The morning bell rang, signaling the start of another school day.
Haruya leaned back in his chair, tapping his pencil on the desk while waiting for the teacher to arrive. His classmates were slowly trickling in, some chatting quietly, others rushing to their seats.
Nagisa plopped down beside him with a small sigh. "Morning, Haruya-kun."
"Morning. Ready for another fun day of learning?" he asked, sarcastically.
Nagisa rolled her eyes. "Fun and learning being in the same sentence are not something I'd think you agree with."
Haruya chuckled. "You know me so well."
The teacher walked in, and the chatter faded quickly. Notes were passed, papers collected, and soon the first lesson began.
During a short break, Haruya leaned over to Nagisa. "Hey, did you figure out that math problem I helped you with yesterday?"
Nagisa nodded. "Yeah… I think I got it. I even tried a few more on my own."
"See? Told you it's easy if you just think about it the right way," he teased lightly.
"I get it, Mr. Smart Guy," Nagisa said as she looked away.
Looks like she really got upset this time.
'I'm not that smart, just a boy with good adaptability.'
Family education was no joke. Even at his young age, he understood the importance of making sure his words truly went through to others.
"You did great, Nagisa-san," Haruya said in a gentle tone. "Come find me anytime you need help again."
Haruya didn't want to undermine her efforts and even offered more of his help if she ever needed it.
Nagisa finally turned her head to him, her eyes looking like they were about to form tears.
Tears of sadness or joy from being acknowledged? Who knows.
"Thank you so much, Haruya-kun," she sniffled.
"Alright, alright, don't cry anymore." Haruya helplessly patted her head.
'Taking care of children is no joke. They're too sensitive.' Inwardly speaking to himself, Haruya had also forgotten that he was just the same age as her.
"Sumeragi-san, are you bullying Nagisa-san?"
A voice suddenly sounded beside them nearby.
A girl with navy blue hair tied in a ponytail was slowly making her way towards the two. Her eyes carried a lazy stare while her mouth frowned a little.
Hazuki Kudou.
Nagisa's other closest friend besides Haruya. The two of them had known each other slightly longer, even before Haruya had transferred to this school.
Hazuki stopped in front of them, folding her arms. "Hmm... looks like you're up to something again, Sumeragi-san."
Haruya raised his hands defensively. "I'm not! I was just joking around with her and teasing a bit."
Nagisa waved her hands and nodded. "We were just joking around, Hazuki-chan. Sorry for being so sensitive, too, Haruya."
Hazuki squinted at them but didn't press further. "Yeah, sure. You're always 'joking' with Nagisa, huh?" Her tone had a teasing edge, but there was no real anger.
Haruya gave a thumbs-up. "What can I say? I'm a helpful guy."
Nagisa rolled her eyes, hiding a small smile. "Some people are just annoying like that."
Hazuki laughed softly. "Annoying, maybe. But admittedly very good at studying... unlike me. I'd probably need your help too if I tried."
"Hey, don't sell yourself short," Haruya said casually. "I bet you're better at something else. Sports, drawing, or… just looking cool."
Haruya took a close look at Hazuki. Although she was still young, she looked like she had the potential to be a girl with a cool vibe in the future.
Hazuki smiled faintly. "I guess I'll just stick to what I'm good at for now. Leave the studying to you two, then."
Haruya chuckled. "Fair enough. But if you ever want a hand, you know where to find me."
Nagisa glanced at Hazuki and then back to Haruya. "Thanks for always helping me, Haruya-kun..."
"Of course," he replied casually, leaning back in his chair. "Anytime. That's what friends are for, right?"
Hazuki let out a soft hum of agreement and shifted her gaze to the clock.
"Looks like the teacher's almost here. Better get ready before the next lesson starts."
Hazuki walked back and settled into her seat as the classroom door opened and the teacher walked in, signaling the start of the next period.
Soon enough, hours melted away as the teacher's voice droned on, and before anyone knew it, time had passed quickly.
*RING!*
The school bells had rung, and it was finally time for the best time of the day.
The going home part.
Haruya did his usual dragon awakening stretch and stood up.
"It's finally over. Today is Friday, and since there's no class tomorrow, today is basically the unofficial start of our winter break!"
Haruya cheered and celebrated.
"I'm glad you're excited, Haruya-kun," Nagisa smiled while taking something out of her bag.
She pulled out a red scarf and handed it over to Haruya.
"I almost forgot to return your scarf to you. Thank you for letting me borrow it. I washed it well already."
"You didn't need to give it back; you can have it as a Christmas present instead."
Haruya suddenly paused.
"Actually, it's pretty rude to give a used item to someone as a Christmas present," he reached out and grabbed the scarf. "I want to give you a better and more thoughtful one instead."
'Giving a girl a red scarf suddenly feels like a bad omen, too. The head-slicing type of omen.' Haruya inwardly shivered.
"A Christmas present..? Do you want to exchange presents with each other?"
Nagisa's eyes suddenly twinkled brightly as she stared at him.
"...Yeah. I mean, if you don't want to, then—"
"I want to!"
Before Haruya could finish his words, Nagisa immediately cut him off.
"Then it's settled. Christmas exchange gift it is."
Nagisa suddenly put her index fingers together, moving it at the same angle while wearing an embarrassed look.
"But then..."
"Hmm..?"
Haruya tilted his head in confusion at Nagisa's actions.
"Does that mean we're also meeting each other on Christmas?"
Haruya suddenly clapped his hands together.
"Oh yeah! That reminds me!"
"My mom will be making her special Christmas-themed pastry. I know you've never tasted my family's pastry before, so I asked her to make one for you and your family as well!"
Nagisa's eyes shone even brighter than before.
"Is it really okay?!"
She had heard Haruya talking about his mom and her pastry skills before. She had always wanted to give it a try, but unfortunately always ended in a bad timing when his mom was away on a trip or when she was busy.
Now, is it finally her time to taste the legendary cakes of Mama Sumeragi?!
"Of course," Haruya nodded. "I'll drop it by your house during Christmas, and we can exchange gifts at that time. How does that sound?"
"Perfect!" Nagisa cheered.
"What are you guys talking about?" Hazuki suddenly appeared beside them.
"We're exchanging gifts for Christmas," answered Haruya. "Wanna join too?"
"Oh?" Hazuki turned her attention towards Nagisa.
Nagisa noticed her best friend staring at her and shyly looked away.
"Hmm..."
Seeing this, Hazuki showed an understanding smile and declined.
"Forget it, my family and I are traveling somewhere during the winter break. I won't have time to search for gifts."
Haruya nodded in understanding. "Ah, got it. Enjoy your trip then. Sounds like a fun break already."
Hazuki smiled faintly. "Yeah… thanks. You two have fun with the gift exchange, alright?"
Nagisa waved happily. "We will! Don't worry, Hazuki-chan!"
With that, the three of them gathered their things, slinging their bags over their shoulders. Haruya led the way out of the classroom, with Nagisa skipping slightly behind, her excitement barely contained.
Outside, the crisp winter air greeted them. Snow had already started to slowly but surely cover the streets in thin white layers, making the scenery shimmer under the late afternoon sun.
"Finally… freedom!" Haruya exclaimed, stretching as they walked.
Nagisa laughed, pulling her coat tighter around herself. "You're always like this. I don't think anyone else could be this dramatic about school ending."
Haruya shrugged. "What can I say? Fridays are sacred. The start of the weekend plus winter break is not something to be taken lightly."
They walked side by side, talking and laughing, letting the cold air of the upcoming winter clear their minds after the long day. The streets were busy with students heading home, vendors packing up their stalls, and the occasional birds chirping from atop their nests, preparing for the winter.
At a small intersection, Hazuki's turn to her home had finally come, and it was time to separate.
"I'll see you all in school next time. Enjoy your winter break."
"You too!"
The three of them waved goodbye at each other as the two of them continued on their path home.
After a few more blocks, the two of them finally reached the fork on the road where they would go their separate ways as well.
The familiar houses lined the intersection as the street lights slowly started to turn on around them.
Haruya waved. "Alright, I'll see you on Christmas then! Don't forget about our gift exchange."
Nagisa waved back, her cheeks tinged pink. "I won't forget! See you, Haruya-kun!"
Staring at Nagisa's back for a few more seconds, Haruya shook his head and started to head his own way.
"Was it just me or was she acting a little weirder than usual today?"