333 Winter Snow Festival Presen (1/2)

”She leaves, but promises to meet the male lead again.”

”Hmm… It's a classic scenario, and it's fine to write it like this, but it doesn't feel sufficient, because it's too similar to the female lead's ending.” Seiji rubbed his chin in contemplation.

”I think that we can write more details, since the boy and girl were enemies at first, so there should be many interesting scenarios that can arise from that,” Yukari said. ”We can write about the way their feelings for each other slowly changed; the process from hating to each other to becoming friends, which then transforms to love. The unspoken love continues until it cannot be suppressed any longer and explodes into the air! Them at the airport, not caring about others looking…”

Cough cough, she suddenly stepped on the brakes.

”While the overall scenario may be a classic one, as long as we do a good job on the fine details, I think that it'll still be interesting.”

”I concur. But as for how to write the details... that's a bit more difficult. Do you have anything in mind already?”

Yukari enjoyed discussing the details with Seiji.

Shika simply observed them silently. Apart from sipping on tea and nibbling on some confectioneries, as well as pouring more tea for both of them, she didn't do anything else at all.

Although it seemed like Yukari had been ignoring Shika, she was always paying attention to her. Yukari saw that she was only observing; Shika had no intention to interrupt or even to say a single word.

This seemed rather odd to her.

It wasn't that she wanted Shika to interrupt, but Shika was being too quiet. She just watched them with a distant look, almost as if she were…

An unlucky black cat?

Yukari didn't know how to describe the subtle impression she had.

As for Seigo, he didn't do anything apart from smile in gratitude whenever his adopted younger sister refilled his cup for him. This didn't seem like his style at all.

Logically speaking, he should've involved Shika in their conversation, but he didn't… this was probably just how they interacted with each other.

At any rate, she found it rather strange.

Yukari was genuinely enjoying her conversation with Seiji and wanted to continue it a while longer, but she checked her watch and saw that it was about time to leave.

”I have a present I'd like to give you.” She picked up her bag and took out an elegantly wrapped gift box. ”An early Happy Winter Snow Festival, Seigo,” she said, giving the present to him.

”Thank you.” Seiji accepted the present. ”I apologize that I haven't prepared a present for you. I shall give you one in return later.”

”No problem.” The purple-haired girl smiled. ”Open it up and take a look. I hope that you'll like it.”

”I hope that you'll be able to write even more, even better novels,” Yukari said with a smile.

”Thank you for your blessings; this is an excellent present. I really like it.” Seiji said sincerely as he picked up the notebook and pen.

Yukari glanced over towards Shika.

”I also have a present I'd like to give to Kagura-san.” She took out another cute-looking wrapped gift box.

”An early Happy Winter Snow Festival to you.” She handed the box to Shika.

”…Thank you.” The black-haired girl accepted it.

Yukari didn't know what to think because Shika's expression didn't change one bit.

After hearing Chiaki's information, she hesitated for a long time before finally deciding on giving a small present out of politeness: a cute cat plushie. This seemed like a safe gift to give a girl who she didn't know very well.

Shika had a cold personality, but wasn't a bad child. That was Chiaki Wakaba's assessment.

Since Shika was able to become Seigo Harano's adopted younger sister, someone viewed as important by him, she definitely wouldn't be a bad girl. She should be able to understand others' kind intentions. That was what Yukari believed.

Giving her a present shouldn't have the opposite effect intended… but it was difficult to tell on the surface.

Well, since she had given the present already, she decided to not dwell on it for now. Yukari realized that she found it difficult to deal with a girl like Shika. She wanted to establish a good relationship with Shika, but didn't know how to go about doing it at all.

Just how did Seigo become adopted siblings with a girl like this? What could have happened? Why couldn't he talk about it?

Yukari was exceedingly curious, but she knew that it wasn't an appropriate time to pry, otherwise she would end up making the brother-sister duo unhappy. She believed that she would be able to find out naturally if she got closer to Seigo in the future.

After a little while, Yukari said goodbye and left. Seigo walked her to the door.