Hot Winter - Chapter 5

[haranami]

Location: Common Room
Wataru: I’m ever so glad that Niki’s Kitchen is willing to lend us a hand. Naturally, we plan on pulling out all the stops, but we’d like the party to feel homey as well.

Oh, my! I’m so overjoyed, a flood of roses is pouring out from my hands! 

Niki: Woah, that was cool~ Are you good at magic?

Wataru: Why, yes! Would you like to see another trick? I’d be happy to take out some confetti or doves for you…☆ 

Yuzuru: Hibiki-sama, please leave it at that. We mustn’t make a mess of the room.

Wataru: Rest assured, my doves are more than capable of cleaning up after themselves. It's an ill bird that fouls its own nest…☆ 

Niki: Nahaha, must be nice! It’d be neat if I could just manifest food from my hands whenever I wanted~

But anyways, let’s get back on track. On behalf of Niki’s Kitchen, I’m really happy that you asked us to help out, too!

This is our chance to show off the fruits of our efforts. Just leave it to us — we’ll pour our hearts and souls into making food that’s perfect for the Christmas party~

Madara: I’m sure you’ll knock it out of the park! I can’t waaait…♪ By the way, could you discuss the expenses with Wataru-san the day after the party or something?

He’s gonna add ‘em all up and give the invoice to Keito-san.

Niki: To Hasumi-kun? Is he the big boss behind all this?

Wataru: When I consulted him about having a party, he agreed to consider it a dorm recreational activity. As such, we’ve been given some spending money.

You needn’t spare any expense! Please cook to your heart’s content…♪ 

Niki: Ooh, now we’re talking! I’ll keep that in mind and start working on the menu.

Yuzuru: I believe we can now bring the meeting to a close. Thank you for attending, gentlemen.

…Hibiki-sama, could I have a moment of your time?

Wataru: Oho? What do you need, Butler-san?

Yuzuru: I’d like to thank you for organizing this Christmas party.

Though he may not show it, the Young Master is greatly looking forward to the festivities. 

…Still, I should have been the one to take on this mantle. I want nothing more than to do something for the Young Master in his parents’ stead.

However, I had far too much solo work planned; I was unsure if I’d have enough time to prepare. I sincerely apologize for my indecision.

Wataru: Please raise your head. You’re carrying out your duties perfectly, Butler-san.

Despite his bustling schedule, Himegimi is still able to remain hale and hearty… And that is wholly due to your efforts, is it not?

Yuzuru: I suppose, but—

Wataru: Allow me to remind you that I am not doing this solely for Eichi or Himegimi’s sake. This party is for everyone in the Starmony Dorms…

And, naturally, that includes you as well. I truly do hope that you’ll enjoy this Christmas, Butler-san.

(Imitating Tori) “Merry Christmas ♪”

Yuzuru: Hibiki-sama… Fufu, it seems you’ve taken a shine to copying the Young Master.

Your voices are exactly alike, but I’m afraid you’ve still a ways to go before you can measure up to his cuteness ♪ 

Location: Common Room

<The day of the Christmas party.>

Tatsumi: Izumi-san, here is the green and red tinsel you requested.

Izumi: Thanks. I’ve got my hands full, so could you put ‘em on that table over there?

Hm… I knew it, the right side of the ribbon really is too low.

I doubt anyone else gives a crap, but it’s seriously getting on my nerves.

Wataru: Greetings from under the stepladder! ‘Tis I, your very own Hibiki Wataru ♪ 

Do you need any help, perchance? I’d be more than happy to lend you a hand ☆ 

Izumi: Alright, then. I’m gonna press down on the middle of the ribbon here, so could you hold the ends in place? I’ve already put some tape on, so you just need to stick it onto the wall.

You better be careful climbing the stepladder! If you make me fall, let’s just say reindeer won’t be called reindeer anymore.

Wataru: Fufufu. Please rest easy; there’s no need for me to use the stepladder at all.

I can reach simply by raising my arms like this…☆

Izumi: Eeeeek! What the heck is going on?! Why are your arms wriggling around like that?! And why are they growing longer?!

Wataru: Would you like me to hang up this tinsel as well? This time, I’ll lend you my hair ♪ 

Izumi: Aghhh, that’s sooo gross! Can’t you put up decorations like a normal person?! 

Nazuna: Haha, it sure looks like Izumi-chin is having fun ♪ I feel all warm inside just watching him.

Hajime: Nii~chan, Kazehaya-senpai, where do these Santa and reindeer dolls go?

Tatsumi: Let’s see… Could you put them on top of that sofa, please?

Hajime: Of course~ Mr. Reindeer’s all soft and fluffy! He feels so nice to hug ♪ 

Nazuna: Hehe, I know right? It caught my eye when I was walking down Saison Avenue yesterday. I figured it’d be perfect for the party, so I ended up buying it.

Tatsumi: Not only have you been so considerate, you also went so far as to help with the preparations. I cannot thank you enough.

Nazuna: Don’t sweat it! The party’s going to be held in the dorms, so it’s only natural that we’d pitch in a little.

Besides, I actually like doing busywork like this. I get all excited when I see everything come together little by little ♪ 

The party’s going to be pretty chill, right? People can come and go whenever they want. I hope that helps us reel in plenty of guests~

Tatsumi: I, too, am praying for that. May everyone’s hearts be at peace, even if only for a short moment…♪

Wataru: Fufufu. With the power of teamwork, the wall is now fully decorated ♪ 

Izumi: Ugh, I’m on my last legs… I need a break…

Wataru: Oh my, you seem rather tired. Why don’t I give you a massage? ☆ 

Izumi: Absolutely not! You’re the reason why I’m this exhausted, and don’t you forget that!

Madara: …Heeey there, Wataru-san. Could I borrow you for a sec?

Wataru: But of course. What is it?

Madara: I can’t really get into it here… Mind if we head out to the courtyard?

Wataru: The courtyard…?

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