Special Journey 1# Christmas To Cherish
Sorry for the bad chapter, couldn't think of any good idea to put on this special chapter.
(Events happened before Akihiro and others were transported to another world)
10-old-years Akihiro's POV:
Christmas... I hate Christmas. I felt lonely when Christmas started. I didn't have anyone to celebrate with.
My parents... They don't even consider spending time with me, their own son. I just don't understand how spending time with investors is much better than with their own son. Do I wish too much? I don't think so. I never thought I, as the son, wanted the parents' love as every child should have.
But as time passed, I started to despise them. And as the year passed, I learned of the horrible deeds they committed.
They are rotten to the core.
They only care about money.
I fucking hate them.
* * *
Every morning, my routine is either going out or reading a light novel as I watch the scenery. But today is December the 25th, meaning Christmas has started.
And a date with Shizuku... It's not really a date since Hajime and Kaori will be there, but it'll be a fun hangout for sure. Dressing up with my new winter outfit, I left the mansion alone as the location is pretty near here, so I walked.
(Akihiro's Winter Outfit's Image)
As I finally arrived at the location we agreed on, I could see the three of them standing together. I waved my hands as I yelled at them.
"Heyo! I'm here."
"Aki! You are here, great!" Shizuku happily said, I smiled.
I glanced at Hajime, who's been nervous all the time. I guess it's pretty natural since he's near Kaori. I grinned as I elbowed Hajime.
"Hey dude, when are you going to confess to Kaori?" I whispered so the girls wouldn't hear.
Hajime's face flushed red as he couldn't utter a single word that came out of his mouth.
"Hey, what are you guys talking about?" Shizuku ask, feeling a bit curious about what we talking about.
"Nothing. Right, Hajime?" To which Hajime nodded.
"Alright everyone, since all of us are here. Let's go." Kaori said, feeling delighted at the prospect of going on a date with Hajime, despite the fact that Hajime is unaware of the situation. Well, I'm aware of it since it's obvious that they like one other, but they didn't even notice it at the time.
We then started walking. The street was covered with snow as we walked. On this cold morning, we visit a cafe to order hot coffee. After that, we go to the cinema to watch a Christmas movie.
After spending the entire morning on the outside, we felt tired of walking around the city.
Hajime and I sit on the bench with tired faces. Hajime is at his limit. He can't take anymore walking, I bet he'd rather sit and watch anime all day.
Glancing at the girls, they didn't even look tired. I feel like they have abnormal stamina even though, I have trained lungs since I joined the soccer club but I still feel exhausted.
"Why are you guys sitting like you two are dying? We have plenty more places to go." Shizuku said as Kaori nodded. Hajime's face suddenly becomes pale.
Girls are scary...
Suddenly, I have a brilliant idea on my mind.
"Well, since we have WALKED around the city for 2 hours now. How about we rest at Hajime's house?" I suggested the idea, Kaori won't refuse it since she will visit Hajime's house.
"But-" Before Shizuku can finish what's she's saying, Kaori interjected.
"Let's go!" Kaori energetically said.
Shizuku felt a bit dejected but agreed nonetheless at my suggestion.
Arriving at Hajime's house, Hajime's face brighten up as he opened the door.
"Dad, Mom, I'm home! I brought my friends over." Hajime said.
"Ah, Hajime, you finally come home." The one who said that is none other than Hajime's mother, Sumire Nagumo.
"Oohhh, isn't it Aki-chan!" Well, of course, she knew me since I always visit Hajime's house for light novels or manga to read.
"""Ojamashimasu/ Sorry for disturbing you""" The three of us said.
"Don't worry, we will always welcome Hajime's friend." Sumire smiled as she led us to the living room, where she served us some dango and hot tea.
We stayed there for the entire 4 hours while I and Hajime watched anime and the girls did some homework together. Hajime and I refused to do our homework. We are masters of procrastination.
We'll leave that problem to our future selves.
The night has started, but of course, our hangout isn't over yet. Tonight, we are going to the shopping mall to see a big Christmas tree.
Leaving Hajime's house, Hajime yawned as he felt pretty sleepy, even though it wasn't bedtime. The girls are still energetic as ever.
Arriving at the shopping mall, we marveled at the Christmas decorations in the mall. We all smiled together as we enjoyed the scenery.
Until we realized that most of the people here are couples, I kept my poker face strong but Kaori and Hajime's faces turned red. Shizuku... She put a stoic face on.
As we got nearer to the Christmas tree, it was too crowded. Before I realized it, I got lost. Damn! I can't shout since they won't hear me. I need to find them.
I spotted a girl with black hair in a ponytail hairstyle, I guess I found Shizuku.
"Shizu!" I shouted.
Finally, Shizuku turned around and spotted me. She waved her hands and smiled at me, she seems happy.
"Where's Hajime and Kaori?" I ask.
"I don't know... Ah, let's go there." Shizuku suddenly grabbed my hand.
"Wai-" I kept my mouth shut, maybe this is better. Kaori and Hajime can get to spend time together alone, that's alone is a bonus for them.
Shizuku enthusiastically walked as she still grabbed my hand. I could see we were going to the doll section.
Shizuku let my hand go. I felt a bit relieved since her grip is strong. Shizuku wanted to buy the cute big dragon doll in front of her. She opens her wallet and realizes that the money isn't enough to buy one.
I glance at Shizuku and sighed, "Here, I'll pay for it."
I grabbed the big doll and went to the cashier as Shizuku follow behind, I can hear her muttering, "Thank you."
I smiled.
As we were finally in front of the cashier, the cashier said, "Is this for your girlfriend, sir?"
"Yes." I happily said, making Shizuku's face is red.
Teasing her is fun.
After that, we take a walk as Shizuku hugs the dragon doll. We are in the garden flower section. The place isn't that crowded, so it's kind of relaxing.
I sit on the bench, feeling a bit tired since the mall is big. Shizuku with her big dragon doll is still hugging it, which makes me unable to see her face.
"Hey, Shizu..."
Shizuku didn't answer, but she still hugged the big dragon doll. I can see her ears getting red though.
I sighed. I wanted to say the things I wanted to say, but the words weren't coming out of my throat.
I just wanted to say I like you, but I can't... not now.
Feeling a bit empty, I stared at the sky until...
"Rawr! I'm the big dragon, I'm gonna kill the stupid handsome guy."
Shizuku said as she imitated a dragon voice as she punch my shoulder with the dragon doll's paw but failed miserably.
I burst out laughing, and the empty feeling disappeared in an instant.
Shizuku finally showed her face, and she pouted, "Stop laughing, you idiot!"
"Hahaha! I'm sorry, I just can't stop laughing... heheheh."
"Gezz, I just wanted to comfort you, stupid!" Shizuku said, making my laughter abruptly end but I'm still smiling.
I suddenly patted her hair and said, "Thank you."
I love her but only "Thank you" comes out of my mouth.
Shizuku's face is red as a tomato, she smiled as she enjoyed the patting.
"Akihiro! Shizuku!" We heard a familiar voice, it's Kaori that is yelling.
Kaori with Hajime run to us. I then got near to Hajime and whisper,
"Have fun together?" Hajime's face instantly turned red, leaving Kaori and Shizuku confused.
I chuckle at seeing Hajime blushing. Suddenly, snow fell from the sky. We all stared at the beautiful night sky. We all smiled as we enjoyed the hangout.
I guess Christmas isn't that bad if you have someone.
- To Be Continued
(A/N: Merry Christmas everyone, I hope you all have good Christmas for my fellow readers! Since it's Christmas, I'll be rewarding myself a break from writing. Don't worry, it won't be a long break, I will be back after New Year)