Episode 395: My Santa-san

「Fufu… it is all to ourselves.」

「Well, at this hour.」

Unlike during the day, there were no signs of other people when we arrived at the park. For now, we sat down together on a nearby bench.

The bench, illuminated by the streetlamp, felt like a stage set under a spotlight, making it feel as if this spot alone was a different world cut off from its surroundings…

「Sitting here, we can’t see the stars.」

「Ah, the streetlight is too close. If anything, we could change locations…」

「No, I thought being under a starry sky would be elegant and moody, but this has a charm of its own.」

「Haha, I was thinking the exact same thing.」

「Telepathy and mutual love, isn’t it♪」

Telepathy aside, I wonder if this counts as mutual love… well, if we believe it, it becomes the truth. Just as Sara-san says, this is a manifestation of our mutual love, yeah.

「…When I was little, I used to stare at the sky from my window on Christmas night. Even when it was time to sleep, I’d sneakily wake up and open the window over and over.」

「…Did you really want to meet Santa-san?」

「Yes. Part of it was that I wanted to thank him directly for delivering presents every year, and I also wanted to actually meet him and talk. But because of that, it resulted in my father having to deal with my pointless late nights.」

「Haha, I can imagine Masaomi-san coming to check on you again and again.」

I can see it now. Masaomi-san coming to check on Sara-san’s room over and over, then having troubled conversations with Mayumi-san… it’s a bit heartwarming.

「Oh, by the way, this is a change of topic, but until about what age did you believe in Santa?」

「I suppose until about the lower grades of elementary school? My classmates at the time were talking about it right before Christmas, so I tried pretending to be asleep as a test, but my father simply left the present and walked away…」

「Ah, that’s one of those patterns.」

「Yes.」

Mmm, that’s a real classic when it comes to Santa Claus. Discovering santa’s true identity usually happens by catching them in the act like that. Or hearing talk about it at school or kindergarten… and in this day and age, you’d know immediately with a quick internet search.

「I felt bad about telling my father on the spot, so I kept quiet until I graduated from elementary school… though it seems my mother noticed a long time ago that I’d figured it out.」

「Well, that sounds like Mayumi-san.」

For someone as skilled in insight as Mayumi-san, noticing a slight change in her daughter’s reaction would be child’s play… I suspect Masaomi-san, on the other hand, was blinded by his excessive doting on his beloved daughter.

「Conversely, how was it for you, Kazunari-san?」

「I was around the same age, I guess. In my house, my old man made a blunder. He came into the room while drunk and took a massive tumble, so it was over in an instant.」

「Fufu… oh, Father-in-law.」

「No, no, it wasn’t a laughing matter. As a result of the impact, I got smacked in the face by the present he was holding, and the contents broke.」

「My, oh my… fufufu.」

Perhaps imagining the scene, Sara-san let out a continuous giggle, which was rare for her.

Well, if it makes her laugh this much, it was worth sharing the story.

「And so, that was the reason I realized Santa didn’t exist… but I figured as long as I got a present, my old man was fine too.」

「Fufu… is that so. For me, I was sad when I learned the Santa-san I believed in wasn’t real. I acted normally for my father’s sake, but it’s a fact that one of my dreams was broken.」

「Right. It’s just an image, but it feels like the shock would be bigger for girls in those situations…」

This isn’t necessarily always the case, but the image is that boys are more dry or realistic about it… but thinking about it that way, if I’d easily played Santa Claus today, there was a possibility I might have broken the dreams of Mio-chan and the others myself.

I’m glad it didn’t turn out like that…

「Well, it’s a matter of sooner or later, but considering that older children can accept the facts more calmly, I’d like Santa-san to do his best for as long as possible.」

「True. Anyway, for today, I’m just glad we could keep the dreams of Mio-chan and the others alive.」

「Yes. I was happy to see such joyful smiles from Mio-chan and the others too♪」

「Me too.」

To be honest, I still feel a bit of regret that I couldn’t make them happy in the role of Santa myself… but seeing them so happy, let’s call it a great success and leave it at that.

「Even so… fufu♪」

「Sara-san?」

Once again, Sara-san let out a sudden chuckle and closed the distance between us slightly. She even leaned against my shoulder… almost as if acting spoiled, resting her body lightly against mine.

「No, I was thinking about what kind of person Santa Claus would be if he actually existed… and I thought you were a lot like Santa-san, Kazunari-san.」

「Eh?」

I’m like Santa?

Why so sudden?

「Santa Claus is someone who delivers presents to children on Christmas Eve, but I believe that’s not just a “thing.” It’s “happiness” itself, like dreams, hope, and joy for the children. And today, Kazunari-san made Mio-chan’s wish come true, and delivered smiles and joy not only to the children but to all of us as well. Doesn’t that make you worthy of being called Santa Claus?」

「Me… Santa Claus?」

「Yes. And it’s not just today, you know? You’re someone who always gives me every kind of happiness, like overflowing joy, smiles, dreams, and hope… Someone like you is definitely my very own Santa-san♪」

「Haha… but if you put it like that, then Sara-san is the Santa Claus for me, isn’t she?」

If, as Sara-san says, Santa Claus is someone who delivers「happiness」itself, then there’s no doubt that Sara-san is that person for me.

「Fufu… but Santa-san is a man, so I’ll have to ask you to take on that role, Kazunari-san.」

「Ah, I see. But in that case, Sara-san is…」

Is there some other good expression?

For me, the expression「Goddess」fits perfectly… but saying that out loud would be way too cheesy.

「And so, it’s decided that my Santa-san is Kazunari-san. This is final, so I won’t back down, okay?」

「…Understood.」

I feel like calling me Santa Claus is a bit of an overestimation, but if that’s what Sara-san wants, I’ll do my absolute best to aim for it. This has been my resolve and true intention from the very beginning, and it hasn’t changed one bit.

「Then… here’s a present from Santa-Kazunari to Sara-san.」

「Eh?」

Saying that, I softly held out a small bag I’d taken from my own bag to Sara-san.

I’d struggled to find the right timing until now, and I’d even braced myself for having to give it to her at home… but it was the right choice to bring it.

「Here, go ahead.」

「Umm…」

While showing a bit of hesitation, Sara-san firmly accepted it… but she couldn’t hide the joy at the corners of her mouth…

「…To be honest, I’m at a loss for how to react. I only just received this ring, and I’m sure I said many times that I didn’t need anything for Christmas?」

「Haha, that’s just a request I can’t fulfill. The idea of me missing an opportunity like this is simply impossible.」

For Sara-san, who rarely accepts my gratitude normally, this is one of the few chances I have to give her at least a small gift. If it makes her happy… I’ll prepare a present no matter what anyone says.

That is my justice!!

However…

「It’s okay. I don’t really want to say it this way, but the budget was quite modest.」

「Is that true?」

「It’s true.」

This isn’t vanity or humility. Actually, due to budget constraints, I wasn’t able to prepare a present that met the minimum line I’d decided on…

Part of it is because I’d pushed myself too hard on the gifts up until now, but even though I was supposed to be working my part-time job for this, it’s pathetic that I ended up in this state.

「…I understand. Then, I will gratefully accept it.」

Sara-san’s eyes, which always see through my thoughts, softened… and she smiled gently, as if relaxing.

She was probably checking to make sure I wasn’t overextending myself… but since the pathetic truth is that I’m not, that part is fine.

「Um… may I open it?」

「Go ahead, go ahead.」

「Fufu… well then.」

Suddenly appearing restless, Sara-san asked for my permission and immediately began peeling off the wrapping paper carefully.

She peeled it away beautifully with slow movements so as not to tear it, and eventually, two small mascots appeared from within. You could tell they were a pair, male and female, from their hairstyles and clothes. The female one had characteristic long black hair…

「Are these… us?」

「…Yes. Um, I tried making them using a handmade kit.」

This was an idea that came to me when I saw some handmade materials next to the register while buying the Miikawa plushie the other day. I’d hurriedly asked the shop where I made that brooch before to help me create these pair mascots. Since I’d had a chance to meet Nishikawa-san for party meetings (Sara-san was on cooking duty, so we were separate), I had her take me to the shop and managed to finish them in a rush. I actually wanted to take more time and make them more carefully… but I obviously couldn’t make them in front of Sara-san.

「Fufu… they’re cute♪ This one is Kazunari-san, and this one is me. And… fufufu♪」

Sara-san smiled even more deeply. What she was focused on while stroking the mascots’ heads… was likely the outfits they were wearing.

The male-type mascot modeled after me was wearing a white tuxedo, and the Sara-san version was wearing a white long dress full of frills… plus, both of their fingers had matching…

「May I take this as an appeal from Kazunari-san?」

「A-appeal…」

「Honestly… making me say it that much, you’re mean, Kazunari-san♪」

「N-No, wait!?」

Of course, it’s not like I don’t know what Sara-san is talking about, but that’s reading way too much into it!!

In the first place, I only chose these outfits because there weren’t any other kits that fit the requirements. There’s absolutely no deeper reason than that!?

「…If you say you want to do it sooner, I don’t mind anytime, you know? For example, the year after next, when you reach your 18th birthday…」

「No, no, I really didn’t mean it that far!! Besides, marriage is…」

「Fufu… just kidding♪」

「Ugh…」

Sara-san let out a joyful laugh at my serious reaction.

Dammit… just as I thought, the reason I’m not actually frustrated even though I should be is because I’m hopelessly in love.

「I’m sorry. I was just so happy that I couldn’t help it…」

「N-No, as long as you’re happy, I don’t mind.」

「Fufu… thank you so much. I’ll be sure to display these mascots properly at home, okay?」

「They can actually work as keychains too, so you could put them on your bag?」

「No, if I were to drop or get these dirty, the shock might actually make me bedridden… besides, I’ve thought of the perfect place, so I’d like to display them there.」

「Understood. Well, I’ll leave that to you, Sara-san. I’m just happy that you liked them.」

「Yes♪」

Since these mascots already belong to Sara-san, she’s free to use them however she likes. More than anything, seeing her this happy is the most important and joyful thing for me…

「Fufu… as I thought, Kazunari-san is Santa-san. Kinder than anyone, more reliable than anyone, more wonderful than anyone… Always giving me smiles and happiness like this, you’re my… my very own Santa-san♪」

「Sara-san…」

「Kazunari-san… next year, the year after, and for a long, long time… please stay my Santa-san forever, okay? Of course, I’ll definitely give you something in return.」

「Haha, just having you by my side is the best reward I could ask for, though?」

「Fufu… those are my words exactly… nn…」

Chu… the moment I thought Sara-san had suddenly pressed her body against mine, I felt a warm, gentle sensation on my cheek. It ended in an instant, but the warmth of our bodies huddled together remained…

「…I’ll do my best. So that I can keep being Sara-san’s Santa… wait, did I say something like this before?」

「Fufu, I’ll do my best too, okay? For you… ah…」

Sara-san let out a small sound. Immediately after, small white things began to dance down from the sky. They were illuminated by the streetlight, sparkling as they began to color the surroundings.

This is…

「Snow… It’s snowing. The forecast didn’t say anything about it.」

「Yes… it’s beautiful…」

The same beautiful moon still floated in the night sky we looked up at together, but a few dark clouds had stretched out before we knew it…

「Honestly… how much do you intend to make me happy, Kazunari-san? To think you’d even prepare such a wonderful surprise.」

「No, I can’t take credit for this…」

「No. Regardless of what anyone says, this is a present you prepared for me! I’ve decided it, so I won’t accept any objections.」

「Haha… but if you put it that way…」

If I were to flip those words around, it would mean that Sara-san had given me a surprise as well…

「Fufu… look, Kazunari-san♪」

Sara-san stood up from the bench and began to spin around as if stepping into a dance.

As she moved, the sparkling flakes of falling snow seemed to envelop her…

The sight was truly ethereal, simply beautiful, elegant…

「A white Christmas with just the two of us… another dream has come true♪」

「Sara-san…」

「My dreams and my happiness… everything exists only because Kazunari-san is here. That’s why, you’re always my Santa-san… in the past, in the future, from now on, forever… always.」

Speaking as if singing, Sara-san softly snuggled against my right arm as I stood up…

And for me, my affection for Sara-san had far exceeded its limits, I was already…

「It’s the same for me. My happiness cannot be fulfilled without Sara-san. Only you can make me truly happy…」

「Fufu… making you happy is my greatest joy… so please accept it, whether you like it or not, okay?」

「There’s no way I’d say I don’t like it. In fact, that’s exactly what I want. Besides, it’s the same for you, Sara-san, isn’t it?」

「Yes. Of course, that’s what I want too. I’ll accept everything about you, Kazunari-san… ah.」

Unable to hold back anymore, I followed my emotions and wrapped my arms around Sara-san, pulling her body toward me a bit forcefully. Sara-san let out a small, surprised sound. But she didn’t resist. Instead, she reached her arms up behind my head, and in turn, she buried my head completely into her own paradise.

「Kazunari-san… please be happy, okay? As long as you are happy, that’s enough for me…」

「…Those are my words too. If Sara-san isn’t happy, then I…」

It doesn’t feel very cool saying this while being held by Sara-san like this… but that’s the one line I absolutely won’t back down on.

「Kazunari-san…」

Sara-san loosened the strength in the arms around my head, and the warmth and softness enveloping me receded slightly. But that was a signal from Sara-san to move on to the next action…

「Sara-san… I… nmu!?」

「Nn…」

I thought I would at least let the most important words come from me… but Sara-san closed her eyes and quickly blocked my mouth with her own lips.

I suppose it’s the usual that I cannot win against Sara-san, but… I wanted to at least act cool for today.

「I love you… Kazunari-san.」

「…I love you too… Sara.」

「!?」

So, as a final surprise attack, I forced myself through the embarrassment to reply like that… Sara-san showed a look of surprise for a moment, but it quickly changed into a dazzling smile. Clad in the sparkle of the snow, she felt almost mystical, divine…

「Fufu… I also love you from the bottom of my heart… darling♪ …nn.」

With that melting smile, under the starry sky and the moonlight…

Sara-san came to steal my lips once again…

「Darling… I love you so much… nn.」

「Nmu!?」

…Wait, wait a second, Sara-san. By any chance, has your kiss monster mode been activated!?

At this rate, instead of a beautiful ending, I feel like things are going to get problematic for me in various ways!?

「S-Sara-sa…」

「Darling?」

「…Sara.」

「Yes♪」

But the Sara-san in question didn’t even notice my manly panic…

And the conclusion to this was something known only to the moon, the stars, and Sara-san’s expression full of happiness… or so they say.

By the way, the Christmas present from Sara-san was properly prepared once we got home, and an extension of the Christmas party was held in our house, which had been decorated before we knew it… but that’s another story.