Angels and New Year’s Plans

After Christmas, the world is in a year-end mood.

　The illuminations for the night view remain, but the Christmas tree that had been so heavily decorated has already been removed, and the bright decorations have been replaced with Japanese-style decorations.

　All the items on sale were used as decorations and ingredients for the New Year, and there were no traces of the Christmas Eve left.

　Things change so quickly, and Shu buries his face in his muffler to get some warmth while looking around at the people around him who are getting ready for New Year's Eve.

　The monochrome houndstooth pattern scarf was given to me as a Christmas present at Midday.

　She said that fashion around the neck is also important, so I received a product that is both practical and decorative, with a very nice texture that blocks wind and traps heat.

　I don't usually wear a scarf, so I was grateful for the opportunity to use it, and checked the contents of the shopping bag in my arm.

　Basically, the shopping is divided between the two, but in order to reduce the burden on Mahiru who cooks, Shu usually carries notes and buys everything.

　It's cold today, so it seems like it's going to be a hot pot, and vegetables, mushrooms, and meat were put in a bag. A lot of vegetables is probably a silent claim in the middle of the day that you should take nourishment properly.

　Confirming once again that there was nothing missing, I hurried home, shivering from the cold weather that was becoming increasingly severe.

"welcome back"

　When I got home, it was evening, so midday greeted me.

　It's a bit strange that a complete stranger welcomes the landlord, but recently I'm getting used to it.

"N, I'm home. ...I bought thinly sliced mochi, is that okay?"

"You want to have shabu-shabu with a hot pot."

"Okay. I also bought some ramen to finish it off."

"...I can't eat that much, can I?"

"It doesn't matter because I eat most of it."

　I wasn't the type to eat that much before, but thanks to the midday food, I'm eating a fair amount of dinner.

　She seems to be careful about her calories, so she eats enough to not gain weight, but as someone who eats more than she does, I'm a little concerned about that, so I've started doing muscle training.

　As midday, should I add a little more meat because the circumference is thin? Because it seems to be such an impression, I wanted to put on muscle instead of fat as much as possible.

"Well, it would be fine if Shuu-kun would eat it. Please lend me that. I'll put it in the refrigerator. Shuu-kun, please wash your hands and gargle."

"I understand."

　Midday, I handed over the plastic bag with my belongings in it and Zhou obediently headed to the bathroom.

"Now that I think about it, what are you going to do for New Year's Day, Mahiru?"

　Today, as usual, after finishing a very delicious dinner and cleaning up, I asked Mahiru something that suddenly caught my attention.

"New Year's Day... There's no point in going back, so I'll stay here."

　Mahiru didn't seem to mind, although he realized he had made a mistake when he replied in such a matter-of-fact tone.

　Perhaps because he doesn't have a good relationship with his parents, he tends to be curt when it comes to family-related topics.

　However, if that happens, I wonder if Mahiru will have to spend the New Year alone.

　Shuu basically has a promise to show up once every six months, so before he met Mahiru, he had planned to go back to his parents' house for the long holidays.

"Zhou-kun is going back to his parents' house, isn't he?"

"That's right, I was told to show my face just in case."

　When I glanced at Mahiru, I saw that she had a more heartless and cold look in her eyes than her usual expression.

　He seems to take it for granted that he spends time alone, and has no doubts that Shuu will return home.

"... I think I'll be asked about you persistently when I get home."

"It's hard, isn't it?"

``Dad will probably just listen to Mom's story and get away with it, but Mom probably wants to hear what she has to say.''

"It's strange that we interact so often."

"You've really gotten used to your mother before you know it..."

　For some reason, I became friends with my mother before I knew it, and after all, photos and inside stories have leaked out without me knowing. It also makes me feel like it's okay.

　I warned Shihoko not to say anything unnecessary again, and looked at midday to see what was going on.

　When I remember the empty expression that I sometimes show and the lonely look in my eyes, no matter what... I don't want to be alone.

"Well, I met my mother the other day, and I feel sorry for my father, but I think I don't have to go home this time. I'm going back for spring break anyway."

　So, if she's not a nuisance, I'd like to be able to have dinner with her as usual.

"...is that so"

"Nn. I want to eat your New Year's Eve soba."

"You're greedy."

"Because it's midday food."

"... it's almost a commercial product?"

"Still."

　Even if the soba is just boiled aftermarket, it's fine.

　It was more important for the two of us to eat slowly and spend time together.

"...He's a strange person."

"Use"

　In the middle of the day, when I was expressing my rude impressions, when I tried to return it with a sullen look, a small smile returned.

"...thank you"

"What is it?"

"Whatever."

　Midday didn't say anything more, and she hugged her favorite cushion with a bright expression as if she was in a better mood.