Chapter 8: Third-Year Christmas

Third-Year Christmas

Summer vacation, spent entirely on studying, passed by in the blink of an eye. Before I knew it, autumn had arrived, and the chill in the air made the reality of entrance exams finally sink in.

I could feel a subtle tension hanging over the classroom.

I wasn’t immune to it either—as the exams crept closer, I found myself getting more and more on edge.

What if I were the only one who failed?

What if I ended up separated from Kouta-kun?

And then, right around that time, I heard that Kouta-kun had been confessed to by a girl from another class.

He apparently turned her down clearly, saying he was already dating me and couldn’t accept—but still, I couldn’t help getting all huffy, wondering what kind of girl confesses to someone who already has a girlfriend.

I even took it out on Kouta-kun, snapping, “Well, maybe if you weren’t so nice to everyone, this wouldn’t keep happening!”

But instead of getting upset, Kouta-kun just smiled and said, “Sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you, Yayoi. But you don’t have to. You’re the one I love most—no one else even registers to me.”

Kouta-kun really is too kind.

I hugged him tight and told him, “I can’t imagine being with anyone else but you.”

I’m not giving Kouta-kun to anyone.

He’s going to stay with me—always.

If we end up at different high schools, I’m pretty sure Kouta-kun will be super popular.

Back in second year, he was just the guy with the bright, refreshing smile—but now he’s downright handsome.

He even said, “You wouldn’t want your boyfriend to look lame when you're out on a date, right?” and started paying attention to his hairstyle and working out.

And since he’s still growing, he’s now about 175 cm tall, with a lean, athletic build.

There’s just no way he wouldn’t be popular!

Which is exactly why I need to get into the same high school as him—no matter what!

I shook off my nerves and buckled down again, reminding myself that I didn’t have time to be anxious.

And just like that, time flew by again—and before we knew it, Christmas Eve came around for the second time since we started dating.

Like last year, I invited Kouta-kun over to my house to celebrate Christmas Eve together.

The day before, his mom called and said, “I always get home late because of work, so I really appreciate you inviting Kouta over for Christmas. Thank you, Yayoi-chan.”

Ever since Kouta-kun and I started dating, our moms have actually gotten close too.

Once we found out that Kouta-kun’s mom usually got home late, he started eating dinner at my house from time to time—and that naturally led to our moms keeping in touch.

At first, his mom felt a little guilty about it, but mine absolutely adores Kouta-kun, so it’s never been a problem.

In fact, she even went as far as saying to his mom, “Honestly, I hope Kouta-kun marries Yayoi as soon as possible!”

I imagine that must be a little complicated for his mom emotionally, but she seems happy that her son is so loved—apparently, she talks about us all the time at home.

Just thinking about Kouta-kun’s mom talking about me when I’m not there makes my heart feel kind of warm and fluttery.

While I was caught up in those thoughts, the doorbell rang—Ding-dong—and I raced for the door, determined to beat Mutsuki to it.

Mutsuki groaned behind me, “Ughhh!” at her defeat, but I didn’t care one bit.

“Merry Christmas, Kouta-kun.”

“Merry Christmas. Thanks for inviting me again this year.”

“No, thank you for coming. Come on in—it’s freezing out there.”

As I ushered him inside, Mutsuki saw her chance and launched herself into Kouta-kun’s chest.

Kouta-kun stumbled back a little from the force of it, but thanks to all that training, he didn’t even come close to falling.

“Mutsuki! What do you think you’re doing? That’s dangerous!”

“Eh, he’s fine! Besides, you always get to hog him, Onee-chan. It’s not fair!”

Not fair, huh?!

Don’t you dare use that cutesy voice on my boyfriend!

I quickly wedged myself between them and pried Mutsuki off of him.

She pouted and yelled, “You’re so mean! Stupid!” but I wasn’t fazed at all.

Kouta-kun just laughed and patted my head. “Come on, you two—play nice.”

Ugh!

Why does he have to be so good-looking?!

I love him!

I really love you, Kouta-kun!

Like last year, our Christmas celebration was with my family—minus my dad—and Kouta-kun.

Once again, Kouta-kun brought presents for everyone in the family.

This time, even my mom and Mutsuki had something ready for him and handed them over with a smile.

My mom’s gift was a pair of gloves that matched mine, and Mutsuki handed him a card that said, “Card Letting You Do Whatever You Want With Me For A Day.”

It goes without saying that I immediately picked a fight with her over that.

Once the Mutsuki battle wrapped up, Kouta-kun and I headed to my room. “Here,” he said, handing me another small box. “A special present just for you, like always.”

Last year’s was a necklace—what could it be this year?

I threw my arms around him and whispered, “I love you, Kouta-kun,” before tilting my head up and asking sweetly, “Can I open it now?”

Kouta-kun smiled and patted my head again. “Of course,” he said, and I carefully unwrapped it just like I had last year.

Inside was an absolutely adorable wristwatch.

“Wow… It’s so cute!”

“You’ve got exams next year, right? I figured a watch might be useful. …Do you like it?”

“Of course I do! Just wearing it makes me feel like I’m totally gonna pass!”

“Haha, you’re such a drama queen. …But yeah. Let’s both pass and spend all three years together at the same high school.”

Just looking at Kouta-kun’s face made my cheeks grow hot.

(Ah… I really, really want to be close to him right now.)

Overcome with emotion, I grabbed his hand and pulled him down with me onto my bed.

We kissed again and again—long, deep kisses, full of all the feelings we couldn’t put into words.

My whole family was home, so I had to keep my voice down, but I think… we managed not to get caught.

And even if we had been caught… maybe that would’ve been okay.

Because I love Kouta-kun that much.

“Did that feel good, Kouta-kun?”

“Yeah. Being with you always makes me feel that way, Yayoi.”

“Don’t ever get bored of me, okay? You’re only allowed to feel that way with me, got it?”

“Obviously. And same goes for you. It’s just the two of us—always.”

“Yeah. Forever and ever… just you. I love you.”

Tomorrow marks exactly one year since we became a real couple.

I have a feeling that next year around this time, we’ll still be just as happy—maybe even more.

At 10 PM, Mom was going to drive Kouta-kun home, just like always.

Until then, the two of us stayed wrapped up in each other, cuddling and smiling—celebrating another perfect Christmas together.