Part 11
“Hey, that’s rare. You’re reading a book?”
“Yeah, Eiji. With the test coming up soon, I just can’t seem to get into studying. So I borrowed this from Nagi to take a break.”
“Huh? Even rarer… Wait, what’s up with your hand?”
“Oh, this? I’m pretty clumsy, you know. I got a little scratch.”
I rubbed the hand with the bandage after Eiji pointed it out. …As expected of Eiji, he’s sharp.
“You take up sewing or something?”
“Not quite, but you’re a bit off.”
“A bit off, huh. That’s your break too?”
“Something like that.”
I gave a wry smile at Eiji’s words and closed the book with the bookmark in place.
“…Lately, I haven’t been able to focus much.”
“Oh? Trouble with the lover, maybe?”
Eiji grinned mischievously as he asked. I considered punching him for a second, but I had a feeling he’d just enjoy it, so I held back.
“…Eiji.”
“Hm?”
No choice but to ask now. It’s embarrassing as hell, but still.
Steeling myself, I continued.
“Like… do you ever have times when someone just won’t leave your mind?”
“Oh? Your darling girlfriend’s stuck in your head, huh?”
“Don’t rephrase it.”
He hit the nail on the head, and my face grew hotter by the second. I looked down to hide it.
“Haah…”
“Sorry, sorry. But yeah, of course I’ve been there.”
“You have?”
“What do you take me for? For the first month after we started dating, I didn’t hear a word in class.”
“That bad, huh?”
“Oh yeah. Might’ve been because Kirika and I were in the same class, though. No idea how many times the teacher chewed me out.”
Eiji laughed heartily. It’s very like him, I suppose…
“By the way, any solutions?”
“Nope.”
“None, huh…”
“Yeah. Give it up.”
A clean cut. I knew it wasn’t something that’d fix itself right away, but still.
“Well, don’t sweat it too much. Humans get used to it eventually… probably.”
“…I’d have preferred if you’d at least said that with confidence.”
“You’ll probably be like this for a while. Hang in there.”
Eiji clapped me on the shoulder, and though my cheek twitched, I let out the heat building up in my face.
“And—”
“Hm? What’s up?”
“—No, never mind.”
There was one more thing bothering me about Nagi… but this probably isn’t something to talk to Eiji about.
“If something’s up, tell me, yeah?”
“Yeah. But I’m fine. …This time, it’s something I’ve got to handle myself.”
I thought back on Nagi’s actions so far.
Guess that’s the only way, huh.
★★★
“What’s wrong? I always pictured you reviewing or prepping for class when you get to school.”
“Hayama-san… Um, well…”
While I was reading a book at school, Hayama-san, who arrived later than me, called out.
“Hm? No way… Too happy and full of love to focus on test prep?”
“Th-That was quick… No, I mean, I know it’s not a good thing, but…”
Hayama-san tilted her head curiously at my words.
“Not good? Isn’t it great? Being happy and all.”
“N-No, um, well… But if it means I can’t focus on other things…”
“But you’re happy right now, aren’t you?”
Hayama-san flashed a bright, sun-like smile. …I nodded quietly.
It was a little embarrassing, but there was no denying I was happy.
“Then that’s fine. Life seems long, but it’s short, you know? So you’ve got to enjoy the moment first.”
“…You’re awfully philosophical, Hayama-san.”
“Haha. Maybe not me personally, but I’ve had my share of life advice sessions. …That’s why seeing someone I’ve counseled looking happy makes me happy too.”
Hayama-san smiled, looking genuinely delighted.
“I think it’s bad to not think about the future at all. But it’s also bad to overthink it and choke yourself up.”
With that, Hayama-san reached out—and started kneading my cheeks.
“So, Nagi-chan, you should savor this happiness and just go ‘hee!’ with a big smile.”
“W-Wahyau…”
“There, smile… Oh, would he get jealous? But it’s way better than making that stressed-out face. It’ll help you switch gears better too.”
Hayama-san grinned as if to demonstrate. I couldn’t help but let a small laugh slip out.
“Thank you, Hayama-san.”
“You’re welcome… That’s the right response, yeah?”
Thanks to Hayama-san, I felt a little lighter.
As we chatted, a question popped into my head.
“By the way, Hayama-san, do you have a boyfriend?”
“Me? Nope.”
That answer caught me completely off guard.
Hayama-san is gorgeous. She must take great care of her skin and hair—her golden locks are flawless, her skin free of blemishes or dullness. She’s meticulous with skincare. She’s well-developed too, standing a head above most students.
I couldn’t help staring at her face and figure, and when she noticed, she gave a wry smile.
“S-Sorry.”
“Nah, it’s fine. Girl talk, right? I’ve got my reasons for not dating.”
I was a little curious about those reasons. As I hesitated to ask, she continued.
“It’s not some grand reason or anything. Just haven’t found a good guy. Well, I’ll admit my standards are pretty high.”
“…I see. So there’s never been anyone you thought was nice?”
“There have been a few, sure. Like—”
Hayama-san looked at me with a playful smirk.
“Minoru-kun, maybe?”
“…”
Her unexpected words made me catch my breath. Before I knew it, I was on my feet.
“N-No way… S-Souta-kun’s off-limits!”
I blurted it out, even though I knew she was joking.
“Haha, relax, I know. I’ve never seen anyone as devoted to Nagi-chan as him. He’s a good guy, that’s all—I don’t like him or anything.”
I thought she was teasing me… but she seemed serious too. Noticing my gaze, Hayama-san grinned.
“It’s the truth. Someone that mature… or rather, a guy our age who can care so much about others while still thinking of himself? That’s rare. You get people skewed one way or the other, but not both. Honestly, I was shocked he didn’t already have a girlfriend.”
“…Yeah, I wondered that too sometimes.”
But I’d heard the answer when we looked at his album together.
“Souta-kun treats everyone sincerely. …But it seems he never had the chance to show that side of himself before.”
“Hmm… Oh yeah, his circle of friends is pretty small, right?”
“Yes. When he showed me his album, it was mostly him alone… Well, no. He said he was fast since he was little, so he was popular after sports days. But it didn’t seem to lead to friendships.”
It’s a bit puzzling. Anyone who’s talked to Souta-kun should notice his charm.
“Hm. It varies by person, but in elementary school, kids tend to flock to the ones with funny stories. Not that Minori-kun’s boring or anything, mind you.”
“…I can’t quite picture it.”
“Well, isn’t that fine? Nagi-chan was the first to notice Kai-kun’s charm, after all.”
…True enough.
I nodded, and my cheeks softened a little.
That wonderful guy is my boyfriend—and my fiancé.
“…Hehe.”
“Oh? Thinking about your darling again?”
“Yes… I’m really glad.”
That I met him. That I got close to Souta-kun.
That the one who saved me was you.
I’m truly, deeply glad.
And that’s why… now it’s my turn.
“I’ll make him happy, no matter what.”
I murmured it softly… so no one could hear.
“Hm? What was that?”
“No, it’s nothing.”
I shook my head and smiled back at Hayama-san.
“Hayama-san, if you ever find a guy you like and need advice, feel free to ask me, okay?”
“Oh, look at you! I’ll take you up on that big time if it happens.”
“Yes!”
Hayama-san laughed.
…Ah. I’m so glad Hayama-san’s my friend.
I thought that from the bottom of my heart.
★★★
The final exams were over, and the results were handed back.
Like before, Nagi came over to my place so we could compare our scores.
We sat side by side on the sofa, just like always.
“…So, shall we show each other on three?”
“Got it.”
There was a faint tension in the air. I heard someone swallow hard, but I couldn’t tell if it was me or Nagi.
“Here we go.”
Nagi pulled a sheet from her clear file.
“On three—one, two, three!”
The papers revealed—
8th out of 280
5th out of 320
—High ranks. But compared to last time, when we both got first, we’d slipped a bit.
Especially me—my rank and score dropped more than Nagi’s.
“…Souta-kun, you dropped a little too, huh?”
“It’s still high… or it should be. I’d say I got lucky last time, but it’s rare for you to drop too, Nagi.”
“…Yeah.”
A faint shadow clouded her blue eyes. They wavered for a moment before she looked away.
“What’s wrong?”
“No, it’s nothing.”
“…Is it something you can’t tell me?”
“That’s an unfair way to ask, Souta-kun.”
Nagi puffed her cheeks slightly. Yeah, I guess that was a cheap move.
“…Souta-kun, what do you think of these results?”
“Hm. They’re not bad—pretty good, even. …But if you asked if it’s my best, I couldn’t nod honestly.”
“Same here. …No, for me, compared to my past results, this is on the bad side. Whether it’s rank or points.”
Her blue eyes flicked toward me briefly before darting away again, like a child who’d done something wrong.
“One more question. What do you think caused this drop?”
“…Let’s see.”
Her question made me think—or pretend to. I already knew the reason.
“I let my mind wander too much. I tried to focus, but… I couldn’t.”
“…I see.”
“Nagi?”
Her voice grew faint, and her face twisted in pain for a moment. Worried, I called out, but she shook her head.
“It’s nothing.”
“If that’s true, I won’t push. …But if it’s a lie, that’d make me really sad.”
“…You’re too sly, Souta-kun.”
“Sorry for being a sly guy.”
“I love that sly Souta-kun so much. And because I love you, it hurts.”
Nagi gave a weak smile and clenched her fist tightly.
“Nagi.”
I gently took her hand, using my other hand to carefully unclench it. Then I laced my fingers with hers and held on tight.
“If something’s hurting you, let me carry some of it too.”
“…Souta-kun, you haven’t done anything wrong.”
With that preface, she began.
“I keep having dreams.”
Her eyes were distant and hollow, likely recalling those moments.
“Dreams of that day. The day I betrayed you, Souta-kun. The day I betrayed you and still had the gall to steal your lips, trying to stay in your memory… I dream of that shameful woman.”
Nagi closed her eyes. Her grip tightened, her already pale skin turning even whiter.
“The more I think about it, the worse I was back then. Even if we’d had a misunderstanding, I weighed you against my parents and chose them. I didn’t tell you, prioritizing myself. And right after betraying you, I kissed you. …I’m the worst kind of woman.”
“That’s not—”
“I’m just stating facts, Souta-kun. Just like how killing someone is wrong no matter the reason. It’s the same.”
“…That’s too extreme.”
“Maybe. But it’s true there were other ways. If I’d told my parents about you sooner. If I’d refused the engagement. If I’d talked to you—or even Hayama-san—earlier, I could’ve avoided the worst… or at least the step before it.”
A self-deprecating laugh escaped her lips.
“I decided I’d become a woman worthy of you, Souta-kun. …But all I’ve done since is burden you. You got sick after that, and it’s because of what happened.”
I wanted to deny it. But the doctor had said it too—mental exhaustion was part of it.
“I said I have dreams. But I don’t see them every day. There’s a condition where I don’t.”
“…What’s that condition?”
“When I sleep with you, Souta-kun.”
Her eyes finally met mine. They were murky, like a sea stirred by rain.
“In the end, I haven’t changed a bit since then.”
“Let me say one thing. That’s not true.”
I’d meant to hear her out fully, but I couldn’t hold back and cut in.
“You’ve changed, Nagi. The fact that you’re telling me this now proves it.”
The old Nagi might not have opened up like this. And more than that…
“If it keeps the bad dreams away, come over anytime. Or I’ll come to you.”
“…No, that won’t do. I’d just burden you even more.”
“Burden?”
I tilted my head, and Nagi blinked slowly, hesitating. But she didn’t choose silence.
“Because of me, you got sick. Neither of us could focus on studying… We let our guards down and couldn’t do what we needed to.”
Her hand reached out, gently brushing my cheek.
“I told Papa and Mama—and your parents—that I’d make you happy, Souta-kun. And yet, this is the result. It’s right there in the numbers…”
“Nagi.”
When I called her name, she flinched. Fear mixed into her eyes—not fear of me, I knew that much.
Her blue eyes swirled with confusion as I held out both hands. Then I cupped her soft, white cheeks.
“Nmyu.”
“Nagi, I’m a little mad. For one, it’s not a burden when it’s family—it’s worry, right?”
Her cheeks were warm and soft against my palms.
“But… I let you shoulder everything again, didn’t I?”
“No, that’s not true! You haven’t done anything wrong—”
“Then you haven’t either.”
Nagi placed her hands over mine, but she didn’t pull them away.
“So let’s say we’re both a little at fault. I didn’t talk to you much this time either. Compared to midterms, I barely studied.”
“…But—”
“If there’s more you want to say, I want to hear it all. If it’s just to blame yourself needlessly, I’ve got my own thoughts. But if not, I’ll listen properly.”
“You’re mean, Souta-kun.”
“Yeah, I think I’m being mean too. That’s how much I love you, Nagi.”
“…Jeez. How cool are you planning to get, Souta-kun?”
Nagi’s hand slipped from mine, and this time, it was her hands that cupped my cheeks, just as I had done.
Then—her face drew closer in an instant.
“When you say things like that… I can’t hold back how much I love you, Souta-kun.”
Before I could even catch my breath, her lips pressed against mine.
It lasted only a moment. Yet… my mind boiled over, flooded with happiness.
The lingering softness on my lips. When I finally managed to breathe, my lungs filled with a sweet scent.
“A little payback,” she said.
With that, Nagi slid her hands around my back and hugged me tightly.
“Sor— No, thank you, Souta-kun. Let’s do our best on the third-term finals, okay? I’ll teach you lots again.”
“You’re welcome. Maybe we could start holding regular study sessions after the new year.”
I wrapped my arms around her back and patted it gently.
Her anxiety seemed to have eased, but…
Dreams, huh.
I figured time would eventually sort it out. Until then, though, Nagi would likely keep struggling.
“…”
Nagi was still trapped by that day. Traces of it surfaced now and then. …How could I set her free?
I’d been mulling over one idea for a while. But doing it… might be too harsh on Nagi. Was it really okay to go through with it?
As I wrestled with the thought, Nagi poked my back lightly.
“Souta-kun, can I ask something?”
“What’s up?”
“There’s actually something I’ve been thinking about… I was planning to bring it up as a reward if our test results were good, but…”
“Oh? Anything’s fine by me.”
Come to think of it, we’d had a similar talk after midterms. Even though our ranks dropped this time, they were still high.
“Just so you know, if you don’t like it, please say so.”
“Got it.”
Her face was hidden since we were still hugging, but her voice alone told me it was serious.
“With me…”
Her words faltered and stopped. The strength of her embrace tightened.
Her heartbeat thumped against me, reverberating through my body. After a few dozen seconds, I heard her swallow hard.
“Would you… go to that amusement park with me again?”
“…”
“I know. I know it’s a place that holds… bad memories for you, Souta-kun. But, um… sorry, let me calm down a bit.”
Nagi paused, steadying her shallow breaths. She loosened her grip, aligning our heartbeats to help her feel at ease.
“Take your time, Nagi. And… I was actually debating suggesting the same thing.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. I was thinking it might overwrite your memories, Nagi.”
At that, Nagi let out a trembling breath.
“We thought the same thing. I wanted to overwrite your memories too, Souta-kun.”
“Mine?”
“Yes.”
I’d assumed it was to overcome her trauma. My memories… didn’t quite click, so I waited quietly for her to continue.
“I’ve been worried that if things stay like this, you might end up with bad feelings about amusement parks, Souta-kun.”
Her voice, soft like the chime of a bell, brushed my ears. I neither confirmed nor denied it, just listened.
“I want to go to an amusement park with you again. In the future… w-when we have k-kids, we’ll probably go too. And I don’t want you to be unable to smile then.”
“That’s, uh, pretty far ahead to think about.”
“But it’s not a bad idea to deal with it early, right?”
“…Fair point. Yeah, you’re right.”
I wasn’t sure myself.
I wanted to say I’d be fine… but that day still lingered vividly in my mind.
“I’m in. If we redo it… maybe you won’t have those dreams anymore, Nagi.”
“I see. Now that you mention it, that does seem likely.”
With that, Nagi relaxed her grip, so I let go too, ending the hug.
Her blue eyes fixed on me. They looked like her usual self, though a hint of hesitation still lingered.
“Then, let’s go to the amusement park… soon.”
“Yeah. Nagi, I’ve got one request too.”
“What is it?”
“How about we go on Christmas?”
Nagi’s eyes widened—then she smiled, her usual bright smile.
“I’d love to. Christmas it is.”
“Thanks. Let’s call it our mutual reward, then.”
“Sounds good.”
Yeah, that’s her usual smile. For now, she’s okay.
“It’s about time, so I’ll go prep dinner. Tonight’s fish stew.”
“Oh, stew? Looking forward to it.”
“Wait for it eagerly, okay? And…”
Nagi turned back once as she headed to the kitchen.
“I’d like to stay over tonight. Please plan accordingly.”
“…Got it.”
I nodded at her words. After hearing about her dreams, it’s probably best for now.
And that night, as expected, Nagi didn’t dream of that day.
★★★
“Hm, me? I’m planning to spend the whole day flirting with Eiji. Oh? Didn’t Eiji say he heard from Minorin that you’d settled on a place?”
After school, behind the gym where hardly anyone passed by, I was on the phone with Nishizawa-san.
When I asked, “What are you doing for Christmas?” she answered cheerfully.
“Oh, no, it’s not about the location… Um, if it’s okay, I’d like to ask about a gift for a lover.”
That earlier bit was just a lead-in. This was what I really wanted to talk about.
“Hm? A gift? I’m thinking earrings and a piercing gun for now.”
“Earrings…?”
“Yeah. Eiji’s been saying he wants to wear earrings forever but is too scared to get his ears pierced. I figured it’d be perfect if he wore ones I gave him.”
“I see.”
I rested my chin in my hand and glanced at the sky. White clouds dotted the blue expanse.
“Nagirin, you sound like you’re agonizing over it?”
“No, I’ve decided what to give… but now I’m wondering if it might be a bit heavy.”
“Oh? What’re you giving?”
I hesitated but decided I had to say it to move forward.
I told Nishizawa-san what I’d chosen.
“Huh? Isn’t that fine? No need to overthink it.”
“R-Really? Hayama-san said the same thing earlier, but…”
“Yeah, no problem at all. He’ll be thrilled. Heck, even a ring would probably make him happy.”
“A r-ring!?”
I couldn’t help raising my voice. I quickly covered my mouth and cleared my throat softly.
“S-Sorry.”
“No worries, no worries. …But seriously, it’s not a bad idea, right? There’s engagement rings and all.”
“That’s… w-well, I don’t have enough time for that. Money-wise… my mother might cover it, but that’s not the issue. I’d need to measure Souta-kun’s ring size too.”
“Wow… pretty practical reasons it won’t work yet.”
But… it’s not a bad idea. Not now, but someday I’d love to give him one.
“Even if I gave something else, I’m not sure if Souta-kun wants accessories.”
“Hmm. I feel like he’d like that too, but your original idea’s fine. He’ll definitely love it more.”
“You’re right… Okay, I’ll stick with it. Oh, and I just thought of one more thing to prepare.”
“Nice, nice! Enjoy the agonizing too, yeah? It’s all about having fun with this stuff.”
I couldn’t help but smile, recalling how Hayama-san said something similar recently.
Talking to Nishizawa-san was great. Bouncing ideas off someone beats mulling it over alone.
…Yeah, it’s a good plan.
“Thank you so much. I think I can give it to Souta-kun smoothly now.”
“No prob, no prob. We’ll have fun too, so you guys enjoy yourselves.”
“Yes! Well then…”
I was about to hang up—when Nishizawa-san’s voice stopped me just before I tapped the screen.
“Yep… Oh, wait, one more thing?”
“What is it?”
“Sorry, sorry. Just one thing’s been bugging me. Where’re you going for your Christmas date?”
“…The amusement park.”
“Amusement park!?! That’s… oh, wait, I get it. That’s the deal?”
“…Yeah. I’m still a little hung up on it.”
“Gotcha.”
She couldn’t see me, but I nodded out of habit. I… I’m still dragging that day with me.
I have to keep dragging it. I can’t forget it. That’s what I’d thought—
“Enjoy your redo date, then.”
“Yes. We’ll redo it.”
This time, I won’t let Souta-kun feel sad. We need to move forward together.
With that resolve etched in my heart, I ended my call with Nishizawa-san.
★★★
“Hair… looks fine. Clothes are good too.”
I checked carefully in the mirror for bedhead. I’m still clueless about fashion, but I shouldn’t look weird.
“Time’s fine too, I’d say.”
We’re meeting at nine at the usual spot. It’s seven now. Plenty of time—should be.
“…Normally, she might already be there if I went now, but we made a promise yesterday.”
“Tomorrow… or rather, from now on, let’s meet on time properly. It’s winter now. If one of us gets there early and the other has to wait, they might catch a cold from the chill.”
—She’d said. Fair point.
Still, with time to spare, it’s perfect. My heart’s all jittery, so I’ll look up things to avoid on a date on my phone.
“…That said, it’s mostly obvious stuff.”
I don’t want Nagi to hate me. So when we’re together, I naturally watch myself to avoid saying or doing anything she’d dislike. I try not to hurt people in general, but with Nagi, I’m extra careful.
Of course, only to the extent it doesn’t wear me out. If I couldn’t be myself, what’s the point?
If we’re thinking about the future, it’s better to be as genuine as possible.
It’d be easy to put up a front. I could probably hide all my uncool sides from Nagi with enough effort.
But—eventually, I’d hit a limit.
Small cracks would one day shatter the vessel. And fixing a broken one is tough. It’d take time.
The longer I hold it in, the worse the damage when it breaks.
“…I said something like that to Nagi early on, didn’t I?”
If you keep pretending, keep running, you’ll tire out. If you exhaust yourself too much to keep going, it’ll take even longer to start again.
A nostalgic memory made my cheeks soften.
Back then, Nagi was a step more reserved than now. Though once we got closer, our sense of distance got all messed up.
Being her first friend must’ve meant a lot to her.
“…I’m glad it was me.”
If someone else had been by Nagi’s side instead.
Just imagining it made something dark bubble up inside, and I exhaled to push it down.
“It felt long, but maybe it was short too.”
Three months since then. It’s both a short and long time for a guy and girl to date. Depends on the person, I guess.
“Getting too lost in thought’s no good either.”
Familiarity breeds courtesy, but no overdoing it—that’s my conclusion. I reset my mind.
Still, there’s time.
I reviewed today’s plans, glanced around the room, confirmed it didn’t need cleaning, and left the house to make it to the meeting spot right at nine.
★★★
The train rattled along, and I gazed out the window.
Cloudy outside. The forecast said it might snow.
I sent, “Almost there,” and Nagi replied, “Me too.”
The moment I reached the station—a figure stepped onto the platform, catching my eye.
The train stopped, and the doors opened.
“Good morning, Souta-kun.”
“Morning, Nagi.”
Nagi boarded the train. We moved a bit from the entrance, and I looked at her again.
She wore a white sweatshirt with a down coat and a thick blue skirt.
The train was noticeably warmer than outside. Nagi took off her fluffy earmuffs.
“Phew. It’s cold today, isn’t it?”
“Yeah. The forecast said it might snow tonight.”
When our eyes met, a soft light glimmered in Nagi’s blue gaze.
“You’ve started checking the weather, huh?”
“I’ve learned my lesson, at least.”
“Hehe.”
Nagi laughed cheerfully. Her eyes shifted from mine downward, scanning my outfit.
“It suits you well. You look great.”
“You too, Nagi… I mean, you look cute. It’s a style that really brings out your charm.”
“Thank you.”
Nagi flashed a warm smile, and at that moment, the surroundings grew a little noisier.
Wondering what was up, I glanced over—only to see guys, likely with their partners, getting their cheeks pinched or arms yanked, letting out yelps.
“…What’s going on with them?”
“No need to worry about it, I think.”
Maybe they were just captivated by Nagi’s cuteness. Even without bias, she’s undeniably adorable and beautiful, so it’s not surprising.
That aside, I had my own thoughts.
To shield Nagi from those gazes, I subtly moved to act as her wall.
★★★
“The train was so warm that it feels even colder out here… You okay, Nagi?”
“Yes. I brought a hand warmer too.”
Stepping off the train and out of the station, I asked, and Nagi pulled a hand warmer from her pocket to show me.
Reassured, I started to walk when my sleeve was tugged lightly.
“Um, Souta-kun. Your hands are cold, right?”
“Hm? Oh… yeah, I guess.”
“Th-Then… let’s hold hands!”
Nagi’s cheeks flushed faintly, and her gaze darted away.
“…M-More than anything, it’d make me happy. How about it?”
She said it with slightly downcast eyes, rubbing the hand warmer between her hands.
Before I knew it, I’d taken her hand. Nagi looked surprised for a moment, then let out a soft giggle.
She tucked the hand warmer back into her pocket and enveloped my hand with both of hers. It was incredibly warm.
“…If it’s this warm, the heat shouldn’t escape even after we hold hands.”
With that, Nagi released one hand and rested the other atop mine.
“Souta-kun, hasn’t the scratch on your hand healed yet? I heard you pricked it with a needle in home ec class.”
“Oh, yeah. It’s fine. It’s almost healed—no pain either. I could’ve taken the bandage off, honestly.”
“That’s good to hear. But keeping the bandage on is the right call to avoid germs.”
As Nagi adjusted her hand’s position, our palms aligned perfectly. I was relieved she hadn’t noticed.
“Your hands really are big, Souta-kun.”
“…They’re pretty average for a guy, I think.”
“Are they?”
Nagi asked, then smiled brightly.
“But that doesn’t matter to me. …The only men’s hands I need to know are my father’s and yours, Souta-kun.”
Her fingers slipped between mine.
“Shall we go, Souta-kun? …Souta-kun?”
She started walking, our hands now linked in what’s called a “lover’s hold.”
But I couldn’t move.
“…That was unfair just now.”
My face heated up, and I turned away from her. Sensing it, Nagi squeezed my hand tighter.
Despite the cold winter breeze, my cheeks felt hotter than any hand warmer.
★★★
“…Souta-kun, it looks like the maze has been revamped!”
“Good for you. Seems like a lot of things are Christmas-themed too.”
We were flipping through a pamphlet together while waiting at the entrance gate.
Since Nagi seemed especially fond of the maze, I felt a little happy hearing it’d been updated.
But then Nagi gasped, as if realizing something, and looked at me.
“…Oh! Th-This time, I won’t figure it out alone—I’ll tackle it with you, Souta-kun!”
“You don’t have to worry about that. I never get tired of watching your serious face, Nagi.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. When you’re focused, you look cool… and the contrast with your usual self is striking.”
Explaining that to a puzzled Nagi, she tilted her head and said, “In that case,” before leaning closer.
“Then I absolutely can’t solve it alone now. …I want to see your cool side too, Souta-kun.”
Her beautiful face was right in front of me, wearing a slightly mischievous smile.
“Hehe. Looking forward to it, okay?”
“…I’m not exactly great at this, but I’ll try.”
“Yes!”
Nagi beamed with excitement and delight.
—This was clearly different from last time. Her pure intent to enjoy herself shone through.
I’d been a bit anxious. But that worry seemed unfounded. If she’d still been uneasy, I’d planned to head there first, but…
Seeing Nagi like this made me smile too. The maze first, then which ride next?
★★★
We dove right into the maze.
“Looks like this way was a dead end.”
“It’s a lot tougher than before.”
On top of the maze, there were quizzes and riddles mixed in. It didn’t require deep knowledge, but it demanded flexible thinking—something like an escape room, maybe? I wasn’t too familiar with those.
Nagi groaned softly, studying the map and question sheet. With both hands occupied, she couldn’t do her usual chin-scratching habit, but her expression was dead serious.
Her lips parted slightly, and her eyes widened.
“…Oh! I got it! It’s the ◆ spot!”
With that, she grabbed my hand and started walking.
Nagi’s pure excitement was childlike and a joy to watch.
Her soft touch made my heart pound, but I ignored it and followed her.
She returned to the starting room and peeked into the ● room.
“Probably this shelf. Bottom row, second from the right… there it is.”
Crouching, Nagi peeled something off—a small key.
“We did it, Souta-kun!”
“Yeah. That’s amazing, Nagi.”
I couldn’t help but smile too.
Reaching out, I gently stroked her smooth, snow-white hair, and she narrowed her eyes happily.
“Ehehe.”
We didn’t usually do this outside, but with no one around, it was fine.
…Wait. Could there be cameras watching us?
It’s indoors, so they’d probably have them for security.
I paused, and Nagi looked at me with a hint of reluctance before pulling back quietly.
“I’ll keep it up! …Oh, let’s solve the next one together. I want to pat your head too, Souta-kun!”
“Uh, no, I’m fine with that.”
“…You don’t like it?”
“It’s not that I don’t like it, just…”
I hesitated. But those sparkling eyes stared at me intently.
With a tiny, quiet sigh, I gave in.
“Fine. When the time comes… I’ll leave it to you.”
“Yes! Of course!”
I wanted to make lots of happy memories with Nagi today.
Seeing her nod with a smile, we moved to the next area—hoping no one was watching through cameras.
★★★
“Th-This… is it okay? I feel like we’re getting more stares than usual.”
A pair of white cat ears poked out from Nagi’s head. I nearly reached for them but held back.
Apparently, there was a reward for clearing the maze. We only noticed after finishing, but since we could take it, we did—a cat ear headband.
“It’s fine—lots of people are wearing them. And, uh, it’s cute.”
“…R-Really?”
The reward was just a headband from the souvenir shop, though in a different color. On its own, it wasn’t too conspicuous.
Maybe because it was Christmas, plenty of others wore them too—couples, close-knit families, you name it.
Nagi stood out with it on, but she already stood out, so it was within the margin of error.
“Ehehe. Good, then. So, Souta-kun, you too—”
“I’m fine without one.”
There was just one issue.
There were two headbands.
“W-Why not?”
“Why? …It wouldn’t suit me.”
Nagi looked puzzled, but I shook my head.
It’d be different if I were as beautiful and cute as Nagi. But cat ears on a guy? The demand’s way too low.
“N-No way! It’ll suit you! Definitely!”
Nagi thrust the headband at me with both hands. Her face was slightly red, almost desperate.
“Uh, well…”
“Whether it suits you is for me to decide! Just try it on once, please!”
She handed it over. I wavered—but I couldn’t refuse Nagi’s request.
“L-Like this?”
In the end, I put it on.
Nagi stared at me, then broke into a wide, beaming smile.
“Yes! It suits you perfectly!”
Her hand reached out—not for my head, but the cat ears.
It wasn’t direct contact, yet it tickled somehow.
“Hehe. So cute.”
“If you say so, Nagi, that’s fine, but…”
She kept touching the ears, maybe enjoying the texture. Her blue eyes fixed on my head—
“You’re really cute, Souta-kun.”
“…Huh?”
With that, Nagi pulled her phone from her pocket.
“Sh-Should we take a picture? For a keepsake!”
“Oh, sure. Fine by me.”
Nagi was a bit pushier than usual, and I went along with it, letting her snap the photo.
“Here we go… Say cheese!”
Her handling was a little clumsy, but we got the shot.
I wasn’t sure if I’d smiled well, but Nagi looked at it and beamed, so it must’ve been okay.
Relieved, I saw her turn that smile toward me.
“Thank you, Souta-kun. …I’ll treasure it.”
“I wanted a photo too. Could you send it to me later?”
“Of course! Oh, can I set it as my wallpaper?”
“Yeah, go ahead.”
“…Yay!”
Muttering softly, Nagi fiddled with her phone happily. Watching her, my own cheeks softened.
“All set. Where to next?”
“Hm. The roller coaster… would mean taking these off again. How about we wander and decide?”
“Let’s do that. There are rides we didn’t try last time too.”
Nagi took my hand, lacing our fingers together. Her warmth flowed directly into me.
“Hehe. Let’s go, Souta-kun.”
“Yeah.”
Nagi walked with a light, lively step.
Her genuine joy reached me deep down, making me happy again.
★★★
“Wah!”
“You okay?”
Nagi nearly lost her balance, so I slid my hand around her back, steadying her. She gave an embarrassed little laugh.
“Ehehe. Thank you.”
She squeezed my hand tighter.
Right now, we were about to ride the merry-go-round—one of the attractions we’d missed last time.
It was beautifully decorated, mostly occupied by couples or families.
…Last time, it’d been full of kids, so I’d felt too shy to ride.
But this time, with more people our age around, I suggested it, and Nagi’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm.
“…To be honest, I wanted to ride it last time too.”
“Really?”
Nagi scratched her cheek with her free hand, blushing as she nodded.
“Yeah. But, um, there were so many kids last time, and I worried you might say no, Souta-kun…”
“I don’t usually say no. Especially not to you, Nagi.”
“But if I kept asking, you might end up not enjoying yourself.”
She murmured anxiously. I laughed at her words.
“I’m happy just being with you, Nagi. Seeing you enjoy yourself makes it even better. So don’t overthink it.”
Nagi smiled—a soft, warm smile.
“…Hehe. We’re the same, then.”
Her grip tightened. Her warmth flowed through her expression, her words, her hands.
“Then you too, Souta-kun—don’t hold back. Tell me if there’s a ride or something you want to do, okay?”
“Yeah, of course.”
As I nodded, the merry-go-round started moving.
“Whoa. It’s got some kick.”
“Yes! …Oh, if you start to fall, I’ll catch you this time!”
“Thanks.”
Our horses moved at the same pace. They bobbed up and down a bit, but not enough to pull our hands apart. There were even grip balls on the horses’ heads to keep us steady.
Still—riding something like this was a rare experience. Naturally, it was totally different from roller coasters, buses, or trains.
That novelty made it fun.
“Hehe. This is fun, Souta-kun.”
“Yeah, it is.”
Our eyes met, and a gentle light glowed steadily in Nagi’s blue gaze.
She seemed to really enjoy this ride too.
By the way, while we were on, a staff member apparently took photos. They offered them for purchase, so we bought two—one for each of us.
★★★
Like last time, we ate lunch together in the designated space.
After that, we rode a few more attractions, enjoying ourselves fully.
Our gazes met naturally, Nagi’s and mine. It was as if we both knew what ride to try next… and before we realized it, we were there.
“—There’s more of a line than before, huh?”
“Yeah, looks like it.”
Good thing we came a bit early.
“Souta-kun.”
“What’s up?”
Nagi leaned in closer. The grip on my hand tightened.
“—I love you. I always have, and I always will. I’ll never leave your side again, no matter what.”
Her voice was soft, yet her feelings hit me with an almost painful intensity.
“I love you too, Nagi.”
Squeezing her hand back, we lined up for the Ferris wheel. This time, we wouldn’t repeat past mistakes.
Seeing Nagi’s expression, I struck up some light conversation. Before long, it was our turn.
“It’s pretty cramped in here, huh?”
“If we sat across from each other, there’d be more space… What do you think?”
“No, this is fine. …Being close to you is more fun, Souta-kun, and it makes me happy.”
The faint tension in the air… it wasn’t just my imagination, was it?
“R-Right, winter break’s starting soon, huh? You’re taking the shinkansen to your place, right, Souta-kun?”
“Yeah. A shinkansen ride and a few train stops after that.”
I answered Nagi, closing my eyes for a moment.
She kept talking, as if trying to avoid something.
“The shinkansen… It’ll be my first time riding one. Oh, by the way, Souta-kun—”
“Nagi.”
I interrupted her, calling her name. She flinched slightly.
“Thank you. But there’s something I’d like to ask you first.”
Nagi was trying to keep me entertained, to keep my mind off any trauma. …Her thoughtfulness warmed my heart.
But if this kept up, I worried she’d end up spinning her wheels again. She was trying so hard to make me happy that it felt like she was pushing herself a little too much.
“Something… you want to ask?”
“Yeah. Probably something I can only ask here… and I think neither of us can move forward unless I do.”
Nagi gave a small nod.
Taking a deep breath, I faced her fully.
“Could you tell me everything you’re anxious about, Nagi?”
Her blue eyes wavered, rippling with unease. Deep within them, a strong current of anxiety surfaced.
Time might eventually ease that anxiety. That could be true.
But—I didn’t want Nagi to keep suffering.
“The day before I went to your house, Eiji said something to me.”
“…Makizaka-san?”
“Yeah. It was about a potential concern if things went well between us.”
Even if everything worked out perfectly, that wouldn’t erase everything. Especially for Nagi’s heart—switching gears would be tough.
“‘It’ll probably turn out fine in the end, and time should sort it out. But one misstep, and she might end up depending too much on you, Souta. That’s not what you want, right?’”
So he’d told me to keep a close eye on her.
And as it turned out—he was right. There were signs Nagi was starting to lean on me too heavily.
First, that day. After her family issues settled and she stayed over at my place.
Her behavior—offering herself up like that—felt like a plea not to abandon her.
Then the next time I noticed it was the day after, when I caught a cold.
I got sick, and Nagi blamed herself. She took care of me until the next day… as if atoning for that day.
And when she met my parents, she apologized excessively.
The clincher came when she opened up about the final exam results.
Nagi had been having dreams. Dreams of “betraying” me.
It was like she was hurting herself on purpose, wounding her own heart over and over. And tracing it back—it was to avoid betraying me again. To keep me from abandoning her.
“Sometimes, out of nowhere, I start thinking.”
Her voice trembled, forced out after a moment of hesitation.
“‘Can I really make Souta-kun happy?’”
But then she shook her head vigorously.
“No. Like I said back then, I will make you happy, Souta-kun. No matter what, I’ll make sure of it.”
She lowered her eyes, though, and let out a self-deprecating laugh.
“But… I have a record, don’t I? A history of betraying someone precious—hurting you deeply, Souta-kun. Even if you and your parents forgive me, that past doesn’t go away. So sometimes, I stop trusting myself.”
Nagi placed a hand gently on her chest.
…Her expression was painfully raw.
“If I hurt you again, Souta-kun… Just thinking about it makes my chest tighten, and I feel sick with self-loathing. I’ve sworn to myself I’d never let that happen… but I still can’t trust myself.”
She closed her eyes, clenching her fists tightly.
“If I betrayed you again, hurt you again? If it came to that, I’d rather—”
“Nagi.”
I took her hand. It had grown terribly cold.
Just as she’d done after we got off the train, I enveloped it with both of mine.
“Thank you for telling me. You don’t need to say the rest.”
I slid one hand to her back and pulled her into a hug.
“That must’ve been tough, Nagi.”
“N-No… Compared to me, you’ve been hurt so much more, Souta-kun…”
“Even so. It doesn’t change that it was hard for you.”
Especially if she’d been thinking like that alone… it must’ve been agonizing.
“It’s okay, Nagi. That future won’t happen. I’m not just comforting you—I’ve got solid reasons.”
She lifted her face slightly. Finally, her eyes met mine.
Not the imagined, suffering me—but the happy me, right here, now.
“First, it’s because you’re worrying about it so much. If you’re this anxious, that future can’t possibly come to pass.”
“B-But I’m really… really foolish. I didn’t even talk to my parents, and I selfishly weighed you against them—”
Her fists started to clench again, but I wrapped them gently yet firmly with both hands.
“My record won’t disappear. I might do the same thing again someday… I can’t trust myself.”
“No way. You’d never betray me, Nagi. Never.”
I denied her words with a smile.
“You’re thoughtful, Nagi. What happened before was just you overthinking things and getting caught up in it. You were spinning your wheels back then. But that won’t happen anymore.”
I moved the hand from her back to her head, stroking it gently.
“And here’s the second reason: your parents are there.”
“…Papa and Mama?”
“Yeah. Souichirou-san and Chie-san. And Suzaka-san too.”
I nodded once, running my fingers through her silky hair. It was astonishingly smooth, like silk, and felt wonderful to touch.
“This is just my take, but… those three—especially Souichirou-san and Chie-san—seem to deeply regret what happened. Just like you, Nagi.”
“…Yes.”
“That’s why they won’t repeat the same mistake. Everyone’s resolved not to let it happen again. Even if someone—like you, hypothetically—started spinning their wheels again, Souichirou-san, Chie-san, or Suzaka-san would step in beforehand. It’d be the same if any of them slipped up—someone else would stop it.”
Plus, Nagi’s not the same as she was.
She’s started showing her emotions and working to meet Souichirou-san and the others halfway. That’s exactly why the future she’s worried about won’t come.
“Still, I don’t think my words alone will completely erase your anxiety.”
That’s what “anxiety” is like. All I can do is talk like this or keep her so busy enjoying herself that she forgets it.
As I said that—I remembered something.
“Oh, right. Nagi, there’s one more thing I want to say.”
“Something… you want to say?”
“Yeah. You’ve been saying it a lot lately, right? ‘I’ll make you happy, Souta-kun.’”
“…Yes. I promise that. No matter what, I’ll—”
“That’s where I think you’re off. I only realized it recently myself. I thought, ‘I’ll make Nagi happy.’ But that was a bit wrong too. The truth is—”
Cutting her off, Nagi tilted her head.
“I want to be happy with you, Nagi.”
Her blue eyes widened.
“I don’t want a future where you’re not smiling beside me. A future where I’m the only one laughing? I’d hate that.”
“B-But I’m happy as long as you’re smiling, Souta-kun.”
“Here’s the thing: I can’t smile if you’re not smiling.”
Her eyes darted around. …As I suspected, she hadn’t factored herself in.
Part of me thought, “Is this how far it goes?” while another part said, “Of course, after all that.”
Then I’d better steel myself too.
“I’m making a declaration, Nagi.”
She blinked, looking puzzled. Even that expression was picture-perfect.
“…W-What is it?”
I moved my hand from her head to her cheek, brushing it gently. She squirmed a little, ticklish, but her face lit up with a hint of joy.
Seeing that naturally softened my own expression. Gazing into her eyes, I said it.
“A year from now. Five years, ten years… even fifty years from now, I’ll be by your side. Always, from here on out.”
I gripped her other hand tightly with my free one.
“And then, we’ll laugh together. ‘That future never came, huh?’ We’ll laugh about how it was just a silly worry. —I’ll make sure we laugh, no matter what.”
A single tear rolled down Nagi’s cheek, landing on my hand.
“…Nagi?”
“Why…”
Her face crumpled, and tears poured from her eyes.
“U-Ugh…”
“Nagi!? W-Wait, what’s wrong!?”
For a split second, my mind went blank. I tried to calmly replay what I’d said.
—But staying calm was a mistake. The next moment, my face felt like it was on fire.
…What kind of cheesy line did I just spout?
It was from the heart, sure… but because it was, my face kept getting hotter. I’d said I’d steel myself, but couldn’t I have picked better words? No, nothing else came to mind.
That aside, crying over it seemed off, so I looked at Nagi again.
She seemed to catch my meaning and shook her head frantically.
“N-No, it’s n-not… it’s not that I didn’t like it or anything.”
“O-Okay, I get it. How about we calm down first and then talk?”
I hugged her as she struggled to speak, patting her back gently.
It was something my mom or dad used to do when I was upset and crying as a kid. It worked—within minutes, Nagi stopped crying.
“Th-Thank you.”
“…You’re welcome.”
I started to let go, but Nagi’s hands stayed on my back.
“Nagi?”
“It’s… a little embarrassing, so I’ll say it like this. Why I cried earlier…”
“…Got it.”
I nodded and hugged her again.
“W-Well, um… like I said, it’s not that I didn’t like your words, Souta-kun. If anything, it’s the opposite.”
She continued, a bit haltingly.
“…I was so, so happy. And, well… I love you so much, Souta-kun.”
“O-Oh… uh, thank you.”
Thrown off by her sudden confession, I still listened closely.
“I already loved you more than anything. I wanted to make you happy no matter what—I thought that was the limit of my feelings. But then—”
Her hands gripped my shirt tightly, and she looked up.
Her perfectly sculpted face was right there, red as an apple.
“I ended up loving you even more, Souta-kun.”
Her face drew closer. The sweet scent grew stronger—and then something soft touched my lips.
“My ‘I love you’ turned into an even bigger ‘I love you.’”
With that, she buried her face in my neck.
“I thought there couldn’t be more to my love… but then my feelings of love and happiness just exploded, and… that’s what happened.”
“I-I see.”
Her words and breath tickled me. To hide my shiver, I hugged her tighter.
“You said earlier, ‘I don’t think my words alone will completely erase your anxiety,’ right, Souta-kun?”
“…Yeah, I did.”
She lifted her face. Her eyes locked onto mine, unwavering.
“They did.”
With those words, a warm light flickered in her gaze.
“They’re all gone. Riding this Ferris wheel, I couldn’t help remembering… but all that anxiety in my heart? It’s completely vanished.”
Nagi smiled softly. That expression—so far removed from the “Ice Princess” she’d once been called—
It was beautiful, adorable, and warm. A smile like that.
“Souta-kun.”
Her voice, clear as a bell and soothing to the ear, called my name.
Her delicate, pale fingers reached out, took my hand, and squeezed.
“I love you.”
Her words held no hesitation.
From the warmth of her hand, the directness of her gaze, and the sound of her voice, I knew they were true.
My heart started pounding loudly.
“I love you more than anyone. More than even your parents… I love you more than anyone else could.”
Her heartbeat overlapped with mine, audible now.
Her face came closer, the sweet scent intensifying.
“Let me say it again. I want to be happy with you.”
With those words, our lips met. Softness pressed against me, her hands squeezing mine.
—It was long. Normally, it’d last a few seconds at most.
Five seconds. Ten. Twenty—and it kept going.
I tried not to focus on it, but as it stretched on, I couldn’t help noticing. The soft sensation against my chest.
Nagi’s feminine softness, her warmth, seeped into me. My heartbeat grew louder, but hers matched it, just as fierce…
After a little longer, breathing became difficult. It must’ve been the same for her—her eyes were misty with a thin sheen.
I tapped her shoulder gently, and she pulled away.
Reluctantly, so very reluctantly.
Her rose-red lips glistened. Seeing them made my face flush, and hers turned just as red.
She placed a hand on her cheek, taking deep breaths to steady herself.
Then she looked at me again, intently.
“Souta-kun.”
“…What?”
“You might think it’s late for this. But I want to say something properly. Back then, it happened in the heat of the moment, so I wanted to tell you one-on-one.”
I nodded, waiting for her next words.
“—Souta-kun. Will you be my fiancé?”
Her blue eyes were calm now, no longer wavering.
Her words surprised me a little, but acceptance outweighed it.
That we were engaged had been decided when her mother, Chie-san, told us. She must’ve had her reasons.
The time she picked me up from school or delivered something I forgot… we’d both gotten a bit carried away, so let’s set that aside. My parents had given their blessing too, but we hadn’t talked about it just the two of us like this.
I squeezed her hand back. Nagi spoke again.
“It’s not because I’m anxious or anything negative. It’s because I want to be happy together.”
I knew. There was no trace of anxiety in her expression anymore.
That’s why—I said it.
“Yeah. Of course. Let’s get engaged… and be happy together.”
Nagi’s face lit up, and she pressed herself closer.
“After we graduate high school—nah, I’ll hold off on saying that for now.”
“…Yes!”
The Ferris wheel was finally nearing the top.
“…Souta-kun.”
Leaning against me, Nagi squeezed my hand. Her snow-white hair flowed smoothly, soft to the touch.
Her skin was just as pale, though her cheeks were faintly pink. In contrast, her eyes held the deep blue of the ocean floor.
Her features were perfectly refined—beautiful and cute enough to gaze at forever.
“What’s up?”
I squeezed back, and her already upturned lips lifted a little more. She didn’t bother hiding her joy, and it made me smile too.
“I love you.”
Her straightforward affection shook me to my core, stealing my breath.
I’m still not used to it. Far from it—every day, this feeling only grows.
“I love you so much. Your voice. Your warmth. Your heart. Your everything… I love it all.”
For a moment, my throat tightened, cutting off my air. But it passed quickly, and breath returned—along with Nagi’s sweet, floral scent.
“I love you so much… I’m overflowing with happiness. I almost wonder if it’s okay to feel this happy.”
“…It’s fine to be happy.”
Her hand left mine, brushing my cheek. Her fingertips were cool, her palm warm.
“With you, Souta-kun, I feel like I could overcome anything.”
“Me too, Nagi.”
I wrapped her fingertips in my palm, warming them through.
“Hehe.”
Nagi smiled softly, placing her other hand over mine.
Her eyes gazed at me tenderly. Slowly, she leaned closer…
And her soft lips brushed my cheek.
“Thinking back, the first time I kissed you like this—or got kissed—was on a train, wasn’t it?”
“…Yeah. By accident, though.”
That time the train jolted, and I ended up pinning Nagi against the wall. Not the first incident, but the second.
“Thank you for everything back then too.”
“You’re welcome… It was part of our promise, anyway.”
“Even so. You put yourself in harm’s way to protect me. If you hadn’t been there… I might’ve been crushed.”
“I ended up crushing you anyway.”
She giggled at that.
“I’d welcome being crushed by you, Souta-kun. …You smell nice, and I’d feel you with my whole body.”
She froze, realizing what she’d said, her face turning beet red.
“N-No! I-I mean, I’m not some weirdo who likes being crushed or anything…!”
“I know, I know.”
Her flustered panic was amusing—and adorable—making my cheeks soften.
Nagi’s eyes spun as she scrambled for a new topic.
Watching her like this could be fun, but I didn’t want her to hate me. Just as I thought to offer a subject, she let out an “Oh!”
“Right! I have something for you, Souta-kun!”
She rummaged through her bag. I wasn’t so dense as to miss what she meant.
“…Me too.”
I pulled a box from my bag. Nagi took out a bag too.
“Merry Christmas, Souta-kun.”
Her red bag was tied with a green ribbon, adorned with a big Christmas tree print.
“Thanks, Nagi.”
I took it and handed her my box.
It was red too, wrapped with a green ribbon.
“Merry Christmas. Here’s my gift.”
“Yes! Thank you!”
Nagi accepted it with both hands, carefully.
“You first, Souta-kun. Open it.”
“Sure.”
With her permission, I untied the ribbon and pulled out the contents.
“…A scarf!”
It was blue—the same shade as Nagi’s eyes.
“Yes! There’s one more thing deeper inside, so check it out.”
As she said, there was something else. I pulled it out—
“…! Gloves too!”
“Yes! I didn’t have much time for these, but I finished them last night.”
“So… they’re handmade? Both of them?”
“Of course!”
I stared at Nagi, stunned, then looked back at the scarf and gloves, my face softening.
“I made them with all my gratitude and love up till now.”
“Thank you. I’ll treasure them.”
That sentiment… it made me so, so happy.
“Hehe. It’ll get cold tonight, so put them on once we get off.”
“Yeah… Nagi, you open yours too.”
“Yes!”
At my cue, Nagi carefully unwrapped it.
A white box emerged. Opening it revealed two smaller boxes—one palm-sized, the other even tinier.
“This is…! The key case you mentioned before! Thank you!”
The larger one was a key case. After much debate, I’d picked a sky-blue one that suited her, with a small bird drawn in the corner.
“It’s so cute!”
Her voice bubbled with joy, her eyes narrowing as she smiled. I was so relieved she liked it.
Then her gaze shifted to the other box.
“And this is…?”
“I’m not sure if you’ll like it… but just open it.”
She tilted her head curiously and opened it.
Inside was a small keychain.
A black cat silhouette accessory attached to it.
“Uh, well… I thought the key case might feel a bit empty with just keys. …This was the best one I made, but if you don’t like it, you don’t have to use it.”
“Handmade?”
Nagi looked surprised. I nodded with a laugh.
“The cat part, yeah. I researched a bunch and made it. I’m clumsy, so it took a while, but I managed to finish in time.”
I wasn’t used to this stuff, and it came down to the wire. I even nicked my finger a bit. But somehow, it took shape.
“…! I’m so happy! So, so happy! I’ll treasure it!”
Nagi hugged the key case and keychain to her chest, beaming with joy.
“And it’s super cute!”
“Really? Good, then.”
Her words eased my nerves. I’d been scared she wouldn’t like it after all that effort… but seeing her this happy made it worth it.
Nagi smiled gleefully at her gifts, and I grinned at my scarf and gloves.
Glancing outside, I noticed the Ferris wheel starting to descend.
“…We forgot about the view.”
“Oh… yeah.”
The scenery was supposed to be great, but we’d missed it.
“Should we line up again for another round?”
“…That’d be nice, but…”
Nagi looked at me, smiling softly.
“Let’s save the view for next time.”
—Next time. When we come again, huh.
“Yeah. Let’s do that.”
Right. This wasn’t the end.
In our long lives… we’d surely come back here at least once more.
Maybe next time, it wouldn’t just be the two of us… but three.
Looking at Nagi, she was gazing at her keychain and key case, smiling.
As we talked, the Ferris wheel reached the bottom. I got off first, holding Nagi’s hand so she wouldn’t trip.
We walked a bit… and ended up at that quiet spot from before, where things had happened. Purely by chance, not on purpose.
There, I put on the gloves and scarf.
“How’s it look…? Does it suit me?”
“Yes! It suits you perfectly!”
Meanwhile, Nagi pulled a key from her bag—my house’s spare key—attached the keychain, and slipped it into the key case.
“Hehe…”
Smiling, she tucked it away. Then an idea hit me, and I called out.
“Nagi, come stand next to me for a sec.”
“…? Sure, okay.”
She tilted her head but stepped beside me. Nagi’s got a great figure and is a bit tall—just a little shorter than me, the perfect height.
I unwound the scarf from my neck, draped it around myself slightly, and handed the other end to her.
“Might as well warm up together.”
“…! Yes!”
We wrapped the scarf around us both. Naturally, we drew closer.
“…Hm. It’s kind of thrilling, just a little. But it makes me so happy.”
“Yeah… it does.”
It felt different from just holding hands. Our movements were slightly restricted, but there was no discomfort—none at all.
It was like I’d connected with Nagi on a deeper level, and that made me quietly happy.
“So… shall we head back soon?”
“…Yeah. By the time we get there, it’ll probably be late.”
“Head back” didn’t mean to our separate homes. Tonight, Nagi would stay at my place.
“Oh, right. Suzaka-san said she’d drop off dinner at your house.”
“Did she? That’s a big help. …Hey, want to pick up some souvenirs too?”
“Yes! Let’s go shopping!”
Nagi gripped my hand, and we started walking.
I’d thought I’d be spending this Christmas alone.
…No, not just Christmas.
This year, and probably next year too. Even though I’d made a friend in Eiji, I’d assumed I’d stay single forever.
I thought my unchanging routine would just go on. And until that moment, I’d thought it wasn’t so bad.
—My gray days had suddenly burst into color. So much so that I never wanted to go back to how things were. They’d become fun, happy.
“Nagi.”
I called her name and turned to her. Our eyes met—hers like sparkling gems.
Then I studied her face closely.
She was strikingly beautiful.
I’d always watched her from afar, thinking we’d never speak.
I was awkward, bad at talking to people.
“Thank you.”
The words slipped out naturally.
For being with me.
For talking to me back then.
For cooking for me.
For making me bentos.
For choosing me.
It’d take too long to say it all, so I summed it up in one word.
“…No, thank you, Souta-kun.”
I wasn’t sure if everything got across… but I think it did.
We spoke at the same time next.
“‘You’re welcome.’”
Our words overlapped, and Nagi laughed. I laughed too.
Seeing her smile, I was certain.
Nagi’s okay now.
★★★
“Suzaka-san. Good to see you looking well.”
“Hehe. Suzaka-san was looking forward to chatting with you too, Souta-kun.”
Suzaka-san handed me a ton of souvenirs—cake, chicken, pie, all very Christmas-y.
She offered to carry them up, but I couldn’t let her go that far, so I took them myself. She came along to the apartment, though.
“We’ll heat up the food, so just leave it in the kitchen.”
“Sure. What should I help with?”
Watching Nagi move around my place like it was her own brought a smile to my face as I asked.
Nagi hummed, thinking for a moment, then smiled.
“…Got it.”
“It’s just heating up, so how about we chat while we wait?”
In other words, the usual.
The kitchen was Nagi’s domain here—I barely had a role.
Not that I can’t cook. …It’s just a hassle to make three meals a day, or even two outside of school. And whether they’re tasty is another question.
Being able to eat delicious food now is all thanks to Nagi. I’m truly grateful.
That aside, though.
“Someday, I’d like to cook with you, Nagi.”
When I said it, she turned to me with a surprised look.
Then she smiled softly.
“Yes! Let’s cook together soon!”
We made that promise. While the food warmed up, we started chatting.
Idle small talk. About things at home, an interesting book, a cute cat video we’d found.
That time spent talking had become one of my daily joys.
★★★
Christmas songs played from the TV.
When I listened with family, I never paid much attention to the lyrics. I just liked the rhythm, so I’d tune in for that.
But… listening now, I realized something.
“…There are a surprising number of breakup songs, huh?”
“Yeah.”
Not all of them were happy. I kind of got why they were popular.
One wrong step, and I’d have been listening to these alone.
“Souta-kun.”
Nagi called my name, snapping me out of that ridiculous thought.
She’d just gotten over her struggles—me moping now wouldn’t do.
My gloomy thoughts were wiped clean by a sweet, tender kiss.
“Every time you make that face, I’ll make you forget. …I’ll make you forget everything.”
She pulled back slightly, murmuring that, then pressed her lips to mine again.
It wasn’t a deep kiss. Yet it felt overwhelmingly sweet.
Her hand slid over, fingers lacing with mine, gripping as if to say she’d never let go.
How many times did it continue? Each time breathing got hard, we’d pause for a few seconds, but her lips returned before mine could dry.
A few bittersweet Christmas songs played, then shifted to a brighter tune. Finally, Nagi pulled away.
But her face settled against my neck… her arms wrapped around my back, hugging me so tight it felt like a sound might escape.
“I love you.”
Her voice was small. But it reached my ears, my heart.
“I love you too.”
A sweetness unlike cake, like flowers. With that scent, her warm body enveloped me.
That moment stretched on for a while.
★★★