Dumped by One, Chased by Another? My Ex's Sister Is a Gal and She's Coming for Me - Chapter 59

“So yeah, that’s what happened.”

“I see.”

That night, like always, I was on a call with Haruki.

When you talk as often as we do, you eventually run out of fresh topics. Naturally, the conversation turned to what had happened that day.

After Haruki told me about our homeroom teacher’s latest attempts at finding a marriage partner, I shared what had happened at university.

To me, it wasn’t anything worth mentioning—but to Haruki, it was different.

After all, college life is a completely foreign experience for her. That alone seems to make it interesting.

Besides, if I’m not just being full of myself, I get the feeling that Haruki genuinely enjoys talking to me.

That said, today didn’t offer any particularly exciting stories, so I ended up talking about Marco and Honoka.

Well, it was something I needed to tell her anyway.

“Still, I’m really happy that you thought things through that much, Kengorou.”

“You think so?”

Even over a screen, I couldn’t help but feel a little embarrassed.

“Anyway, setting that aside, have you thought about what you want to do for Christmas? I was thinking maybe Italian or French for dinner.”

“Ooh, that’s a tough choice. Hmm, what should we do…”

“Actually, you know what? Maybe let’s skip both this time.”

“Huh? Why?”

I froze for a moment—did I say something wrong?

“Well, only if you’re okay with it, but… how about we throw a Christmas party? At the guest house, of course.”

She proposed something I had previously considered completely out of the question.

“Was that Setsuko-san’s idea?”

“Yeah. She said it’s both to welcome you properly and… kind of as a precaution so we don’t get too carried away.”

“Ah, I see.”

It’s not like Setsuko-san fully trusts me yet.

Sure, up to now, I’ve always brought Haruki home before her curfew.

But Christmas is a special day.

The streets will be packed with couples, more than you’d think even exist.

City lights will sparkle with illuminations, and everything about the atmosphere will push your emotions higher.

Two young people, alone together on Christmas… it’s easy to imagine them getting swept up in the moment.

I can’t even say with confidence that it couldn’t happen.

You never really know until you’re in that situation.

No—saying that is cowardly.

To be honest, if Haruki made a move, I’m almost certain I wouldn’t be able to resist.

Because she’s just that cute.

“So yeah, my mom thinks it’d be better if we just had a party at the guest house. Are you okay with that, Kengorou?”

“Of course.”

I had been hesitant because I didn’t want to burden her family, but if they were the ones suggesting it, I had no reason to refuse.

Besides, for all that’s happened, I still want to build a good relationship with Setsuko-san and the others.

There’s no reason for me to say no.

When I told her that—

“Okay, then it’s settled for Christmas.”

“Still a part of me is a little disappointed.”

“About what?”

“Well, I want to have a Christmas party, sure. But I also kind of wanted to go on a date.”

I understood what she meant.

I’ve been there too—Christmas parties are a lot of fun.

I’ve had them with my volunteer group and with my college friends, including Marco. (Naturally, Fuyumi was there too.)

But at the same time, I know how special it feels to spend Christmas with just the two of you.

It’s not that Haruki doesn’t want to have a party, or that she finds Setsuko-san a bother.

It’s just a different thing entirely.

“Then let’s do both.”

“Huh?”

It’s up to me to make that happen.

“Let’s have both—a Christmas date and the party.”

We could go out around noon, have lunch.

Maybe catch a movie, just spend time together.

Then I’d take Haruki home in time for the party.

When I said that, Haruki lit up.

“That’s perfect! I love it! You’re the best boyfriend ever!”

“Pfft—”

I burst out laughing.

I mean, seriously—what kind of reaction is that?

It made me feel weirdly bashful.

“Wait, Kengorou, are you blushing?”

“What? No, not at all.”

“Really?”

“Maybe a little?”

“Heh, that’s just like you.”

“Is it? I wish I could be a little cooler, though.”

“You’re already more than cool enough. That plan you came up with just now? Super cool.”

“If you say so.”

Still, I can’t shake the feeling that she has me wrapped around her finger.

“Anyway, let’s start planning our date!”

“Good point. For lunch, Italian sounds good, right?”

“Yeah! Oh, and let’s watch a movie too! I just found this film called Whole Cake Shark—it’s a shark movie, and I think you’ll love it!”

“Wait, what? That actually sounds amazing.”

And so, the night went on, filled with laughter and plans for a very special Christmas.