nhp | (Sutamai) ‘Can't Handle This ♡ Present on Christmas Eve’, Part 3

EVENT STORY INDEX

20.

-Department Store-

Otani: I’m happy to have bumped into you on this particular day. It feels like fate, doesn’t it?

Rei: …………

Otani: Ahaha. A cold reaction as always.

If you’d like, I would love to ask you out for some coffee, you know.

Seeing as we’ve run into each other and all, let me at least treat you to a Christmas cake.

Rei: …… How many slices of cake are you planning on eating today exactly?

“They’re all probably with women too.”

Otani: How many girls do you think?

Rei: I asked how many slices……

Otani: Don’t worry. The cake’s only with you, Rei-chan.

Rei: Yay. I’m jumping with joy.

Otani: Oh? You don’t believe me at all.

Rei: It’d be a problem for me if I take what you say seriously.

Otani: As much as I’d love to savour my time listening to you tell me why that is…

I assume you’re here because you’re in the middle of shopping.

If you’re looking for something, then let me lend you a hand.

Rei: …… Huh? You want to help me?

Otani: Yep.

Rei: Um…… I do think this is rather rude of me to say, but…

What are you scheming?

Otani: It’s purely out of the kindness of my heart.

This department store has a selection that’s second to none, so there are a lot of products to go on from as well. I was thinking that you’d maybe need a guide.

Rei: (...... Sorry, but I really can’t help feeling suspicious……)

(But if he’s actually offering it out of kindness, then…)

…… I’d be super grateful for the help.

Otani: Well then, starting from now, it’s a date.

Rei: (The Hatori season is in full throttle for Christmas too, huh……)

21.

-Department Store-

Otani: … I see.

So what you’re after is a present for the acquaintance that invited you to the party and whom loves to cook.

Rei: Yeah. I want to gift them something that they’d definitely be happy to receive.

…… But this shop really does have all sorts of stuff so I’m at a lost on what to get.

Otani: No kidding. They even purposely stock new items that are in short supply across the world so it’s a popular store amongst girls.

Rei: Ooh, so that’s why you’re also here……

Otani: Yep. I’m here to buy a present as well.

…… Are you jealous?

Rei: That frying pan looks like it can cook ten sunny-side up eggs in one go! Wow!!

Otani: You’re so cold, Rei-chan.

What sort of person is this friend who gets to receive a present from someone such as yourself?

Rei: What sort of person, you ask……

(Miyase-san is…)

They’re someone that gives off an aura of being kind, gentle, and well and truly good at cooking.

Otani: Hmm, you have a wonderful friend there. I would love to meet them next time by all means.

Homemade cooking packed with love stimulates my appetite so I quite fancy it.

Rei: …… I’m just pointing this out, but they’re a guy??

Otani: Ahaha, what a shame.

Well then, how about I get you to cook it for me?

Rei: Sure. I’ll make something vegetarian* and bring it over.

{T/N: the joke here is that a vegetarian dish is one of abstinence :) }

Otani: Do I look like someone with such carnal desires to you?

Even though I make sure to behave like a gentleman at all costs around you.

Rei: (It feels more like I question what a gentleman is instead……)

(...... Oh, but…)

I can’t deny that you’re a little bit the definition of a gentleman today.

Otani: Huh?

Rei: Because you’re really helping me out here with choosing a present together like this.

Thank you.

Otani: (...... You sometimes have this side to you, don’t you…)

Rei: Hatori-san……?

Otani: I’ve decided. Let’s definitely find a very special present.

Rei: ?

Otani: I’ll have to work as hard as I can to repay my thanks just now.

22.

-Department Store-

Rei: You really were a big help.

Thanks to you, I’m glad I managed to buy a present that they’ll seem to like.

Otani: You’re welcome…… But…

How about changing your plans and continuing this tonight by spending Christmas Eve with me instead?

Rei: Excuse me??

Otani: I was thinking that it’d be impolite of me to silently send you off to become some other man’s Mrs Claus.

Rei: Oh, right, it’s the usual fooling around……

Otani: And if I said that I was serious?

Rei: I’m suuuuuper grateful for the offer, but I’m fine with it being a joke.

Otani: A shame.

Rei: I guess I’ll be on my way now then. Thanks a lot, really.

Otani: Hold on. There’s still something that I haven’t said yet.

Rei: Okay……?

(Is he going to say something to mess with me again—)

Otani: Merry Christmas, Rei-chan. May your holy night be a joyous one.

Rei: !

(Isn’t this a little unfair!??)

…… Merry Christmas.

Otani: Oh? So rather than coming onto you directly, you’ll show that sort of face with something of this level.

Will you allow me to say it once more?

Rei: Nope!! Thank you though! Bye then!

Otani: Ahaha. See you, Rei-chan.

-Department Store: Menswear-

After parting ways with Hatori-san, I found myself on the menswear floor.

Rei: (Kaname-kun said before that he didn’t have anything proper to wear to keep out the cold despite it starting to get chilly…)

(He was talking about it with Miyase-san…)

(I want the present to be somewhere along that line too, but……)

Watabe: … Oh? Rei-chan.

Rei: Oh, good afternoon. What a coincidence.

(I’m really running into people I know a lot today.)

Watabe: I’m surprised. What are you doing on the menswear floor?

Rei: I was kind of looking for something.

Are you…… also out shopping, Watabe-san?

Watabe: You got it. I come here from time to time.

Rei: (Could this be…… my saving grace?)

What perfect timing.

Watabe: Haha. Are you saying that you’re happy to see me?

Rei: Yep! Very much so!

Watabe: Huh?

Rei: Please let me grab your opinion on something.

Watabe: I’m not sure what’s going on…… But alright.

I was just sort of dawdling away my free time during work anyway.

Rei: Oh…… So you really did have work today too, huh.

Watabe: I’m sure even you were working all morning as well.

Rei: How did you know that?

Watabe: I knew from looking at your outfit.

That aside, what are you looking for?

Rei: I’m actually…… looking for a present.

Something like a muffler or a hat.

Watabe: Hmm……

(Is she perhaps… giving it to someone in the office?)

24.

-Department Store: Menswear-

Watabe: By present, do you mean for Christmas?

Rei: Yep. With the way things turned out, I have to prepare something.

Watabe: …… Is it for your dad?

Rei: No, it’s for a male acquaintance of mine.

Watabe: …… I see. Well then, how about something like this?

What Watabe-san had reached for was a grey muffler that looked like it would’ve suited himself more than it would Kaname-kun.

Rei: It’s super stylish.

But maybe just a little more…… Oh, like something geared in this direction.

Watabe: (A reindeer pattern muffler?)

Rei: Oh! This one might be good too.

Watabe: (A knitted beanie with pom poms……)

…… You’re picking out ones that are quite the cute type.

Rei: You think so?

(I was grabbing stuff that looked like it would go well with Kaname-kun after dressing him up in my head……)

Watabe: Would those things suit the person?

Rei: Hmm, well, he does have an adorable face and he’s a lot younger than I am.

Watabe: I see……

Could it be that you were into younger boys, Rei-chan?

Rei: If you’re asking whether that’s my taste………… Hmmm.

Watabe: …………

Rei: …… I don’t feel as if I categorise my preference for men based on age.

Watabe: Is that so?

…… Thank goodness. Haha.

Rei: Huh?

Watabe: If you had said that you preferred younger boys, then someone like me would’ve felt a little left out.

Rei: Ahaha. I’ll gladly accept that kind of consideration of yours for today.

Watabe: Haha.

(The present’s probably for a kid of some relative.)

If I were to give any sort of advice, then…

Younger men basically wish to be viewed on the same level as or someone more than that by women. Don’t you think?

Rei: I see……

So in other words, it’s not good of me to gift something cute based on my assumed image of them.

Watabe: I didn’t go so far as to say that it’s not good, but he would have his own preferences as well.

Although, if I were a guy younger than you, Rei-chan…

…… And if I were to receive a present on Christmas, then…

Honestly, it might be nice to be able to think that you chose it upon seeing me as your equal.

Rei: Your advice is incredibly helpful, Watabe-san.

Watabe: Glad to hear it.

If you’re after a muffler or something, then there was a winter special corner over there. Want to check it out?

Rei: Really!? For sure!

Watabe: Yep. Come along now~

26.

-Kujo Household: Living Room-

Kirishima: Whoo hoo!! Here’s to Christmas!!!

Rei: Cheers!!

Shindo: Champagne and Christmas crackers are quite the cliched setting.

Kaname: You say that, but you look like you’re somewhat having fun, Kiyoshi-san.

Shindo: I never said a word of it being boring.

Rei: Hngh!? This champagne is delicious……

(Nothing less to expect from a Krug Grande Cuvee!)

The king of champagnes’ name was the real deal.

Kujo: Don’t hold back. You should enjoy yourself for tonight.

Rei: Thank you.

Sorry for suddenly joining in on the party.

Miyase: I was the one who was slightly pushy in inviting you.

Rei: No, I really didn’t have any plans to do anything Christmasy so I’m having heaps of fun right now.

Oh, that’s right.

It’s nothing big, but I came ready with presents for everyone.

Miyase: Huh?

Shindo: You were carrying a whole heap of stuff so I had thought you were going to put on a act or something.

Kujo: You’ve prepared something for every one of us?

Kaname: Even though… the invitation was handed out on the same day as the party?

Rei: I had plenty of time to spare after all.

Miyase: That is…… We’re very happy but we’ve completely made you go through the trouble of it.

Our sincerest apologies.

I should have plainly told you to please come without anything.

Rei: No, not at all.

The time I spent picking out these presents had that Christmas feeling, so it was exciting.

Kujo: ………… May we open it?

Rei: Of course!

28.

-Kujo Household: Living Room-

Rei: (I sure hope everyone likes their present…)

Kirishima: !!? Hey…… hold on a sec.

Rei: (Huh!? Did I fail big time here??)

Kirishima: What’s with these reindeer antlers!!? And there’s even a Santa outfit to boot!!??

What a full-on all-out present!

Rei: (Oh…… it was a success?)

I thought that it would suit you, Kirishima-san.

Kirishima: That’s for sure.

There was a time when I was a kid where my future dream was to be Santa Claus’ reindeer.

Kaname: Your choice was the reindeer……

Kirishima: Without a reindeer, Santa can’t deliver his presents, y’know?

Meaning that without a reindeer, kids all over the world would end up crying.

Also, the reindeer feels like Santa’s cool bodyguard, get what I’m saying?

Kaname: I don’t know about that……

Rei: (What exactly… is Kirishima-san’s image of a reindeer?)

Shindo: Well, it’s a Kirishima-like reasoning.

Kirishima: Anyways, it’s an awesome present! Thanks, Rei!

Looking extremely pleased, Kirishima-san went to hastily put on the reindeer headband.

Kirishima: Well? How do I look?

Rei: You look very dashing in it.

Shindo: …… Oh? So mine’s protein, huh. This is a new product.

Rei: I did figure that you would have a hangup for types and all.

But after checking with the staff that the product went on sale yesterday or so, I thought you might want to try it out.

Shindo: …… Oh? The ingredients are also impeccable.

I’ll gratefully make use of it.

Rei: I’m glad to hear it.

Kaname: Oh…… A muffler and gloves.

Rei: I gave priority to things that would protect from the cold, so I tried going with something considerably simple, but…… what do you think?

Kaname: The muffler I have right now was just about starting to get old so I was thinking of buying one to replace it.

I can use this even when going to school and all, so it’s perfect.

Rei: Thank goodness.

It’s cold this year too so make sure to stay warm and to not catch a cold or anything.

Kaname: …… Thanks.

Miyase: Oh! This detergent bottle is…… Eco Ponta?

Rei: I knew you would know of Eco Ponta, Miyase-san.

It was a revolutionary product that I found at the department store with the help of Hatori-san.

Miyase: This is…… my present?

Rei: (Huh? This reaction from him is……)

C-Could it be… that you already own it?

29.

-Kujo Household: Living Room-

Miyase: No…… I’m sorry. It’s just that I’m surprised you would know what I’ve been wanting the most.

Rei: Huh? Really?

Miyase: Yes. I’ve been eyeing it ever since it went on sale a few months back.

But it was sold out everywhere in store and online so I haven’t been able to buy it.

Kaname: Isn’t it just any detergent bottle?

Miyase: No, it’s quite remarkable.

Just from dabbing your sponge on this flower cap part…

The detergent comes out, and the sponge is soaked to a splendid state.

Kaname: Hmm. So you don’t have to hold up the bottle for every little thing, huh.

Kirishima: Even the look of it has flowers going on. Man, it’s got your name written all over it.

Miyase: Yes, I’m very happy with my present.

Thank you so much, Izumi-san.

Rei: You’re welcome. Please do use it often.

Kujo: …… For me, it’s a book.

Rei: I didn’t know what sort of genre you preferred to read, Kujo-san.

That’s why I got advice from an acquaintance that knows a lot about books.

So then I tried choosing one that I would like to read for myself.

Kujo: …… I see. Thank you.

Rei: (This reaction………… Which is it???)

(Did I get the yay or nay??)

Kujo: Perhaps it would be nice to discuss our thoughts over some of Go’s tea after we’ve finished reading it.

You have my thanks.

Rei: (Thank god!!)

Phew…… It somehow feels like I accomplished something from having you all be happy with your presents.

Kirishima: Hm? Ain’t that kinda weird?

Shindo: It’s certainly an odd way of phrasing it.

Rei: Is… it?

I was worried the whole time whether it would be okay or not when I was picking out the presents.

So I have a strange sense of achievement at the moment.

Of course, it was honestly an exciting time too……

30.

-Kujo Household: Living Room-

Kaname: …… That sort of thinking is somehow just like you, Onee-san.

Miyase: Yes, I completely agree.

Rei: ?

Kujo: I did think that you were being slightly over considerate upon hearing that you came prepared with presents for everyone.

…… But right now, I want you to spend your Christmas Eve here in a more relaxed manner.

Rei: (In a relaxed manner……)

(...... I see. I was so happy over being invited that I strained myself a little too hard with it.)

(It’s a Christmas party after all. I should enjoy myself to the max!)

Kirishima: Here, you put this on too.

Rei: Wha—!

With the work of Kirishima-san’s hands, the reindeer headband was placed onto my head.

Kirishima: Woah, don’t you look good in it!

Rei: Y-You think so??

Miyase: You’re a very lovely reindeer.

Shindo: It’s not a bad idea to get into the spirit of things and have fun.

Rei: (...... That’s right. It is a Christmas party, after all.)

(I should fully enjoy myself as well!!)

Kaname: If I had known way beforehand that you’d be coming, then I would’ve at least got you something too.

Miyase: Oh, yes, that is true.

Please allow us to formally give you something in return at a later date.

Kujo: It’s possible to arrange for this instant and not at a later date.

Do tell me what it is that you want.

Rei: I’m fine, really.

I’m actually already having heaps of fun right now.

So that alone is plenty enough of a Christmas present from everyone.

Kirishima: Whoo, yeah!! Ain’t you saying stuff to pump us up!!!

C’mon, Rei. Have some more champagne.

Kirishima-san generously refilled my emptied glass with gusto.

Kaname: Since everything Go-san cooks is delicious as well, why not eat more of it?

Shindo: I’ve brought some tasteful shochu for afterwards when the champagne is emptied.

The bottle that Shindo-san held up…

Rei: (I-Is that a Moriizo brand!? The rare premium shochu!!)

Miyase: I’ve also thoroughly prepared some side dishes that will go very well with the shochu.

Kujo: I’m sure it’s also good to get away from work sometimes and let loose to your heart’s content.

Rei: Everyone……

Thank you so much.

Kirishima: Woah!??

Rei: W-What is it!!?

Kirishima: It’s snowing!!!

We all collectively turned to look outside the window.

Rei: (It really is……)

Kaname: So it’s a White Christmas then?

Shindo: It has quite the charm to it.

Kirishima: It’s official. We’re having a snowball fight if it piles up.

Miyase: Oh, yes, speaking of snowball fights……

At the party where Kujo-san and I participated in the bingo the other day…

We won a snowball making machine, didn’t we?

Kujo: The one that a former NASA employee invented.

Rei: NASA!!???

Kirishima: That’s Kujo-san for you! Getting lucky and winning something like that is awesome!

Kujo: …… To think that there would come a time to use it.

Kaname: Are we seriously going to have a snowball fight?

Rei: Ahaha.

But it sounds like it’ll be interesting if everyone gets their game face on for it.

I wouldn’t be able to predict the play or winner at all.

Kujo: Naturally, you’re participating as well, no?

Rei: Huh?

Kirishima: ‘Course, right?

Shindo: It would be unrefined to just partake in a fun party and only spectate the battle.

Kaname: Are you perhaps directing that towards me too?

Shindo & Kirishima: You bet.

Kaname: The muffler and gloves that I got from you, Onee-san… They might just become covered in snow soon……

Miyase: Well, well.

I guess I’ll ready plenty of hot rice cake soup and sweet red bean soup in a large pot for us then.

Rei: (You know…… this sort of thing is kind of nice.)

* * *

…… A pleasantly warm feeling in my chest,

Delicious food and delicious alcohol,

The sifting snow and silly chitchats continue to stack up on this lively holy night.

I’m already an adult so there won’t be any present lying on my bedside when I wake up tomorrow morning.

But if perchance, Santa Claus is going to specially pay me a visit, then…

For the many people that the me right now is bound to by a strange connection…

I pray that he somehow delivers them a lovingly tender Christmas Eve.