The movie finally came to an end.
As the lights came up, Hirata and the others stood up, chatted briefly, and then began to head out of the cinema one by one. Although Karuizawa lingered a little longer, casting one or two glances back, she didn't say anything. She knew she had no place in what came next.
This entire outing had one main goal: helping Maya Sato get closer to Ayanokouji Kiyotaka.
Karuizawa, despite her unease, had no real excuse to remain. Staying any longer might stir resentment from Sato. That was the last thing she wanted.
Karuizawa had spent so long crafting her persona that stepping out of line now would risk unraveling everything. So she smiled, said her goodbyes, and left with the others, her silence speaking more than words ever could.
Meanwhile, Hikigaya Hachiman watched them leave from the side.
"Well, we watched the movie. I guess that's that. Time to go home?" he said, tone neutral but hopeful.
"It's not even four o'clock yet! Why would we go back now?" Menlai pouted, crossing her arms with a mock glare.
She had a point. No one had dressed up and come out on Christmas Eve just to see one movie and go home.
"Ah—sorry, I need to use the restroom first!" Hasebe Haruka suddenly said.
"We'll wait for you at the entrance," Menlai replied.
"Got it~!"
And with that, Hasebe and Sakura Airi excused themselves while Kushida Kikyo remained behind, engaging in light conversation with Menlai, Himeno Yuki, and Okakura Asako.
It was an unspoken rule—if all three left at once, Hikigaya might feel awkward and simply leave. That would ruin the entire setup. So Kikyo stayed, ensuring the situation didn't fall apart.
—
Inside the girls' restroom.
"This is bad," Hasebe muttered, fingers resting thoughtfully on her chin as she leaned against the counter.
Sakura Airi looked confused. "What's wrong?"
"The plan was for the three of us to go out with Hikigaya today and give you a chance to get closer to him," Hasebe explained, her brows furrowed. "But we didn't expect to run into Menlai and her group."
She sighed. "That guy… I thought he was a quiet loner who didn't talk to anyone. Turns out he's way more popular in Class B than we expected."
Sakura lowered her gaze. "Yeah…"
"It's not even that he's trying to be popular," Hasebe continued. "But Menlai and the others genuinely seem to like hanging out with him. That makes things tricky."
More than tricky. It was a complete derailment of their plan.
"Class differences make it harder," Hasebe went on. "And Airi, you're just… you're too gentle. You can't force your way into their group, and you can't outshine them in conversation. That makes your window to act really narrow."
"I see," Sakura murmured, clutching the small bag in her hands. Inside was a carefully wrapped Christmas present she'd prepared for Hikigaya. But after today's unexpected developments, her confidence was waning fast.
"What should we do now?" Sakura asked timidly.
"Let's think," Hasebe said. "Have you done anything with him lately? Or know anything he particularly likes?"
Sakura's eyes brightened as a memory surfaced. "Ramen! I think… I think he likes ramen!"
"You think?" Hasebe raised an eyebrow.
"I'm pretty sure! He talks about it sometimes. And when we went out before, he seemed excited about ramen," Sakura said quickly, as if trying to convince herself too. "I thought maybe we could invite him to eat ramen together…"
Hasebe pinched the bridge of her nose. "Ramen… really?"
The image of a boy taking a girl out for greasy noodles in a stuffy shop filled her mind. She couldn't believe someone like Hikigaya would be so uncultured. Still, this was for Airi's happiness.
"I swear," she muttered under her breath. "If this works, he better marry you."
But aloud, she smiled and placed a comforting hand on Sakura's head. "Alright. Let's go with that. After this, we'll suggest ramen and try to steer the group that way. When we're eating, try to bring up things only you and he would know. Make it a bit personal. Got it?"
Sakura nodded, gripping the bag tightly. "Do you really think I can do it?"
"Yes," Hasebe said warmly. "Airi-chan is adorable. If you put in the effort, you will stand out. Just don't give up, okay?"
"…Okay! I'll try my best!" Sakura said, eyes gleaming with newfound determination.
She couldn't keep leaning on Hasebe forever. It was time she made her own move—no matter how small.
—
Outside the theater.
Hasebe and Sakura rejoined the others. Kushida was chatting brightly while Menlai and the others glanced around, debating their next destination.
"Have you all decided where to go next?" Hasebe asked, pretending not to be out of breath from her rush.
"Not yet," Menlai replied. "Huko and the others are still waiting."
Kushida tilted her head. "Do you two have any ideas?"
Hasebe hesitated for a moment, then smiled brightly. "How about… ramen?"
"Ramen?" Menlai repeated, her expression stiffening slightly.
It wasn't that she hated ramen, but most girls preferred not to be seen in dingy ramen joints, especially not when they were dressed up for a holiday like Christmas Eve.
Sakura stepped forward, blushing fiercely. "Jiro Ramen! It's really good! I've been there before…"
"I don't mind," Kushida said, sensing Sakura's nerves and offering support. "Ramen sounds good."
Her quick support eased the tension, but Menlai, Okakura, and Himeno still looked a little awkward. None of them had expected a suggestion like that from Hasebe.
Still, it was hard to refuse directly when the others were on board.
"Alright… I guess we can try it," Menlai finally said.
"Yay!" Sakura's smile returned, and Hikigaya noticed the small bounce in her step as they began walking.
He said nothing, but the corner of his mouth twitched. Ramen on Christmas Eve? That was definitely his kind of celebration.
As they walked toward the station, Sakura quietly reached into her bag and touched the corner of the wrapped gift again.
Maybe… just maybe… today wouldn't be a failure.
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