“Phew… that was delicious. …As expected, your cooking is the best, Arisa.”
While sipping sobayu, Yuzuru said that to her.
This year’s toshikoshi soba had tasted better than what he usually ate at home.
That was partly because he was sharing it with someone precious—
And partly because, to him, Arisa’s cooking was simply the best.
“But you helped make it this time too, Yuzuru-san.”
“Well, yeah… I did help a bit.”
That said, he’d only handled the simpler tasks—more accurately, that was all he’d been allowed to do.
He’d basically just followed Arisa’s instructions like a machine.
So in reality, it was almost entirely her cooking.
“You’ve gotten better compared to before.”
“Have I?”
Yuzuru couldn’t help but smile at her words.
It had been quite some time since he started helping her cook—
And it seemed he’d finally earned her approval.
“Yes. Before, I couldn’t take my eyes off you, but lately I feel like I can leave you alone for a bit.”
“…Am I some kind of toddler?”
“Something like that. I’d say you’ve just reached the stage where you can walk on two legs.”
“That’s harsh…”
Still, considering Arisa’s level of cooking, that assessment might not be entirely unfair.
He couldn’t really argue.
“Shall we watch some TV? You can pick.”
Yuzuru handed her the remote.
It wasn’t that he had nothing he wanted to watch—
He was just more curious about what Arisa would choose.
“Let’s see…”
She flipped through channels a few times—
And eventually settled on a comedy programme.
It was a slightly unexpected choice.
“…I don’t really get to watch things like this at home.”
Apparently, his thoughts had shown on his face.
Arisa smiled wryly, as if making an excuse.
“I see…”
Yuzuru pictured her adoptive mother.
Yeah… this kind of show probably wouldn’t be her thing.
“…Do you not like it?”
“No, not at all. I’ve never really watched this one either, so why not?”
It wasn’t that he’d never watched comedy before—
But this particular year-end staple? Not once.
“You’ve never seen it?”
“In my house, the TV belongs to the eldest.”
“Ah…”
Arisa let out a small laugh.
By “eldest,” he meant his grandfather, Takasegawa Sougen.
Sougen didn’t dislike comedy shows—
But on New Year’s Eve, he preferred music programmes.
Of course, if Yuzuru or Ayumi had insisted, he might have given in.
But they never had.
They didn’t dislike music shows either—
It was simply what they’d grown up with.
Chatting now and then, the two relaxed as they watched.
As the programme neared its end, Arisa stood up.
“What’s wrong?”
“I think I can hear the temple bell… Yes, they’ve started.”
Standing by the window, she listened carefully.
Realising the time, Yuzuru picked up the remote.
“Should I turn it off?”
“I’d like to listen… but this is your house.”
“Then let’s turn it off. I want to hear it too.”
He switched off the TV.
The room fell silent—
And the deep, resonant sound of the bell echoed from outside.
“Oh… you can hear it clearly.”
“…So this year is ending.”
Arisa spoke softly, her expression thoughtful.
Yuzuru listened as well, reflecting on everything that had happened over the year.
“Come to think of it… did your wish come true?”
“…My wish?”
“The one you made at the shrine at the start of the year.”
At that, Arisa gave a small, knowing smile.
A year ago, her wish had been—
To spend this year together with Yuzuru.
There was no need to ask.
They were still together now.
“Yes… it did. What about you?”
“Mine came true as well.”
Yuzuru smiled back.
After all, his wish had been the same.
“Speaking of the shrine… we’re getting up early tomorrow, so once the bells stop, we should go to bed.”
They had plans to visit for hatsumode with friends. First shrine visit of the New Year.
They weren’t going to watch the sunrise, so it wasn’t extremely early—
But still, it was a morning plan.
“Yeah.”
Yuzuru nodded.
They’d both already bathed.
All that was left was to sleep.
“…Still, I guess this year is really over.”
As he said that, Yuzuru stared intently at Arisa’s face.
She tilted her head, puzzled.
He kept staring.
She gave an awkward smile.
When he leaned closer, she finally looked away, embarrassed.
“W-what is it…?”
“I figured I should take a good look at this year’s Arisa while I still can.”
“That’s not going to change in an hour.”
“If you say that, then there’s no point to the New Year at all.”
With that, he placed a hand on her shoulder and pulled her closer.
Sensing his intent, Arisa hesitated—
But her expression showed she wasn’t entirely unwilling as she leaned in.
“One last time this year… alright?”
“…Do as you like.”
Taking her at her word, Yuzuru did just that.
One arm wrapped around her back, pulling her in—
The other supported the back of her head.
“Mm…”
Their lips met.
Being the last kiss of the year, it lingered longer—
Deeper than usual.
Then slowly, they parted.
At the same moment, the bell rang.
They both glanced at the clock.
Midnight.
One year had ended, and another had begun.
“Happy New Year, Arisa.”
“Yes… Happy New Year.”
They smiled at each other.
Then Yuzuru began—
“By the way, for the first—”
Before he could finish—
Arisa’s lips sealed his.
Caught off guard, his eyes widened.
She slowly pulled away.
“I’ve taken your first of the year, Yuzuru-san.”
Pressing a finger to her lips, she smiled mischievously.
