Volume 9 Chapter 22 Gift Exchange
“I'm sorry for coming without notice.”
“...Oh, no problem at all.”
“I heard you're doing a gift swap, so here's mine if you want it.”
Eris gave Yuusuke a paper bag without moving a step, and her fingertips felt as cold as ice.
“Well then, I'll go now.”
“Are you leaving?”
“Yes, I brought this. Have fun at the party.”
Smiling gently, Eris tried to walk away, facing the other way. Without thinking, Yuusuke grabbed her hand.
Not sure what to say, he thought quickly.
"Why are you leaving? It's a gift exchange, and we need everyone."
"It's not a big deal."
"Is this because you don't like parties?"
"No, it's something else."
Yuusuke felt confused as he looked at Eris's calm face. It wasn't anger or sadness. They had spent a lot of time together, so Yuusuke could usually tell if Eris was upset. Eris held her hair in place as the wind blew through it.
"Yuusuke, I'm happy just to see you again. It's enough, and I shouldn't ask for more than this."
The words continue.
"You have many important people around you now. Enjoy the time you spend with them."
"..."
——That's right.
Yuusuke remembered. Eris was a kind person who valued others a lot. It was the same before. That's why this time, he decided not to let go. With determination, he led Eris into the entranceway.
"Hey, Yuusuke! I'm going back home now!"
"Yeah, you can leave after the party. But the rule for today is that everyone coming in should have a smile on their face."
"Who made that rule?"
"I did."
It didn't matter why. It could be an excuse or just a friendly request.
"We haven't seen each other for a while. Can't I wish to have a party with you?"
"What do you mean?"
"Do you know? Today is the day when good wishes might come true. Also, we're going to fight together from now on. Can't we at least say hello?"
When Eris heard this, she stayed quiet.
Now, it's all about the momentum.
"Let's go."
"Wait, I'm still going—"
"Okay, okay. I'll listen to your complaints later."
Yuusuke held Eris's hand and went towards the living room.
Maybe they already heard voices. Kanami gave Eris a drink, and Tsukiko put a cushion for her.
"Sorry, can Eris join too?"
"Yes, sure."
"You made it here. Thank you for taking care Ayaka."
Kanami and Tsukiko welcomed with words, while Nest and Bertina bowed nervously.
Then, Sharla and Eris looked at each other.
"――Sharla, is it okay?"
"It's fine."
That was all they said. Even when they met in this house before, they only talked a little.
It's not that they don't get along, but it seems enough for them.
Yuusuke guided Eris to sit down and sat next to her.
"Hinata, Eris brought a gift too."
"Ah, yes! Got it!"
Hinata, who was absentmindedly looking at Eris, suddenly snapped into a respectful salute.
Hinata wanted to make the atmosphere more lively, so she said,
"Now that Eris is here too, let's start the gift exchange for the third time, as I say!"
"Yeah!" Yuusuke and the others responded with clapping. If Souji and Matsuda were here, the excitement would have been even greater, but they can't change that.
Hinata took out their smartphone and explained the rules.
"Even though it's called a gift exchange, it's really simple. While the music is playing, pass the presents around in a circle. When the music stops, whatever gift you're holding becomes yours. If you end up with your own gift, please exchange it with the person next to you."
A lively tune started playing.
Amidst the popular Christmas song playing, everyone began passing their prepared gifts to the person next to them.
"Alright, it's random time!"
Every now and then, Hinata shouted this, and they would swap presents between random members.
In situations like these, Yuusuke gave out gifts and thought about how lucky he was to have Hinata with him. A few minutes later, the music stopped.
"That's all for now. Everyone, did you receive the gifts you wanted?"
Everyone looked at each other, but it seemed that no one had received their own gift.
"Well then, shall we open them?"
"Yeah, whose gift is this?"
"Not mine."
With that, Yuusuke unwrapped the gift. Inside the white box was a bright red scarf.
"Is this a scarf?"
The fabric felt nice to the touch, and it would definitely be comfortable to wear around the neck. Yuusuke realized that he didn't have a scarf. It was a practical and appreciated gift.
As Yuusuke looked around, trying to figure out who the gift was from, everyone else was excitedly opening their presents and talking about where they came from.
When Yuusuke wanted to know whose scarf it was, he noticed something.
"Oh... is this a hairband?"
Eris held up the hairband and looked at it closely.
It was a black hairband with gold decorations. There were also some plain hairbands.
"Ah, that's mine."
——Did it hit Eris?
Thinking of this, Yuusuke said casually.
In Asteris, people usually used hair ribbons instead of hairbands. Yuusuke had bought it, thinking it might be useful, but Eris widened her eyes and whispered softly.
"I see, thank you."
The golden hair accessory would surely look nice on her red hair.
Just as Yuusuke was about to ask about the scarf, someone suddenly stood up.
"...Lisha?"
It was Lisha, standing up with an unusual urgency, which was not like her usual self.
Looking up from below, even though he should be looking down at that face, it's deeply bowed and invisible.
"What's wrong? Did something happen?"
"I'm just going to... get some fresh air outside."
"Fresh air outside...?"
The view outside the window is already dark, and the sky is covered with heavy clouds like lead.
No matter how he think about it, it's not the time or the temperature for a walk outside.
"I'm sorry."
Before Yuusuke could stop her, Lisha went outside without even putting on her coat.
"Hey! Lisha, wait!"
Yuusuke, who had been stopped due to an unusual atmosphere, hurriedly stood up and tried to follow, but Kanami stopped him.
"Yuusuke-sama, I'll go."
"I'm going too. We don't know what's going on outside."
"It's okay. With Lisha's pace, she won't go too far..."
Kanami hesitated a little, as if unsure whether to say that, but she quietly conveyed it.
"I don't think it would be a good idea for Yuusuke-sama to chase her now."
After al, that was a strong rejection.
"Yeah... I understand..."
Yuusuke bent his knee as he was going to get up, and Kanami went outside with Lisha.
And that's how the Christmas party finished with a feeling like the cold of winter.
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