With only a short time left until university entrance exams, starting with the Common Test, the calendar hanging on my wall had grown thinner—only eight pages remained.
「Should we call it a day？」
「Huh？ Already that late？」
「Yeah, it’s past six.」
Mei nodded, slipping into her coat, while I began getting ready to head out as well.
Even though we had spent the day like typical exam students, studying diligently at my place, today was still Christmas. It might seem like students prepping for exams don’t have time for things like Christmas or New Year’s celebrations, but a little break wouldn’t hurt. Besides, my mock exam results were solid, and I had an invitation to the Hirose family’s Christmas party.
When we stepped outside, Mei bundled in her white duffle coat, a sharp northern wind greeted us. It felt painfully cold after spending the day basking in the warmth of the kotatsu while studying.
「So cold.」
Apparently, I wasn’t the only one who let that slip. There was no way we could walk all the way to the Hirose house without a break in this weather. Grabbing something warm to drink or a snack on the way seemed inevitable.
「It snowed last year, but it doesn’t look like we’ll get any this time.」
「A bit of a letdown, but probably for the best.」
「Yeah, after spending so much time studying under the kotatsu, I don’t think I could handle snow.」
「I’d say it’s more than ‘a bit’ unbearable.」
I glanced down at my right hand. It hadn’t even been ten minutes of walking, yet my fingers were already freezing. The ring on my finger greedily absorbed whatever warmth I had left.
「Let’s stop by the convenience store.」
「Good idea. I need something warm to hold, at least.」
The station wasn’t far, and we could catch a bus from there. But I doubted we’d make it that far without stopping. Conveniently, a store was just around the corner. Well, I suppose that’s what makes them “convenience” stores.
＊ ＊ ＊
After buying a sweet bean bun and canned coffee, we stepped back outside. The heat inside the store had been cranked up to the max, making the cold feel even more biting. I needed to eat something warm, fast.
I pulled the bean bun from the bag, splitting it in half. Steam rose immediately, carrying the sweet scent of red bean paste.
「Never thought I’d be munching on a bean bun on Christmas.」
「They’ll have chicken at the party, and nothing beats something sweet after a long study session.」
「Fair point.」
I handed half of the bun to Mei and took a bite of my own. It probably tasted the same as always, but the cold seemed to make it more delicious. Mei, nibbling beside me, smiled as she savored the sweetness.
「You always make it look so good.」
「Look who’s talking. You’ve got red bean paste on your cheek.」
Mei’s finger lightly brushed my cheek, collecting the paste, which she then popped into her mouth.
「Mmm, sweet and tasty.」
We were eating the same thing, but somehow, she made it seem different. I bit back the urge to say so and instead settled for something more trivial.
「Buns just taste better when you take a big bite.」
「You split it in half first, though.」
「Yeah, well… that part doesn’t count.」
「What kind of logic is that? Well, if you get more paste on you, I’ll clean it up like before.」
She smiled sweetly, and for some reason, I felt a little shy. Did that mean she’d always be there next to me when I ate one of these? I wasn’t planning on giving up that spot beside her, so maybe that’s just how things would go.
「Oh, look at the lights!」
Her excited voice pulled me from my thoughts. I followed her pointing finger and saw the town lit up with dazzling illuminations. It seemed even more extravagant than last year, as if the path of lights had grown longer.
「It feels grander than last year. Beautiful.」
「Yeah, it really is. I’m glad I can see them with you again.」
「‘Again’? We’ll probably keep seeing them together for a long time. Not sure if we’ll always come here, though.」
I’d been on the receiving end of her teasing all day, so maybe that line just slipped out. I decided to blame it on the magic of Christmas.
I glanced at Mei’s face, curious about her reaction, but before I could catch it, my stomach rumbled—loud enough to break the mood. At the same time, Mei’s phone buzzed.
「It’s Mom. She says everything’s ready, so we should hurry over. And with your stomach growling like that, we better go.」
「Yeah, let’s head out.」
I wondered where we’d be seeing the lights next Christmas, but that thought could wait. For now, I’d focus on the party and the excited kids waiting for us.
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