A week had passed since I ran away from home. Despite the circumstances, my daily life hadn't changed dramatically. In fact, it seemed like I was getting by even more comfortably than before. As usual, I walked home with Mai after school.
"It's already been a week since you started staying with us, huh? How are things? Is there anything that's been bothering you?" Mai asked.
"No, not at all. Megumi-san and you have been so kind to me," I replied.
"That's good to hear, but you've gone back to using honorifics again. And you don't need to call me 'san' either. Come on, try just saying 'Mai,'" she encouraged.
"…Mai—san. Sorry, it's just a bit difficult for me," I admitted.
Over the past week, Mai and I had grown closer, and she'd asked me to drop the formalities. I was trying, but it wasn't easy to break old habits.
"Well, it's okay. You'll get the hang of it eventually. We've got plenty of time. Besides, winter break is almost here. I can't wait for Christmas!" she said cheerfully.
"Is there something special happening on Christmas?" I asked.
"Yeah! Actually, my dad is coming home for Christmas."
That explained a lot. I hadn't seen Mai's father at all during this week, so I assumed he wasn't around.
"Where is he usually?" I asked, curious.
"Right now? I think… actually, I'm not really sure. Sorry, I can't remember. My dad's a judge, so he has to move every few years. We used to move with him until I started elementary school, but after that, Mom went back to work, so we settled here. He's really busy, so he doesn't come home often, but he always makes it back for Christmas. I really look forward to it," Mai explained.
So that's why he wasn't around. I knew Megumi-san had earned her credentials as a licensed psychologist and worked as a school counselor, but I hadn't known that Mai's father was a judge. It gave me some insight into where Mai got her strong sense of responsibility and kindness.
"I see," I said, understanding more about her family.
"Yup! And you know, we always get presents on Christmas. Though, there have been some pretty weird ones… Like, one year, I asked for a teddy bear, and I was imagining something small that I could hold. But what I got was a bear that was taller than me! You know the big one in my room? That was a surprise, for sure. How about you, Kaya? Have you ever gotten a present that made you really happy?"
I couldn't answer her question.
"Actually, I've never really celebrated Christmas, so I've never received a Christmas present," I admitted.
"Oh… Well, in that case, you should totally celebrate with us this year! It'll be so much fun with you here," Mai said, her enthusiasm infectious.
"…Okay," I agreed, feeling a warmth spread in my chest.
As we continued talking, we soon arrived home. Once inside, we spent the afternoon playing games and studying together. When Megumi-san returned home, I helped with dinner. We enjoyed our meal while listening to Mai's lively stories. Afterward, we each took turns with the bath, and then gathered in the living room to chat a bit more before bed. The days passed by in this comforting routine.
Over the weekend, the three of us even went shopping together. Mai tried on all sorts of clothes, and before I knew it, they had me trying on outfits too. It was my first time trying on so many different clothes, and they both said the outfits suited me. Megumi-san ended up buying a few outfits for both of us. Afterward, we stopped at a café. Mai ordered a giant stack of pancakes piled high with whipped cream, and though I doubted she could finish it, she somehow managed to eat it all. She even shared a bit with me, but I was amazed she could handle so much sweetness.
The next day, Megumi-san declared it a "movie day," and we all watched movies together at home. I hadn't seen many movies before, but I found myself laughing along with the others during the comedy, huddling together in fear during the horror movie, and tearing up during the heartwarming drama. Megumi-san cried so hard at one point that Mai and I exchanged amused looks, unable to help but laugh a little.
Spending time with Mai and Megumi-san had been truly wonderful. Almost too wonderful.