(Love is a strange, irrational thing. It follows no rules, obeys no logic, and no matter how deeply you search for an explanation, there never seems to be an answer. Maybe looking for one was foolish from the start. After all, true love doesn't demand perfection. It only asks that, day after day, you keep choosing the same person.) —Inspired by Reverend Insanity, Xin Ci's love.
===============
After Isshiki left, Oikawa and Kawasaki slipped back into the comfortable rhythm of shopping together.
They picked up a Shimekazari, a kagami mochi, and a small kadomatsu.
They also bought several New Year's greeting cards.
Those had all been on the shopping list from the start. Everything else they bought was mostly ingredients for the upcoming New Year's feast.
In Japan, the holiday season traditionally centered around two dishes: osechi and zōni.
Simply put, osechi was the New Year's feast itself, with each dish carrying a wish for good fortune in the coming year. Zōni, meanwhile, was a miso soup filled with mochi.
"You were pretty bold back there."
Oikawa pulled Kawasaki over to one of the benches in the mall so they could take a break.
"Hm?" Kawasaki looked at him in confusion.
"When you said, 'I'm her romantic rival,' that was pretty bold." Oikawa looked at her with a teasing smile.
"I was... just telling the truth." Kawasaki tried her best to hide how flustered she was, but the rosy blush spreading across her cheeks gave her away.
Surprisingly, Oikawa didn't tease her about it.
Instead, he studied her for a moment.
"Saki..." Oikawa called softly, his voice unusually hesitant.
"What?" Kawasaki looked at him.
He studied her for a moment before speaking. "You've seemed a little different today."
"Different how?" she asked, holding his gaze with quiet seriousness.
Oikawa smiled. "Different... because you're even prettier than usual. Even cuter, too."
Kawasaki immediately lowered her head.
Her heart pounded so hard she was sure he could hear it.
She knew perfectly well that the man standing beside her wasn't exactly trustworthy. He'd probably fed lines like that to other girls before.
But she loved hearing them anyway.
As she lowered her eyes, memories from the past year drifted through her mind.
Back in April, life had felt gray.
Like wandering through a dense fog that trapped her from every direction, leaving her with no idea where to go.
Then Oikawa had appeared.
Like a beam of sunlight piercing through the mist and warming her for the very first time.
He'd shown her that... Life could actually be happy. That she didn't have to carry every burden alone. That she could tell someone about the things weighing on her heart.
Kawasaki couldn't help thinking she really was an idiot.
After all, only an idiot could fall this hopelessly for a jerk like him.
Still, she didn't mind.
"Embarrassed?" Oikawa asked with a grin.
"No." She quickly stood up. "Let's finish buying the ingredients before it gets too late."
His eyes shifted thoughtfully. "Are you thirsty? I'll grab us a couple of juices."
"Let's go together."
"Sure." He took a step, then glanced at her. "Wait... can you have cold drinks today?"
Kawasaki hesitated before giving a small shake of her head. "...Not today."
Oikawa stopped walking.
He looked at her carefully. "Your period?"
She gave a quiet nod. "...Yeah."
"So... nothing's happening today, then..." He scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "Ah, right! I just remembered... there's something really important I have to do. Um... I'll— Ow, ow! Not there!"
Before he could finish making excuses, Kawasaki pinched him hard.
Moments later, she was leading him by the hand toward the supermarket inside the mall, a mischievous smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
That idiot wasn't just shameless.
He was a hopeless pervert... And a complete jerk.
Even so, she still loved him.
...
..
Instead of heading home after leaving the mall, Kawasaki carried several bags straight to Oikawa's apartment.
The moment she stepped inside, she got to work before he could even say anything.
She transformed into a full-time housekeeper.
"I'll help." Watching her bustle around the apartment made Oikawa feel a little guilty.
"No." She shook her head. "You just rest. I'll clean up a little first, then I'll make gyoza."
Wearing an apron, she tied her hair up with a pair of chopsticks, pulled on a mask and gloves, and armed herself with cleaning supplies as if preparing for battle.
Oikawa quietly watched her for a moment.
Then he walked over and wrapped his arms around her from behind.
Resting his chin lightly against her shoulder, he whispered, "Why are you so good to me...?"
"It's nothing."
Her cheeks turned pink again.
She genuinely didn't think cleaning the house was anything special. She did the same chores at home every day.
She'd long since gotten used to them.
As for cooking... she loved it almost as much as designing clothes.
If there was one thing she truly disliked lately, it was the law books she'd started reading.
They were... Incredibly hard to understand.
Even so, she'd already decided she wanted to study law in college.
"It issomething." Oikawa rested his head against the side of her neck. "Saki, I'm starting to worry someone else might steal you away."
"They won't." Kawasaki turned around and looked at him with complete sincerity.
Then, realizing what she'd just said, she immediately lowered her head again.
Her voice became soft and hesitant. "I... I'll always stay by your side."
"Really?"
"Really."
A moment later, Oikawa tugged her over until they both sat down on the bed.
"My period really started," Kawasaki said hurriedly. "I'm not lying."
Oikawa blinked. "I never said I was planning to do anything."
He smiled, his voice turning gentle. "I just wanted to talk about our future. Have you ever pictured it? The two of us waking up together one morning. You carefully slipping your arm out from under me so you don't wake me, then tiptoeing into the kitchen to make breakfast."
His smile grew softer. "If we could really live like that... wouldn't we be happy?"
Somehow, those simple words broke through the last of Kawasaki's defenses.
In the end, she quietly let him lead her over to the bed.
...
Late December in Chiba was bitterly cold.
Especially without heated floors.
Fortunately, Oikawa always kept the electric blanket on.
The moment they slipped under the covers, it felt like entering another world.
Warm. Comfortably warm.
As for Kawasaki... When she realized Oikawa wasn't trying to take advantage of her and was simply holding her in his arms, she finally relaxed.
Even so, she pouted a little. "I already told you... I'm on my period. I don't lie the way you do. If I say I am, then I am."
She still regretted letting herself get talked into climbing into bed with him so easily.
But she had no intention of leaving.
Besides... being wrapped in Oikawa's arms was incredibly warm. His body felt like a little furnace, radiating heat.
"I never lie, either." Oikawa smiled.
Kawasaki pursed her lips, unconvinced.
But before she could argue, Oikawa continued, "Saki... I think 'Saki Oikawa' has a nice ring to it. What do you think?"
In Japan, it was customary for a wife to take her husband's surname after marriage.
And so, the implication behind those words instantly turned Kawasaki's cheeks bright red.
She curled up tighter against his chest, too embarrassed to answer.
After a long silence, she finally murmured, "...I think 'Toru Kawasaki' sounds pretty nice too."
Oikawa couldn't help laughing.
He tightened his embrace, holding her as if he were afraid she'd disappear.
Strangely enough... Unlike before, there wasn't a single inappropriate thought in his mind.
Mostly because Kawasaki never lied to him. If she said she was on her period, then she was.
More importantly... He was genuinely sleepy.
He'd stayed up late writing the night before. Then Zaimokuza had blown up his phone first thing in the morning. After that came an entire day spent wandering around the mall.
The exhaustion had finally caught up with him.
"Saki... You'll never leave me, right?"
"...Mm."
Like a child afraid someone might steal away his favorite treasure, Oikawa kept asking the same question.
And every time... Kawasaki gave him the same answer.
A little while later, steady breathing sounded behind her.
He had fallen asleep.
A faint smile appeared on Kawasaki's lips. She gently took Oikawa's hand and rested it over her lower abdomen before whispering softly, "...I love you."
Closing her eyes, she quietly savored the warmth of that peaceful moment.
...
..
When Oikawa opened his eyes again, night had already fallen.
The girl who had been sleeping in his arms was gone.
All she left behind was a sticky note on the bedside table: {I made the gyoza for you. They're in the freezer. There's curry in the kitchen too. Heat it up after you wake up. And honestly, I've told you so many times already. It's freezing outside, so stop drinking cold drinks. You'll catch a cold.}
Reading the neat handwriting, Oikawa felt an inexplicable emptiness settle over him.
The apartment had been cleaned from top to bottom. Even the forgotten corners were spotless.
His freshly washed clothes hung neatly on the drying rack.
Another sticky note was clipped beside them: {Don't forget to fold these.}
Everywhere he looked... the apartment carried traces of Kawasaki.
The curry in the rice cooker was still warm.
Oikawa scooped out a bowl, paired it with a pickled plum, and quietly ate dinner by himself.
'Had Saki eaten anything?'
The thought suddenly crossed his mind.
Knowing her, she'd probably finished cooking and gone straight home without making anything for herself.
At the highest spot in the living room sat the kagami mochi she'd carefully arranged. The sacred straw rope now hung above the entrance as well.
Oikawa absentmindedly adjusted the rope. The strange ache in his chest eased, if only a little.
Then he sat down in front of his computer.
Normally, he would've started one of his favorite games. Tonight, though, he wasn't in the mood.
After thinking it over, he opened his writing software instead.
"Time to work."
The second volume of Clannad would be around 150,000 to 160,000 characters. Including revisions, it would probably take him at least a week to finish.
Not that he had anything else to do. So he wrote.
Nearly two hours passed before Oikawa finally stood up from his chair to stretch.
Then he opened LINE.
There were several unread messages from Iroha Isshiki.
『Isshiki』: Senpai, are you there?
『Isshiki』: Senpai? Hellooo? Why aren't you replying?
『Isshiki』: Senpai, don't tell me you're trying to play hard to get so I'll fall for you? Sorry, you've definitely made my heart skip a beat a few times, but I still can't date a playboy like you.
She'd sent two more messages after that.
The rest were just stickers.
Oikawa sighed and finally replied.
『Oikawa』: I'll say this one last time. I have absolutely no interest in flat chests!!!
Isshiki answered almost instantly.
『Isshiki』: They'll grow eventually! Even giant trees start out as tiny little saplings!
Rolling his eyes at Isshiki's messages, Oikawa typed back.
『Oikawa』: Get to the point. What do you want? I'm busy.
『Isshiki』: Busy with what? Don't tell me you're texting a bunch of girls at once. Senpai really is a playboy.
Without missing a beat, Oikawa replied with one word, "Goodbye."
The next second, his phone started ringing.
Isshiki had sent a voice call request.
"Good evening, Senpai! " Isshiki's cheerful voice rang out.
Oikawa pinched the bridge of his nose. "Come on, hurry up and tell me what you want. I'm actually busy."
Isshiki puffed out her cheeks. "What's with that attitude? Why are you being so mean?"
Oikawa let out a weary sigh. "What can I do for you, my dear junior?" he asked in an exaggeratedly gentle voice. "Better?"
"That sounded so fake," Isshiki complained.
"Enough wasting time." Oikawa cut her off before she could complain any further. "What do you need?"
Oikawa already knew exactly how she operated.
She was the type who never contacted someone unless she wanted a favor.
"Hehe... you got me." Isshiki let out an embarrassed laugh. "Oikawa-senpai, I'm planning to ask Hayato-senpai out on a date and confess to him. So... could you help me practice?"
Oikawa rejected her without a second thought, "Sorry, the signal's terrible. I can't hear a thing. Goodbye."
He was just about to hang up when Isshiki's voice came through again. "If you don't help me... I'll post those pictures of you holding hands with Saki-senpai in the group chat. Hehe... I wonder how Yui-senpai will react. And if you're secretly stringing any other girls along, they'll definitely see them too."
"..."
"Oho! My kind and beautiful kohai! What was that? You want me to help you rehearse your confession? No problem at all! Just pick a day. I'm free anytime."
A triumphant giggle came through the phone.
Oikawa ground his teeth.
She'd gotten him good.
Still, she'd caught him red-handed.
The only option for now was to keep Isshiki happy... then wait for the perfect chance to delete those photos once and for all.
Or maybe he should just come clean to all of them.
Kawasaki. Utaha.... Possibly Yui.
Oikawa immediately dismissed the idea.
'He wasn't suicidal. Makoto Itou had already shown how badly that kind of situation could end. There was no need to test it himself.'
Oikawa let out a long, defeated sigh.
'Damn. Being a scumbag is a lot harder than I expected. Maybe I should just stop... and stick to one girl.'
Isshiki's triumphant voice rang through the phone again, "Hehe~ I knew you'd say yes, Senpai. So, how about January 2nd? After New Year's?"
"...January 2nd won't work." Oikawa rubbed his forehead helplessly. "Pick another day."
"Then January 3rd?" Isshiki asked hopefully.
"That won't work either."
Isshiki frowned. "Senpai, are you just trying to brush me off? You literally said you were free anytime."
He coughed awkwardly, "I really do have plans those two days."
He wasn't making excuses.
January 2nd was his autograph event. January 3rd had already been reserved by Utaha.
"Fine. Then you pick the date," Isshiki huffed.
"January 4th?" Oikawa suggested.
"That works."
Oikawa let out a relieved sigh. "Good. And don't worry. When it comes to playing the guy getting confessed to..." He flashed a confident grin. "I'm a professional. I guarantee there won't be even the slightest bit of awkwardness."
Isshiki laughed. "Now I'm really looking forward to seeing your performance, Senpai. Oh, and I have one more question."
"Go ahead," Oikawa said.
Isshiki hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Do you really think... an A cup can become, you know..."
Oikawa answered without a moment's hesitation. "Of course. Some girls are just late bloomers. Trust me, Isshiki. You've got the potential for an amazing glow-up. One day, even Yui will be jealous."
"Hehe. I like that answer. Okay, see you on January 4th!" Still grinning, Isshiki ended the call.
...
Oikawa immediately punched the air in frustration.
Damn it. The longer he waited, the more dangerous it became.
Looks like he needed to stop dragging his feet and make things official with these girls as soon as possible.
He might as well give the harem route one shot. And if it failed... he already had a Plan B.
...
..
December 30th—
Oikawa spent the entire day at home writing.
Maybe it was because the second volume of Clannad was simply too heartbreaking.
Or maybe the sadness came from somewhere inside himself.
Whatever the reason, a lingering loneliness refused to leave him.
He'd planned to eat at the chicken restaurant near his apartment. But unfortunately, it had already closed for the New Year's holiday.
With no other choice, he went home and boiled himself some gyoza.
Even then, he had to ration them. Otherwise there wouldn't be any left for New Year's.
"...Why do I suddenly feel like an old man living all by himself?"
That evening, plenty of people messaged him.
He wasn't in the mood to reply to any of them.
Instead... He went to bed early.
He'd hoped a good night's sleep would lift his spirits.
And... it didn't.
The moment he sat down at his computer and resumed writing, the melancholy returned stronger than ever.
For the first time... he truly understood why so many readers online wanted to strangle him.
Sometimes words really could leave a person overwhelmed with grief. They could shake someone's soul.
...
..
December 31st—
For lunch, Oikawa lazily made himself a bowl of noodles.
Then he spent the rest of the day replaying a game he'd loved years ago.
Even so, his mood refused to improve.
For some reason, he kept thinking about Kawasaki.
Outside, fireworks lit up the night sky over Chiba. Standing by the window, Oikawa quietly watched the dazzling display.
Just then, the doorbell rang.
.
.
.