The first snow signifies the day when pristine white snowflakes cover the world for the first time that year.
That tickling feeling that stirs the childhood within. The warmth felt while admiring the white crystals that decorate the world with a lover.
For those who have served in the military, the instinctive aversion to this snowy day is strong, but as someone who hasn’t served, it doesn’t concern me.
In today’s world, where air pollution has become a serious issue and acid rain has settled in as a problem for a long time, the snow can hardly be expected to be clean…
But thankfully, the environment of our Kivotos is protected by the technology of Millennium. So, residents of Kivotos, feel free to roll around in the snowfields without worry.
“Hey, it feels so clingy today…?”
“So, is that what you dislike?”
“No, well… if I had to say, of course, I like it. But is it okay to walk around like this and not bother others…?”
If one hates being tightly held by their girlfriends on both sides, that would be a serious problem… Actually, I am that problem. Not even a man…
Even setting aside such trivial matters, it’s strange to dislike this situation. If it were a scorching hot summer with the discomfort index hitting the skies, maybe, but in this cold, snowy weather, human warmth is quite welcome.
“…Just walk a little closer, it’s fine.”
“Y-yeah, but everyone is staring.”
“Why is someone who wants to be an idol pretending to feel burdened by that? The embarrassment is our burden.”
“Nagisa is right. It’s actually more embarrassing for us.”
“Ahaha…”
With Hina and Nagisa clinging to both arms, I stroll through the snowy park of D.U. Every time I take a step, the sound of the snow crunching underfoot is quite pleasant.
Since the wind isn’t particularly strong, snowflakes drifting around is a lovely sight. The air is clear, and aside from the cold, it’s a perfect day to be outdoors.
“…Nagisa, do you have any plans for Christmas?”
“Oh my, I hadn’t mentioned that yet.”
…Ah.
When you think about it, is there anyone who doesn’t want to spend Christmas with a loved one? There’s a somehow heated debate that feels like it’s about to unfold…
“I’ll give up the evening of Christmas Eve for Hina. But on the day itself, I’ll be taking that slot, so make sure Mika can come over before the day changes.”
“…If that’s the case, um. Got it. Thanks for giving in, Nagisa.”
Huh? Did my expectations get thrown off?
Using me as a bargaining chip is a punishment, but fine. I just didn’t expect Nagisa to so easily share the schedule.
But upon reflection, it seems like Nagisa is getting her share of the credit without losing much. Hina only gets the evening of Christmas Eve, while Nagisa has the entire Christmas Day. Considering that day is a mandatory holiday, it feels like they proposed a somewhat reasonable compromise.
“What’s up, Mika? Do you have something to say?”
“No, not at all! Yeah, as long as I can spend time with you both, I’m totally fine.”
“Hehe, glad to hear that.”
This whole situation arose because I pushed for it, so how could I voice any displeasure? It’s either there or not. If not, then it’s simply absent.
Unfortunately, there wasn’t that much snow accumulated, so after taking some photos during our walk and sitting on a bench sipping warm tea for a bit, we returned to the streets of D.U.
“Hina-chan, is there anything you want for Christmas?”
“As long as it’s from you, Mika, anything is fine. That hairpin you gave me last time… uh, I guess I’ll find a use for it someday.”
“Umm, maybe I should’ve just sent you some tea instead?”
“Even if you sent that, you’d just leave it at my house, and every time you visit we end up just using it. Aco can’t use tea… and honestly, I find it bothersome.”
“…Ahaha.”
Now that I think about it, Hina often complains about being bothered. It’s funny and sad that she still gets things done, but recently, I’ve noticed she’s been wrapping herself up in a blanket during our video calls more often.
That will end this week, though. And it’s not like I’m stealing Hina’s rest time; she’s just working through her mistakes.
“I want to retire.”
“Wow—oh… so you really wanted to be an idol that badly?”
“…No way. Mika, let’s have a match at the shooting range. Right now.”
Heueng. “Hina-chan, feeling confident?”
Just when a strange air was about to hang over Hina and me, a soft sigh from the opposite side dispersed that mood.
“Excuse me. You two, what kind of shooting range is that? I’d appreciate it if you went on a day you’re just hanging out together. And, Mika, why don’t you ask me?”
“Well, I already prepared a gift for Nagisa-chan. Isn’t that obvious? Surely you’re not saying you didn’t want this.”
“Ah, Christmas is still three weeks away. Hmm, anyway, if that’s how it is, I can let it slide this time.”
“Huh? What were you planning to do if I didn’t let it slide?”
“Eh?”
“Every night it’s Nagisa-chan sticking to me first…”
“That, that’s enough! Why would you bring that up in public? Especially something that could lead to misunderstandings!”
I can’t help but laugh at Nagisa, who is turning bright red and flustered. But for some reason, hearing that, Hina suddenly bowed her head.
“Huh, Hina-chan?”
“…It’s nothing. Just… um, I think I stepped on something.”
“Is that so? Maybe it’s time to let go of our arms…”
“No, it’s fine. Don’t worry about it. It’s no problem.”
Despite saying it’s no problem, the last time Hina looked at me, her face was inexplicably burning up.
“Hmm. Could it be a fever?”
“Not at all… Ugh, eh?! Wait, Mika. You’re too… too close…”
Being in a position where she’s holding my arms, the best I could do was gently touch foreheads with Hina. Maybe it’s the cold weather, but I don’t feel any heat at all.
“Really, how have you never had a girlfriend?”
Nagisa’s muttered words flew into my chest like a fastball.
Nagisa, I’ll let the other stuff slide, but that one genuinely hurts…
“Um. More importantly, Mika, should we go look at clothes first?”
Nagisa glances at the sign of a popular fashion brand. It seems she wants to see our wardrobe overflow.
“Um…”
I turn my gaze to Hina’s outfit. It’s average but not the best. Our Hina could look even prettier than this.
“Sure, let’s go. But before that…”
I take out my phone and call someone. The other side picks up in less than five seconds.
[Hello. What’s the matter? Did something happen to the ‘Head’?]
“Hey, Aco-chan. It’s nothing major, but I’m thinking of going to check out your ‘Head’s’ clothes right now. Do you want to see live or by photo?”
[…Live. I’ll watch live, please! No, wait, please make sure I see it!]
“…Aco, don’t you think you’re being too blunt lately?”
[As long as I can welcome the ‘Head’s’ appearance, I’m fine with anything!]
“Sigh…”
“Alright, let’s go live☆”
And thus began the strange shopping spree lasting over five hours for the three plus one people.
*
After the lengthy shopping, we loaded shopping bags into the cars driven by our attendants and student council members before having dinner at a popular hot pot restaurant.
I ordered the least spicy version of the hot pot for Nagisa, who can’t handle spicy food, and opted for a moderately spicy one for Hina.
Anyway, I don’t remember liking hot pot this much before, yet it tasted unusually good today…
As it slowly got darker, we decided to sit on a bench facing the lake, share some tea, and chat a bit before saying our goodbyes.
“Next time the three of us go out, how about we spend a bit more time doing something other than shopping?”
“It’s strange hearing that from Nagisa-chan, who was the one picking clothes so diligently. Right?”
“Uh, well, that’s…”
“I don’t think it’s something to scold Nagisa over. I could’ve finished at least two hours earlier without Aco.”
“Yeah, Hina is right. The issue lies with Aco, not with me.”
Nagisa, saying that so brazenly, seems to realize how ridiculous her statement sounds, her forced smile faltering.
“Ahaha, so next time, shall we invite Aco-chan too, and have four of us hang out?”
“Th-that wouldn’t be a date anymore, would it?”
“But I want Nagisa-chan to get to know and befriend more people.”
“…Saying that makes it sound like my social circle is super tiny.”
Yeah, that is correct. Pouting doesn’t change anything.
“How many people are you regularly in contact with, Nagisa-chan?”
“Four… no, five…?”
“Me, Seiya-chan, Hifumi-chan, Hina-chan, and what else?”
“…Four.”
“See? It’s not like there’s anything wrong with you, Nagisa-chan. You could easily expand that!”
“Ugh… alright.”
Taking a sigh doesn’t suddenly make your friend count go up, but anyway, the time to part is drawing near.
Despite feeling a bit reluctant to stay longer with both girls, they each have busy mornings ahead of them.
“But since, like Nagisa said, we didn’t really have a date vibe while shopping… let’s make the next one shopping-free☆”
“…I think that’s a good idea.”
If Hina, who was our main target during shopping, agrees with a tired face, it indeed must have been tough.
Thinking back on it, today felt the most relaxed out of all our shopping days.
“…You both did great today, Hina-chan.”
“Yeah. You too, Nagisa.”
As I watch the two awkwardly greeting each other while standing face to face, I can’t help but want to smile. They are still not completely comfortable with each other.
“What’s with that awkward greeting! At least say something like ‘let’s hug tightly and meet again.’ Like this.”
I stepped forward, pulled them both into a tight embrace, and while the stares I received weren’t exactly kind, so what? Once you break through the wall of embarrassment, the next attempts become much easier. In fact, right now, I’m well past that stage.
It’s shameless to say this, but I truly want the two people I love to get along.
“Hey, you both know I really, really like you, right?”
“We get it, so could you let go…?”
“Mika, I can’t breathe…”
“Oh.”
…I just hugged them tightly because I love them, but they responded coldly, asking me to dial it back a bit.
Life. Having excessive strength is not as good as it seems.
*
[Hoshino-chan]
[Uhee~ Mika-chan, look at this! I found a wolf… no, a new student on the street!]
[Photo]
[What do you think of our kouhai? Isn’t she cute?]
