99.1. [Christmas ~ Mai’s Side]

This is a story from last year’s Christmas—.

***

It was December, just before the middle school entrance exams.

Instead of diligently studying for the exams, I was busy watching VTuber live streams in the early morning in the classroom.

Suddenly, a hand reached out from the side and grabbed my shoulder firmly.

I was then vigorously shaken.

“Oh, oh, oh, Iroha-chan, what’s this all about~? We can’t go on a date together this year for Christmas Eve!? We’ve spent every Christmas Eve together until now!”

“Ah ah ah!? I’m getting dizzy! Stop shaking me!”

Reluctantly, I took off my earphones and looked up.

There stood Mai, wearing what seemed to be reindeer antlers, probably some party accessories.

Today was December 24th.

In other words, it was Christmas Eve.

“Things are different from last year… Oh, right! Iroha-chan, you must be doing a Christmas livestream, right? That’s why we can’t go out together, right?”

“Tsk tsk tsk. You’re being too naive! According to my information, Iroha-zama has scheduled live stream slots, including Christmas Eve!”

Interrupting the conversation was a silver-haired beauty.

Um… Who was she again?

“Iroha-sama!? Wait, you’re the transfer student! The one from Ukraine who’s in the same class as us! Don’t tell me you forgot!?”

“Oh…”

That’s right, that’s right.

Lately, it feels like we haven’t been communicating much. No, that’s accurate.

This girl always peeks at me from around the corner of the hallway.

But it seems like today is an exception.

Why did she choose to talk to me today of all days?

As I tilted my head, the transfer student burst into tears, saying, “What’s going on, Iroha-zama!? No live stream, no plans with acquaintances… could it be… you have plans with viewers!?”

“Well, Mai wouldn’t call viewers friend, but rather a best friend or… lover, right, guys!? Oh, oh, Iroha-chan! What’s going on!? That’s just a joke, right!?”

“Iroha-zama~!”, “Iroha-chan~!”

“Stop… shaking… me…!”

The two of them shook me with twice the force as before.

I snapped and shook off both Mai and the transfer student.

“Geez. It’s not like it matters how I spend Christmas or Christmas Eve.”

“That’s right, isn’t it… I’m sorry. But I couldn’t help it…”

Oi oi oi, the transfer student started crying.

Mai chimed in, saying, “That’s right~! It’s terrible! Mai against it~!” She always competes with her, but at times like this, she’s quick to cooperate.

“Oh, uh… wait. I’ve learned about Japanese-style Christmas properly and made preparations. Besides preparing for my live stream, I’ve reserved a cake with my favorite character illustration and KFP chicken.”

“A cake?”

“It’s a Ukrainian Christmas dish called ‘kutia,’ which is similar to ‘okayu’ in Japan.”

“Oh, I see… Wait a minute. Illustrations? That’s not part of Japanese Christmas! You’re misunderstanding! It’s more like a Christmas in otaku culture!”

“Oh? But Mama said it’s cute, like Japanese Christmas cakes. She was delighted.”

“Wait, hold on! Are you going to eat that cake with your family?”

“Yes… Huh!? Is it a punishment to devour the divine Iroha-zama’s face?”

“Nooo! That’s not it. That’s not it!”

I held my head in frustration.

What’s with this discomfort? It feels like I’m dragged into creating a dark history.

“But, it’s true. Ah, ahaha… The dishes have gone cold.”

“I’m sorry! It’s my fault!?”

Although I wasn’t particularly hiding it.

I sighed heavily and answered.

“Well, think about it. If I do a live stream on Christmas. I won’t be able to watch my oshi’s streamer’s Christmas Livestream!”

“I knew it,” “I knew it.”

“Huh?”

Hey, what happened to their previous momentum?

It seems like they were playing around. No, that’s not it. Their eyes were serious.

“Um, Iroha-sama. Are you not going to do a live stream? I’m sure all your fans are waiting for Iroha-sama’s live stream.”

“······”

“Even if it’s a sudden decision, it’s fine. I’ve been waiting for your live stream all along. I want to spend Christmas with Iroha-zama. …Oh, and Merry Christmas.”

“Ah, hey, don’t cut in line! Iroha-chan, Merry Christmas from Mai too! Iroha-chan, open it, open it!”

They urged me to open the presents in a hurry.

From the transfer student, there was a hand-knitted scarf, and from Mai, hand-knitted gloves.

“Why do they slightly overlap?”

“That’s my line! You’re the one who put it on me, right!?”

“What are you doing!?”

“What are you doing!?”

The two of them glared at each other.

Perhaps these two get along well?

I looked at them with an exasperated gaze.