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[-Continuation-]
[-Next Day-]
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[Hachiman's POV]
It was the day of Christmas, following the night of Christmas Eve.
Komachi and I were heading to the shopping mall, where everyone would meet.
Since it was Christmas, the streets were lit up with people, and among those people was my little sister, Hikigaya Komachi, whom I knew all too well was the peppiest.
She has been humming Christmas tunes non-stop since we left home, her excitement growing with each step.
"Pretty lively first thing in the morning, aren't you?" I chuckled, shaking my head at her enthusiasm.
Komachi, who had been walking further ahead, turned around to me with a twirl. "Duh, it's Christmas, you know? And we will be going shopping with Yukino and Yui too, see? And after that, we will be having a party and exchanging presents, see? Of course I will get super excited!"
"Really?" I shrugged, trying to play it cool. "Well, I guess it's a little different for girls. You guys seem to love the whole exchanging gifts thing."
"Just a little? More like a lot! C'mon, big brother, keep up!" She pointed animatedly toward the mall entrance, her enthusiasm radiating like the lights strung up around us.
She tapped my shoulders and pointed to the entrance of the mall. "Look, we made it, big brother. Ah, they're both here already too."
As we approached the mall, two familiar figures came into view- Yukinoshita Yukino and Yuigahama Yui.
Yukinoshita, as usual, looked calm and composed, but even she couldn't hide the faintest smile as she adjusted her scarf.
Yuigahama, on the other hand, was practically bouncing on her toes, her eyes wide, waving enthusiastically at our approach.
"Yahallo! Merry Christmas to you both!" Yuigahama called out, her breath forming little clouds in the chilly air.
Yukinoshita offered a more reserved but equally warm greeting. "Merry Christmas, Hikigaya, Komachi."
I had barely opened my mouth to return the sentiment when a burst of energy zipped past me.
"Mer–!"
The word died on my lips as Komachi, with hardly a moment's hesitation, rushed forward and wrapped her arms around both girls in a warm embrace, her excitement reaching new heights.
"Merry Christmas!" Komachi squealed, her voice bubbling with happiness. "I am so glad you're here. This is going to be the best day ever!"
Yuigahama's laughter mingled with Komachi's enthusiasm as she returned the fierce hug. "I know, right? I have been counting down to today all week!"
Even Yukinoshita's usual reserve melted a bit as she gently patted Komachi's back, visibly touched by the affectionate display despite her typical aversion to physical contact.
"Happy Christmas." I managed to say, my tone softer than I had intended.
The girls acknowledged me with a nod, which was fine by me.
Eager to get this finished, I suggested. "Is everyone here? If we are all set, let's get moving."
Yuigahama motioned us to wait, her hand raised. "Hold on. I invited Sai too."
"Oh, did you?" I raised an eyebrow in mild surprise. "Guess we should hang on a bit, then."
–tut(:mobile notification)
Yuigahama's phone buzzed at just the right moment. She checked it, and her expression fell slightly. "Sai's running late. Says to start without him."
Wanting to keep things moving, I offered. "Um, he must have got stuck with something. I will give him a call and update him on our whereabouts. We can start, but let's not wander too far."
"That seems sensible." Yukinoshita agreed, her voice understanding.
"Okay, that works..." Yuigahama murmured, furrowing her brow. "But for some reason, that bugs me..." She trailed off, as if sensing an invisible clock ticking down.
"It should be fine to head into the mall while we wait?" Yukinoshita gestured toward the bustling entrance, the sound of laughter and holiday music spilling out into the street.
"Great idea! Let's go!" Komachi chimed, practically dragging the rest of us toward the large entrance that beckoned with promises of festive cheer.
….
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As we walked, Komachi spoke up, addressing Yukinoshita and Yuigahama. "Yukino, Yui. Thank you for the Christmas present."
"Not at all, if you're happy with it, then that's great." Yukinoshita smiled, shaking her head and telling her not to worry about it.
Yuigahama nodded her head, going "...yup, yup!"
"I mean, I am not sure what to expect from my big brother with tastes like that, but I am glad the two of you chose it for me!" Komachi said her eyes flitted back and forth between them.
Subconsciously, I nodded along with Komachi's words, then, catching myself, I pretended to disagree, though a smile crept onto my face. "Well, I do have over ten years of experience under my belt in choosing gifts for you, you know..."
Komachi shot me a teasing look. "Suuure~ but 10 years of your 'expertise' has given us sum... how do I say... unique prezents. Lolol, I am still spooked by that weird ceramic kitty you got me for my birthday!"
Before I could defend myself, Yukinoshita chimed in, her tone unexpectedly defensive. "Is there truly such a thing as a bad gift when it comes to cats?"
For a split second, I felt pleased to gain her support.
Then I remembered – ah, this girl thinks anything related to cats can't possibly be bad. Of course, she would defend a ceramic cat, no matter how bizarre.
"It's not the cat itself, Yukino." Komachi covered her mouth, trying not to giggle. "Let's just say the whole thing was... well, kinda messy? Just know my brother's got a special talent for picking weird gifts."
"How unfortunate." Yukinoshita's face took on a sympathetic expression.
"But again, I guess that's to be expected from him." She said, shooting me a reproachful look.
Unable to resist, Komachi finally burst into giggles, her laughter catching on as she went on. "I still have that thing on my shelf! Every time I look at it, I am like... what were you thinking, big brother?"
Great, now it's my fault.
Yuigahama chuckled at Yukinoshita's unexpected defense. "Ah, Yukinon~ Your love for cats is like, super big, isn't it?"
Yukinoshita's cheeks flushed slightly as she realized her bias had been exposed.
She cleared her throat, trying to regain her composure. "W-well, I merely think that feline-inspired gifts have their own charm."
Yuigahama giggled, playfully nudging Yukinoshita. "Yukinon, you're so adorable when you talk about cats!"
Komachi's eyes lit up with mischief. "Oooh?? So if I want to win Yukino over, all I need to do is give her cat-themed gifts?"
"That's not–!" Yukinoshita began, but I cut her off with a smirk.
"Might just work." I said, for Komachi, at least since Yukinoshita already had a soft spot for her.
"Really, big brother? So cute, Yukino." Komachi exclaimed, but she blurted out. "..but, wait a sec. If that's all it takes, how come you're still striking out, big brother?"
Hey, hey, that's got nothing to do with this...
Yukinoshita interrupted smoothly, not finding anything odd. "I doubt your brother's gift-giving skills will improve that drastically."
"Come on." I protested, feigning hurt. "My gifts are definitely getting better. Right, Komachi?"
My sister tilted her head, considering. "Hmm, I guess the mug you got me two months ago wasn't that terrible…."
Yuigahama clapped her hands together, her eyes lighting up. "Oh! I have an idea! Why don't we all go shopping together sometime? We could help each other pick out gifts!"
Aren't we already doing exactly that now, though?
"That's actually not a bad idea, Yuigahama." Yukinoshita nodded approvingly.
I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't help smiling. "Fine, fine. But don't blame me if you end up with a shelf full of cat figurines, Yukinoshita."
"I fail to see how that would be a problem." Yukinoshita replied primly, causing the rest of us to burst into laughter.
….
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[To be continued…]
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