New Year’s isn’t exactly a relaxing time for Yuzuru—or for the Takasegawa family.
That’s because a constant stream of relatives and business associates come by to pay their respects.
Of course, there are banquets, and he gets otoshidama Envelopes with money that Japanese kids recieve on New Year’s., so it’s not all bad.
It goes without saying—
People who might one day become part of the family also come to visit.
“Happy New Year, Takasegawa-san. I look forward to your continued support this year.”
“The pleasure is mine, Amagi-san. Happy New Year. I hope we’ll get along well this year too.”
On one side, in seiza, sat—
Takasegawa Kazuya.
Takasegawa Yuzuru.
And on the opposite—
Amagi Naoki.
Yukishiro Arisa.
With the old-fashioned atmosphere of the Takasegawa residence adding to it, the mood felt solemn and dignified.
That said…
The stiff formality didn’t last long.
“Now then… Arisa-san, please accept this as a small token.”
With a gentle smile, Kazuya handed her an otoshidama envelope.
Arisa bowed deeply.
“Thank you very much.”
As Arisa accepted it, Naoki took out another envelope from his bag—
and offered it to Yuzuru.
“Then, Yuzuru-kun, one from me as well.”
“Thank you very much.”
Yuzuru accepted it, and then Kazuya and Naoki exchanged a brief glance.
“Well then… Yuzuru, show Arisa-san around.”
“Arisa, be sure not to cause any offence.”
At their fathers’ instructions, both of them nodded in unison.
“Yes.”
Once they stepped out and closed the shoji behind them, Yuzuru immediately let out a long sigh.
“…Haah.”
Arisa looked at him with concern.
“You seem tired. …Do a lot of people come to visit?”
“…Yeah. Quite a lot.”
Yuzuru nodded, pressing a hand to his head.
…The truth was, there had been a family banquet among the Takasegawa relatives the night before, and he’d gotten carried away and drunk too much.
As a result, he was slightly hungover.
About half of his fatigue came from that alone.
“Well then… for now, shall we go collect your otoshidama?”
“Ahaha…”
Arisa gave a wry smile.
“Collecting otoshidama” meant going around to greet the rest of Yuzuru’s family—aside from Kazuya.
“And after that… would you like to go for a walk?”
Yuzuru wanted to get some fresh, cold air.
And more than that… he wanted to take a walk alone with Arisa.
During the summer festival, the crowds had been overwhelming, so he hadn’t really been able to show her around properly.
Besides…
(Now that I’m fully aware of my feelings for her… this would be our first real date.)
Not long ago, suggesting something like this wouldn’t have fazed him at all.
Now, just asking her to go for a walk made his heart race.
“Of course. I’d like that.”
Arisa smiled softly.
It was a breathtaking expression.
After finishing her rounds of otoshidama collection, the two of them stepped outside the estate.
Arisa narrowed her eyes slightly and murmured with quiet appreciation.
“The garden at your house is beautiful, Yuzuru-san. It feels different in winter.”
“Yeah…”
Maintaining the garden was extremely important.
It served as a tool to project the Takasegawa family’s power—to impress and intimidate visitors.
Naturally, a great deal of money went into it.
Of course it was beautiful.
But…
“…I think you’re more beautiful.”
“W-wha—what are you saying?!”
When Yuzuru murmured that, Arisa’s pale skin flushed a soft rose.
She shot him a small glare.
“W-we were talking about the garden! My—my appearance has nothing to do with it!”
“Y-yeah… sorry, that came out of nowhere. But… it’s true. I do think you’re beautiful. …That kimono suits you too.”
Her flaxen hair, elegantly styled.
Those twin jade-green eyes.
Long lashes framing wide, expressive eyes.
A straight nose, and soft, glossy lips.
Skin as white and smooth as porcelain—almost like marshmallow.
She wore a crimson kimono adorned with auspicious patterns.
Her beautiful hair was tied up and secured with a kanzashi. A traditional Japanese hair ornament.
She was truly stunning.
From the bottom of his heart, Yuzuru found himself thinking he wanted her to be his.
Arisa lowered her gaze shyly, cheeks tinged red, and gave a small nod.
“Thank you very much. …This kimono was my mother’s. I’m very happy you praised it.”
“I see. No wonder it suits you so well.”
When the time came to formalise their engagement, he’d have to properly greet her biological parents, Yuzuru thought.
As that crossed his mind, he slowly reached out his hand towards her.
“…Yuzuru-san?”
“Well, um… those zori must be hard to walk in, right? I thought I’d hold your hand.”
His heart pounded.
Heat crept into his face.
Arisa, perhaps influenced by him, had turned bright red all the way to her ears.
Hesitantly, she reached out her hand.
“Th-then… if you would.”
“Yeah… leave it to me.”
Yuzuru took her pale hand.
It was soft—so very soft—and warm.
I’m never letting go, he thought, tightening his grip and threading his fingers through hers.
A lovers’ handhold.
He stepped closer, until their shoulders nearly brushed.
“U-um… Yuzuru-san?”
Arisa looked up at him, her voice tinged with confusion.
Yuzuru responded with an entirely casual expression and tone.
“What is it?”
“…N-no, it’s nothing.”
Blushing, Arisa lowered her gaze again.
Yuzuru briefly considered slipping their joined hands into his pocket—
but unfortunately, since they were both wearing kimono, there were no pockets to be found, and he had to give up on the idea.
