Chapter 35: The Present

Today is Sunday, December 17th.

Instead of our usual family restaurant, I came to a shopping mall with Nyako and Shachou.

"Where’s Chihiro?"

I asked about the one person missing from our group.

"Her exams are over, but apparently she’s got a post-exam party today. She called sounding half-dead and said she couldn’t make it."

Poor Chihiro…
She always said she wasn’t good at studying, so that must’ve been tough.

"I see. Well, it can’t be helped. Oh, by the way, I can’t make it next week."

"Yeah, we know."

"More like, we’re already being dragged into something by Tama for the 24th, nya."

Next week is December 24th.

In other words, Christmas Eve—the holy night for couples.

It’ll be the first Christmas for Kana-chan and me.

Incidentally, the last time I spent Christmas alone with a girl was back in middle school, when my parents were working and my little sister and I watched Home Alo— together. A sad Christmas indeed.

"You guys can just hang out at the family restaurant or something."

"Nope. Tama and the others are having a feast at Shachou’s place, nya."

A bit jealous… but honestly, Kana-chan doesn’t even compare.

"You gonna roast a turkey?"

"Not going that far, but we’ll grill something nice."

Probably some super expensive meat.

"You could do a gift exchange or something. Since we’re already here at the mall, might as well buy a few things."

"Doing that as grown men is just weird, nya."

"Yeah, especially with Chihiro around. Probably best not to."

Fair point.
Wouldn’t want her stressing over it when she’s broke.

"She’d end up trying to match gifts with us rich guys and take up a sugar daddy gig just to afford it."

That is the fastest way to earn cash short-term.

"I don’t think Chihiro would ever do that, nya."

"At worst, she’d borrow from her parents. And that would just trouble her and them both."

Yeah, her parents probably already worry enough about her hanging out with a group like us. No need to make that worse.

"True. Anyway, you guys are helping me pick out a present."

I needed to buy Kana-chan’s Christmas gift today, but I wasn’t confident going alone.

Kana-chan was out too—probably shopping for Christmas preparations herself.

Since we both have work the next day, we decided to spend Christmas at home. She said she’d cook and even bake a cake. So she probably has a lot to do.

"I’ve got nothing better to do, so fine. But pick it yourself, alright?"

"Of course. I just want a second opinion."

"Got any ideas, nya?"

Nyako asked.

"At first, I thought of something a little naughty, but I figured something serious would be better."

"Good call, nya."

"Definitely the right choice."

Yeah, that would’ve been way too advanced for us. We’re still Christmas beginners, after all.

"So I thought about a ring, but… maybe that’s too soon?"

"Way too soon, nya."

"Yeah, definitely too early."

Knew it.

"Still, I like the jewelry route. I’m the type who wants my girlfriend to wear something that reminds her of me."

"Sounds like a possessive girl, nya."

"Totally. Like a dog that doesn’t want anyone stealing its owner."

How cruel. …But fair enough.

"Alright then, I’ll buy a necklace. You two are coming with me."

"You already decided that fast, nya…"

"Do you even need us?"

Of course I do!

We headed to a jewelry store and began browsing necklaces.

"What kind are you thinking, nya?"

"Nothing too flashy. She’s already got something that draws enough attention."

Yeah—her chest.

"True. She doesn’t seem the type to like showy stuff anyway."

"Exactly. She prefers subtle, cute things."

She’s a modest girl, after all.

"There’s so many though, nya. What’s your budget?"

"I don’t have one. If it suits Kana-chan, I’ll pay whatever it costs. I’ve been saving up anyway—I don’t have any hobbies."

Price tags mean nothing today.

"Well, this one’s 300,000 yen."

"That wouldn’t suit her… hmm, maybe this one or that one."

I compared two necklaces side by side.

"That was fast!"

"Let me see… 30,000 and 50,000 yen (198$ and 330$), huh. Reasonable enough."

Thirty thousand sounds fine… but this isn’t the time to cheap out.

I did get a winter bonus, after all.

"Fifty thousand… yeah, fifty it is. Good things are expensive. And good things are for Kana-chan. Excuse me—this one, please!"

As soon as I made my choice, I called the clerk over.

"That was way too fast, nya!"

"At least pretend to think it over…"

When it comes to Kana-chan, I don’t hesitate.
If I had back then, I never would’ve confessed to her.

Love’s all about momentum.

I had the necklace wrapped in red, Christmas-style paper, paid with my card, and left the store.

"So what now?"

"It’s still morning, nya."

"We haven’t even been here thirty minutes."

"Alright, let’s grab some coffee and decide from there."

We decided to take a break at a café.

I arrived at the coffee shop and, in a cheerful mood, sipped my coffee.

"Man, I can’t wait for next week!"

"Glad to hear that, nya."

"You’re really excited, huh?"

Of course I am.
It’s Christmas Eve with my first ever girlfriend.
If I could wish for one thing, though, it’d be to have turned back into a guy by then.

"More importantly, Shachou, did you check with the elementary school?"

"Yeah, about that. I was going to bring it up today. They said the morning of the 30th works fine."

Oh, that’s good.

"So you got permission?"

"Yeah. It was actually pretty easy. But, as expected, we’re not allowed inside the building. Not that we could anyway—the doors will be locked."

Well, that can’t be helped.
Being able to enter the schoolyard alone is more than enough.

"Then maybe I’ll head back to my parents’ place around that time. Work ends on the 28th, after all."

"Same here."

"Tama doesn’t have that kind of schedule, so I’ll just take it easy, nya. Shachou, make sure to contact Chihiro for us."

"Got it. Chihiro’s probably going back home with her family, but what about you two? Want me to give you a ride?"

That’s our Shachou for you.
You can always count on the guy with the Benz.

"Then I’ll take you up on that."

"Me too, nya."

"Alright, I’ll pick you up on the morning of the 30th. I’ll let Chihiro know as well."

"Thanks!"