A few days after the ominous student council eting regarding the third sester's special exam.
Winter had completely settled in, and Advanced Nurturing High School was now holding the closing ceremony for the second sester.
Even with the heaters running, the gymnasium still felt freezing to the bone. As all the students stood lined up, the newly appointed student council president, Miyabi Nagumo, delivered a long-winded closing speech on stage with overwhelming confidence.
(Haah… thank god. Today's closing ceremony is just Nagumo's speech, and I don't have to say a single thing as vice president. Escaping the public execution known as reciting my pretentious poems in front of the entire school already makes today a fantastic day.)
Inside, I breathed a sigh of relief while outwardly standing motionless behind him with the perfect posture of a demon king.
After the ceremony ended, Class A returned to their classroom for horoom.
Once their horoom teacher Hoshinomiya finished giving a brief explanation of winter break precautions and stepped down from the podium, Ichinose clapped her hands to gather everyone's attention.
"Everyone! Great job surviving the second sester! A lot happened, but we managed to stay in Class A without losing anyone, and that's all thanks to everyone's hard work!"
Applause broke out around the classroom.
"And since it's finally winter break… I was thinking, how about we hold a class Christmas party together on December 24th, Christmas Eve?"
"Ohhh! Seriously!?"
"I'm in! Let's do it!"
The entire class instantly lit up with excitent.
"Thanks! I'll reserve a large restaurant inside Keyaki Mall for us. Also, besides the participation fee, I want everyone to prepare a present worth around 2,000 points! We'll do a gift exchange during the party!"
(Ooooh! A class-wide Christmas party! And even a gift exchange!? This is peak youth…! This is exactly the kind of thing I've been waiting for!)
Internally pumping my fist in excitent, I finished horoom in an unusually cheerful mood.
---
December 23rd
The next day, Hiyori and I were walking together through the bustling Keyaki Mall, now crowded with students enjoying the beginning of winter vacation.
Our goal, naturally, was shopping for presents for tomorrow's party.
"Sousuke-kun, deciding what to buy for the gift exchange is difficult, isn't it? Sothing that anyone would appreciate… perhaps books or bookmarks?"
Wrapped in a white duffle coat, Hiyori looked up at happily.
"—There exists no perfect book capable of captivating every soul equally. But the art of fragrance can color any room with elegance."
(Translation: "Books depend on personal taste, so I'm thinking of getting sothing like a stylish room fragrance or decorative item anyone could use.")
"I see, stylish goods. I'll use that as reference too!"
We entered a variety goods shop and each carefully examined possible gifts.
While Hiyori was seriously browsing the mug section, I quietly slipped away toward the accessory display.
(Since it's Christmas, I want to give Hiyori sothing too—separate from tomorrow's gift exchange. A present to thank my best friend for everything she's done for …)
My eyes landed on a delicate silver hair ornant shaped like a snowflake.
Its elegant, understated shine would absolutely look perfect in Hiyori's beautiful silver hair.
Without letting her notice, I quickly bought it and hid the small box inside my pocket.
On the way back, bathed in the orange glow of the evening sun, Hiyori slowed her pace slightly and fidgeted with her coat pocket.
"Um… Sousuke-kun. About Christmas… the 25th, like we promised… around what ti should I co to your room…?"
I stopped walking and smiled gracefully at her with the sunset behind .
"—The doors to my throne shall remain open for you at any hour. Co whenever your heart desires."
(Translation: "Any ti is fine! Co whenever you'd like!")
"Hehe. Thank you. Then… I'll co around before noon."
Perfectly understanding my poem, Hiyori blushed redder than the sunset itself and smiled brightly.
---
December 24th — Christmas Eve
The Christmas party for First Year Class A was held in grand fashion at the reserved restaurant inside Keyaki Mall.
"Alright everyone—rry Christmas!!"
"""rry Christmas!!"""
At Ichinose's cheerful toast, glasses clinked together.
The tables overflowed with chicken, pizza, and colorful salads, while Christmas music mixed with the laughter of classmates.
Holding a glass of juice, I chatted casually with my classmates until my eyes noticed a girl sitting alone at the corner of another table, absentmindedly playing with her straw while sighing.
Yuki Hino.
(Hino's always been the type who struggles with loud group settings. Maybe I should talk to her a bit.)
I sat down beside her and spoke while swirling my drink.
"—The clamor of celebration must be harsh on ears that cherish silence. Do you despise this festival drenched in hollow lights?"
(Translation: "You look bored. Not really your thing, being around loud crowds?")
"…Huh? What are you talking about, Aizen-kun?"
Hino gave an openly suspicious look.
At once, Hiyori floated over with a smile and translated.
"He's asking, 'You seem bored—are noisy parties like this difficult for you after all?'"
"Oh, so that's what he ant… As always, thanks for interpreting, Shiina-san."
Hino sighed and looked around the restaurant.
"It's not that I hate it… I'm just more comfortable alone. It's quieter that way. But… I guess sothing like this isn't so bad once in a while."
Hearing her awkwardly honest admission, I nodded in satisfaction.
"—Then cherish that small fragnt of light."
(Translation: "I see. Then I'm glad.")
Once everyone finished eating, the main event finally began—the gift exchange.
All the presents were piled in the center of the table while everyone passed them around in a circle to the music.
When the music stopped, the package in your hands beca yours.
"Waaah! This super stylish hourglass and room fragrance set is amazing! Who bought this?"
Yu Kobashi exclaid with sparkling eyes after opening hers.
"—That was my selection. May it adorn your ti with elegance."
"Eh!? Aizen-kun's!? Wow, your taste is so stylish! Thank you!"
(Good, good. Even the girls approve.)
Feeling relieved, I noticed the slightly heavy square package left in my hands.
The card attached read: Ryuji Kanzaki.
(Oh! I got Kanzaki's present. I wonder what's inside—probably practical stationery or sothing.)
Excited, I opened the wrapping paper.
Inside were two thick hardcover poetry books with pitch-black covers and silver lettering titled:
"The Roar of the Abyssal Soul" and "The Throne Called Solitude."
(Pffft!? What the hell are these!?)
As I stared in horror, Kanzaki approached with a serious expression.
"So my gift ended up with you, Aizen."
"Kanzaki… this is…"
"Yes. Recently, I've beco interested in philosophical poetry and literature in order to better understand the aning behind your difficult words. They're excellent books for broadening one's horizons. Please give them a read."
(KANZAKIIII!! You're so serious you've completely caught my chuuni disease!! Co back!! Return to reality!!)
Internally clutching my head in agony, I could only outwardly answer:
"…I see."
The party continued warmly after that, and finally Ichinose stood before the class again.
"Everyone, today was really fun! The third sester's special exam will probably be really tough… but if it's us in Class A, we can definitely overco it! Let's all keep working hard together so we can stay at the top!"
"""OOOH!!"""
It was the perfect Christmas Eve night, with the entire class united as one.
---
December 25th — Christmas Day
Hiyori was scheduled to co to my room before noon.
That morning, I headed alone to Keyaki Mall to buy special ingredients for the Christmas al I planned to make for her.
On my way back carrying grocery bags in both hands, I suddenly noticed familiar faces seated at an outdoor café terrace.
Kiyotaka Ayanokouji from Class D, Maya Satou, Yousuke Hirata… and Kei Karuizawa.
(Oho! Kiyotaka's on a double date with Hirata and the others!? For soone who always looks emotionally dead inside, he's surprisingly enjoying youth.)
I almost called out to them, but stopped when I noticed Satou gazing at Kiyotaka with affectionate eyes.
(No, wait. If I barged into that atmosphere saying sothing like "—You appear to drift within the tranquil sea of fabricated peace," the mood would freeze instantly. A demon king's aura is way too dangerous for a double date. Best to quietly leave.)
Watching over their youth from afar, I returned to the dorms.
Back in my room, I imdiately put on an apron and began cooking.
I let the beef stew simr slowly while cutting vegetables for the salad.
Just as I finished, the intercom rang.
Opening the door, I found Hiyori standing there in a pure white knit dress instead of yesterday's duffle coat.
"rry Christmas, Sousuke-kun."
"—Welco, Hiyori."
(Translation: "Co in! It's cold outside, huh?")
"Hehe. Excuse , Sousuke-kun."
We ate lunch together while chatting casually.
Afterward, we drank tea Hiyori brewed herself and quietly imrsed ourselves in reading across from one another.
The room was so warm and peaceful that the cold outside felt unreal.
(Ahh… being with Hiyori really calms down…)
After glancing out the window at the softly falling snow, I spoke.
"—Would you entrust your ti to until nightfall covers the heavens? I wish to share tonight's feast with you as well."
(Translation: "Would you like to stay for dinner too?")
"Yes! I'd love to."
Clutching her book to her chest, Hiyori nodded happily.
After dinner ca tea ti.
At last, I pulled the small box from my pocket.
"—I want you to accept this. A fragnt ant to further enhance your silver radiance."
Opening the box, I presented the silver snowflake hair accessory.
"Waaah…! It's so beautiful…! For ?"
"Yes. A token of gratitude to the one who always supports ."
"Thank you so much…! I'll treasure it forever!"
Blushing pink, tears gathering in her eyes, Hiyori hugged the accessory tightly to her chest.
Then she too pulled a neatly wrapped paper bag from her own bag.
"I also have a present for you, Sousuke-kun. Um… I made it by hand."
Inside was a hand-knitted dark blue scarf that perfectly matched my usual clothing style.
(A hand-knitted scarf!? UOOOOHHHH!! I'm so ridiculously happy!! This is officially a family heirloom now!!)
Internally dancing with joy, I outwardly responded with maximum dignity:
"…Magnificent. The threads woven by your hands alone are enough to warm my neck."
Hiyori shyly laughed.
"Hehe."
Ti flew by, and soon curfew approached.
"—The moonlight illuminates your path ho. Allow to escort you to the gates of your castle."
"Yes. Please do."
Hiyori stood up and slipped on her white coat.
Then, just as she turned toward the door—
"U-Um… Sousuke-kun."
She looked back, fidgeting nervously while glancing up at .
(Hm? Did she forget sothing? Though honestly, Hiyori looking up at like that is insanely cute…)
At the exact mont I completely relaxed my guard—
"…The ti I spend reading and talking with you, Sousuke-kun… I truly love it. You're always so confident, so strong, always protecting everyone… but with , you're also so gentle and warm…"
Her clear yet trembling voice echoed through the quiet room.
Clutching both hands tightly against her chest, she looked directly into my eyes.
"Before I realized it… I had stopped seeing you as just a best friend. I started looking at you with more special feelings than that. I… love you, Sousuke-kun."
"..."
(...Huh? W-What? Love…? Hiyori… loves ? Wait wait wait! Not as a friend—but romantically!? But I'm just so cringe idiot constantly spouting nonsense poems!? Why would an angel like her ever—!?)
My brain completely short-circuited.
The dignity of the demon king vanished instantly.
I could only stand there in stunned silence, eyes wide.
And that silence—
To the girl who had gathered all her courage to confess—
Was unbearably cruel.
"Ah… um…"
The color drained from Hiyori's face.
Tears rapidly welled in her large eyes.
"S-Sorry…! I suddenly said sothing weird…! I troubled you, didn't I? Please forget it… goodnight!"
A tear slipped down her cheek as she turned away and grabbed the doorknob to flee.
The mont I saw those tears—
My body moved before my thoughts could.
I reached out, grabbed her slender arm, pulled her toward , and embraced her tightly from behind.
"Ah… Sousuke-kun…?"
Her delicate body trembled in my arms.
(What an idiot I am. How could I make the girl who courageously confessed her feelings to feel anxious and sad like this?)
(Ever since eting Hiyori, we'd spent our days reading together and sharing peaceful monts. Even after entering high school, she always smiled beside and translated my painfully embarrassing poems…)
(I kept telling myself "We're just best friends" and "Don't ruin this relationship"… but now I understand. I've loved Hiyori for a long ti already.)
(I don't know when it started. I just know I never want to see her sad. I want Hiyori to always smile happily beside … I've carried that wish in my heart for so long.)
I gently released my arms from around her back and slowly turned her toward by her shoulders.
eting her tearful eyes directly, the words that erged from my emotionally overwheld state beca the most pretentious, dramatic poem of my life.
"—If one desires to preserve the peace of the current relationship, then certainly there is no fear there. But in a world without the fear of being hurt, people would never reject it and seek new hope."
"—People continue walking rely by living, yet that is entirely different from continuing onward while overcoming fear. That is why humanity gave such a step a special na—'courage.'"
Gently squeezing her hand, I continued.
"You overca your fear of destroying our current relationship and conveyed your feelings to . I must answer the noble courage you showed ."
(No more hiding. I'm going to tell her exactly how I really feel.)
"—I convinced myself that you were like Kyoka Suigetsu—soone I could only admire from afar, soone I must never touch. But… the innocent courage you showed by crossing the boundary between us shattered my cowardly illusion and brought the light called 'you' into my hands as undeniable reality."
"...I can no longer continue this beloved story alone. From this point onward, let us write every page of my life together."
"...!"
The mont she heard my words, all the strength left Hiyori's body.
She buried her face into my chest as though diving into it, leaning all her weight against .
When she slowly looked up again, the sadness was gone from her eyes.
Instead—
There was the happiest smile imaginable blooming across her face.
"Yes… Gladly. Please let stay beside you, Sousuke-kun."
(Uwaaaaaahhh!! I seriously just delivered the cringiest poem imaginable!! Using BLEACH's final chapter quote during the biggest confession scene of my life with a smug face—how painfully embarrassing can I be!? But… but Hiyori's smiling this happily. So it's all worth it. No—this is a complete victory!!)
Holding the warmth in my arms, I was overwheld by indescribable happiness.
After that, we spent the remaining ti before curfew chatting sweetly by the doorway—ordinary conversations, yet sohow different from before.
Finally, when it truly was ti to part and I opened the door to escort her back—
"Um… Sousuke-kun."
Hiyori blushed slightly and shyly held out her right hand.
"Can we… hold hands while we walk back to my room…?"
"—Yes. If my hand is enough, then allow to guide you."
I firmly clasped her small hand in mine.
Leaving the room together, we walked side by side through the quiet hallway toward her floor.
In the cold winter corridor, the warmth transmitted through our joined hands felt unbelievably hot.
It was the mont the greatest Christmas present of my life descended upon my high school days—days cursed by demon king theatrics and endless pretentious poetry.
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