Chapter 29: The Angel and The Unplanned Encounter (1/2)

“Merry Christmas!”

And so it was Christmas Eve.

It was already winter break, and on this day, every person spent the time in their own way. Itsuki and Chitose brought their belongings as they gathered at Amane’s house.

It was 1pm or so.

Pizza and juice from the usual shop were on the table. They only started at this time however because there were too many orders, and it was pointless to make preorders, as the delivery was really late.

But it was not too late to have lunch. They showed up after noon had passed, and did not wait for long. Nobody really minded.

“Yesyesmerrychristmas”

“Amane, you’re not getting into it! One more time!”

“Merry Christmas.”

“The pronunciation is correct, but you’re still so lethargic, you know?”

Amane really wished he would not be compared to the already hyperactive Chitose.

Itsuki noticed that Amane was already somewhat enthused, so he coaxed Chitose as he showed his usual hearty, somewhat frivolous smile.

“Well that’s good enough. Let’s just eat, play and sleep, okay?”

“Don’t sleep in my house, you idiots.”

“Just joking. Of course I”m going to sleep at Chii’s house.”

“Make sure her parents aren’t in.”

“Ehh~, are you thinking of something H, Amane~?”

Chitose leered away, and Amane ignored her as he went to the kitchen to take out the cutlery and cups.

While she pursed her lips and looked displeased, I’ll help out, she chimed in, and followed him.

Of course, the kitchen was really clean and tidy, since it was already Mahiru’s territory, and the utensils and seasonings already arranged as she pleased.

“It’s unexpectedly clean.”

“Thanks for the compliments.”

He answered her casually, and took some small places and cups from the utensils, passing half of them to Chitose, only to find her staring at the cupboard.

“…What?”

“Nothingー?”

Nimaa, he had a feeling she was going to pester him when she grinned away, a chill rising up his spine, but he insisted on ignoring her.

He noticed she had some grave misunderstanding, but he could not figure it out as she did not say what it was.

She looked happier, and his cheeks stiffened. They returned to the living room Itsuki was in.

“But this house sure is clean. It’s so big and tidy.”

Christmas songs were being played from the room’s speakers. Chitose was almost done eating, looked around the living room with only three people, and muttered.

The vast room was due to his parents renting this place, and the tidiness was due to Mahiru helping to clean up this place. “Thanks.” Amane had no comments about it, so he could only answer thus.

“Well, there was a period when it was really messy~. It’s amazing you got it clean.”

“Shut up.”

“Yep yep. Has a female smell to it~”

“What makes you think that?”

Amane had no idea how the room being cleaner had anything to do with the presence of a girl.

“Hmm? Nothing specific. Given your personality, Amane, it doesn’t feel like you’ll be the type to clean the house. There’s also how you arrange the books, the cords, and how you put the things in a way to avoid damaging them. Some utensils aren’t exactly the type you likeー”

“…My mom’s.”

“Hmmm?”

He did put those things furthest in, but it appeared Chitose noticed them when he took out the cutlery

Amane himself had insufficient cutlery, so Mahiru brought a few from her own house, but he never expected the crude chatterbox Chitose to notice such fine details.

“Well, it’s fine anyway? Right Ikkun?”

Amane made a strange pause, and Chitose stared at him with some intent, before grinning as she leaned towards Itsuki.

The latter did not mind as he was probably used to it, and he reached his hand out, having her sit on his thighs, and hugged her. Amane himself really could not bring himself to look.

“Stop flexing in someone else’s house.”