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[-Continuation-]
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[Hachiman's POV]
"Geez, Hikki, you're shooting down everything. What, you don't like sweets or something?"
Before I could even open my mouth to respond, Yukinoshita beat me to it.
"Not at all. As a matter of fact, he likes them."
Yuigahama's head whipped around with surprise as she stared at Yukinoshita.
"Huh? How are soo sure, Yukinon?"
I cleared my throat, trying to dispel the awkwardness. "Well, she's not wrong. I do like sweet things."
Yukinoshita flicked away the hair against her shoulders and looked at me with a composed expression. "It's quite obvious, really. Hikigaya's addiction to that sickeningly sweet MAX Coffee speaks volumes. One doesn't willingly subject themselves to such a sugar bomb unless they truly enjoy sweet things."
"Ohhh!" Yuigahama's face lit up like a Christmas tree. "Now that you mention it, that totally makes sense!"
I fidgeted uncomfortably, a nagging thought bubbling up. "But seriously, should I really be third-wheeling your Christmas plans?"
As I was groaning while conflicted, Yukinoshita let out a tiny sigh. "You're overthinking this, Hikigaya. It's not some grand Christmas extravaganza. Instead of Christmas, think of it as a simple party. I will be accompanying Yuigahama."
I mulled it over for a moment. "…I see, you have a point… But, well, today won't work for me."
Yukinoshita raised an eyebrow, waiting for me to continue.
"I've got to pick up chicken for the family," I explained. "Plus, I promised to handle dinner duty so Komachi could catch a break."
"For the most part, I would never have any plans, but in regards to my family, mostly Komachi, I made sure not to ignore them."
"So, yeah. Today's not gonna work out. Sorry about that."
"I see… If you have things to do, then there's not much we can do, I guess…" Yuigahama nodded her head.
Yukinoshita glanced between us, then fixed her gaze on me. "If today's out, I assume tomorrow would be more agreeable?"
"…Well, I don't have anything particular to do." I answered as I scratched my head.
Yuigahama's face lit up as she connected the dots. She looked from Yukinoshita to me, clapping excitedly.
"Eh, eh, ah, right, I see! Okay, tomorrow it is then! So tomorrow, we will get ready and get everyone to go buy presents and stuff!"
Yukinoshita nodded as well. "Sure. I think that's fine. Today, I am feeling just a little tired…"
"Alright, guess that settles it." I said, moving towards the door.
But then a thought struck me, and I turned back. "Hey, why don't we all head out together now? I need to grab Komachi's present anyway."
"I can already see how this will end." Yukinoshita smirked.
"Look who's talking…?" I shot back with a smirk of my own.
"See you guys tomorrow, then!" Yuigahama chirped, completely misreading the situation.
Yukinoshita and I exchanged a look that screamed. 'Is she for real?' Before turning back to her.
"Yuigahama." Yukinoshita began, speaking as if to a small child. "We meant now. As in, this very moment."
"Yeah." I added. "You're coming with us."
Yuigahama's eyes widened in realization. "Oh! You want me to come along? I thought... Never mind!"
I felt a twinge of irritation at her hesitation. "Of course you're coming. Now let's go before I change my mind and decide to spend Christmas Eve with my only true friend - solitude."
"Wait, Hikki, you had a friend named Solitude?" Yuigahama exclaimed in surprise.
For a moment, I just stood there, completely dumbfounded.
It wasn't sarcasm - the confusion in her eyes was too real. Part of me almost wished it were true. Maybe then I wouldn't feel so... whatever this feeling was.
She was clearly asking out of genuine curiosity.
….
.
After our little shopping adventure, I headed home, arms laden with KFC chicken and Christmas presents.
….and yeah, I mean 'presents' plural. I had picked up something for Mom and Dad too, not just Komachi.
"I am baaack."
I called out and went up the steps.
When I opened the door to the living room, Komachi, who had been lying on the sofa, stood up and jogged over.
"Welcome back, Big Bro!"
"Here's the chicken. All yours." I intoned dramatically, presenting the KFC party barrel like some sacred offering. Komachi snatched it up with a gleeful squeal, practically skipping to the kitchen.
I collapsed onto the now-vacant sofa, mission accomplished. The backpack containing the presents landed with a soft thud beside me.
"By the way…" I called out. "When's Mom coming home?"
"Soon…" Komachi replied, her voice trailing off with a cheeky grin that sent me on high alert. "Unlike some people we know…"
I raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about in circ-!?"
"....What about Dad?" I asked, sensing a shift in her tone.
"About Dad?" She said, feigning innocence, though her smirk could only be described as devilish. "Let's just say his Christmas gift might be sleeping on the couch tonight."
What a stone cold reaction…
What did you do this time to make Komachi hate you, Old man?
You are so pitiful... so very pitiful.
Ignoring it, I simply took off my coat and tossed it onto the sofa.
"Ouch…" I winced. "What did the old man do this time to incur your wrath?"
I mumbled, not feeling even an ounce of sympathy for him, and looking forward to getting a glimpse of whatever horrible mess our father had gotten himself into.
She shrugged, her eyes twinkling with unholy glee. "Who knows? Maybe he suggested swapping out our trusty vacuum for a good old-fashioned broom."
Just then, a soft, curious 'meow' came from the corner of the room.
I turned toward her to see Kamakura, our cat, stretching with all the poise of a royal. His sleepy gaze dawdled over us, as if he were already plotting his next nap at the precise spot to steal my warmth on the couch.
"Perfect timing, Kamakura." I said, lifting my arms as he approached, rubbing his head against my leg.
It was a gesture that felt like an entirely feline endorsement of my ongoing drama. "Hey, buddy. You feel this vibe too, huh?"
Kamakura responded with a soft purr, his eyes half-closing in contentment. He settled beside me on the sofa, curling into a snug ball of warmth.
It was as if he was saying. 'I might not understand everything, but I am here for you.'
Komachi bustled back in, scooping up the coat I'd carelessly tossed aside and hanging it properly. "Oh, by the way." She said. "Yui texted about rescheduling that party for tomorrow. And guess who scored an invite?"
"Aah, did she? But you're still in the middle of tests…"
"Gosh, you are the one who said, I won't fail an exam just because I missed one day of studying." She scoffed.
I sighed in defeat. "…Well, as long as we don't stay out too late, then I guess."
"Yay! I better figure out what kind of presents I want to buy!" Komachi was raising her hands in the air in joy.
"Ah, that's right. Almost forgot the present." I grabbed the bag that was tossed onto the sofa, took out a bag from inside, and rested it on Komachi's head.
"Here. Merry Christmas."
Komachi placed her hand on the bag atop her head, making a curious expression. She fixedly looked at it.
"Is this… a present for me? Big brother, thank you! Hey, can I open it?"
"Go ahead. Though it's just something I bought on the spot after I got Yukinoshita and Yuigahama's recommendation. If you're going to thank someone, thank them."
Komachi's hands stopped just right before she was about to open her present with a look of surprise "…Huh? You three chose it together?"
"…Well, it just kind of happened." I answered.
Komachi made a wicked smile. "Hoooh, is that sooo? Oh, I seeee, as in a group, huh?"
"…What's with that irritating face and tone of yours?"
"No, no, this is just basking in the glow of brotherly growth, that's all. As a matter of fact, what you told me just now was the absolute best Christmas present ever."
"Oh yeah? Well, as long as you are happy, then whatever." I spoke from my shoulder, and Komachi lifted up a finger and took on a haughty attitude.
Komachi's expression turned serious. "But listen up, big bro. Pro tip: when giving a girl a gift, maybe don't mention that other girls helped pick it out. As far as Komachi's concerned, that's very low in Komachi points."
I rolled my eyes. "Duly noted, O wise one. "
"Of course." She continued, her grin returning, "Since I'm your sister, it's different. Seeing you and Yukino working together? Best. Present. Ever."
I pushed myself up with a groan. "Yeah, yeah. I'll file that away with all your other pearls of wisdom. Now, about dinner..."
"Right!" Komachi chirped. "I should text Yui back about tomorrow..."
….
.
Soon enough, the living room door creaked open, and in stepped my father, his face a mixture of weariness and an undeniable aura of surprise.
"I am home!" He announced, Komachi and I exchanged knowing glances.
"Welcome back, Dad!" I called out, unable to keep the smirk from my voice. "Komachi's been keeping your favorite couch nice and toasty for you!"
The look of dawning realization on his face was priceless.
….
.
[To be continued…]
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