December 25th — Christmas.
In my previous life, this day would've been a holiday—no classes, no work. But now, the 25th is just another ordinary day.
Of course, Christmas here in Japan is more about spending time with friends or your partner, and it's common to exchange gifts with people close to you.
As for me, I hadn't even considered giving anyone a gift, but Rumi insisted I should get something for Yumiko and Kawasaki. And as the good older brother I am, I couldn't turn her down.
At first, I had no idea what to give them, but then inspiration struck when I glanced at Kawasaki. Even Rumi approved when I showed her what I'd bought.
When I put my mind to it, I can actually get good results…
I snapped out of my thoughts when the bell rang for lunch.
Having free study periods is pretty nice—you can just waste time lost in thought. But since the high school entrance exams for Chiba are only two months away, free study periods have become more common lately.
Usually, I spend that time reading novels or zoning out. Sure, I study a bit, but not as much as the others. I'm not a genius, but I believe effort brings results—though I don't plan on overdoing it either.
I died before graduating from university, and now that I've been reborn, having to study all over again is such a drag…
My eyes wandered across the classroom. Most of my classmates had formed groups to exchange gifts.
The act of giving gifts seems like a way to make sure they'll remember each other in the years to come. That's what I think, at least, if I try to read between the lines of what Christmas really means.
There are still a few months left before we graduate from middle school, but that time will fly by, and before they realize it, everyone will be taking their entrance exams and starting their new lives in high school.
Statistics say that more than 95% of middle school friendships fade after graduation.
The remaining 5% are those rare, strong bonds—friendships that can go years without contact, yet pick up right where they left off when they meet again.
In this world, I might fall into that 5%. There's someone I know whose situation is similar to mine, so I'm sure that if she came back after all these years away, she'd talk to me like nothing had changed.
Though honestly, I'd rather she stayed far away—she's a real headache.
Wherever she is, I'm sure she's causing trouble…
"Raiden!"
I turned toward the voice that called my name.
"Hey, Yumiko." I raised my hand casually in greeting.
As usual, she wore a sleeveless vest over a long-sleeved white blouse and a short skirt—the winter uniform.
"Let's have lunch!" she said, holding a bento box in one hand.
Like every other school day, she came to get me when lunchtime arrived.
I nodded and pulled my own bento box from my bag—one I'd made earlier that morning.
With everything ready, we left my classroom and walked toward one of the stairways leading to the rooftop.
There are plenty of places to eat lunch, so I usually let Yumiko choose.
It's not like I really have a say anyway…
Once we sat down, we started eating while chatting about random school stuff.
A few months ago, the idea of having lunch and talking with a cute girl wouldn't even have crossed my mind.
I've always thought it's better to do things alone—and I still kind of do—but after spending all this time having lunch with Yumiko and walking home with Kawasaki after classes at the academy, my mindset has changed a bit.
Both of them are pretty troublesome girls—Yumiko more than Kawasaki—but before I knew it, I'd gotten used to their company.
I've even come to enjoy those small moments we share, whether it's just talking or walking home together.
Is this what people call friendship?
If I put it that way, it sounds like I've never had friends before.
In this life, I've had acquaintances—and one girl I'd rather stay away from—but aside from that, I've never really had anyone I'd call a friend.
The reason might sound stupid—and maybe it is—but I feel like I don't deserve something like that.
Because if I do, I'm afraid I'll become too attached to those feelings, to the point where I'd do anything not to lose them.
Letting that warm, comforting feeling slowly take over would only end up hurting me… and yet, I don't do anything to stop it.
It's like a drug that's gradually taken hold of me—and before I realized it, I've become addicted to it.
Maybe I'm just overreacting… or maybe not. I don't want to think about the answer to that.
I really must be out of my mind…
My thoughts snapped back to reality when I felt a light pinch on my cheek.
I turned to Yumiko, who was glaring at me slightly while pulling on my cheek.
"Are you even listening to me!?"
"I–I am," I replied with some difficulty.
"What did I just say?" She let go.
"That I was listening," I answered in my usual tone.
Yumiko raised an eyebrow. "The part before that."
It's hard to follow a conversation when your mind is elsewhere, so while Yumiko talked, I just nodded and gave vague responses.
"I give up…"
"You didn't even try to remember!"
Yumiko punched my arm but quickly pulled her fist back, wincing.
"There's no point trying to recall something that's not in my head."
"It's annoying how calmly you admit that… Also, why did it hurt to hit you?" she asked, rubbing her hand.
"My bad, instinct."
When I saw Yumiko about to hit me, I unconsciously tensed my arm muscles.
When you train, they always tell you to stay alert. If you can't dodge, the next best thing is to minimize the impact—or, simply put, block what you can't avoid.
"Do you work out or something?"
"You could say that… or well, it's a longer story. Anyway, what were you saying?"
Yumiko looked at me for a few seconds before sighing.
"I was asking what you're doing today," she said, clearly giving up on the previous topic.
"Not much. Just staying home and bringing fried chicken for dinner."
In Japan, it's common to have fried chicken for Christmas dinner. Not that I mind—quite the opposite.
I was planning to stop by the fried chicken place after class. Since it's Christmas, attendance isn't exactly mandatory, but Sensei looked kind of down realizing his students have a better social life than he does.
"Sounds like something you'd do," she said with a grin.
"Sorry for being so average, but I'm guessing you'll be doing something way more out of the ordinary," I teased.
"Something like that—except my dad's the one bringing the fried chicken."
"Very original."
"You're so childish, Raiden."
She looked over her shoulder at me, as if she wasn't the one who started this.
"Whatever you say. Finish your food before it gets cold."
We'd gotten so caught up in talking that we'd forgotten to eat.
"What are you, my mom?" Yumiko muttered as she reluctantly went back to eating.
This girl's a headache… and yet, I can't deny she's entertaining.
We finished our meals in silence. Enjoying a quiet moment like that was surprisingly relaxing.
The lunch bell should be ringing soon.
It's a good time to give her what I bought; if I wait, I might forget, and that'll just be a hassle.
I took a small box from my pocket, neatly wrapped in gift paper, and held it out to her.
Should I say something fancy or clever?
"Hope you like it." Maybe next time.
Yumiko's eyes widened in surprise.
"This is…"
"If you don't want it, I'll take it back."
"I didn't say I didn't want it!" She snatched the gift before I could pull my hand away.
I thought about telling her it was Rumi's idea, but decided not to.
"It's small." She examined the box.
"I'll take it back."
Yumiko brushed my hand away just as I was about to reclaim the gift.
"It's mine!"
She quickly opened the box. Inside was a Y-shaped necklace, a deep jade green—the same color as her eyes. The material seemed to be some kind of mineral, so it definitely wasn't cheap. After all, I bought it at a jewelry store.
Even after several seconds, Yumiko kept staring at the necklace as if she were in a trance.
"Yumiko, you still with me?" I waved a hand in front of her face.
That seemed to snap her out of it.
"You can actually be thoughtful when you try," she said with a sincere smile.
She ran her fingers over the necklace, her eyes shining with excitement. Then she tried to put it on but failed miserably. She's pretty clumsy with certain things.
"Raiden, give me a hand."
"What are you, a little kid or something?"
I was sure even Rumi wouldn't have trouble putting on a necklace.
"Just do it!"
"Fine, fine." I reluctantly agreed.
She handed me the necklace and brushed her hair aside.
I guess I don't have a choice.
I moved behind her and started fastening the clasp. Being this close, I could smell her shampoo—a refreshing citrus scent.
Once I finished, I stepped back to my original spot. It's not like I wanted to keep smelling Yumiko's hair or anything.
That's not a crime, right?
"How does it look?" she asked brightly.
Normally, I'd tease her at this point, but something told me that would end badly for me, so I had to be honest.
"It looks good on you. Not that you don't look beautiful anyway."
Basic rule: when a girl gets jewelry, you compliment both the jewelry and her. Even if it feels unnecessary, it's best to say it.
Still, my words weren't empty. Yumiko could easily be considered the most beautiful girl in school—not just because of her face but also her figure. Her proportions were perfect, and whenever she wore a skirt, her slender legs always stood out.
At my words, she smiled softly.
Then, out of nowhere, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around me.
She was… hugging me.
It completely caught me off guard. I hadn't expected her to like the gift that much. I guess buying that necklace was worth it.
Not that I had any ulterior motives—honestly.
Yumiko looked up, her eyes meeting mine.
"Thank you, Raiden. I'll take good care of it."
That beautiful smile of hers was the best gift I could have received, but still…
I hesitated for a moment, stunned by how sudden everything was. Her body pressed against mine felt so warm it left me speechless.
Before I could say anything, the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch break.
"Time to head back!" Yumiko said, pulling away naturally.
I just stood there, frozen. I must've looked like an idiot.
My mind kept replaying that soft sensation I'd felt when she hugged me.
"Raiden, you coming?" she asked, tilting her head adorably.
Her voice snapped me out of my thoughts, and I forced myself to shake off the stray ideas swirling in my head.
I'd completely forgotten that my current body is still that of a teenager…
"Yeah, I'm coming," I replied, trying to sound calm, though inside I was anything but.
Being a teenager is troublesome… hormonal reactions can be a real pain.
With Yumiko's gift successfully delivered, I made my way back to class.