Chapter 4 | The Last Selfishness

 

December 24th, Christmas Eve.

With the second semester’s closing ceremony safely behind us, winter break has finally begun.

The break spans just over two weeks, covering the year-end and New Year period. Compared to summer vacation, it feels a bit short, but it’s packed with events.

Staying home to relax, going on a trip, or heading to a countdown event with close friends—the atmosphere at the school entrance is buzzing with excitement as everyone heads out.

Of course, my plan is to laze around at home and sleep through the New Year. I don’t dislike school these days, but the allure of curling up like a cat in the warm kotatsu all day is something I can’t resist.

Normally, I’d head straight home and dive into that cozy kotatsu… but I’ve still got some work left to do at school.

So, me, Umi, Amami-san, and Nozomu—the four of us—are in the student council room.

It’s for the Christmas party happening today.

“—Alright, today’s the big day for the party we, the student council, have been planning. Coordinating with other schools, handling the venue, and finishing the setup—there’s still a lot to do before it starts, but let’s push just a little more, okay?”

Our high school’s staff includes the original student council members plus helpers from various committees, totaling over twenty people—more than I’d expected.

And the proportion of guys among them is pretty high too.

The reason, of course, is that fancy all-girls school participating this time.

“…I don’t think just being from a ‘rich girl’ school automatically means there’s a higher ratio of cute girls… right, Yuu?”

“Hmm, there might be a lot of wealthy kids, sure. But we don’t really know much about the high school division… I wonder what kind of people are in their student council? That’s kinda exciting in its own way!”

As the two former students of that school chat casually, several of the boys in the room freeze mid-motion. Sure, some of them are probably motivated by ulterior motives, but since events like this are rare chances to meet students from other schools—especially an all-girls one—I don’t think it’s wrong to pin a sliver of hope on it.

Plus, thanks to that, we managed to gather plenty of helpers for the behind-the-scenes work.

The odds of actually hitting it off aren’t zero… though they’re probably close to it.

“The venue map with table numbers and the detailed timeline are on the sheets I just handed out. If anything comes up at the venue, make sure to check with me, the other schools’ student council presidents, or any nearby person in charge.”

The four of us are assisting the president, so we’ll be handling everything from reception to emceeing the event.

The event runs from 6 to 8 p.m.—about two hours. It’s gonna be busy.

After confirming we’ll meet an hour before the doors open, we decide to head home for now.

I’m sticking with my school uniform for the party, so unlike Umi and Amami-san, I don’t have any special prep to do.

…Though, of course, I’ve got something else planned.

“President, can I have a sec? It’s a request, or… well, something like that.”

Once the room clears out and the president is alone, I speak up.

“Maehara-kun, what’s up?”

“Uh… I was wondering if I could step out of the venue for just a bit during the event.”

For a split second, the president’s eyebrow twitches.

I know full well I’m being a bother, springing this on her on the day of the event at this timing.

“Hmm… Did something urgent come up?”

“Something like that. Time-wise, I’m thinking fifteen… no, if that’s still too long, I can manage with ten minutes.”

“Can’t you shift the schedule?”

“…Sorry, it has to be today, during the party.”

It’s partly the other side’s convenience, but it’s also a big deal for me.

December 24th—a day tied to a lot of things for me, one way or another.

“…Got it. Then we’ll call it a break. Just let me know when you’re stepping out.”

“Thank you so much.”

“By the way, is this break for all four of you?”

“No, just me and Asanagi.”

I’d already talked to Amami-san and Nozomu about it, but we figured dragging too many people along would inconvenience the president, so it’ll just be Umi with me.

I can’t thank Umi enough for sticking with my selfishness to the end.

“I see. Then, Nozomu, you’re sticking with me for the day. No breaks for you.”

“Ugh… I’ll do it for Maki’s sake, but spending Christmas Eve glued to my sister…”

“Oh? You should be thrilled to be with such a pretty, adorable Onee-chan like me.”

“Huh? Do we even have someone like that at home? All I remember is some nagging hag who’s always like, ‘Study! Do your homework!’—Ow!”

“Nozomu, you’re staying back with your Onee-chan for a bit. …Sorry, you three. From here, it’s ‘family business,’ so could you head home first?”

“M-Maki… h-help…”

Offering a silent prayer for Nozomu, who’s caught in the president’s headlock, the three of us quickly slip out of the student council room.

I might’ve heard a scream in the distance… Here’s hoping Nozomu survives to regroup with us later.

“Hey, Umi, what’re you doing after this?”

“Hmm, I’ll head home, grab some lunch, then go to Yuu’s place. I’m not planning to go all out today, but… y’know, just in case.”

“Huh? Just in case? Ever since we found out Maki-kun could join the party, haven’t you been freaking out and—Eek!?”

Umi’s iron claw lands squarely on Amami-san’s head.

“What’re you blabbing about, huh? This girl who ‘barely dodged a failing grade in one subject on the last test and got off with just a report thanks to the teacher’s mercy’?”

“Wahh! I’m sorry, even though you helped me study, Umi~!”

The finals were like that, but since I took the lead teaching the humanities subjects, we managed to pull her average up and avoid a total disaster.

She can make up for it by the end of the year anyway.

Stuff like this can always be fixed later.

“…Umi, uh, I’m looking forward to your side of things too. Just so you know.”

“Hmph? W-Well, if Maki says so, I might put in a little effort… maybe.”

My selfishness added more to her plate, but I haven’t forgotten the original goal: the confession.

And with a clear heart, I’ll welcome the new year with Umi and my precious friends.

“…Alright, Yuu and I are heading home first, but… Maki, you sure you’ll be okay alone?”

“Yeah. Umi, just be by my side for the main event—that’s enough.”

Before leaving through the entrance, Umi and I clasp hands.

What I’m about to do isn’t exactly praiseworthy. I know it’s pointless and will only inconvenience everyone around me.

Even so, I think it’s absolutely necessary to come to terms with the feelings I’ve kept buried all this time.

“…Maki-kun, looks like your guest is already here.”

“Got it. Amami-san, Umi… see you at the venue.”

After sending the two off, I head to the school gate a little later to meet the person waiting for me.

It’s my first time talking to this person one-on-one, but I need to deal with them first.

“Sorry for dragging you out to a place like this… Minato-san.”

“…No problem. I actually had something I wanted to talk to you about too, Maki-kun.”

And so begins what will probably be the longest Christmas Eve of my life so far.

I never imagined the business card Minato-san casually gave me when we bumped into each other the other day would come in handy like this.

Minato-san seemed just as shocked when I called this morning before the closing ceremony—she clearly hadn’t expected it.

“Uh… it’s cold out here. Should we move somewhere else?”

“No need to bother. I have to get back to the office soon anyway, and this spot’s less likely to draw attention. …Let’s talk while we walk.”

Following Minato-san as she turns and starts walking, I keep pace.

“Minato-san, you’re wearing glasses now, huh?”

“…Right now, I’m here as Minato Kyoka, the ‘individual,’ not the professional. Though these are just for show.”

It’s about a ten- to fifteen-minute walk from our school to the nearest station. Time’s short, so I’ll cut the small talk and get to the point.

I’m curious about what Minato-san wants to say too, after all.

“By the way, how was Dad acting?”

“He had an unavoidable errand pop up, so he was a bit flustered. …That said, when your son says, ‘I need to talk about something important for the future,’ it’s bound to shake him up.”

Before calling Minato-san, I’d also called Dad.

At first, he brushed me off, saying work was too busy, but when I said, ‘After high school, for convenience with college life, I’m thinking of making your place my base, but I’m hesitant because of Mom,’, he promised he’d make time no matter what.

Based on how he acted at the family restaurant and the bits I’d heard, I figured Dad might still be hung up on living with me, so I used that to broach the topic.

Sorry, but it’s just an excuse to get him here.

The meeting spot is the venue for today’s Christmas party.

Naturally, I’ve asked Mom to come at the same time too.

And neither Dad nor Mom knows the other will be there.

The only ones in on it are me—the main player—and my friends who helped brainstorm this plan: Umi, Amami-san, and Nozomu.

“When we first met, I thought you were a quiet, timid kid… but I never imagined you’d pull something like this.”

“Normally, I am that way. But just this once, I decided to drag all the adults around with my selfishness.”

To get Dad to the venue, the biggest obstacle would likely be Minato-san, who’s probably with him at work right up until the last minute.

So, I called Dad first, had Minato-san—who’s at the same workplace—notice his unusual behavior (giving it enough time to sink in), then contacted her, saying I wanted to talk about it and asking her to meet me.

“Still, we’ve only met once, and you were confident I’d agree to talk? To you, I’m practically a stranger.”

“…When the person I love is acting strange, it’s only natural to worry. And if I can, I want to help.”

“…You really love Dad, don’t you, Minato-san?”

“Yes… He’s the one who never gave up on me back when I was a rookie, worse than any of my peers, and patiently trained me. As a person, as a man, I think he’s truly wonderful.”

Just as Umi and I suspected, her feelings for Dad are genuine.

Umi and I figured Minato-san would definitely follow Dad, so to avoid any extra interference, we decided to talk to her beforehand.

And since she agreed to this meeting, I can roughly guess what she wants to talk about.

“I’ll get straight to it… Maki-kun, would you consider coming back to Tatsuki-san’s place after high school? It doesn’t have to be right away.”

With that, Minato-san bows deeply to me.

“…Why?”

“Because he needs you, Maki-kun. …Not me, but you, his son.”

It seems Minato-san had a hunch about Dad’s feelings too.

I’d been suspicious since his vague attitude at the family restaurant—maybe he doesn’t love Minato-san that much… or he might like her, but he’s hesitant about making her his new partner.

If I felt that, then Minato-san, who’s closest to ‘Maehara Tatsuki’ right now, must feel it even more.

“…When Tatsuki-san talks about you, Maki-kun, he’s genuinely happy. He says you’re a bit shy, but smart, kind, and a son he’s proud of. …He smiles in a way he never does when he’s with me.”

“…Don’t you think that makes me a nuisance instead? If I keep lingering in Dad’s heart like that, he’ll never turn to you, no matter how long you wait.”

And if I actually went to live with Dad, Minato-san might end up as just ‘a subordinate’ to him again.

“…I know that. Honestly, I get it. No matter how hard I try, a childish person like me can’t fill even a tiny bit of Tatsuki-san’s loneliness.”

“And you’re okay with that, Minato-san? You… you love my dad, Maehara Tatsuki, right?”

“Of course. It’s precisely because I love him that I’m here begging you like this.”

Before I know it, under the snowy, chilly sky, Minato-san bows deeply again and says,

“Please, Maki-kun. Come back to Tatsuki-san’s home.”

Clear, unwavering, without hesitation.

“…Minato-san, do you realize how selfish you’re being right now? Compared to what I’m doing, it’s on a whole other level.”

That’s not something a grown adult should say.

“I know. I lied to skip work, didn’t get permission from my boss, Tatsuki-san, and I’m probably causing trouble for Masaki-san… your mom too.

I’ll face the consequences, and if you find me annoying, I’ll never show my face to you again.”

“What about Dad?”

“Yes. I’ll quit my job too. …But if it helps Tatsuki-san even a little—”

There’s not a flicker of doubt in Minato-san’s eyes as she looks straight at me.

Regardless of whether what she’s saying is right or wrong, she’s dead serious about sending me back to Dad.

Minato-san’s no fool. Dad, who rarely jokes, called her ‘capable,’ so she’s probably usually sharp and level-headed.

But her love for Dad—no, something deeper than love—has clouded her judgment this much.

Even adults can lose it over this ‘love’ thing.

…It’s way too complicated.

“…Anyway, I get how you feel, Minato-san. That’s all I’ll say—I just get it.”

“It’s still a no, right?”

“Obviously. I wasn’t raised to be the kind of naive pushover who’d fall for tears like that.”

But it’s not like I can’t understand her at all.

If Umi were suffering in a different situation, I’d probably act recklessly too, no matter how hopeless it was.

“…Minato-san, can you make time after this? No, scratch that—make time. If you don’t, I won’t forgive you.”

“Huh? Uh, I’ll figure something out, but… Maki-kun, what are you—?”

“Nothing big… just a little meddling.”

I’d planned to wrap this up more smoothly, but oh well—it’s the last time anyway. Might as well go all out with what I can do.

But first, I’ll have to face Umi’s wrath.

After settling things with Minato-san, I head to the civic hall where the party’s being held.

The snow that started around noon kept falling intermittently while I killed time at home, and now the area around the venue is lightly blanketed in white.

The forecast says it’ll get colder tonight, and the snow will pick up.

“A white Christmas, huh… Up until now, I always thought it was just snow making things cold and the roads slippery—nothing but a hassle…”

With snow clouds covering the sky all day, the town’s dark even though it’s only late afternoon, and the bright lights along the streets are shining earlier than usual.

The orange glow of streetlights and the colorful decorations on buildings reflect off the falling flakes, creating a scene straight out of a Christmas postcard.

I used to only watch my step, but gazing up like this absentmindedly doesn’t feel so bad—

“!? Whoa, crap—”

I must’ve stepped on a slick spot, because my foot slides forward unexpectedly.

If I fall like this, I’ll land on my butt… Just as I instinctively pull my hands from my pockets,

“Careful, you’ll twist your wrist and make it worse.”

Someone catches me from behind as I start to topple backward.

“Oh, sorry. I spaced out a bit.”

“This area gets a lot of foot traffic, so on days like this, the snow gets packed down into ice. Gotta watch out, right, Maehara-kun?”

“! President… s-sorry.”

The one who caught me from behind is the student council president, also heading to the venue.

Getting saved by a stranger would’ve been embarrassing enough, but a familiar face makes it worse.

And since she’s Nozomu’s sister, I’ve got to be a little extra careful around her—another minus.

It’s cold out, but I can feel my cheeks heating up.

“By the way, President, aren’t you here kinda early? There’s still over thirty minutes before the staff meet-up time.”

“Setup’s already started at the venue, so I’ve got to pitch in. But speaking of early, aren’t you here too soon, Maehara-kun?”

“Yeah, but… this is my first time at an event like this, so I’m kinda restless.”

“Really? Well, since we’re here, how about helping me with the setup? Getting to the venue early and getting used to the vibe might help you relax a bit.”

“Good point. Since I’m here, I’ll take you up on that.”

Of course, the real reason for my nerves isn’t the party itself.

The behind-the-scenes work should be fine as long as I follow the president’s lead, and Umi and the others will help too, so I’m not worried about that.

We’re meeting everyone there, so the fun of seeing Umi and Amami-san all dressed up for Christmas is still a little ways off.

Arriving at the venue ahead of schedule, I start helping the president with reception prep.

According to her, the turnout’s expected to be two to three hundred people.

To minimize chaos at check-in, they’re splitting reception by school.

“Oh, right. Maehara-kun, I hadn’t given you these yet, had I? Here.”

“The staff armband, right? And this is…”

A red fabric hat with a fluffy white pom-pom at the tip.

A token Santa costume, basically.

“Just the armband might get lost in this crowd. I’m giving you three, so pass them to Asanagi-san and Amami-san—and, well, my brother when he shows up.”

“Got it.”

The Santa hat’s got a slight cheap vibe, but it’ll make spotting the president easy. She’s a head taller than most girls and stands out with her looks anyway.

“By the way, Maehara-kun, can I ask something?”

“Sure?”

“I’d be happy if you could stop calling me ‘President.’ I mean, I am the student council president right now, so it’s not wrong, but I’ll be retiring next year.”

If calling her ‘President’ sticks, it’d be awkward to switch later, even after she steps down. I can see how that’d feel complicated for her.

“Uh… then, Tomoo-senpai… maybe?”

“Yeah, like that. …Hehe, but jumping straight to my first name? You’re bolder than I thought, Maehara-kun.”

“Huh? Oh, uh, I just figured a last-name call wouldn’t feel right… since there’s Nozomu too.”

“Oh, right, fair point. I totally forgot about him.”

“That’s kinda harsh treatment for your little brother, isn’t it?”

My first impression of Tomoo-senpai was that she’s serious and straitlaced, but talking like this, she’s surprisingly approachable and even a bit playful.

Strict when she needs to be, but also laid-back and kind at times.

Sorry to Nozomu, but it’s probably this side of her that keeps the student council running so smoothly.

“Then I’ll start calling you by name too. …Maki-kun, let’s do our best today, okay?”

“Y-Yes, looking forward to it!”

After a quick handshake with the president—no, Tomoo-senpai—and with reception prep done, more people start trickling into the venue area.

“Maki, I’m here!”

“Hey, Maki-kuuun!”

First to show up are Nozomu and Amami-san.

Nozomu put in a proper request to join, but Tomoo-senpai relegated him to staff, so he’s in our school uniform like me.

Amami-san’s in a dress she must’ve prepared for the party—a soft blue that matches her hair perfectly.

Though, honestly, Amami-san could pull off anything.

—Man, that girl’s cuteness is unreal, huh?

—Whoa, that blonde hair’s gorgeous. Is she foreign?

Naturally, students from other schools who’ve never seen Amami-san start whispering excitedly.

She must hear it, but chatting with Tomoo-senpai, Amami-san doesn’t even flinch. She’s probably used to it—wish I could borrow some of that mental toughness.

“Amami-san, where’s Umi?”

“Oh, yeah. She came with me, but she’s still at the bathroom mirror… Oh, speak of the devil! Over here, Umi~!”

A moment later, Umi jogs over.

“Yuu, you were about to spill something unnecessary to Maki again, weren’t you?”

“No way~ Right, Maki-kun?”

“Uh, yeah. I didn’t hear anything… I think.”

I can guess, but I’ll pretend I didn’t for now.

I hand out the armbands and hats to the three of them, and we take our spots at the reception table. The four of us handle our school, while Tomoo-senpai helps out with the smaller groups from other schools.

“…Hey, Umi.”

“W-What?”

“That… that dress looks really good on you.”

Holding her hand under the table, I share my thoughts with Umi.

It’s a black lace dress—off-shoulder, I think it’s called (I looked it up recently)—showing off Umi’s pale skin from her neck to her shoulders.

She’d said it wasn’t as fancy as a date outfit, but for me, it’s more than enough.

“Your vocab’s still basically zero, so minus points for that. But I’ll take it as an honest compliment.”

“Yeah… I really mean it.”

“…O-Okay, I get it, so stop already!”

“R-Roger that!”

Noticing Amami-san’s teasing grin from right beside us, Umi and I quickly let go and get back to work.

Amami-san’s outfit suits her too, but the one making my heart race is Umi, blushing faintly next to me.

…Man, I like Umi way too much.

As reception kicks off, participants start filling the hall in earnest.

Looking at the crowd, most seem used to events like this—everyone’s dressed to the nines.

There are a few like me in simpler stuff, mostly uniforms.

“Please gather at your school’s assigned tables for now! After the opening greetings, feel free to move around freely~!”

Following Tomoo-senpai’s guidance, students from each school head to their pre-set spots. It’s a standing buffet, so everyone grabs their own food.

We’re still manning reception, but since Umi and Amami-san—who were just here to enjoy the party—are helping, things are going smoothly without delays or hiccups.

“…Um, excuse me.”

While we’re guiding someone who looks like an upperclassman, someone pokes my back.

“Yes, what’s—oh, Nitta-san.”

“…Hey.”

It’s Nitta-san who called out to me.

She seems to have arrived alone and looks a little down.

“Huh, Nina-chi? What’s up? Didn’t you say you were coming with your boyfriend?”

“Oh, yeah. That was the plan, but… well, stuff happened at the last minute.”

I didn’t know what went down after the family restaurant, but judging by her vibe, it looks like they broke up for good.

Being weighed against another girl—if she wasn’t chosen, this’d be the result. Though it’s possible Nitta-san dumped him instead.

Amami-san seems to pick up on it from her attitude. Umi knows a bit from what I told her and puts on a sympathetic look.

“So, yeah, I’ll help you guys out today. Hanging with everyone’ll take my mind off it.”

“Yeah, do it! More people means less work, and having Nina-chi around makes it fun for me too. What about you all?”

“I’m fine with it.”

“Me too, totally… Maki, should we check with Nee-chan just in case?”

“Yeah, good idea.”

Adding one more person isn’t an issue, so Tomoo-senpai gives the okay right away.

With that, the five of us stick together for a while.

With an extra hand, reception wraps up even faster, and we move to assist the busier tables from other schools.

“Man, there’s way more people than I expected. Guess it’s different when that fancy girls’ school joins in.”

Nozomu mutters absently, staring at one spot in the venue.

It’s before the start, so we’d prefer everyone to stay at their school’s tables, but compared to the other schools, a small table is swarmed with students from ours and elsewhere.

At the center are twenty to thirty girls from Tachibana Girls’ Academy, dressed in white blazers.

“Ahh, that takes me back. We used to wear that uniform too, huh~”

“Yeah. Didn’t think much of it back then, but it really stands out.”

According to Umi, their lower numbers come from the high school division having only about two hundred students across all three years.

Most are internal students who’ve been there since elementary, and while they accept external ones, you need exceptional grades, sports, or arts skills to get in.

Hearing that, one question pops up.

“Umi, uh… I know it’s weird to ask, but…”

“About Yuu? Oh, it’s super simple—her mom’s a former celebrity. She’s just a regular housewife now, though.”

“Oh, I see.”

That makes sense. A school like that probably has a lot of kids with parents like hers.

Amami-san called her family ‘normal,’ but it seems her mom’s got quite a background.

As I idly watch the girls at that table, my eyes meet two of them amidst the crowd of guys from other schools. They weave through and head our way.

Of course, they’re not looking at me—they’re focused on the girls next to me.

“…Umi-chan, Yuu-chan, it’s been a while.”

“Since the cultural festival, right?”

“Sana-chan, Mana-chan…”

As Amami-san says, it’s Nitori-san and Houjou-san, friends of Umi and Amami-san from elementary school.

“…Is this about Umi?”

“…”

The two nod silently.

After what happened at the cultural festival, they’re probably here to apologize properly and make up.

They keep glancing at Umi, who’s instinctively ducked behind me.

“…Umi, what do you wanna do?”

“…”

Amami-san asks, but Umi stays quiet, head down.

Thinking of Umi’s feelings, I’d say it’s fine to flat-out refuse if she doesn’t want this. They probably came prepared for that too.

Umi’s still torn about them. They lied to her once, but the happy memories from their friendship don’t just vanish.

Should she accept their apology and reconcile, or cut ties completely?

For a girl as kind as Umi, it’s obvious which choice she’s wrestling with.

“…Umi, can we talk for a sec?”

“Huh? Oh, sure, but…”

“Just come with me. …Amami-san, I’m borrowing Umi for a bit. Could you chat with those two in the meantime?”

Seeing Amami-san nod, I take Umi’s hand and lead her to the side of the stage—a spot mostly used by staff, empty since the event hasn’t started yet.

Making sure no one’s around, I speak up.

“Umi, do you maybe want to make up with them?”

“…Yeah. I’ve actually been kinda torn about it.”

Alone with me, she opens up and nods slightly.

“…Ever since our middle school graduation, I’ve been unsure. Back then, all the pent-up stuff exploded, and I let my anger take over, saying we were done.

But after getting close to you, Maki, and starting to patch things up with Yuu… once my feelings settled, all those memories I’d buried under anger came flooding back.”

Just as I thought, Umi’s got lingering attachments too. Things went wrong once because of a lie, but them coming to apologize shows they’re not bad people—and Umi knows that.

Some might call her hesitation ‘weak.’

But that softness is exactly what makes Umi Asanagi Umi.

I think it’s way more like her to be soft like this.

And me? I’m probably even softer than she is.

“Sorry, Maki. I’m being selfish, huh? I keep dragging you and those two around without making up my mind.”

“…It’s fine. We’re still kids, so we can afford to be a little selfish a bit longer.”

Daichi-san and Sora-san probably felt the same, which is why they let me veer off course so suddenly.

If Umi knows it’s selfish, that’s enough for me.

“Umi, over here.”

“Yeah.”

Hiding behind a table of drinks and a cardboard box that might hold bingo prizes, Umi and I sneak a hug.

As always, being with Umi like this calms me down. No matter what happens, it feels like the person in front of me will always stay by my side—and that gives me courage.

“I want you to make up with them, Umi. My dad and mom are beyond fixing… but you, I think you can still start over.”

Even if they reconcile, they might lie again someday.

Her softness could backfire, and she might regret it later.

Still, regretting it after knowing it’s gone for good is way worse than taking the chance.

“…You idiot, Maki. Just the other day, you were crying like a kid and clinging to my chest, and now you’re acting all cool out of nowhere.”

“The phrasing… Well, I’ll probably end up looking pathetic again soon, so I figured I should at least act cool here.”

I’d gotten a message from Mom earlier saying, ‘Almost at the venue,’ so Dad’s probably not far behind with a call of his own.

“Umi, head back first. I need to tell the president I’m stepping out.”

“Maki… you okay on your own?”

“Yeah. Just come over after you’re done making up.”

“Got it. See you later, then.”

After one more moment feeling each other’s warmth and scent, Umi and I head off in separate directions.

My last selfishness was about to begin.

It’s 6 p.m. sharp. Once Tomoo-senpai confirms most students are at their tables from the stage, she starts her opening speech.

She begins with thanks for attending, offers encouragement to the third-years grinding for entrance exams starting next month, then covers the basic timeline and reminders.

It’s kept short and snappy to keep the crowd’s energy up. I’m amazed she can pull that off without nerves in front of so many people, including other schools.

“—Now, everyone, a toast!”

At Tomoo-senpai’s cue, the venue fills with a cheerful vibe.

At the same time, I quietly climb onto the stage to join her.

Glancing toward Umi’s group, I spot them at Joto High’s table—center-right from my view. Thanks to the Santa hats, Umi and Amami-san are easy to find.

Between Umi and the Nitori-Houjou duo stands Amami-san, beaming so brightly it’s dazzling, so it looks like things went well.

That’s how the four of them were meant to be, so spending time together again after so long must feel great.

Confirming Umi handled it, I approach Tomoo-senpai after her speech.

“Senpai, nice work. The speech was great.”

“You think? Thanks. But it’s just getting started, so I can’t afford to get tired yet. …Is this about your errand?”

“Yeah. Sorry to duck out right at the start, but could I step away?”

“No problem. I’ll handle latecomers at reception, and there’s nothing major for the next hour. Just come back to me before then, and we’re good.”

“Thank you.”

An hour’s more than enough.

I can be selfish with peace of mind.

Handing my staff armband to Tomoo-senpai, I leave the venue ahead of Umi.

The meeting spot with my family is the big tree planted in front of the civic hall’s entrance.

“Maki, over here.”

“Mom.”

Spotting me as I exit, Mom waves. She must’ve rushed—she’s a little out of breath.

“Maki, you sure it’s okay to slip out? The party just started, didn’t it?”

“Yeah, I got permission from the person in charge. Sorry for dragging you out here, though.”

“No, no. I’m off work and free anyway, so this is fine. …So, what’s this important talk you called me out for?”

“Yeah, I’ll get to it soon—just wait a sec. …The other person should be contacting me any moment now.”

“? Other person…?”

“Oh, got a message now. Hang on, I’ll step away for a bit.”

Pulling my buzzing phone from my pocket, I hit the call button.

The display reads ‘Minato Kyouka’—her personal number, which we exchanged this afternoon.

‘Good evening, Maki-kun. As promised, I’ve made time.’

“Thanks. And Dad?”

‘Of course, he’s with me. …Should I bring him straight there?’

“Please do.”

Hanging up and looking toward the entrance, I see two familiar figures in suits.

Mom, who’d been following my gaze, seems to catch on to what this is about.

“Thanks for coming, Dad. And sorry for lying.”

“Maki, and… I see, so that’s what this is.”

By the Christmas-decorated tree, the three of us Maeharas… no, I live with Mom, and I’ve been seeing Dad regularly, so really, it’s ‘Dad and Mom’ meeting up.

“…Been a while, huh.”

“…Yeah, it has.”

After that brief exchange, they both look away and fall silent. They talk on the phone sometimes, but seeing each other face-to-face since signing the divorce papers must feel awkward.

“Dad, Mom, aren’t you gonna say something? It’s been forever since we’ve been together as a family—don’t you have anything to say to each other?”

“Even if you say that… Wait, are you Minato-san?”

“…This is our first time meeting like this, isn’t it? Nice to meet you, ma’am. I’m Minato.”

“Maehara Masaki. And I’m not his wife anymore, so feel free to do whatever you want with him—stew him, grill him, your call.”

“…No, I don’t have that right.”

“I see… Still a lady-killer as always, huh.”

Seeing Minato-san’s reaction, Mom quietly glares at Dad. That look’s the exact same one I saw a year or two ago.

Dad sighs in response.

“…You wouldn’t get it.”

“There it is again. Why do you always do that? Dodging, running away… If it pisses you off, then say something back already!”

“If you wanna yell, go ahead and do it. …Maki, if you’ve got nothing else to say, I’m busy, so I’ll head—”

“—No, wait, please, Tatsuki-san.”

Just like that day we met, Dad tries to turn and leave, but Minato-san’s hand shoots out to stop him.

“…Let go, Minato. And call me ‘Director’ here.”

“No. I won’t let go, and I won’t call you that.”

“Minato—”

“Are you going to keep running from your son… from Maki-kun too? Even though you’re so lonely you can’t stand it?”

“…!”

At those words, Dad’s attempt to shake her off freezes.

“Tatsuki-san, please. Listen to Maki-kun properly. …Even if you run, it’s not too late to do it after.”

“I see. So that ‘urgent errand’ this morning was this. Lying to skip work… You’d better be ready for the fallout.”

“That’s fine. Unlike you, Tatsuki-san, I’m already prepared.”

“! You—”

The resignation letter Minato-san pulls from her suit’s inner pocket says more than enough.

Minato-san’s got some serious guts.

“…Ten minutes, that’s it.”

“Thank you. …Go ahead, Maki-kun.”

Thanking Minato-san silently in my head for setting the stage, I step between Dad and Mom.

“Dad, Mom, can I hold your hands? No, I’m just gonna do it.”

“Huh?”

“Oh, uh…”

Ignoring their confusion, I take Dad’s hand with my right and Mom’s with my left.

It shouldn’t be my first time feeling their warmth, but it’s mostly just recorded in albums now—barely a memory.

Dad’s hand, gently warming my cold, nervous fingers, and Mom’s, steady and hot like her favorite hand warmer.

Both equally precious, the hands of my precious parents.

“…Dad, Mom, please make up.”

With that, I voice a selfishness that shouldn’t come true anymore.

“Stop fighting and let’s go back to how it was. I don’t want just one of you. I want us to live together as three again, like before.”

“…Maki, you—”

“Maki…”

Gripping their hands tighter, I keep going.

“I’ll try harder. I’ll study more, exercise more—I don’t have tons of friends yet, but I’ll work on that too, I swear. …So—”

It’s harder for them. Tougher for them.

Back during the divorce, I’d thought it through as a kid, struggled, and buried those feelings—now they spill out with my tears.

“I want to be with both of you. Not just Dad, not just Mom—both of you, or it’s no good. …I absolutely hate it otherwise.”

I know. Saying this now is meaningless. Their troubled faces tell me that stage passed long ago.

But if I don’t say it, I’ll never move on.

Stuck alone in happy memories, time frozen.

To make that truly a thing of the past, to build new memories with Umi and the people who care about me—

To take that step forward.

Right on cue, Umi arrives.

“Maki! Sorry, I’m a bit late!”

“Umi… no, it’s fine. I just got it all out. How’d it go on your end?”

“I told them I’d smack them if they lie again.”

“Gotcha.”

Good to know it’s settled. With Umi, they’ll probably get along again just fine.

If something happens and she gets down about it later, I’ll be there to support her.

“…So, that’s all I had to say. Sorry, Dad, Mom, for bringing this up now.”

I just dug up something already over, but it’s left me feeling lighter. I want to thank Daichi-san again for showing me that’s okay.

“Oh, Dad. About what I said on the phone—can I answer now?”

“No, go ahead. …You’re not coming back to live with me, are you?”

“Nope.”

Nodding, I let go of their hands and instead intertwine my fingers with the girl who’s just stepped up beside me.

“Dad, I’ve got someone I like here. She became friends with me—a loner who never tried to connect with anyone, all twisted up—and stayed with me through the tough times.”

That girl’s name is Asanagi Umi.

My very first friend.

And the girl who taught me what love feels like.

“I heard from Minato-san earlier that work’s been rough for you, Dad. That there were things you couldn’t tell the family, and you kept pushing through alone for me and Mom. …Even so, I can’t stand being apart from this girl.”

So this conversation ends here.

I’ve got regrets. I’ve wished I could turn back time more than once or twice. But I don’t want to let go of Umi’s hand—the new happiness I’ve finally grasped.

“I see… So Maki’s finally found a girl like that.”

“Yeah. Honestly, she’s way too good for someone like me.”

“…You’ve changed, Maki.”

“Yeah. Just a little, though.”

I never thought I’d be spouting cheesy lines like this three months ago.

Guess I’ve finally hit ‘normal human’ level, at least.

Seeing my reaction, Dad lets out a small sigh.

“…Alright. Then don’t end up like me—work hard at it. We might not see each other, but I’ll be rooting for your happiness from the shadows.”

“Thanks. …Good luck with work, Dad.”

“Yeah. Since it’s on paper, I’ve gotta keep paying up properly. That’s the tough part of being an adult.”

For the first time, Dad—who’d been stern-faced all along—cracks a smile.

Losing me must’ve been hard for him too, but in the end, he smiled like he used to.

It made me happy.

I almost hated him for a while, but turns out I still really like Dad.

“Hey, Dad, Mom. Can I ask one last thing?”

“What? After dragging us around this much, you’ve still got something up your sleeve?”

“Yeah. I wanna take a picture of the three of us with this tree in the background.”

This standout tree on the grounds, decked out with decorations and snow, looks like a giant Christmas tree—perfect for a photo backdrop.

Taking one last picture together here, the three of us, to fill the final page of the Maehara family album that stopped midway.

That’s the ‘last selfishness’ Umi and I came up with together.

“Maki’s saying that, but… what about you?”

“Taking a family photo after a divorce feels awkward, but… well, I’ll indulge our son’s rare selfish request.”

“Hehe, true.”

For a moment, their exchange made it feel like Dad and Mom were back to being a ‘couple,’ but that’s probably just my imagination.

The past isn’t coming back.

That’s exactly why today has to be a new starting line.

“Umi, can you take the picture?”

“Sure. But I’m bad at this, so I was thinking of calling in some help.”

“Huh? Help?”

“Yup. Hey, everyone~! It’s your cue~!”

“What?”

When Umi calls out toward some nearby bushes, three figures pop up like sprouting plants.

“Phew~! It was freezing~! But finally, my moment’s here!”

“I slipped out without telling Nee-chan. Maki, apologize with me later.”

“…Hey, am I out of place here? Is it really okay for me to be here? Hey?”

It’s Amami-san, Nozomu, and Nitta-san.

I thought it was just Umi coming, but looks like she brought the whole crew.

Well, in this cold, if Umi ditched them mid-event, they’d worry—so I figured this might happen, and it’s fine.

“So, Nina, can we ask you to take the pics? You’re good at this, right?”

“Me, huh… Sure, I’m better at handling it than most, but… Wait, am I just getting used by Asanagi again? Well, I owed the class Class Rep and her dad personally, so whatever.”

Handing our phones to Nitta-san, I settle between my parents.

“Dad, Mom, let’s smile for the last one, okay?”

“…Yeah, sure.”

“…Right. The end was rough, but overall, it was fun.”

“Haha, what’s that? …Well, that’s pretty Mom-like.”

“Alright, here we go, you three. …Say cheese!”

And so, the final memory is captured on each of our phones.

Me, Mom, Dad—all smiling like we’re back in the old days.

I thought that was it, but then Amami-san, still in her Santa hat, bounces up with a raised hand.

“Hey, hey! Now I wanna be in it too! Umi, since we’re here, let’s crash it!”

“I don’t know what this is ‘since’ for, but… it’s a nice memory in its own way. Come on, Seki, you too.”

“Right. Oi, Nitta, get in here—it’s a rare chance.”

“Huh? I’m cool with the flow, but then who’s gonna—oh, how about you, lady? Could you take it?”

“Sure, no problem.”

Handing all the phones to Minato-san, Nitta-san joins the circle.

Now it’s seven of us. Cramming in tight to fit feels chaotic, but it’s fun, so no big deal.

“Okay, I’m taking it. Uh, what do I say for this…?”

“Just say whatever, lady. We’ll roll with it.”

“Alright then—”

On that snowy Christmas Eve night, the lively voices of high schoolers echoed.

With my feelings mostly sorted out, the party’s still got a bit left, so after thanking Dad and Mom, I head back to the venue with the four of them.

Thanks to Tomoo-senpai keeping everyone in line, the party runs smoothly, ticking off the planned events without major issues.

There’s less mingling with other schools than expected, but the bingo game with decently fancy prizes and other standard stuff gets the crowd hyped, which makes me happy as a staffer.

The festive time flies by, and at 8 p.m., the party wraps up.

“—Alright, our cleanup’s done, so that’s it for the staff. Thanks for all your help, everyone.”

The rest can be left to the pros, so we’re finally free from our behind-the-scenes duties.

Some students are saying ‘Let’s do it again next year,’ but after watching Tomoo-senpai run around, I’d rather join as a guest next time, not staff.

“Umi, sorry for the wait.”

“Mm. How’d it go?”

“Perfect. If we reheat it, it’ll still be good.”

Showing her, I lift the paper bags in both hands. With Tomoo-senpai’s okay, I snagged some untouched food and drinks from the party.

Fried chicken—a Christmas classic—plus other appetizers and even rare bottled cola you don’t see in stores much anymore. I got a little too excited, like a kid. Well, Umi and I are still kids anyway.

This should be plenty for the after-party at my place without needing extra food.

“…Umi, where’s everyone else? They’re not here.”

The after-party was supposed to include Amami-san, Nozomu, and Nitta-san—who jumped into our family photo—but while I was grabbing food, the four of them were supposed to wait.

“Oh… uh, Yuu and Nina said they’re hitting karaoke and took off. Seki got dragged away by the president somewhere.”

And the only one waiting for me is Umi.

“O-Oh, got it.”

“Y-Yeah.”

The other three probably meant ‘Enjoy your alone time,’ but that leaves us with a giant bag of food for just two… Oh well, it’s fine.

“Then… let’s head to my place for now?”

“Y-Yeah… Oh, can we stop by my house first? This dress is tight and tiring—I wanna change into something comfy.”

“Sure. Let’s say hi to Sora-san while we’re there.”

And so, we set off to spend Christmas Eve, just the two of us.

Crying, laughing, spilling all my emotions, and even dragging friends into a group photo—it’s been a wild lead-up, but that was just the warm-up.

Time for the main event.

I head to the Asanagi house to borrow Umi a bit longer, but the one greeting me at the door isn’t Sora-san—it’s her big brother, Riku-san.

Same sweats as last time, same messy hair.

It’s kinda reassuring, somehow.

“Mom went out a bit ago. She said she’s got a new friend or something and they’re going drinking. She skipped out all giddy, that old hag.”

“Oh… really?”

She left me a message too: ‘Borrowing Masaki-san for a bit!’ So she’s probably out bar-hopping with Mom right now.

Mom went along with my selfishness without a word, but today must’ve stirred up a lot for her too, so I’ll let her cut loose as much as she wants.

Adults need time to sort their feelings too, after all.

Dad’s relationship with Minato-san will probably shift after today too.

Will they go back to just subordinate and boss?

Or will he start facing her feelings little by little?

I don’t know how it’ll turn out, and it’s not my place to anymore. But I hope it ends up okay for everyone.

Even years from now, I want today’s actions to be a good memory for my parents—for the Maehara family.

“Anyway, message delivered. I’m heading back to my room.”

“Oh, yeah. Thanks for coming out, Riku-san.”

“…Eh, it’s nothing. Take care of that idiot over there.”

His tone’s gruff, but Riku-san’s kind in his own Asanagi way, I think. Now if he’d just get a job, he’d be perfect—though he doesn’t seem too motivated yet.

As Riku-san heads off, Umi comes out, done changing. She’s in an oversized hoodie and a long skirt—total loungewear, but it shows my place is somewhere she can relax.

That makes me happier, honestly.

“Alright, let’s go.”

“Yeah.”

Holding hands naturally, we leave the Asanagi house and start walking the usual night path together.

The snow from the party has stopped, and moonlight peeks through the clouds, softly lighting our way.

“Umi, what’ve you been looking at?”

“This? The pics we took at the venue. Wanna see together?”

“Yeah.”

They’re on my phone too, but I feel like getting close, so we check them on Umi’s.

“…Good, I’m actually smiling properly.”

“Yeah. These are great. They’re perfect for the album.”

Umi’s phone has the Maehara trio shot and the group one with the four of them added—both showing me smiling the same way.

I never liked photos much before. With my insecurities, I hated showing my uncool side to others, and they’d bring back memories I didn’t want to relive.

But now, it’s different.

Umi’s beside me.

She says my awkward, maybe laughable smile—plain and unimpressive to some—is great.

If she thinks so, maybe I can start keeping a few more memories like this.

“Hey, Umi.”

“…What?”

“I like you, Umi.”

A little ways from her house, I tell her my feelings clearly.

It’s around the spot where she once said, ‘Because I really like you,’ but I didn’t plan it that way. It just happened to be the moment I confessed.

“…You mean, uh, not as friends, right?”

“Yeah. As lovers—I want to properly fall for you, Umi.”

Words I couldn’t say on our first date, ones I kept putting off.

Back then, my heart was pounding with nerves, but now it’s calm, warm around my chest.

I don’t want to let go of Umi’s warmth, firm in my grip.

I want to treasure her more than anyone.

I want to be the most important person to her.

After today, that feeling’s stronger than ever.

“I don’t know what’ll happen down the line. The longer we’re together, we might fight sometimes, or there might be days we can’t stand each other… But even if that happens, I’ll try my hardest.”

To keep smiling like in these photos forever, that’s probably the only way. I’d love for these peaceful, sweet times to last, but life’s bound to throw curveballs too.

It’s not just me. Everyone struggles or suffers somewhere along the way.

Me, Umi, Amami-san, Nitta-san, Nozomu, even Dad and Mom.

“So… Umi, be my girlfriend. I might still be a crybaby, a clinger, and unreliable, but I’ll do my best for you.”

Squeezing her hand tight, I say it clearly.

“Umi, thanks for always putting me first, for always seeing me. …I love you.”

“…Sniff.”

At my confession, Umi murmurs and nods faintly.

I notice her eyes are wet, her voice trembling with tears.

“Umi, you’re crying.”

“Sniff… Shut up, you idiot, stupid Maki. …How could I not, when you confess like that? And you’re tearing up too, you know!”

“Well, I’m a crybaby too. …Umi, over here.”

“Yeah.”

Setting the paper bags down, I pull Umi into my arms.

“…Maki, you’re warm.”

“Good. I’m glad… hehe.”

Seeing Umi sniffling in my arms like a kid, I can’t help but laugh.

“…You’re mean, Maki. When I did this for you, I held it in.”

“Oh, so you were holding it in? …Nah, I just thought we’re really alike, y’know.”

“Yeah. Like a ‘crybaby alliance’ or something.”

“What’s that? But it kinda fits.”

“Right? It suits us.”

Trading jokes and playfully nudging each other, Umi and I slowly bring our faces closer.

“Umi.”

“Maki.”

“‘—I love you.’”

And with that, we went from ‘friends’ to ‘lovers.’