haranami | Entries tagged with tatsumi

Location: Courtyard

Izumi: (I did as he asked and told everyone to come to the courtyard, but…)

(One, no one’s here. Two, nothing’s happening. And three, it’s freakin’ cold! This is sooo annoying!)

Tsukasa: Pardon me, Sena-senpai, but why did you instruct us to come out here?

Izumi: Don’t look at me! I’m the one who should be asking that, actually!

Tsukasa: Sigh… I see. At any rate, you seem to be enjoying the party just as I am.

That bright red hat of yours makes you look like a frolicking child, eager to celebrate Christmas; it’s quite adorable ♪

Izumi: You’re the last person who gets to call me a child. And besides, this is just a little symbol that shows I'm one of the organizers. It’s so crowded, it’s hard to tell who’s in charge.

Oh, but go find one of the other three if there are any problems. I’ve got better things to do.

(No idea where two of them are, though… Hm?)

Tsukasa: That’s the sound of a Helicopter… Oh!

Sena-senpai, look above you!

Izumi: …Huh?

Location: Inside the Helicopter

Wataru: “Merry Christmas, dear partygoers…☆ Do forgive me for speaking through this megaphone from so high up in the sky!”

“I, Hibiki Wataru, have come to deliver an Amazing fir tree in Santa’s stead!”

“As such, I must ask a few of you to move! It’d be terribly dangerous to stand underneath!”

“Adonis-kun, Puppy-kun, please move five meters to the right— no, my right… Yes, wonderful!”

“Thank you for your cooperation! On that note, down she goes ☆”

Location: Courtyard

Midori: Woah. This is the first time I’ve ever seen a tree come down from the sky…

Tetora: I’m pretty sure it’s everyone’s first time. This sure doesn't happen every day~

Shinobu: Indeed. It’s so warm and cozy, and I’ve greatly enjoyed myself. This is sure to be an unforgettable Christmas party…☆

Wataru: “It should be fine for me to jump down from this height. Here I come ☆”

Fufufu. It’s in the perfect position, not even a millimeter out of place.

On that note, it’s time for the finishing touch! Ladies and gentlemen, please feast your eyes on this!

Ready or not… One, two, Amazing…☆

Aira: Wow… Look at that, the tree’s sparkling! This is suuuper ra~vely ♪

Hiiro: I don’t think the tree itself is sparkling. In my opinion, it’s simply been decorated with lights.

Aira: Ugh, stop getting caught up in the details! I know that already, okay?!

I wonder if anyone could help me take a photo? Let’s get one of the four of us together ♪

Mayoi: The four of us…? You’re including me as well…?

Aira: Of course! Who else would I be talking about, if not the members of Alkaloid?

Tatsumi: Fufu. Perhaps we should get a head start before the crowd comes in.

Madara: …I’m glad it went off without a hitch. You really saved the day, Wataru-san.

Wataru: Why, I believe that’s my line. Wasn’t it difficult to set up the lights all on your own?

Madara: Yooou bet. I was on the edge of my seat, worrying if someone would start yelling and calling me an intruder or something.

Everyone was too caught up in the party to notice lil’ ol’ me, though. Hahaha!

Izumi: Don’t you “hahaha” me! You two took way too long!

Madara: Izumi-san, Tatsumi-san.

Tatsumi: What a splendid present — thank you very much. This is the first time I’ve ever seen such a huge Christmas tree.

As you can see, my younger unit mates are ever so excited about it ♪

Izumi: I’m still annoyed that you left us hanging for hours without any news, but… Whatever, I guess. I’ll let you off since you managed to make it work.

Christmas without a tree is like Knights without me…♪

Madara: All’s well that ends well! You know, I was talking to my friend to let them know that we arrived safe and sound…

And they told me that they went above and beyond my request for a spectacular tree.

We’d sure have needed one heck of a car to drive it back. I’m glad Wataru-san was quick-witted enough to come up with this solution.

Wataru: I’m simply grateful that it all came together somehow. Now please, bask in the tree’s glory!

The poor souls who were unable to attend the party will surely be able to enjoy some Christmas spirit just by gazing upon it ☆

Tori: …Hey, Hibiki-senpai.

Wataru: Hm? What is it?

Tori: Um… Well, did you… for me…?

Wataru: Himegimi?

Tori: …Nevermind, it’s nothing.

It’s freezing out here, so let’s head back inside. Yuzuru and the rest made a bunch of yummy food for us!

C’mon, hurry up already ♪

Wataru: Fufufu. You’re ever so lively, Himegimi. You needn’t tug on my hand like that; I’d follow along anyways.

After all... I, too, wish to enjoy Christmas with you all…♪

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

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

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…♪

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.

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 Chapter | Next 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

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: Starmony Dorm, Second Floor

Tatsumi: Thank you very much, we’ve received your present. We’re very grateful that you decided to take part in the gift exchange.

If you are unable to pick up your own gift, we’ll arrange for it to be delivered to your room. However, we’d love to have you at the party if you’re able to make time.

There’s sure to be plenty of food and entertainment. We’ll be eagerly awaiting your arrival. Amen ♪

Fufu, the gift box is filled to the brim. It truly brings me joy to see everyone pitch in.

Izumi: …You said your family runs a church, right? Is it a habit of yours to make the sign of the cross?

Tatsumi: Yes, I’ve gotten quite used to it. Do you find it odd?

Izumi: Not really, I was just asking out of boredom. I mean, there’s nothing else to do aside from collect presents.

I can’t believe they’re making me work as some kind of attendant. Who do they think they are, bossing me around like this?

Tatsumi: Fufu. You’re very kind, Izumi-san. Though you do voice your complaints, you nevertheless continue to lend us a hand.

Izumi: It’s no big deal. I just came ‘cause it’d be lame to skip work and make you do everything. Besides, Mikejima and Hibiki did their fair share of work a couple days ago or something.

Kaoru: Hey there! I brought a Christmas present.

Izumi: Huh. You’re joining in too, Kao-kun?

Kaoru: Sure am. I dunno if I’ll be able to attend the party, but I wanted to go all in for the special occasion.

Izumi: Hmm… This is you we’re talking about, so I bet your gift is unnecessarily stylish.

Kaoru: Why’d you have to tack on that “unnecessarily” part? Geez, you never change.

Well, now you’ve seen what our Senacchi is like. He’s a real sourpuss, and he never thinks twice about running his mouth, but he’s not a bad kid. I hope you’ll get along with him, Tatsumi-kun!

Izumi: Hey, hold it! Why’re you acting like my dad or something!? And you, stop smiling and nodding!

Tatsumi: Thank you very much for bringing us your present. Please don’t worry if you can’t make it to the party, for we’ll deliver your gift to your room if need be.

Kaoru: Awesome. Good luck with the rest, you two. Bye byeee ♪

Izumi: Bye, I guess. Ugh, I can’t believe him…

Tatsumi: Fufu, you seem to be very good friends.

Izumi: Not true. We just happened to be in the same Circle and stuff — it’s not like we go out of our way to keep in contact.

Tatsumi: Is that so? But you even refer to each other with nicknames… How surprising.

Izumi: That doesn’t really have anything to do with how much you like someone. I mean, it’s totally normal to use nicknames for people you hate.

Tatsumi: I suppose that’s true. However, I still consider nicknames to be a symbol of friendship. It warms my heart to hear people refer to me with one.

God must have given us this chance to work together so that we might deepen the bond between us. I hope that, one day, you and I will also be able to freely refer to each other with whatever names we like.

Izumi: There you go, smiling like a saint. I just don’t know how to deal with you…

Mayoi: E-Excuse me…

Izumi: Hm? I think I heard something just now…

Mayoi: U-Um…

Izumi: Woah?! You freakin’ scared me…

Why the heck would you peek out from between those present boxes like that?! You better answer me, Mister— uh…

Tatsumi: Ayase Mayoi-san.

Izumi: Yeah, Ayase! Ugh, I seriously thought my heart was gonna stop…!

Mayoi: I-I’m sorry for startling you! I wasn’t sure when to speak up, so I ended up interrupting at a strange time…

Tatsumi: Please don’t fret, I should be the one apologizing for not noticing you. How long have you been here?

Mayoi: Um… Ever since you put the gift box on the table that you brought here…

Izumi: You mean you were here before us? You should’ve let us know sooner!

Mayoi: Eeek! I’m sorry!

Izumi: Hey, cut that out. I’m gonna look like the bad guy here if you keep acting all scared.

Mayoi: P-Please forgive me…

Tatsumi: There’s no need to be frightened — Izumi-san isn’t going to eat you.

By the way, what happens to be inside that black bag you’re holding? Is it for the gift exchange?

Mayoi: O-Oh, yes… You went out of your way to reach out to me, so I felt compelled to prepare something.

I decided to make a snow globe because they’re associated with Christmas…♪

Izumi: There’s a diorama of ES inside and everything. Huh, I didn’t even know that you could make snow globes by hand.

Tatsumi: Mayoi-san is very dexterous, you see. This is a lovely present; thank you ever so much.

Mayoi: Please, there’s no need for that. In fact, I should be thanking you for putting together this wonderful plan. Um, well… It might be a bit impertinent for someone like me to say this, but…

I wish you the best of luck with the Christmas party…♪

Tatsumi: Thank you. I hope you’ll come as well, Mayoi-san.

Mayoi: I-I will! I’ll make sure to attend, even if I have to crawl my way thereee!

Izumi: …You literally don’t need to crawl. Actually, I’d really prefer it if you just walked in like a normal person. Geez, I should start calling ES the Freak Factory.

Anyways, we’re almost out of time. No one else is coming, so we might as well start cleaning up.

Tatsumi: That’s true… Hm? Wait, I hear footsteps…

Makoto: Waaah! Wait for me, please~!

Izumi: I know this voice… Yuu-kun, is that you?!

Yuu-kun! Oh, Yuu-kun! Come over here, I’ll give you the sweetest, gentlest hug…♪

Makoto: Uh, no thanks… Phew, I’m glad I made it in time…

I brought a Christmas present! I hope you’ll accept it.

Izumi: Is it for me?

Makoto: No, it’s for the gift exchange.

Izumi: There you go, teasing me again! C’mon, I know you picked this out for me ♪

Makoto: Like I said, it’s for the exchange…

Izumi: What the heck?! I can’t believe this! I didn’t raise you to be such an ungrateful child!

Makoto: Yeah, you didn’t. Literally. You didn’t raise me at all.

Here you go, Kazehaya-senpai.

Tatsumi: Thank you very much, I’ll take good care of it. Will you be able to make it to the party?

Makoto: I should be, yeah. It won't actually be on Christmas, I guess, but I’m super psyched!

Izumi: No way, I’m attending too! We're gonna have the best Christmas ever…♪

Makoto: I… wasn’t talking to you, Izumi-san. Man, you really never change… Ahaha.

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

Location: Courtyard

Izumi: There it is again, that laugh — “hohoho”…

It sounds like an old man, but their voice is kinda husky. Who is that? The culprit behind this wild goose chase?

…It’s sooo annoying how they added an echo! Hey, quit ho-ho-ho-ing, and show yourself right now!

Tatsumi: This voice… Could it be…?

Izumi: What, is it someone you know, Kazehaya?

Tatsumi: No, but I have confidence in this conjecture of mine.

O person yet unseen, could you possibly be Santa Claus?

Wataru: Hohoho~ That’s correct! Hereee… you go ☆

Madara: Hm?

Tatsumi: Oh, my…

Izumi: Huh? The heck… Are these Santa hats?

Wataru: Fufufu. I’m Santa, and you’re Santa, and so are you…!

So let us make like Santa and soar through the skies on a sleigh! We shall deliver presents to all the good children out there! Merry Christmas…☆

Izumi: Could you, like, explain what you’re talking about before you start getting all carried away? I literally have no idea what’s going on.

Madara: I’ve gotta agree. Wataru-san, could you help us understand what this is all about?

Wataru: But of course! It all started when Eichi suggested that we hold a Christmas Party for Himegimi.

It then struck me that I’d like for everyone in these Starmony Dorms to enjoy the festivities — not only our dear princess!

Everyone has been oh so busy lately, so there’s been a rather heavy atmosphere weighing down the dorms. You all must have noticed it as well, yes? That’s exactly what I’d like to dispel.

However, I’m afraid that I’m not capable of organizing such a large-scale party on my own; in order to find some little helpers, I discreetly hung up a poster within the common room.

I was hoping that a few people with too much time on their hands would crack the code I left…☆

Izumi: Too much time on their hands, huh…

Wataru: Then, a Christmas miracle! I did, indeed, find people with nothing better to do — people who could save me from this predicament! Three of them, in fact! Allow me to offer the Chosen Ones a big round of applause: clap, clap, clap ☆

The Santa hats suit you perfectly, dear wastrels! Now, won’t you join me in making this year’s Christmas an Amazing one…? ☆

Izumi: Quit saying that we’ve got no other plans every three seconds! Look, I just happened to be free today — it’s not like I’ve got all the spare time in the world!

Tatsumi: I truly do wish to assist you, but I’m afraid that I might not be able to make time during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

I have a few Alkaloid jobs to do, and I must attend the Christmas service at my family church.

I am able to adjust my schedule on days aside from the 24th and the 25th, however…

Wataru: That’s more than alright with me. In fact, I, too, was considering a day other than the 25th.

Even if, by some stroke of luck, we were able to have the party on Christmas day, I doubt very many idols would be able to attend.

We’d best pick a day when our entire Santa Squad is available.

Tatsumi: In that case, please allow me to join you. I’m sure the youth will be delighted at the prospect of a party.

Madara: I was worried about everybody looking all down in the dumps, too. It’s especially important for people to take breaks during times like these...

By which I mean I’ll be joining you as well! How ‘bout you, Izumi-san?

Izumi: I mean… Organizing a party sounds like a pain, but this heavy atmosphere in the dorms is even more of a pain. Like, it seriously sucks.

That’s why I’ve been trying to have my meals when there are fewer people around. I’m the only one who gets to be in a bad mood around here.

Madara: Does that mean you’re hopping on the band-sleigh too? Hahaha! You sure aren’t upfront about your feelings ♪

Izumi: Oh, put a sock in it. I wouldn’t even be me anymore if I started being all open.

I’m pretty sure my plans for this one day before Christmas got cancelled… Hold on a sec, let me check on my phone.

…Yep, there it is. If you don’t mind having the party on this date, I guess I could tag along.

Tatsumi: That suits me perfectly. I’m free on that day as well.

Madara: So am I. What about you, Wataru-san…? Haha! That huuuge smile on your face is answer enough!

Wataru: Yes, I’m ever so moved that the party date was decided so smoothly…☆ I hope we can make this a very merry Christmas indeed, my fellow Santas ♪

Izumi: Um? Sure, I agreed to help you, but I didn’t give you permission to turn me into Santa. Anyways, what do we do now?

Wataru: I’d like to discuss the finer details of the party, but perhaps we should head indoors first.

Tatsumi: A splendid idea. Although the sunlight is quite warm today, we may fall sick if we stay out here for too long. Let’s continue this discussion over warm drinks.

Location: Common Room

Tatsumi: Now, then… What kind of Christmas party should we hold?

Every year, my family church invites a choir over to sing hymns. It creates the perfect ambiance for the celebration; what do you think?

Izumi: That’d probably be too dull. I guess we could pull it off if we had a big ol’ church too, but we’re working with the common room here.

We don’t need a whole choir. As long as we decorate the tree and play some Christmas songs, we’d already have a pretty decent party on our hands.

Madara: A tree, huh? I might be able to ask a friend of mine for help.

One sec, I’ll try calling ‘em.

…Hello? Yep, it’s me! It sure has been a while. How are yooou?

Hahaha! Yeah, I haven’t seen you since we took those pictures at Santa Claus Village. That sure takes me back…☆

Tatsumi: Santa Claus Village? Is he referring to the one in Northern Europe…?

Wataru: I believe so. Our dear Festival-Man-san has been active in Japan as of late, but it appears that he used to be quite the globetrotter.

Madara: …That’s right. It’s a special occasion, so I want a tree so spectacular it’ll knock everyone’s socks off. Think you can handle it?

Ooh, you’re a lifesaver! I really owe you one — thanks sooo much!

…Yup, yup. I’ll tell you the shipping address later. Bye byeee ☆

The preparations for the tree are all done and dusted! They’re gonna pick the finest fir out there just for us.

Izumi: You settled that in, like, a minute flat. Who even are you?

Madara: Hahaha! Haven’t you heard? I’m everybody’s Mama, Mikejima Madara…☆

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Location: Kitchen

Izumi: (...I was planning on having lunch early so I could avoid the crowd, but I ended up shooting the breeze with Kuma-kun for too long.)

(Oh, well. It’s no big deal — I don’t have plans for the rest of the day, and our little chat helped me let off some steam.)

(I’ve been kinda stressed and tired lately, so… It really felt like a breath of fresh air.)

(Besides, it’s not like having a late lunch is a bad thing. It’s past peak hours, so the kitchen’s empty, and I can sit anywhere I like.)

(Maybe I should take the time to cook for myself every now and then. I didn’t use my share of ingredients from Gardenia, so they should be right…)

(Here…? Wait a sec. My veggies are gone, and so are my fruits. There’s literally nothing left! Did someone take it all?)

(Ugh, right when I wanted to cook. This is sooo annoying!)

(Whatever, I guess… I can’t be bothered to go out and buy something, so I’ll just grab a pre-made meal.)

(“Winter-Exclusive: Creamy Chicken Soup”? …Looks like it’s got a bunch of winter vegetables.)

(It’s not, like, devoid of nutritional value, and it’s not as high-calorie as I expected. ‘Kay then, I guess this is as good as it gets.)

Location: Common Room

Izumi: (...Hm? What do we have here…?)

Tatsumi: ……

Madara: ……

Izumi: (Kazehaya and Mikejima, huh? That’s not a combo you see every day. I wonder what they’re talking about?)

(On second thought, it’s none of my business. I better eat my soup before it gets cold.)

(...Huh, this is actually pretty good. I’m not a fan of how small the chunks are, but the seasoning is just how I like it.)

(Let’s see, it’s got carrots, burdock, onions, and daikon… I can buy some dashi while I’m here, and, aside from the burdock and daikon, I should be able to find the rest of the ingredients over in Florence.)

(Maybe I’ll try recreating this when I’m in the mood for Japanese food.)

Madara: …Nah, it looks like a secret code to me.

Izumi: (…A secret what now?)

Madara: Sure, it seems normal at first glance, but take a closer look — I think there’s sooome kinda pattern to it.

Tatsumi: Now that you mention it… The letters are in a similar sequence over here.

It’s only a small section, though; are you quite certain this isn’t merely a coincidence?

Izumi: (Excuse me? What’re they even talking about? It looks like they’re standing next to some kind of Christmas poster.)

Tatsumi: …Well, it is a holy image; perhaps this is a sign from God.

Madara: You think? It looks pretty avant-garde to me.

Izumi: (“A sign from God”? “Avant-garde”? Ughhh, I’m dying to know what they’re talking about! I can’t focus on my food anymore…!)

Tatsumi: Although there was originally no connection between the nativity of Christ and Santa Claus, they are now both associated with Christmas.

That is why this poster of Santa Claus could be considered holy.

Madara: Does that mean you’d call a picture of Santa and Rudolph chucking presents from the top of a tree “sacred”? You sure are an odd duck, Tatsumi-san.

Izumi: …Literally what have you two been going on about?

Tatsumi: Oh, Izumi-san. We were sharing our opinions on this poster.

Madara: Dunno when, but someone must’ve put it up here. It’s almost Christmas, so I figured it was just to give the place some more holiday cheer…

But doesn’t it feel a lil’ off when you take a closer look?

Izumi: “A little off”...? Are you talking about the letters and numbers that’re scattered all over?

Madara: Got it in one! I’d expect no less from you, Izumi-san. You’re sharp as a tack ♪

Izumi: Don’t compliment me for doing something that easy. It feels like you’re looking down on me.

Still, I guess you’re right — this does look like a secret code of sorts. Whoever made this didn’t use all of the letters in the alphabet, and it feels like they were intentional in where they placed things.

(...But that’s the extent of my understanding. I doubt I’d be able to pick up on anything else. I do know someone who’s good at this stuff, though…)

(Namely, Yuu-kun. On any other day, I’d have already sent him a message...)

(But I know he must be busy during the end of the year. Even I wouldn’t bother him right now.)

Tatsumi: …E… N… W… WS…

Izumi: Um, hellooo? What’re you doing? You sound like some kinda rundown robot, and it’s freaking me out.

Tatsumi: Oh, pardon me. I think I’ve finally cracked the code.

Upon taking a closer look at the letters on the poster, it seems as though some, but not all, are paired with numbers.

If you were to ignore those that aren’t, only the letters N, E, S and W — that is to say, the cardinal directions — remain.

Most of the numbers are two or three digits. If we consider these to be directions…

Madara: We might be able to figure out where Santa’s hidden his treasure…☆

Izumi: Isn’t that, like, totally out of Santa’s job description? In the first place, pirates are the ones who hide their loot.

Madara: Lemme take a quick pic with my phone… Alllrighty, let’s head out and track that treasure down ♪

Izumi: Wait, you want me to come?

Madara: Duh! You’re coming too, aren’t cha, Tatsumi-san?

Tatsumi: But of course. I’d like to discover why this poster was created.

Madara: Tell me about it! C’mon, let’s get to the bottom of this…☆

Izumi: Hey, I did not agree to this!

Location: Courtyard

Izumi: We’ve searched every damn corner of the dorms, all the way from the first floor to the third…

And you’re telling me our final destination is the courtyard?! I’m never getting all that time and energy back, you know?! This freakin’ sucks!

Tatsumi: It appears as though this tree marks the end of our journey, but nothing seems to be off about it.

Madara: It’s possible that the treasure got buried underground, but it doesn’t look like the soil’s been dug up at all.

Maybe this was all just a prank? In that case, I’ve gotta thank whoever set it up! It really felt like I was a lil’ kid again; I had a blast!

Izumi: Excuse me? Why’re you thanking them? They’re the absolute worst for toying around with us like this!

…Wait, did you hear that?

Tatsumi: Hm? Hear what, pray tell…?

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