SS 1 Under the Christmas Tree

Under the Christmas Tree

Even though it was Christmas Eve, we were walking home together, just like always.

As expected, Kitchen Aono was bustling with Christmas orders. This morning, we got up early and worked together to prepare the reserved hors d’oeuvres. I even pitched in as a part-timer for a change, so I was feeling a bit drowsy. But since Ai-san had reserved our Christmas dinner in advance, tonight we’d be dining there together as customers.

“Are you sure this is okay? Even with a reservation, it must still be so hectic…”

She had been the first to make a reservation on November 24th, the day bookings opened, exactly one month before Christmas. She seemed a little apologetic about it. There’d been some back-and-forth with my mom—

“It’s fine, just let it be free.”

“No, that’s not okay. You’ve always been so generous, so at least this time let me pay properly.”

—but in the end, we agreed to split the cost evenly since I’d be eating too. Because of that, I spent three hours this morning helping with the prep, earning my share of the meal through hard work.

“It’s totally fine. Not many people go for the top-tier course, so honestly, it’s a big help.”

Tonight’s course featured Caesar salad, white stew wrapped in flaky pastry, and appetizers with smoked salmon and prosciutto. The main dish was an impressive platter: duck breast confit, wagyu filet steak, scallop and oyster gratin, crab cream croquettes, and fried shrimp. For dessert, there was cake and tea. It was like an all-star lineup of my brother’s signature dishes, made with the finest ingredients.

“I’m glad. I’m really looking forward to it—it’s our first Christmas together, after all.”

Seeing her a little more excited than usual, I couldn’t help but smile.

From the shopping district, the song “Last Christmas” floated through the air.

“You know, I used to really hate Christmas.”

She murmured softly, almost to herself, as she stopped in front of the large Christmas tree that had been set up as part of the shopping district’s revitalization efforts.

“Why?”

“Because even if you don’t want to, it forces you to realize you’re alone.”

Happy couples and families walked past us.

For a moment, it looked like she wore an envious expression.

“But…”

Then, as if she’d finally let go of something, she gave me a bright, carefree smile.

“I’m not alone anymore, so I don’t feel lonely.”

She looked around to ensure no one was nearby, then slowly leaned closer to my face.

Our lips touched, and we warmed each other’s cold bodies.

“I’m embarrassed. Let’s go quickly.”

After the kiss, she smiled shyly, trying to hide her embarrassment.

I stood beside her and slowly took her hand.

“Thank you, Senpai, for staying by my side.”

Her hand, which had been through so much with me, was warm.

Matching our steps as best as we could and hoping to prolong this moment as much as possible, we walked forward together.