nebulancer | SQ Christmas Party SS

🎄Merry Christmas🌟

The pure white cake, which looked just like snow, seemed as if it were a product that had condensed the winter scenery into itself.

Atop the whipped cream that looked like it was effortlessly spread onto the cake were translucent candied snowflakes. With its powdered sugar resembling powder snow, the very construction of it was a work of art.

A crimson strawberry was proudly used as the topping for the very center of that snowy landscape.

The fruit which glittered red like a jewel was on beautiful display in the white snow. It was reminiscent of a Christmas present.

White and red.

Technically, it was simple, given how it was constructed of just two colors... however, it was a complete cake. It didn’t matter how unexpected it was. Faced with it, I didn’t regret opening my wallet.

❄❄❄❄

“Here.”

“Oh! Is that a Christmas cake!?”

“Huh? Wassup, wassup? Dai, you bought a Christmas cake?”

Tsubasa and Ichiru.

When I got back to the dorms, the two of them (whom I’ve been thinking have been strikingly similar recently) were together in the living room. Without knowing why, I casually displayed the box in front of their eyes.

“Yeah. It’s a cake. It looked pretty, so I bought it.

Was there anyone else who planned to buy one?”

When I asked Tsubasa, he responded,

“Nah, I don’t think anyone made any plans.”

Which is why I’m grateful you got it.

He added.

Contrary to his initial overreaction, Tsubasa carefully accepted the box and put it on top of the table.

Occasionally, his way of cursing, the basic way he treats things, and his neat behavior makes him a rich boy from a well-off family, I think.

I won’t say it to him, but I like that about him.

Ichiru peered into the white box placed on top of the table with an, “Ooh~” even though he couldn’t see the contents. I asked him, “Did QUELL get a cake?”

Ichiru replied, “Apparently, Shu preordered one half a year ago.”

“Half. A. Year. A. Go. (laughing)”

“It’s like, one of those handmade ones from a pâtissier that only those in the know can order from, and only those with enough connections can preorder it...

I think Eichi’s heading over to pick it up right about now.”

“I wouldn’t have expected any less.”

There was no way I couldn’t have said that, what with it being the perfect Christmas preparation, as befitting of Shu.

His orders for the hors d'oeuvres and wines (though they might be soft drinks, since Shu can’t drink) were surely perfect as well.

Such an “impeccable” man who lives in the world, yet he sometimes screws up carelessly. I hit my funny bone over those moments, plain as they are. I vaguely thought that it’d be nice if those light misfortunes could happen regularly.

Is my personality getting warped?

I bet my unit’s poisoned me.

“Can I go see it later?”

“Don’t just see it. Come’n check how it tastes. (laugh) I heard he requested the biggest size they’ve got, so we’d be glad to have you over and taste-test!”

“All right. I’ll take you up on it.”

“He just said, ‘All right’...! (laughing)”

“Dai-chan, you’re no longer shying away from bringing your sweets-loving to the forefront, eh? (laugh)”

Yeah, thanks to your help.

I’m not trying to compare us, but our leader tends to surf on top of the year-end rush, so I’m pretty sure that he doesn’t even know what date or day of the week it is.

I’m sort of proud of the music freak who lives differently from the rest of the world, which lives based off a calendar. But I think the event-loving Tsubasa and Rikka would feel lonely.

However.

“Looks like Shiki’s finally remembered Christmas exists after getting dragged out~ (wry laugh)”

“You dragged him out?”

“After colluding with Fumi-chan.

I got him to put in a short job, around an hour, into his schedule~. He’s gotta breathe the outside air once in a while ♪”

It seems, after all this time, his handling of the leader was nothing to worry about.

He acts before Shiki can complain.

That ability to act, and his proactivity, are things I should learn from.

Sheesh. The yellow and pink pair are great at making their way through the world, and good at talking to boot.

There wasn’t much that I could do to give back to my elders, who were even skilled at simple considerate actions. I at least wanted to get through the night without them noticing the small box I had in my bag.

Through a certain recent program, I got the chance to dabble in leather accessory-making.

It had a bit of handmade feel to it, but I tried glossing over it with the exquisite quality of the material I’d used...... At least, I hope. The handmade coin cases were packed into the box.

A Christmas present for the three of them.

(They can’t use it up, but it’s not that big, so it won’t be that much of a bother. If it’s leather, then the color and stuff won’t be that big of a deal. And those people did say that even if it gets dirty here and there, it’ll add to its charm.)

When gifting a present to others whose aesthetic senses burst through the roof, it was difficult to consider how to go about doing it.

I bet they’d be happy no matter what I gave them...... but that’s why I wanted to do my best for them.

“...”

“Whaaat is it, Dai-chan? You look happy.

Does the cake look that tasty?

Hey, can I take a look?”

When he looked up at me, with that way of talking like he wanted to be pampered, I laughed a bit. I couldn’t help but pat his head.

“Go ahead.”

“Huh, is it really that good~?”

I’m probably getting carried away.

I’m not just excited about the cake—well, I’m looking forward to that, but I’m most excited for their reactions when I give them their presents.

After all, they’d be happiest when I go a bit overboard, as we always do.

These days, I’ve been thinking that my seniors fooling around in high spirits, has seemed to be a warming sight. Even if I do tell them, “Quit it!”......

(It must be terminal, I bet.)

Well, it’s Christmas, after all.

I’ll let them off easy.

# Merry Xmas

SQ Christmas Party SS - 12/26/23