Komachi had always taken on the household chores back home. Neither their deadbeat dad nor Hikigaya had ever lifted a finger in that regard. But strangely enough, Komachi didn’t seem to mind. She enjoyed it—taking care of things, organizing, cooking.
So when Hikigaya wandered through the aisles filled with sleek kitchenware, he thought: What better birthday gift than a high-end cooking set?
He stared at a gleaming, full knife set behind glass. It was beautifully crafted—almost too elegant to be used. The price tag, however, hit him like a sucker punch.
120,000 yen.
That was more than their family had probably ever spent on cutlery. It was likely more than they’d spent on anything that wasn’t rent.
Still... Komachi deserves something nice. Gritting his teeth, he reached for his wallet.
"Ah, Hikigaya!"
The familiar voice interrupted his internal financial battle. He turned—and there they were. Yume, Juke, and even Kushida were approaching.
Hikigaya blinked. "Huh? Why are you all together? Weren’t we going to shop separately?"
"We bumped into each other and figured we’d shop as a group," Kushida said sweetly, smiling with practiced ease. "How about you? What are you doing here?"
He lifted the shopping basket, now holding the fancy knife set. "Buying a gift."
"...A gift?" Yume tilted her head, looking concerned. "Wait, you’re not planning on giving that to someone for Christmas, are you?"
Hikigaya looked down at the knives, confused. "Why not? They’re expensive. And useful."
"A... knife doesn’t really scream holiday spirit," Haruka said, her expression stiff.
Juke leaned in and whispered, "Giving a knife as a gift can feel like a threat. It’s considered unlucky in some cultures."
Only then did it click. "Oh, no—it’s not for any of you. It’s for my sister. Komachi."
"Ahh, Komachi-chan!" Yume smiled. "She’s not at this school, is she?"
"Nope. She’s back home."
"Then how do you plan on giving it to her?" Haruka asked.
"I’ll use the sports club mail system," Hikigaya explained. "It’ll take a bit longer, but they usually deliver personal stuff home as long as it’s school-appropriate."
Even so, the mood around the group remained... awkward.
Haruka finally voiced it. "Even as a birthday gift, it still feels kind of aggressive to receive a knife."
"Komachi likes doing housework though," Hikigaya defended. "She’ll use it every day."
"That’s not the point," Haruka insisted, glancing at Kushida and Yume, who nodded. "It’s more about the meaning. Gifts should feel warm, not sharp."
Kushida stepped forward with a charming smile. "If you want something heartfelt, you could try clothes, accessories, or cosmetics. Something personal."
"She’s not that kind of girl," Hikigaya replied, frowning. "She’s thrifty. She’s never been into fancy stuff like that."
"Well then," Airi finally piped up, shyly tugging at her sleeves. "How about some kind of souvenir? Something only available here at school?"
"Oh?" Hikigaya’s eyes lit up. "That could work."
The idea intrigued him. Something unique to Keyaki. It had to feel exclusive but still thoughtful.
Airi continued, "Stores like Parrett sell limited holiday items. They might have something Komachi can’t buy anywhere else."
Yume glanced at Juke, giving her a little elbow nudge. "Now’s your chance," she whispered.
But Juke just lowered her head and said nothing, her thoughts clearly scattered.
Yume couldn’t help but feel a little frustrated. Sakura Airi was gaining ground, and even Kushida had joined the effort to help Hikigaya.
Juke should’ve seized the moment, especially knowing how much Hikigaya treasured his sister.
Instead, Airi gained more points.
"How about sending Komachi some photos of you?" Yume suddenly suggested. "Snapshots from school life or your exam days. That would feel really personal!"
Haruka’s eyes sparkled. "Yes! If I had a brother in a fancy school like this, I’d want to know everything. Seeing pictures would make her feel connected."
Hikigaya’s expression brightened. "Oh, that’s good. I’ve got cruise ship photos Komachi would be jealous of."
Now this felt right.
Just the thought of Komachi grumbling about how "nii-chan got to ride a fancy boat" was enough to make him grin.
Meanwhile, Yume and Haruka shared a knowing look.
Haruka leaned in slightly. "You know, I didn’t think anyone had feelings for Hikigaya before... but now? I’m not so sure. Someone in this group definitely does."
Kushida, not one to be left behind, added cheerfully, "Isn’t it even better to send both—a physical gift and a letter? Komachi might worry about you being so far away."
"That makes sense..." Hikigaya nodded, impressed despite himself.
"Also," Kushida said, tilting her head with an innocent smile, "you’ll need to pack it small. The sports department might not accept large boxes. Better to keep it compact—souvenir, some photos, and a letter. That’s it."
Yume and the others exchanged glances.
Even they had to admit—Kushida’s advice was spot-on.
"You sure know a lot," Haruka said, a little surprised.
"I have a few friends in the sports club," Kushida explained. "They travel a lot for tournaments. If you ever need help with deliveries, just ask me."
Hikigaya hesitated. "Thanks, but our class has its own sports club reps. I’ll ask them."
It wasn’t that he didn’t appreciate the offer. He just... didn’t want to owe Kushida anything.
Kushida smiled politely. "No problem."
But inwardly, she was already planning.
So... his weak spot is that sister of his. Komachi. That was useful information. Earning Hikigaya’s trust would be much easier now.
And maybe—just maybe—she’d find a way to use it.
Meanwhile, Haruka frowned, watching the interaction with suspicion.
Didn’t Kushida come to support them? Why was she suddenly stealing Airi’s moment?
Airi, however, was red in the face and glowing with joy.
Just being able to help Hikigaya made her genuinely happy.
Haruka sighed. Too easy to please. That was both Airi’s charm... and her weakness.
Later – Dormitory Entrance
"Here. Uh... Merry Christmas?" Hikigaya handed small gift bags to Yume, Hiyori, and Menlai.
The sky-blue scarf from Ibuki had been repurposed as a thank-you gift. It was a bit late, but the sentiment was there.
"Thank you, Hikigaya. I really like this!" Yume said, surprised and delighted.
The girls turned to hand Kushida her own gift, one they’d all pitched in for.
But Kushida stepped forward with something else.
She held out a pink gift box with a bow. "It’s late, but... we got something for you too. Merry Christmas."
She winked at Airi and Haruka.
The two blushed and fumbled for their bags. "This one’s from me!" Airi said, holding out a box with trembling hands. "M-Merry Christmas!"
Hikigaya blinked, visibly caught off guard.
Yume, Juke, and Hiyori froze.
Wait... they bought him a gift too?
Even after the holiday had passed?
The scheming. The boldness. Too calculated.
They had come today under the guise of shopping, but in truth, they had been planning to ambush him with gifts. And now, by social obligation, he would have to return the favor again.
Hikigaya shook his head. "No. I really don’t have a reason to accept these. I’m not close to you three."
Yume was surprised. A bit too blunt, even for him.
"But you helped Airi before," Kushida insisted. "And we all gave you advice earlier. Isn’t that worth something?"
"...I guess," he muttered, reluctantly accepting the gifts.
Airi giggled. Success.
But inwardly, Hikigaya was groaning.
This meant he had to go back to the mall. Again. To find something new to give them.
This holiday gift exchange thing... it never ends.
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