes. …Well then, from here on, I, Nakamura Mio, will be in charge of the event. First, a big round of applause and cheers for the students who graciously agreed to participate this time~!"

As a dozen or so boys and girls with name tags showing their high school, class, and name went up on stage, applause and whistles echoed from the audience as if to heckle them.

The event was called "Find Your Destined One!? Interschool (?) Holy Night Matmaking Battle," but of course, the main purpose isn't to find a lover, but just a game to liven up the venue. Goofing off is allowed, heckling from the audience is allowed, and exchanging contact information after the project is over is not allowed (though you're free to exchange it privately later). The participants have all agreed to these terms, and they're doing their best to help liven up the party by wearing Santa costumes and reindeer kigurumi.

[Note: "Kigurumi" (着ぐるみ) specifically refers to those oversized, one-piece animal pajamas or full-body mascot costumes.]

"First, please split into boys and girls and come to this table. …Um, we currently have 9 boys and 8 girls. President Hachiga, what should we do? It's a little less than we expected, but should we start like this?"

"We should have had just enough with the pre-registrations… I wonder if someone canceled at the last minute? Hmm… since we're here, I'd like to do it with 10 vs 10 as originally planned~ Is there anyone out there—one guy and two girls—who would be willing to jump in? Of course, you'll be well-rewarded for your troubles."

Hachiga-san called out to the entire audience, but not many people have the guts to step up in front of this large a crowd.

There might be people who want to participate deep down, but it takes a lot of courage to act on it. Or rather, if they had that courage, they would have participated from the start.

"Hmm… well, I guess it can't be helped. I feel bad for making it seem like we're just filling numbers, but I suppose we'll have to ask one of the event staff to help out."

"Whaaat…?" A stir began to run through the event staff from each school at their respective tables.

We were relieved that the project was a go at the pre-registration stage… but we had completely forgotten about the possibility of last-minute cancellations.

"Alright, for the guys, let's go with Maehara-kun. Joto High School, Year 2 Class 10, Maehara Maki-kun~"

"Eh? M-Me?"

"Yes, you. Come on, don't just stand there, hurry up and get on stage."

And just like that, without any time to prepare myself, I was nominated by Hachiga-san.

I'm pretty sure I told her from the very start that I wouldn't participate.

I looked over at Nitori-san and Houjou-san nearby, and they were shaking their heads vigorously in denial, so it was probably Hachiga-san's own decision.

…Does she want me to participate that badly?

Even though I'm not funny, can't come up with witty replies, and on top of all that, I already have a girlfriend with whom I'm in a cringey-couple phase.

"Maki, are you going? If you don't want to, I can go instead, you know."

"Thanks, Nozomu. But if this keeps up, the event we all worked so hard on will fall apart… well, I guess I'll go for now."

It doesn't seem like anyone else is willing to take my place, so I suppose I have no choice but to go.

"Umi, sorry about this. I'll be right back."

"Okay. But you'd better come back as soon as it's over, okay?"

"Wait! Umi-chan, are you really okay with letting Maehara-san go? Umi-chan, you've always hated it when Maehara-san participates in things like this…"

"Well, just as Sanae says, I honestly don't feel good about it."

Umi answered Nitori-san's question with a wry smile.

Deep down, Umi must not be happy about my participation in the project, but she's trying her best to send me off with a mature response.

"Thanks for worrying, Sanae. But I'm okay."

"Okay"—Umi said, as if to reaffirm her own words.

As if to convince those around her, and herself, that everything was fine.

"If that's okay with you, Umi-chan… ah, then I'll participate too and keep an eye on our idiot president so she doesn't do anything weird to Maehara-san. So, Manaka, I'll leave the rest to you."

"Okay, see you later~"

"Maki-kun, Sana-chan, do your best!"

"Class rep, don't you dare get all flirty with other girls in front of your girlfriend~"

With everyone's cheers at our backs, Nitori-san and I hurriedly went up to the stage to make up the numbers.

After getting the okay from Nakamura-san, we went up on stage, where Hachiga-san, standing in the center, waved at me with a happy look on her face.

"Sorry about that, Maehara-kun. Anyone would have been fine, really, but your face was the only one that popped into my head."

"This is a one-time thing, okay? There won't be a next time."

"…Midori, we're having a review at my place after the party. Got it?"

"Haha, ro~ger. And Sanae, I feel like I've said this many times already, but you should call me President here, or at least Captain."

After that, since no one else volunteered to join us, we started the event with 10 guys and 9 girls for the time being.

Mini-games in co-ed pairs, psychological tests, a Q&A corner from the boys' and girls' sides, and so on. With occasional cheers and jeers from the audience, the project itself proceeded without any major problems and with a decent amount of excitement.

The most popular among the participants were the members from Tachibana Girls' Academy, such as Hachiga-san and Nitori-san. Hachiga-san, in particular, who was really enthusiastic and had an eye-catching appearance, had the gazes of most of the guys fixed on her.

Except for me, of course.

Noticing my uninterested demeanor, Hachiga-san quietly approached me.

"Hey, Maehara-kun, what do you think of me today? I think I spent quite a bit of time and effort on my dress and hair."

"Aside from the 'Today's Star' sash… I guess it's fine."

"Hehe, you're as cold as ever. I just want to be friends with you. At our school, no one really shares the same interests. Between club activities, student council work, and studying, I don't have much time to make new friends."

"About that… I do sympathize with you to some extent."

"Eh? Really? Then, will you exchange contact info with me?"

"No, I'd rather not."

"Ehh~"

"It's not 'ehh~', no means no."

Seeing the trouble Nitori-san and Houjou-san go through, I have a feeling that even if we're 'just friends', I'll be pushed around a lot, so I can't show any weakness here.

Not all 'friends' are considerate and selfless good people like Amami-san and Nitta-san.

I know Hachiga-san isn't a bad person. But she's not someone I can handle right now.

I have my girlfriend, Umi, and Amami-san who supports us, and Nitta-san too… It's one thing with friends of the same sex, but when it comes to friends of the opposite sex, my hands are already full with these three.

"I see~ that's a shame. I thought it would be a good encounter for once… To be honest, I'm not interested in any of the other participants."

"Isn't that just because you have peculiar taste, Hachiga-san…?"

"You think so? I think you're a really wonderful boy, Maehara-kun. It feels like your kindness radiates from within, and while you might seem plain at first glance, you have a hidden cuteness that tickles one's maternal instincts… well, that's just my impression, though."

I guess those who see it, see it.

Well, if that weren't the case, it would be impossible for Umi and Amami-san to like me as a member of the opposite sex.

For that, I should probably thank my dad and my mom.

"That's… well, I'll just take that as a straightforward 'thank you'."

"Yeah. So, about that contact info—"

"No."

"Ehh~"

"I'm not falling for that."

While fending off the persistent Hachiga-san, who was trying to get me to exchange contact information with a cold shoulder, the matching project finally reached the final survey time.

The way it works is that the boys and girls each vote for the person they think they are most compatible with or are most interested in based on the mini-games so far, and if the votes match, a couple is formed. By the way, if a couple is unfortunately not formed, the rule is that who voted for whom is not disclosed.

After everyone had voted and Nakamura-san had finished checking the contents, the results were announced.

"Well, as for this matching battle… believe it or not! We have two couples! And what's more, both pairs are from different schools."

Since the project also serves as a way to interact with students from other schools, this result was well-received by most of the students in the venue.

Now, the question is who was matched with whom.

The first couple was announced, and after being teased by everyone in the venue, they disappeared behind the stage.

By the way, Hachiga-san, who probably received the most votes, was still waiting for the results on stage, fidgeting restlessly.

…And Hachiga-san's name probably won't be called.

From the way things have been going, Hachiga-san probably voted for me. And I didn't vote for her.

Of course, I have to vote for one of the other girls, but it's unlikely that my name will be called—

"Now for the second couple. Honestly, I was really surprised by this one… Male entry number 10, Maehara Maki-kun, and…"

"Eh? Me?"

…I was called.

And since my name was called, that means the other person is—.

"And female entry number 9, Nitori Sanae-san."

"Eh? M-Me?"

Nitori-san and I let out surprised yelps at almost the same time. Somehow, the last couple to be formed was me and Nitori-san, who had both joined at the last minute.

It's true that due to the rule that you have to vote for one person, I did vote for Nitori-san.

I had the option of randomly voting for someone I didn't know, but that felt rude to the other person, so my choices were limited.

The only female acquaintances among the current participants were Hachiga-san and Nitori-san.

And since I refused to exchange contact information with her, I couldn't vote for Hachiga-san, so that inevitably left only one option—

Nitori-san probably thought the same thing and voted for me.

…I wonder why, but I feel a sharp glare and an immense pressure coming from offstage. From multiple people, no less.

"Ahaha! What's this, Sanae~? In the end, you were aiming for Maehara-kun all along? If so, you should have just said so from the start~"

"Mido… i-it's not like that! This was just a necessary measure to get through this situation. Maehara-san, you think so too, right?"

"Y-Yeah, that's right. It is."

It was just a coincidence, but since most people don't know that, they heckled us even more.

"Wow~ the way they're genuinely embarrassed is so innocent and sweet~ Okay, everyone, a big round of applause for these two~!"

Amidst the applause and high-pitched whistles, Nitori-san and I descended the stairs and returned to the table where Umi and the others were waiting… or rather, lying in wait for us.

Umi and Amami-san, with pasted-on smiles (※which were terrifying), and Nozomu and Houjou-san with wry smiles, welcomed us back.

By the way, Nitta-san, who should have been with them until just a moment ago, had disappeared at some point, perhaps to get a drink.

…Her crisis management skills are top-notch as always.

"Sana-chan, I'm so jealous that you got paired with Maki-kun~ If I knew this would happen, maybe I should have been bold and participated too?"

"I told you, it's not like that… Umi-chan, you understand, right?"

"Hehe, it's okay. You've always been a sly one, Sanae, haven't you?"

"Y-You don't understand at all! Manaka, don't just stand there grinning, back me up a little!"

"Hmm~ this is way too interesting, so I think I'll just leave it as it is~"

The Umi-Amami-san duo teased her half-jokingly, Nitori-san desperately tried to explain herself, and Houjou-san enjoyed the scene while watching from the side.

If I were an outsider, it would be a heartwarming scene, but this time I'm one of the parties involved, so I can't exactly say that.

For some reason, neither Umi nor Amami-san have been making eye contact with me.

Scary.

"Nozomu, why did this happen to me…"

"Just give it up, Maki. Sometimes, life is just this unfair."

"But Hachiga-san was the root cause of it all…"

I looked at the person who started it all, and she had completely changed from her goofy self from before and seemed to be having a final meeting with Nakamura-san and the other staff members for the next bingo tournament.

Suddenly, Hachiga-san, from a distance, noticed my gaze, and seeing our shambles-like situation, she gave me a satisfied, villain-like smile.

…I have to be extremely careful not to exchange contact information with her, no matter what happens in the future.

The subsequent bingo tournament was also a great success thanks to the luxurious prizes that had been prepared, and after successfully completing all the planned programs, this year's three-hour Christmas party came to a close, leaving a lively afterglow in its wake.

Personally, there were various anomalies that made it tough, but overall, I think it was a huge success. Even as the venue was being cleaned up, groups from other schools who seemed to have become friends were talking near the entrance, reluctant to part, and taking commemorative photos. I'm sure some of them are planning to go to an after-party.

The meetings and preparations were a lot of work, but now that it's over, I feel a little sad.

In any case, there's no doubt that I had a very valuable experience.

"—To all the event staff, thank you for sticking with us until today. This year, Tachibana Girls' Academy was the host, so I'm sure there were times when we got too carried away and caused trouble, but I have nothing but gratitude for all of you who put up with our selfishness."

As Hachiga-san said that and bowed deeply, applause erupted from all the event staff.

From the preliminary preparations to the actual event, most of the staff were pushed around by her powerful personality, but you can tell from her behavior during the event that it was born from a strong desire to make the party a success.

As the student council president and the captain of the basketball team, she has an exceptionally strong sense of responsibility.

"For now, the Christmas Party Executive Committee is disbanded. Next year's plans are still haven't been decided, but let's do something together again someday with everyone here. …Well then, until the after-party, we're dismissed for now!"

Most of the event staff will be heading to an after-party at a different location, but the five of us who were just 'helpers' have other plans, so we're parting ways with Hachiga-san and the others for now.

"Well then, see you later, Maehara-kun. I have a feeling we're going to be in each other's lives for a long time to come."

"Maehara-san, I'm very sorry for all the trouble I caused you today. I'll be sure to have a stern word with this person later."

"Umi-chan, Yuu-chan, see you later~"

After exchanging greetings with the three members of the Tachibana Girls' Academy student council, we left the venue.

The party was fun, but the real fun for today was yet to come.

"Hey Umi, what should we do now? We still have some time, so why don't we go to karaoke with Nina-chi, just the 'three of us'?"

"Sounds good. I feel like singing my heart out today."

"Class rep, I'm being naturally excluded from this conversation."

"If possible, I would like to accompany you as well…"

"Hey, why am I getting caught in the crossfire too? It's not my fault, is it?"

They're still teasing me about what happened earlier, but I apologized properly after that, so they're both back in a good mood now.

From now on, I'll try to be more careful not to act carelessly, especially in front of those two. It's one thing when they're alone, but when they're together, even Nitta-san couldn't back me up.

"Ah, Umi, I'll carry the prize you won at the bingo tournament earlier."

"Hehe, you don't have to try to get on my good side that much. By the way, Maki, we kind of made plans on our own, but is karaoke okay with you?"

"Yeah. I wouldn't be able to handle a large group, but I'm perfectly fine if it's with everyone here. …But before that, there's a place I want to go with everyone."

"Right now?"

"Yeah. There's something I really want to do there."

I had been hesitant to say it until the last minute, but there was something I absolutely wanted to do today.

Just like at last year's Christmas party, with everyone here, together.

"Where is it, by the way?"

"The civic hall where last year's party was held. …To be precise, in front of the large tree there. See, we all took a picture there last time, right?"

"! Oh, so that's what this is about…"

With those words, everyone seemed to understand my request.

Starting from last Christmas, I took a new step forward with everyone here, with my precious friends.

At that time, I was in the photo with my parents, smiling, but I had just poured out all my true feelings and was overflowing with emotion, so I ended up with a tearful smile, which I later regretted.

It's been a year since then. I've grown compared to back then, made new connections, and even have underclassmen who look up to me. I've become stronger mentally, and I've even grown a little taller. My body has also become a size bigger and more muscular.

The crybaby Maehara Maki from last year is nowhere to be found.

I wanted to properly record just how much I've grown, thanks to everyone's support.

Just like Umi, Amami-san, Nitta-san, and Nozomu. Brightly, jokingly, and with a big, genuine smile.

"…So, everyone, would you mind coming with me for a bit?"

"Of course. As his girlfriend, I have to grant my boyfriend's modest little request."

"Sure! Maki-kun, let's take pictures, let's take lots of pictures! We have to make lots of precious memories with everyone!"

"Class rep, you're so sentimental~ …Well, I don't hate that kind of thing either, though."

"I'll go with you too."

"…Thank you, everyone."

Tears almost welled up at the kindness of the four of them, but I held them back and we took a bus from the bus stop near the venue to the civic hall, the memorable place from last year.

Last year, the square in front of the hall was bustling with many students, but this year, perhaps because there weren't any events scheduled, it's completely deserted at this hour.

However, just like last year, the Christmas illuminations were still there.

They were twinkling and shining, just like back then.

"Alright! Let's take some pictures right away! What kind of poses should we do? Oh, I'll be next to Maki-kun!"

"A simple peace sign should be fine, right? Oh, I'll follow Yuu-chin's lead and take the liberty of being on the other side of the class rep~"

"…No, no, you two idiots. Maki's girlfriend, me, has to be next to him. Me, and only me."

Umi forcefully pulled Amami-san and Nitta-san, who were jokingly clinging to my arms, away from me and hugged me tightly as if to have me all to herself.

Of course, there's my relationship with Umi, but I never thought I'd have a relationship with Amami-san and Nitta-san where we could joke around and be physically close like this in just a year's time.

That's probably how much that incident meant to all of us.

It's great that it all ended well and our bond grew even stronger… but personally, I never want it to happen again.

I'm sure everyone feels the same way.

"Come on, let's just take the picture already. The wind's getting stronger, and it's getting cold."

"Yeah. Nitta-san, can I ask you to do it like always?"

"So I'm the designated photographer again this year… Well, I was planning on it anyway, so I don't mind."

And so, with the memorable tree in the background, we made memories of this special day.

All of us huddled together. The trio of girls: Umi, Amami-san, and Nitta-san. A two-shot of me and Umi, and a three-shot with Amami-san added to the mix.

Including all the different poses, we took as many pictures as we could think of, until everyone was completely satisfied.

With bright expressions that blew away the winter cold.

I'm sure if I look back on these photos someday, I'll cringe at how goofy we all looked.

But, I'm certain that this, too, will become an irreplaceable memory.

The last winter Christmas of our high school life that will never come again.

I think I'll send the pictures to my mom and dad later.

Mom.

Dad.

I'm doing well. So, it's okay now.

With that message attached.

"Alright! Photo time's over, perfect! Let's keep this momentum going and head to karaoke~ Nina-chi, you're coming with me~"

"Oh~ let's go, Yuu-chin~"

"The silly duo is as energetic as ever… Maki, shall we go too?"

"Yeah."

"My date's not until tomorrow evening anyway, so I guess I'll go all out and have fun tonight too!"

Having accomplished our goal, the five of us walked together again to our usual karaoke place for the third round (?).

The night is still young, but tomorrow's Eve is the main event for me, so I want to avoid partying too hard and getting myself sick.

…This is a warning from the past me, who pushed himself too hard last year and ended up getting sick as a result.

We sang until we were exhausted, had fun, ate delicious food, and drank. The night passed, and after getting home and collapsing onto my bed like a log, sleeping like the dead, the next day dawned. December 24th, Christmas Eve.

I woke up later than usual, and for some reason, I took a thermometer out of my desk drawer and checked if I had a fever.

[36.5°C]

"…Alright, perfectly normal."

I could feel a little fatigue from last night when I woke up, but my overall condition was perfectly fine.

Since it's a Christmas date, I planned on going out today, but I'm basically going to spend it relaxing with Umi, so it probably won't be as strenuous as last year.

Well, regardless of my condition, I have a feeling I'll be invited to the Asanagi house for the New Year holidays anyway.

As I was munching on toast for my combined breakfast and lunch, sipping hot coffee while absentmindedly watching the morning news program on TV, I heard the sound of a key turning in the front door.

Today marks exactly one year since we became a couple. She's already like a member of the Maehara family.

"Morning, Umi."

"Morning, Maki. Sorry for barging in, but excuse me for a bit."

When I went to greet her as usual, the first thing Umi did was place her hand on my forehead.

"Hmm… Yeah, okay. You don't seem to have a fever," she murmured, her brow furrowed with concern. "Maki, is there anything else that doesn't feel right?"

"My throat's just a little hoarse from singing too much yesterday. Other than that, I think I'm fine for now," I reassured her. "What about you, Umi?"

"I had a lot of fun yesterday for the first time in a while, so I might still be a little sleepy… Our date is in the afternoon, so maybe we should take a nap at the kotatsu until then," she suggested, a cheerful lilt in her voice. "Oh, and here, Mom sent some mandarins to share. A whole box came from Mizore-obaachan's place, and there's no way we can finish them all by ourselves."

"Thanks," I said, accepting the fruit. "But mandarins at the kotatsu feels like New Year's."

"Hehe, yeah. But in a way, it might be just like us."

We immediately moved to the kotatsu in the living room, our cold bodies soaking up the warmth as we settled in together.

Just as promised, Mom had left for work early in the morning, and she wouldn't be back today since she was going out for drinks with Sora-san after her shift. That meant that no matter what we did at home, no matter how much we fooled around, we wouldn't be interrupted.

…Thinking about it that way, my desire for more physical affection with Umi grew stronger.

The fact that it was morning, or that the sun was still out, didn't really matter to us. Anytime, anywhere… well, we were obviously mindful of our location, but when we were together, we naturally started messing around.

"…Geez, Maki. You're pretty energetic for someone who had so much fun yesterday," Umi teased, a playful glint in her eyes. "You perv."

"Well, that's part of being a high school boy… Also, I think I've gotten a lot more buff compared to last year."

"That's true," she conceded with a proud smile. "Thanks to me, you're gradually becoming a more dependable guy."

"I totally agree with that."

Since getting sick at the end of last year, I had managed to go a whole year without even catching a slight cold. I attributed it to changing my lifestyle and exercising as much as possible, but personally, I felt the biggest factor was the mental stability that came from Umi becoming my girlfriend and always being by my side to support me.

Before, whenever something was bothering me, I tended to get sick. Being all alone, I couldn't talk to anyone, so I'd just hold it in, unable to let it out, and end up losing sleep.

Now, no matter what happens, I can talk to Umi about anything. She always listens intently to whatever I have to say and shares the burden of my worries.

Sometimes our opinions clash a little, and we end up fighting like we did the other day, though.

But that doesn't shake my absolute trust in Umi.

If something's bothering me, I can count on Umi. If I snuggle into her soft chest and let her pamper me like a child for a day, I can forget most things.

That sense of security is what keeps my mind and body healthy now.

"Hey, Umi."

"What is it, my clingy Maki-kun?" she cooed.

"…I think I might be incredibly happy right now."

"You might be?"

"No, I am incredibly happy."

"I see. Ehehe, I'm really happy to be with you like this right now, too."

As we were fooling around like that, I noticed our faces were naturally getting closer.

I suddenly felt like kissing her, and when I puckered my lips a little, Umi did the same as if to respond, and the tips of our lips touched.

"Hehe."

"Hehe."

"Hey, Maki."

"…Yeah."

"...Ehehe."

"What's with that grin? What's up?"

"Well──"

Even though no one was around, Umi moved closer to me and whispered secretly in my ear.

"Maki, today, I──────"

Her mischievous whisper sent my heart racing even faster.

A move like that was practically a foul play to me right now.

I wondered if it was because it was Christmas Eve, the one day a year for lovers. I was the same, but Umi seemed to be quite proactive today, which honestly made me pretty happy.

"Is… um, thank you very much… the right response?"

"Perv."

"…For today only, I'll admit to that."

Today, I…

I'm going to cross the line with the girl I love.

Yesterday, I was with everyone, so I tried my best not to think about it… but there's no need to hide it today.

With words, and with actions. I'll convey my honest feelings to Umi right now.

"Hey Umi, can I, uh, whisper in your ear too?"

"Mm, sure. Tell your big sister anything," she said, her voice a playful purr.

"Only by four months… Okay, here I go."

Just as Umi had done for me moments ago, I secretly made a request to her.

"Tonight, I want to────── with you, Umi."

"…Hehe."

"That reaction… which is it?"

"Ehehe~ I wonder which it is~?"

"So, it's an okay?"

"Mhmhm~"

"…A no?"

"Ehehe~"

"Ah, you're not going to answer, are you? This is important, answer me~"

"Ehh~"

"Don't 'ehh~' me."

I already knew the answer, but Umi and I continued to fool around for a while, as if to enjoy this tantalizing time for as long as possible.

…There's no way I could show Amami-san, or Nitta-san, or anyone this level of lovey-dovey idiocy.

It wasn't even noon yet.

There was still a lot of time until 'that time'… but I was really looking forward to tonight.

After warming up enough by fooling around in the heated kotatsu in the living room, we finally set out for our Christmas Eve date.

It was the first day of winter break, and Christmas Eve to boot, so the area in front of the station in the nearest downtown area was filled with faces that looked like students, just like us.

Some were with good friends. Others were couples like us.

At night, it would probably get even more crowded with people getting off work.

"Maki, what should we do? We did karaoke yesterday, so how about the arcade for the first time in a while?" Umi suggested.

"That's not a bad idea, but how about we just wander around town today? I feel like you and I haven't done much of that."

"Okay. Then, I'm counting on you to escort me, my prince," she said, then quickly added with a laugh, "…Just kidding."

With an "ehehe" and an embarrassed smile, Umi linked her arm with mine and stuck close.

Usually, Umi is the one leading me by the hand, but today, I had to properly show her how much I've grown.

…Although, my mind is still a complete blank.

Anyway, just standing here spacing out wouldn't get us anywhere, so I decided to just go wherever came to mind.

I didn't need to think too hard. No matter where we went, as long as we were walking together, it would be a perfectly fine date course.

And so, the first place I headed to was──

"…Hey, Maki."

"Yeah?"

"I feel like I've said this before, but there are a lot of cute girls, aren't there?"

"Well, it's that kind of store. I think you know that, Umi."

"Yeah. I come here sometimes too, though not as much as you, Maki."

The first place we went into was an anime shop with a huge selection of anime goods, doujinshi, comics, games, and other merchandise.

I regularly come here for things like new comic releases and game pre-orders, but it's been a while since I've gone with Umi, so I decided to make it the first checkpoint on our date.

"…It brings back memories. I think it was the first time we hung out after becoming friends."

"Yeah. You were surprisingly hyper back then, it was a handful," Umi recalled with a laugh. "I had to desperately stop you when you tried to go to the 18+ section on a whim."

"Ahaha, that did happen, didn't it? I was just joking, but you were in such a panic back then, it was hilarious."

"Well, it would've bothered the other customers."

That day, Umi and I talked about all sorts of things related to each other. From the series we were into and our favorite manga and game genres, to our daily school lives, our relationships with friends, our families, and really, just a lot of things.

She was usually an honor student, a person everyone relied on. The worries that Umi, who I had thought was so perfect, was holding in all by herself.

I got my first glimpse of that, and from that day on, the presence of the girl named Asanagi Umi grew bigger and bigger inside me.

Her heart, which I never would have been able to touch just by lazing around at home watching movies and playing games.

Because back then, Umi took me outside. And because back then, by chance, we ran into Amami-san, Nitta-san, and our other classmates at the arcade.

That's why I'm able to walk this close to Umi right now.

"Maki, do you believe in fate?" Umi asked, her eyes scanning the romance manga on the bookshelf. "Like in these stories, that we were meant to be together from the start."

"I never used to believe in that stuff… but now, I think I kind of want to."

I'm sure if you look at the world from a broader perspective, the way we met is probably nothing special. There are tons of people who spend their days in solitude, and even more who have relationship problems, big or small.

But it's because I was Maehara Maki.

Because I was the kind of guy who would turn down an invitation from Umi's best friend, Amami-san, with words like 'Absolutely not,' that Asanagi Umi opened up to me. The part of her heart that she was supposed to be keeping secret even from her best friend, the part that was a little dirty but oh-so-human.

Because I was Maehara Maki, I was able to save Asanagi Umi.

And because she was Asanagi Umi, Maehara Maki was saved. It's because we were who we were that we were drawn to each other.

Not Amami-san, not Nitta-san, and of course, not anyone else.

"This might be a little cheesy, but… if I stay as 'Maehara Maki' and you stay as 'Asanagi Umi,' I think we'd end up in the same place no matter how many times we do it over."

"Even if you became friends with Yuu first."

"Probably. I can't say for sure… but if your relationship with Amami-san is the same as it was back then."

Because she's smart, because she has a good figure, because she has a cute face──of course, Umi's attractive appearance is one of the reasons, but I fell in love with Umi more because of her inner cuteness than her looks.

Her jealous side, her calculating side, her cowardly side. The way she falls into self-loathing over those things.

And the lonely side of her that becomes incredibly clingy with people she's opened up to.

I find that side of Umi incredibly endearing.

Just as Umi says, I think Amami-san is a very attractive person too… but no matter what anyone says, to me, the girl named 'Asanagi Umi' is number one.

The second prettiest girl in school──that's what people who didn't know anything about her said. And because of things that happened in the past, she herself had come to believe it.

To deny those words, I'll tell her again and again.

There are people around now, so I can't declare it too loudly, but.

"Umi."

"…Yeah."

"Um… It's kind of weird to say this here, but."

"It's fine, I'll listen. Let me hear it."

Saying that, Umi looked straight into my eyes with a serious expression.

She's asking me to say it.

"I love you, Umi."

"Is that… more than anyone else? Number one?"

"Yeah. Number one, more than anyone else. My family is important too, and I don't really want to compare. But Umi, you're already like family to me."

My mom is important. My friends are important too.

But for Umi's sake, I would give up everything else just to be by her side.

…I feel like this is already turning into a proposal, but these are my honest feelings.

"Whether it's fate or not, I want Umi… I guess. I'm not sure if that answers your question, to be honest."

"Not at all. I thought it was a very Maki-like answer," she said, a soft blush coloring her cheeks. "I knew you loved me, Maki, but hearing you say it again is really embarrassing… Also, I'm incredibly happy to be loved so much by the boy I love."

"I see. Well, that's good then."

"Yeah."

The atmosphere was so good it was a shame we couldn't be too lovey-dovey because of where we were, but on the other hand, it might have been a good thing that we were in public.

If this were a karaoke room, or my own room, I don't have the confidence I could hold back my feelings for her.

In any case, choosing this memorable place first was the right call, in more ways than one.

After reminiscing about our time as friends, we left the store and walked down the main street, which was decorated with Christmas lights.

I had gotten a little flushed at the anime shop earlier (in more ways than one), so the cold air now was actually perfect for cooling my head.

Umi and I continued to enjoy our date, visiting various shops along the main street.

"Ehehe. Hey, Maki, what do you think of this outfit? Does it look good on me?"

"It looks good. Oh, how about pairing it with this hat?"

"Oh, that's rare coming from you, Maki," she said, considering my suggestion. "…Hmm, it's not bad, but isn't this a bit much? I'm sure Yuu could pull it off without a problem, though."

"You think so? …I like it, though."

"…Really?"

"Yeah."

"..."

"Umi, what's wrong?"

"Oh, I was just wondering how much they would cost together."

"I could buy them for you if you want. It's Christmas, and I've saved up a decent amount for this day, so this much is fine."

"You can't do that. It's true I want them, but I'll buy these with my own money next time. Besides, you've already prepared a different present for me today."

"That's true, but… wait a minute. Did I ever say that I had a Christmas present for you?"

"…I knew it." she said with a triumphant grin.

"…Ah."

Umi had skillfully gotten it out of me.

The gift I had bought in advance to give to Umi tonight was stored not in my room, but in the box under my mom's bed, so that she wouldn't find out until the last minute.

"Um, Umi-san."

"Yes?"

"Could we just pretend that whole exchange didn't happen?"

"Ehh~ I dunno~"

"…How about I buy you the hat I picked out earlier? It might not mean much on its own, though."

"Hehe, you're hopeless… Well, since it's a request from my dear boyfriend, I'll let you bribe me with that just this once," she relented, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "…But in exchange, I'm expecting a verrrrrrrry good present, okay?"

"I-I'll do my best."

I felt like the bar had been raised considerably, but I had to believe that Umi would definitely be happy with it.

As promised, when I returned after buying only the hat I had Umi try on, she accepted the bag with the product in it with a happy look on her face.

"Thanks. …Maki, can I try this on right now?"

"You can… but I feel like it doesn't quite match your current outfit."

"It's fiiine. Besides, this is mine now."

Saying that, Umi took the brand-new hat out of the bag and pulled it down low.

It was a white, fluffy hat with small wings on both sides, a hat that might be a little childish for Umi to wear.

When paired with her current chic outfit, it looked a little out of place… but still, because it was a present from me, Umi had a very satisfied look on her face.

"Well now that I've received an unexpected present from Maki, where should we go next?" she asked, her voice full of excitement. "The arcade? Or maybe medal games? We could do purikura, or get some exercise at the batting center?"

"So you want to go to the arcade. Alright. Since we're here, let's do a lot of things you want to do today, Umi."

"Glad you're on board… Hehe, the time has finally come to get my revenge on that fateful horse racing game… I'll be taking back those tokens I deposited last year, with interest."

"I have a very strong feeling you're going to be defeated again… We're only getting a thousand yen worth of tokens, because we'll run out of money."

"It's fine! If I hit a long shot, I can easily win it all back!"

"You sound like an old man at a pachinko parlor! …I feel like I've said this before, probably."

With that joke, we stepped into the fateful (in more ways than one) game center.

…As for how that turned out, it's more obvious than looking at a fire, so I hope you'll let me skip over it here.

By the way, we had no problem enjoying everything else. For the purikura, we took pictures in the poses Umi requested, and as for the batting, it was my first time in a while, but I was able to hit back balls that were faster than I expected, and I was happy to feel how much I'd grown.

Will the day ever come when she completely reclaims the tokens she's deposited (according to Asanagi Umi-san) at the arcade?

With some regrets (in the sense of our tokens), we enjoyed our date to the fullest, just the two of us this time, with no encounters with Amami-san or interruptions from Arae-san. Now, to spend the evening, which could be called the main event of the day, we headed back to the Maehara family's living room.

Of course, since it's a once-a-year Christmas Eve date, we had the option of enjoying dinner at a slightly pricey family restaurant, but just like last year, we decided to relax in a room just for the two of us, watching movies and playing games, and toasting with our usual pizza and coke.

Of course, the place we were ordering from was, it's no exaggeration to say it's already a familiar sight, my part-time job, Pizza Rocket.

"──Emi-senpai, hello."

"Welcome──oh, if it isn't Maki. And Umi-chan too, hello."

"It's been a while, Nakata-san. Sorry to come at such a busy time."

"Well, we're usually pretty slow, so just for today. My hourly wage is higher than usual, too," she said with a tired smile. "Oh, we already prepared your order at the back, so just tell the manager and go get it yourself. I have to go out for a delivery soon, too."

"Okay. Senpai, please drive safely."

Mentally thanking the manager and Emi-senpai, who were in a state of chaos with the flood of orders, I headed to the backyard through the employee entrance to pick up the pizza and chicken I had ordered in advance. It's nice to have a part-time job that allows for this kind of flexibility.

I gave a word of thanks and the payment to the manager, who was churning out dishes with a look on his face like he was about to collapse, helped out with a few chores on my own initiative, and then went outside.

"Maki, good work… They seem really busy, the people at the shop."

"Yeah. Thanks to people like them working hard, you and I, and everyone else, can have it easy. I'm really feeling that right now."

"…You're right. We have to be grateful."

I'm sure the manager really wanted to put me on the shift today, and Emi-senpai would have had it a little easier if I were there.

Still, no one complained or made sarcastic remarks to me. Most of them sent me off with a cheerful 'Have a good Christmas.'

…Well, as for Emi-senpai, who stuck a note on the pizza box that said 'Maki, go for it and seal the deal today!', I think that was going a bit too far. I crumpled that up and threw it in the trash right away.

I've paid for the product, but I still want to be grateful and have a thoroughly enjoyable night.

Thank you.

Good work.

Those words alone can surely save some people.

"Umi, shall we go home?"

"Yeah. It's the first time in a while that I'm sleeping over at your house."

"And this time, with proper permission from both our parents."

"Hehe, yeah. If we didn't, it would be another huge uproar."

Thinking back, I can't thank Sora-san and Daichi-san enough for not only forgiving me with such generosity despite causing them trouble that was just one step short of a huge uproar, but also for allowing her to stay over the very next year.

Letting their precious daughter stay at the home of someone who is, although her boyfriend, a stranger, means that they trust me enough to be a worthy person.

So that I don't betray their trust, I have to protect Umi until she returns to the Asanagi house safe and sound the next morning.

…I probably don't have to report what we did on Christmas Eve, though.

Holding Umi's hand tightly so as not to let go, the two of us walked through the quiet residential streets at night.

Unlike last year, the temperature was relatively high and it wasn't snowing, but I think I preferred being able to look around without freezing from the cold.

"! Maki, stop for a second."

"? Yeah."

Just a little further from my house, Umi stopped and looked around as if to confirm something.

"Umi, what's wrong?"

"Don't you remember this place? It's a pretty memorable spot for us."

"…Umm."

It was just the usual roadside, with nothing special about it.

The road we walked together in the morning on our way to school. And on weekend nights, when I walked Umi home.

In that sense, it was indeed a precious place filled with memories of our daily lives.

We'd talk about trivial things, joke around and laugh, secretly hold hands hidden from everyone, and fool around.

But I'm sure that's not what Umi was trying to say.

"You've got that 'I have no idea' look on your face."

"Sorry… Any hints?"

"The hint is 'today.' You might not have had the luxury to worry about that, Maki."

"Today… Christmas Eve…?"

"Right. What happened to us here?"

Christmas Eve, us last year.

…I see, so that's what it is.

"Can I give the correct answer?"

"Yes. Please give your answer."

"The place where I confessed to Umi…."

"Close! One more try!"

"Huh? Um, well then… to be more specific, I confessed to Umi… and then Umi and I had our first real kiss."

"…Hehe."

"Umi, what's the right answer?"

"10 points."

"I got some mysterious points…"

Well, judging from Umi's reaction, I guess that was the right answer.

Unlike last year it wasn't snowing, but on this day a year ago, Umi and I became a couple.

A proper kiss after we become a couple──true to those words, this is the place where I shared my first kiss with Umi, who accepted my confession.

As for me back then, my head was so full of telling Umi how I felt that, to be honest, I don't remember much other than confessing and kissing her.

The girl I liked accepted my confession, and on top of that we kissed… a mix of various emotions like excitement, happiness, and embarrassment, and I was in a daze for a long time.

One year since that middle-school-like reaction.

I wonder if I've grown a little too.

"Umi, do you remember that time?"

"Pretty much. We were both half-crying, hugging, and kissing… Come to think of it, your lips were pretty chapped back then, Maki."

"I was still careless about etiquette back then… I use lip balm properly now."

"Really? Well then, I have to check if you're really okay."

"Check…"

Umi's words suddenly made my heart skip a beat.

Check, based on how things are going right now… that means.

"Um, I don't really mind, in fact I'm happy, but are we doing it here and now?"

"Yeah. I'm just going to touch them with my finger," she said, a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

"…Oh, I see."

"Hmm? I see? I wonder what you were imagining, Maki-kun?"

"…Muu."

Umi becomes very mischievous at times like this.

She knows how I feel, yet she pretends not to know and teases me.

…Only I know this cute side of her that she only shows in front of me.

"Hey, Maki. Can you grant my selfish request?"

"…Sure. Anything I can do."

"Then… I want you to let me hear that confession again. I feel like I was so nervous back then, thinking 'he might confess,' that I couldn't really take it all in."

"So you were nervous too, Umi."

"Of course I was. Even though we both had feelings for each other, the boy I liked was confessing to me, you know? I was wondering what my answer should be, or if we should kiss after that, or all sorts of things while I was changing in my room."

"I see. Then, once more."

I can't perfectly recreate the situation at that time, including my feelings, but my feelings for Umi haven't changed. In fact, they're stronger than they were then.

So, not a recreation, but my current feelings, straight.

"Umi. Asanagi Umi-san."

"…Yes."

"I love you, Umi. Much, much more than I did back then."

"…Me too. I love you too, Maki."

I noticed that our eyes, gazing at each other, were naturally welling up. I was so happy that our hearts were still connected, and my emotions were overflowing and wouldn't stop.

We haven't changed much from last year, but we'll never forget the feelings we had back then.

With that vow in my heart, Umi and I shared our second first kiss.

Umi and I, who had been a lovey-dovey couple on the street without a care in the world (though there was no one around), warmed up the completely cold food and enjoyed a slightly late dinner.

We devoured a large pizza, a bit big for two people, and some chicken, potatoes, and onion rings which were packed tightly in a box on the side, probably a freebie from the manager or Emi-senpai, washing it all down with coke.

It was no different from our usual weekends, but it was our ultimate luxury,

""…Phew~""

We were hungry, so we easily emptied all the boxes, then had dessert cake, and took a breather with a cup of hot coffee.

We had confirmed our unchanging bond, filled our stomachs with our favorite junk food and sweet cake, and were filled with happiness.

"I'm so full… I could just fall asleep right here," Umi murmured contentedly.

"I know what you mean. But we have to take a bath before that. We need to wash off the fatigue and sweat from walking around on our date."

"Perv."

"W-we're taking separate baths, of course."

"…Really?"

"…Well, I do want to take one together."

I wanted to, but if we did, I felt like I'd jump the gun… or rather, I definitely would, so I had to hold back a little longer.

I also had some things I wanted to prepare for later.

And Umi probably had some herself.

"For now, let's think about the bath after our stomachs settle. If we move now, a lot of things could go wrong."

"Same here, Maki… I have to start working out hard again from tomorrow."

For the next two hours, we enjoyed watching a TV program called 'Holy Night's All-Night Shark Movie Special,' a project that seemed somewhat familiar, and the time passed eleven o'clock at night.

The shark movies were interesting as always, and I wouldn't have minded staying up all night watching them.

But our stomachs had settled down, and both Umi and I had our minds completely occupied with other things today.

"Umi, um… what about the bath? It's ready."

"Ah… um, y-you can go first, Maki. I, uh, have some things I want to prepare too."

"Oh, yeah. Y-you're right. Preparations are necessary."

I thought it would be absolutely tactless to ask what kind of preparations, so I decided to follow Umi's lead and take a bath first.

I planned to be quick so as not to keep Umi waiting too long, but also to meticulously wash away even the slightest dirt from every corner of my body with plenty of foam.

Normally, it would probably be better to relax and soak in the tub, but when I thought about what was to come, my body tensed up and I got restless.

"I-it's okay, it's okay… don't panic, don't rush, stay calm… r-right. I should also think about the present for later. I'll grab the present while Umi's in the bath and also get that from the desk drawer… dammit, that's all I can think about now."

I've kissed Umi many times, and we've even had some slightly risqué physical contact, and we've even seen each other naked (just a little) during the hot spring trip.

But still, since it was the 'first time,' I couldn't help but be nervous.

I didn't know if I could do it well, and I might end up showing her an uncool side of me, but if I got cold feet here, I'd really be a wimp.

So I'll be brave and tell Umi I 'want to do it.'

And if Umi accepts, I'll 'do it' all the way to the end.

A mixture of nervousness and excitement made my fingertips tremble slightly.

"…A-alright, I'm getting out."

With that resolve in my heart, I slowly stepped out of the bathroom. I wiped myself thoroughly with a bath towel, quickly dried my hair with a hairdryer, and tidied it up with a quick comb-through.

"U-Umi, the bath's free."

"Oh, yeah. Well, I guess I'll go in then."

"Go ahead… Um, I'm fine, so take your time and warm up."

"Th-thanks… I'll come later, so, um, wait for me in your room, I mean."

"R-roger that."

"V-very well."

Umi, her face as red as if she had already taken a bath, went into the washroom as we switched places.

Before, thanks to my mom being here, I was able to control myself, but fortunately or unfortunately, there were no interruptions today, so I couldn't help but be curious about Umi on the other side of the door.

The change of clothes Umi was holding to her chest earlier wasn't her usual sweats or jersey, but a very cute pajama set with a chick design.

As for her underwear… well, as Umi secretly told me, she must have chosen that seriously for today as well.

It's been a year since we started dating, and our relationship is so close that people around us are exasperated, calling us a lovey-dovey couple, yet today we were as awkward we were last year.

F-first, I need to get the present ready… This is today's real purpose, and 'that other thing' is just secondary.

On Christmas Eve. I will confess to Umi a second time.

The first time, from friends to lovers. And the second time, to go from lovers to something more.

At first, I thought, 'it's way too soon for that.' In fact, when I consulted Nozomu and Takizawa-kun about it, they did push me in the end, and they weren't put off by it, but I think I surprised them quite a bit.

This time is just a temporary thing, and I plan to do the official one, including greeting Umi's parents, Sora-san and Daichi-san, when I've properly graduated from university and found a job.

It's just temporary. It's like something a child would do, you could say it's like playing house.

Still, personally, I'm completely serious.

How can I make Umi feel at ease? To make her, who gets both lonely and jealous easily, even happier.

I thought about it myself, consulted with trusted friends and juniors, and then thought about it even more on my own.

The final answer I came to is in my hands right now.

I sat on the bed, took small, deep breaths repeatedly, and quietly waited for Umi for over ten minutes.

Knock, knock, I heard a small knock on the door.

"──Maki, can I come in?"

"Yeah, come in."

"…Excuse me."

Umi slipped into the room through the crack in the open door.

Her fluffy, pale yellow pajamas were cute, of course, but as soon as Umi came in, a faint, sweet scent drifted in, making my heart, which had started to calm down, beat faster again.

"Umi, um, how was the bath? The water temperature and everything."

"It was just right… Maki, can I sit next to you?"

"…Y-yes. Please."

"Ex… excuse me."

Umi sat on my bed hesitantly, but maybe because she was nervous, she was a little farther away than usual.

… should I move a little closer? Is it okay to pull Umi into my arms?

Normally, we'd stick to each other without hesitation, but the situation was a little different from usual, so it was hard to judge.

"Umi, um, a little closer."

"…Maki you perv."

"That's true, but… no, that's not it right now."

Steeling myself, I brought the present I had hidden behind my back in front of her.

"There's something I want to give you, Umi."

"I'm happy… So, is this the Christmas present you chose for today?"

"Yeah. It might not be much, but I want you to accept it."

Merry Christmas.

I said that and handed Umi a small box with the present inside.

"! Maki, this is…"

"Yeah. I spent the last month thinking about what to get you… and I decided on the thing I want to give you the most right now, Umi."

"Then, can I open it?"

"Yeah."

From the shape of the box, Umi seemed to have a rough idea of what it was.

She put her hand on it and slowly opened the box.

Inside, a beautiful ring that shone with a pale silver light. It's generally called a fashion ring (according to the store I bought it from), but I chose one made of a solid material.

"I couldn't afford something with gems or that was too expensive."

"No, I'm happy… I see, so that's why Mom's been acting strange lately."

"Yeah. I didn't know your ring size, so I asked Sora-san."

"And you asked her to keep it a secret until today?"

"…Well, I thought a little surprise element would be nice for a change. How was it?"

"It was a passing grade for you, Maki… But I'm really happy. Thank you."

It seems it was a bit of a letdown as a surprise, but I'm glad she seems happy with the present.

But the present doesn't end here.

The ring size I asked Sora-san for was Umi's left ring finger.

"…Hey, Umi."

"Yes."

"The ring, can I put it on you?"

"…Yeah."

Umi silently held out her left hand, and I gently took it, carefully slipping the ring onto her ring finger.

"How's the size? Is it okay?"

"Yeah, it's a perfect fit… Ehehe, I feel like I've become a bride."

"…It's not 'like,' I seriously want you to become one, Umi."

"Eh?"

"Umi, can you give me a little more time? There's something I want to talk to you about."

"! Y-yeah…"

Umi seemed a little surprised, but she quickly composed herself, turned to face me with a serious expression, and looked me straight in the eye.

She squeezed my hand tightly.

"Asanagi Umi-san."

"Y-yes."

"…Phew."

"You can do it, Maki… I'm listening."

"Yeah."

I pushed my slightly trembling breath back into my body and conveyed my feelings to Umi.

"Please go out with me, with marriage in mind."

"Maki… you're serious about that, of course… right?"

"Yeah. I'll do it officially later, when we're both adults… But my mind is completely made up."

When I had just become Umi's boyfriend, that feeling was still vague.

──I hope I can be with Umi forever.

──How happy would I be if I could become family with Umi?

A year has passed since then, and that feeling has become a firm goal. Not a dream, but something to be realistically achieved.

Thanks to Umi being by my side. Thanks to her becoming my friend, and then my girlfriend. I was able to see a lot of new things.

The things that happened in the city we went to for the first time, the cultural festival we worked hard on together, the new step we took at the Christmas party. I made new friends, acquaintances, and even juniors who look up to me.

Umi brought me a lot of happiness and memories that I would never have been able to see or experience if I had stayed all alone.

For the first time, she taught me the joy of being with someone.

She has made me full of happiness until now, and she probably will from now on.

So, from now on, I want to start giving back to Umi, little by little.

"Umi, I like you. No, I love you… So, please marry me. I'll spend my whole life making you happy."

"…Maki, are you sure? If I accept, there's no going back, you know? I'll be that serious too, you know? Is that okay?"

"It's fine. I can't imagine being with any other girl but Umi anymore. That's just how I am now."

In that respect, I have a feeling I've been completely taken in by Umi's calculations, but I have no problem with it at all.

She's so cute, so reliable, and she spoils me so much.

I'm sure I'll never find a better girl than her.

"Umi."

"…Yeah."

"When we graduate from university, please marry me."

"University… huh. Thinking about it that way, it's a long way off."

"If I'm with you, Umi, five years will probably fly by in a flash. That's why we have to start preparing now."

The year since I became Umi's boyfriend feels like it went by in a flash.

If a whole year passed by in a few blinks, I'm sure that five won't feel ferry long.

"So… I want you to tell me how you feel right now."

"..."

Looking down a little, Umi silently stared at the ring on her left ring finger.

I might have troubled her by forcing such a decision on her so suddenly. I might have put her off, made her exasperated.

But that's who I, Maehara Maki, am.

I'll wait patiently for Umi to give me her own answer.

"…Maki, you know,"

"? Yeah."

"I told Mom about what happened the other day. About Yuu and Nina, and about our fight, everything."

"I see… What did Sora-san say?"

"First, she gave me a real forehead flick without saying a word. It's been a while, so I thought my forehead was going to crack."

"That… j-just imagining it is painful."

The Asanagi family's secret technique (?), the forehead flick from the source herself. And since it's been a while since we've seen it, Sora-san must have had a lot on her mind.

"…Ehehe, my mom got mad at me for the first time in a while. 'You need to trust Maki-kun a little more'──she was so right, I couldn't say a word back."

"Sora-san might be right, but I think I had some shortcomings in that matter too, and it's not all your fault, Umi──"

"No. Maki did nothing wrong. You treated Yuu and Nina just like you always do. The two of them as friends, and me as your girlfriend. You clearly treated us differently. Almost too clearly.

…And yet, I got anxious on my own and dragged everyone into it… So, it's all my fault. If I had just been more confident, this probably wouldn't have happened."

"I see. That's why you were trying so hard not to show it when Hachiga-san was making a move on me."

"Yeah… But it's still hard to be like my mom. I think I understand why those two are still so in love."

Due to his job, Daichi-san is often away from home. A month or two was normal, and sometimes even longer. On top of that, he sometimes goes abroad.

And yet, when he comes home, they act as if they see each other every day. At least, that's how it looks to me.

Like when the Maehara family was all together when I was little.

Sora-san trusts Daichi-san, who is working hard for his family.

And Daichi-san trusts Sora-san, who is protecting the Asanagi home in his place and waiting for his return.

Even when they're apart, it's because they're always thinking of each other that the Asanagi family can be one.

"…Hey, Maki."

"Yeah."

"I'm not as wonderful a girl as you think I am. I'm jealous, I get in a bad mood easily, I'm bad at cooking, and even though I ask people to trust me right away, I can't easily trust others myself──I'm that selfish and cowardly."

"…Yeah."

"But I'll do my best. I might not be able to be like my mom, but I'll do my best to become just a little more mature."

──So.

Saying that, she lifted her face, and her eyes were so moist that it looked like tears were about to fall.

But more than that, she had a happy smile on her face.

"I have a request for you, too. …Please go out with me, Asanagi Umi, with marriage in mind."

"! Umi, does that mean…"

"Yeah. This time, it's not 'friends' with the premise of being lovers, but a lovers with the premise of becoming a married couple, right?"

"Thank you, Umi."

"Thank you too, Maki."

The promise we made today was only temporary. A verbal promise made by high school students, who can't drink or smoke, who are still immature and have a long way to go before they can enter society.

And yet, for the two of us, today is the day we got engaged.

At this moment, Umi and I take a new step forward.

"Oh, right. Maki, can I give you a present too?"