Location: Courtyard

Wataru:
I see, so the tree won’t be delivered on time?


Madara: Yeah. I bet they assumed we’d want it just before the 25th, considering it’s for a Christmas party and all. 


I’m sure I told them the right delivery date, but...


Wataru: This is peak season; they must be overwhelmed with work. It certainly isn’t unthinkable for someone to have missed the memo. 


Madara: The tree’s already in the vendor’s warehouse, actually, so I was planning on bringing it here by car. I’d only get caught up in traffic if I left at this hour, though.


Wataru: ……


The tree’s already here, you say?


In that case, let us leave the venue to Knight-san and the others. We can handle this ourselves.


Location: Common Room

<One hour later.>


Tatsumi: …Only three minutes until the party begins.


In the end, it seems as though Mama-san and company won’t be able to make it in time.


Izumi: I guess so… Wait, you call Mikejima “Mama-san”? Who told you to do that?


Tatsumi: The man himself — he suggested that I refer to him casually, as “Mama.” I end up calling him Madara-san more often, though.


In any case, we’re ready to begin, and it seems as though the partygoers are raring to go. We should fulfil the task that was entrusted to us and keep the venue lively until our companions return.


You mentioned that they were too dull, but could we play a few hymns at the beginning at least?

I brought this with me, you see…♪


Izumi: What’s that, a cassette player and a tape? They look pretty old — are they yours?


Tatsumi: No, they’re from the church. They were gathering dust within the storeroom, so I decided to borrow them.


It’s no live choir, of course, but it should give rise to the right atmosphere nonetheless. Allow me to play it.


Izumi: …Hmm, not too shabby—


Woah. There was this weird noise, and now it’s completely shut off. What’s going on?


Tatsumi: I-I couldn’t say… 


Nazuna: Heeey~ Something wrong?


Tatsumi: Nazuna-san, Makoto-san. I’m afraid the cassette player stopped working.


I simply pressed the play button, and yet… 


Makoto: Huh… Mind if I take a look?


Izumi: What’s the issue, Yuu-kun? Can you figure it out?


Makoto: …Yeah, the player itself is fine. I think the splicing tape might’ve snapped, though.


Tatsumi: Snapped, you say…? Goodness, I’ve gone and ruined this item I borrowed from the church…


Makoto: Oh, there’s no need to worry — these things wear down with time, and it’s an easy fix. You just need to stick the leader tape and magnetic tape together, then it’s a-okay again.


I’ve got the tools to repair it back in Yumenosaki’s broadcasting room… If you don’t mind, could I hold onto this for a few days? I’ll make the time to repair it.


Tatsumi: I apologize for the inconvenience, but that would be a great help. Thank you very much.


Makoto: Just leave it to me! I’m good with machines and stuff ♪ 


I’ll digitalize the music for you while I’m at it. That way, you can play it on your phone. 


Tatsumi: I can’t thank you enough. You truly are a Good Samaritan, Makoto-san; may God bless you. Amen…♪


Izumi: Nope, nuh uh. Yuu-kun has my blessings already, so he doesn’t need any more.


You figured out the root of the problem in the blink of an eye! That’s my Yuu-kun for you. You’re onii-chan’s pride and joy, you knooow ♪


Makoto: You’re not my onii-chan, Izumi-san…


More importantly, I can find you some hymns if you want.


I’m sure there are royalty-free ones on the internet.


Izumi: Speaking of which. Nazu-nyan, and…


You, from Ra*bits! The one enjoying a chat on the sofa with Tomoya-kun! That’s right — Shino Hajime-kun!


Hajime: Uwaaa…?! You startled me, calling out to me so suddenly like that.


What do you need, Sena-senpai?


Izumi: Do you remember the Starry Night Festival that was held last year? We were in different units, but we all sang a song that was inspired by hymns. [1]


We’re gonna do that number again, right here, right now. We didn’t get to rehearse, but that won’t be an issue, right? We're idols, after all.


Nazuna: Ahaha, you’re so bossy~ Well, I guess we can think of this as a performance for the party, so I don’t mind. How ‘bout you, Hajime-chin?


Hajime: I-I’m good to go as well! I’m getting a bit nervous, but I’ll do my best…♪   


<One hour later.>


Tsukasa: …It seems as though the Party is already underway. Everyone is enjoying the festive spirit in their own way.


Mitsuru: Heeey, Tsuka-chan, Tsuka-chan! C’mere, let’s play cards together~♪ 


Tsukasa: Thank you for the invitation ♪ …Oh.


You’re with Tori-kun, I see.


Tori: Hey, how come you scrunched up your face the moment you saw me?! You’re so rude! R-U-D-E, rude!


Wait… I get it now ☆ You’re just scared I’m gonna beat you at cards, aren’t you~?

Tsukasa: Clearly not! I’m the one who’s going to win, after all.


I never hold back when it comes to duels; you’d best prepare yourself, Tori-kun.


<A while later.>


Tsukasa: O-One more round! I demand a rematch!


Izumi: (...Kasa-kun’s getting really fired up.)


(He’s been swamped with Knights work for days on end, so I guess this is a good chance for him to let off stress.)


(...? Someone’s calling me…)


Hello? …”Amazing!” is not a greeting. Cut that out — we may be on the phone, but you’re still hurting my ears.


Well? What is it? …You want us to bring everyone out to the courtyard?


You’ve gotta be kidding me, it’s freezing out there! Ughhh, gimme a break!

Previous ChapterNext Chapter


Translation notes:

1. Shine! A Sparkling Starry Night Festival was a Christmas event where a first-year was paired up with a couple of third-years. Hajime, Nazuna, and Izumi were all members, but they were in different units.


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…?

Previous Chapter Next Chapter

Location: Garden Terrace

 
<The present, early in the evening.>
 
Hajime: That’s amazing… I’m really moved.
 
So that’s why Ritsu-senpai tried so hard to protect the Tea Club.

He made a promise… so he held out for the entire time the President was hospitalized.
 
Ritsu: Yup. I’m glad you’re quick on the uptake, Haa-kun.
 
We’ve gotten closer ‘cause you joined the Tea Club, so I thought it was about time I let you in on our secret…
 
This might be hard to believe 'cause it kinda came out of the blue, but it’s the truth.
 
Hajime: I believe you. I didn’t expect this at all, though, so I was a little surprised.
 
To think that the Tea Club was secretly preserving the peace within Yumenosaki Academy…
 
All the "sludge" that’s been swirling around gets purified because we gather here and enjoy ourselves as we drink tea and chat, right?
 
Ritsu: Yup, yup. All the happiness and comfort and fuzzy feelings turn into this powerful force that can smash right through the grudges and ill will that’ve been accumulating.
 
Hajime: If the Tea Club became inactive… If we stopped being able to offer up all those wonderful feelings, what would happen?
 
Ritsu: Well…
 
Hajime: …Gulp.
 
Ritsu: Haa-kun, I’m gonna gobble you uuuup ☆
 
Hajime: Um, that has nothing to do with what I just asked!?
 
Ritsu: It’s fine, isn’t it? Don’t think about it too hard… The point is, I wanna eat you right now
 
Hajime: I-I’m not food, you know!? Ahhh, help me, Presideeent!
 
Eichi: Now, now. Please settle down; you’re making it difficult to tidy up.
 
And Ritsu-kun has just been spouting lies — it’s a bad habit of his.
 
Ritsu: Fufufu~ It’s not my fault people believe me ♪
 
Hajime: Eh? Eeeh? You were lying? I trusted you, you know!
 
I was so worried about whether I’d be able to fulfill the Tea Club’s mission!
 
Ritsu: “The Tea Club’s mission,” huh. Pffft.
 
Eichi: Fufu. We certainly don’t have anything as important as a mission entrusted to us. As I’m sure you’re well aware, the Tea Club is a group where we harmonic companions simply enjoy conversations with each other.
 
Ritsu just took some creative liberties because he felt that the truth wasn't interesting enough to discuss over tea unembellished.
 
Hajime: O-Ooooh… Yes, of course. I thought it was pretty strange too. Honestly, I did.
 
Tori: Fufu. Even though all the blood drained from your face, and you looked like you were gonna cry at one point~?
 
Hajime: I-I mean… It didn’t particularly sound a lie. It looks like there were a lot of exaggerations, but I had a feeling that the sentiment of the Tea Club being important wasn’t false.
 
Ritsu-senpai received a desperate plea from the President… And, letting those feelings brew in his chest, he protected the Tea Club. I was really moved by that.
 
Ehehe. Ritsu-senpai always looks like he doesn’t really care about anything.
 
So I think it’s amazing that he desperately, bravely kept his promise like that… What a beautiful friendship ♪
 
Ritsu: Ew. No, you were right, Haa-kun. I pretty much couldn’t care less about anything.
 
But I’ll protect our place of belonging — our promise… So you’d better be grateful to me, ‘kay, Ecchan?
 
Eichi: Eeh~? I already gave you my thanks, didn’t I?
 
Ritsu: Gimme more! I looove being thanked~♪

Eichi: Fufu. You truly are siblings — you’re just like your darling older brother in that regard ♪
 
Ritsu: Huuuh!? Stop being gross. Is ''this ''how you’re gonna repay me~?
 
Hajime: Now, now… Please get along, everyone. We won’t be able to enjoy our tea properly if the atmosphere grows tense.
 
Eichi: Yup, you’d best listen to Hajime-kun. That was quite the wonderful statement! We could make it into the Tea Club’s motto, or perhaps we could frame it and put it on display ♪

Ritsu: Just hurry up and finish cleaning already. You’re the host of today’s tea party, Ecchan, so fulfill your role ‘til the very end.
 
Eichi: I will… You're the reason I'm able do so, after all.
 
Fufu. Words of gratitude and love are pleasant no matter how many times one repeats them, but… Things that are too sweet aren’t really to my taste.
 
So I’ll add just a spoonful more at the end.

From the bottom of my heart... Thank you, Ritsu-kun.
 
Ritsu: You’re welcome. You’d better spend the rest of your life repaying me.
 
And Anzu-chan and everyone else too. The Tea Club helped make the gloominess that shrouded you dissipate, even if just by a little, and that’s why things are so peaceful right now.
 
We definitely could’ve arrived at a future filled with waaay more destruction.
 
So I really am a hero who preserved the peace and saved the world…
 
You’ve gotta take that into consideration and thank me more! You’ve gotta pamper me and spoil me rotten~♪
 
Eichi: Don’t get carried away, now. Look, I’m all done cleaning up, so we should begin heading home.

Yes, let’s return home together. Happily, peacefully.
 
Ritsu: Yeah, yeah. You’re such a pain…
 
Besides, we’re here at the place where we belong, the place where we can find peace right now — we’re already home, aren’t we?

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