One kind came from Ami and Kosaka, showing their concern.
[Honami-chan, you've been pushing yourself too hard lately. You haven't even had time to go on a date with Natsukawa-kun.]
[That's right. The class is important, but you can't ignore your boyfriend.]
[Christmas is almost here—no more work! Go spend time with him!]
These kind classmates, convinced she was "sacrificing romance for the sake of the class," urged her to go on dates, even insisting, "The class is our responsibility too; you don't have to carry it all."
The other reaction came from her best friend—Shiraha Chihiro.
Chihiro's reaction was completely different.
[Honami-chan… have you and that guy Natsukawa already broken up?]
[I noticed you two haven't spoken at all lately… If it's over, you don't have to force yourself.]
[Um… if it's because of me… you don't need to worry about my feelings…]
Though the words were gentle, Ichinose could hear a faint, irrepressible thread of "hope" in Chihiro's voice.
These two diametrically opposed pressures left Ichinose embarrassed and helpless.
If she did nothing, Class B would think she was being stubborn, while Chihiro—though she felt awful—this wasn't the moment to announce a "breakup."
More importantly… Ichinose lightly bit her lip.
Beneath all those high-sounding reasons, there was something she herself hated to admit—she actually wanted to see him.
In this school, the only person who could make her set down the burden of "perfect leader" and just be an ordinary girl was Natsukawa.
"Natsukawa-kun, we… haven't had a proper 'date' in ages, have we?"
She tried to keep her tone matter-of-fact.
"Lately everyone in class is talking. Asako and the others think I'm neglecting you for the class and keep pushing me to spend the holidays with you."
"And Chihiro-chan…" Ichinose's voice dropped. "She's asked me several times…"
She rattled off a list of excuses, as if only that could cover the small, genuine selfishness hiding in her heart.
"So…"
Ichinose took a deep breath and made her invitation.
"The day after tomorrow is Christmas. Class B is holding a small celebration in the central plaza of Keyaki Shopping Center."
"Um… if you're free, could you drop by? Even just for a meal."
"Just… play along a little, okay?"
After saying this, she held her breath, nervously awaiting his answer.
On the other end of the call, Natsukawa Sosuke rubbed his chin.
Christmas again?
He had just promised Hiyori that morning, and now Ichinose was asking too.
Well… he considered.
The morning with Hiyori shouldn't take long—probably done by noon—so he should have time for Ichinose.
"Sure."
Natsukawa checked the time; no conflict.
"I'll sleep in during the morning. I'll head over around noon."
"Really?!"
"Great! Thank you, Sosuke-kun!"
"It's a promise, then! Eleven-thirty, under the big Christmas tree in the central plaza!"
"Mm, see you there."
He hung up and picked up his manga again.
"Morning shopping with Hiyori, lunch at Ichinose's gathering…"
He yawned and turned a page.
"Tight schedule, but it should be fine."
"After all, it's Christmas—livelier is better."
At this moment he had no inkling
that on a day called Christmas, a girl's invitation is never as simple as "just showing up."
A blizzard was already at the door… December 22, the day before winter break.
The air in the classroom crackled like a kettle about to boil. Technically still a school day, but most minds had flown ahead to the coming break and Christmas. No one listened to the teacher; even the honor students' pens moved sluggishly.
Natsukawa Sosuke sat in the back twirling a pen, eyes on the blackboard but focus long gone.
He was pondering a serious problem:
two simultaneous dates—with Shiina Hiyori and Ichinose Honami.
Both were set for the morning through midday of the 25th.
Tight, but thanks to his knowledge of Keyaki Shopping Center's layout and the girls' personalities, a little careful timing should—probably—maybe—let him slip through?
"Haa…"
He exhaled softly and glanced at the wall clock.
The bell for the end of second period rang.
"Restroom break."
Natsukawa rose and left the classroom.
The corridor buzzed with excited chatter about Christmas plans. Dodging the crowd, he took his time returning.
Just get through these few days and peaceful break awaits, he told himself, turning the corner toward Class D's back door—
Two figures blocked his path, one on each side.
"Yo, Natsu-chi. We've been waiting."
Hasebe Haruka leaned against the wall, arms folded, her usually languid, appraising eyes fixed on him with a half-smile.
Beside her, Sakura Airi stood head down, nervously twisting the hem of her blazer, cheeks pink, sneaking glances at him as if wanting to speak but unable.
Natsukawa's heart gave a hard thump.
An ominous chill crept up his spine.
"What's up, Haruka, Airi?"
He produced a flawless smile, hoping to bluff his way through.
"Need something from me?"
"Cut the act."
Haruka rolled her eyes, stepped in front of him, and went straight to the point.
"Tomorrow's break starts. No one failed, no club activities…"
She paused.
"I hear Keyaki Shopping Center has a special Christmas event and limited desserts. Let's the three of us go together."
"The three of us?" Natsukawa echoed.
"Yep, just us. Airi likes quiet spots, and I don't want a big group."
She nudged Sakura Airi forward.
"Airi really wants to go, right?"
Startled, Airi lifted her head; behind her glasses, her large eyes brimmed with hope and shyness.
"Um… Sosuke-kun…"
Her voice was soft and pleading.
"If it's not too much trouble… I'd like to spend Christmas with you… and Haruka-chan…"
"…"
Cold sweat instantly trickled down Natsukawa's back.
Christmas.
Again, Christmas.
Had these girls conspired? Why pick the same day?
Normally, faced with Airi's gaze, he'd agree at once—but now his morning and noon were already booked!
Accepting would mean juggling three separate "fronts" in the same mall on the same day.
This was beyond time management; mishandle it and the blaze could outshine the Battle of Yiling.
"Uh, well…"
His eyes flicked involuntarily as his brain raced for a perfect excuse.
"Christmas will be super crowded, and…"
"Hmm?"
Hasebe Haruka narrowed her eyes sharply.
"That expression of yours…"
She stepped closer, a dangerous note entering her voice.
"Don't tell me… you already have plans?"
"!"