Chapter 73: The annual event

(POV Kaito)

Christmas, you know, was the ultimate event for kids.
That fact was undeniable.

“Hey, hey, Kaito, look! Isn’t it cute?” Chiaki asked.

“It’s cute.”

“Kaito-san… How does it look?” Chifuyu asked.

“It looks cute, suits you well.”

Chiaki, Chifuyu, and Chiharu had chosen clothes as their Christmas presents after all.
Girls always wanted more and more clothes.
Chiaki twirled around, showcasing her cuteness, while Chifuyu posed a little shyly, revealing her outfit to me.
Meanwhile, Chiharu took a series of pictures of the two of them using my smartphone.

On the other hand, Chinatsu triumphantly lounged on the sofa, enthusiastically engrossed in her new game.
She was the sole one out of her sisters who had chosen a game.
I could easily imagine Chiaki, now adorned in her new clothes and eagerly awaiting her turn, going to Chinatsu and asking to borrow it.

At first, Chinatsu would likely be reluctant to lend it, but one could easily predict that she would ultimately have no choice but to give in to Chiaki’s request.
After all, going against Queen Chiaki’s wishes was simply out of the question.

“Kaito-san, um, this…”

As I was going about my daily routine, Chifuyu handed me a red paper bag.
I wondered what it could be.
It didn’t feel like a typical Christmas card like last year, that much was certain.

“What’s this…”

“I-it’s a Christmas gift in return from me….”

“Huh? Seriously? Thanks!”

I was taken aback.
When did this happen? Upon checking inside, I found a white box containing a tumbler glass with a black exterior and a golden interior—a striking color combination.

“Thank you.
I’m genuinely happy… but where did you get the money… Was it from the New Year’s monetary gift and occasional allowances I gave you…”

“…!!”

Chifuyu nodded twice.

“But how did you manage to…? Was it when we went shopping the other day!?”

“…”

Come to think of it, there was a brief moment when Chifuyu seemed flustered and lost.
So she must have bought this then… Damn, now the occasional drink I have will taste even better from today onwards.

“Thank you… No, I’m really happy…”

“Well, you’re welcome… but I just used the money I received from Kaito-san…”

“That doesn’t matter.
It’s just… how do I put it? The fact that you’re giving me a present makes me happy.
I’ll start using it from today.”

“Please do…”

Chifuyu, even though it was her own pocket money, she went and sacrificed it to give me a gift…

“I did it….”

I could hear a soft voice filled with joy, but I was even happier.
Easily a hundred times more.

“Oh, Kaito! I made a Christmas card for you! Look, look!” Chiaki said.

“Thanks! I’ll laminate it like last year.”

“Okay!”

Not only Chiaki but also Chiharu and Chinatsu gave me Christmas cards, so I better laminate them as usual.

Rather than waiting for the actual Christmas day, exchanging presents and doing it all at once like this wasn’t a bad idea either.
We’ll have the celebration on the actual day, and the four of them have probably planned surprises for me, so I need to practice pretending to be surprised…

Until Christmas, I decided to train myself in acting.

◆◆

(POV Chinatsu)

“Oh, so busy, so busy…”

“Well, for me…” Chiharu said.

“As for Chiharu… let’s see.
Yeah, take the crab sticks out of the bag and break them up however you like.” Aki said.

“Ah, okay… my dignity as the Onee-chan… my position…”

My older sister Haru, with a gloomy expression, was taking the crab sticks out of the bag to use as a colorful addition to the salad.
Well, I could understand her feelings.
She was probably losing confidence because Aki was exceptionally talented at cooking.

Fuyu and I have also learned to cook from Kaito-san to some extent, but Aki was still on a different level.
She was the most efficient.
Her instructions were also precise.

“Chinatsu, whip up some fresh cream, please.”

“Oh, sure.”

While Aki fried some chicken, she gave us instructions.
It was surprising to learn that she had done all the preparations by herself the previous night.
Her capabilities were impressive.
Fuyu may not have been as skilled as Aki, but she was also busy shredding cabbage and cutting vegetables for the meat sauce.
Their cooking skills far surpassed mine and Haru’s.

I wonder what it is about these third and fourth sisters that put the two eldest sisters in the shade.
While constantly uttering, “So busy, so busy”, Aki continued her work.

“Fuyu, is there anything I can help with?”

“I-I’m fine, uuu, the onion… my eyes…”

I wonder if everything will be alright.
Fuyu, who was cutting onions, was holding back tears that welled up in her eyes.
Seeing her determined and hardworking figure, I felt like I also had to put in the effort.
Fuyu is quite popular among the boys at school because she always gives her best.

Well, the same goes for Aki and Haru.
It made me think that they are popular because they work hard, even if they are clumsy.

Should I also give my best? After all, I aspire to be the eldest sister… but, well, before that…

“Haru, are you okay?”

“I’m here, breaking apart the crab sticks for the Christmas party preparations… Even though I’m the older sister, even though I’m the eldest…”

“Well, it can’t be helped.
At this point, you’ve already cracked three eggs and dropped them…”

“Sob…”

“I’ll help you out too.
Cheer up.”

“Okay.
Thank you berry much.”

“Ahh, that’s lame.
Lately, you’ve been saying stuff like that often, but it’s better not to do it too much.
Honestly, it’s not even as amusing as Kaito-san, you know.”

“Huh? You’re lying.”

“Why would I need to lie?”

“Gaaan…”

To be honest, her jokes weren’t entertaining.
I said what I honestly thought and she ended up feeling down again.
Maybe I shouldn’t have said it? But it couldn’t be helped because it truly wasn’t funny.
I don’t know why she has started making jokes recently, but it’s clearly influenced by Kaito-san.

It’s a bit pitiful that even her sense of humor was influenced.
But let’s take joy in the fact that she was changing.
That’s about all I can do at the moment.

◆◆

(POV Kaito)

“Kaito! Today is Christmas! So, we made a special meal for today!”

“Eeeh~~, really? Thank you!”

“Ehehe, we put in a lot of effort!”

“Thank you too, Chifuyu.”

“Yes… Well, since we worked hard, I’d be happy if you could eat a lot…”

Even though it was Christmas day, I had to work, but when I returned home, the four of them had prepared a Christmas meal for me.
I thought I should act surprised, but I was genuinely happy, so there was no need for much acting.
The only thing left to do was to pretend that I didn’t know about the surprise.

“Kaito! I made this fried chicken!”

“Wow, it looks delicious.”

“Kaito-san, Chifuyu made this Bolognese.”

“I can tell even without tasting it.
It smells amazing and looks great.”

“Onii-san, I split this crab stick.”

“Oh, it goes well with the salad.”

“Kaito-san, I split this crab stick too.”

“It’s evenly split, and it looks great.”

Alright, I was able to properly praise everyone.
It’s true that praising and encouraging others is always the better approach.

“Kaito, hurry up, wash your hands, and let’s eat together!” Chiaki said.

“Yeah, you’re right.”

“Kaito-san, I’ll hang your coat for you,” Chifuyu said.

“Thank you.”

Their thoughtfulness was incredible.
I’ve never been to a hospitality event or a corporate golf outing before, but this might be what it feels like.
I’m genuinely happy.

After finishing up with washing hands and changing into something more comfortable, I sat down and entered the kotatsu.
On the table, there were fried chicken, Bolognese, salad, scrambled eggs, and the tumbler glasses were already filled with drinks.

“I’m really happy with everyone’s efforts.
Thank you.”

“””””You’re welcome.”””””

The Christmas dishes were incredibly delicious.
So delicious that I ended up having multiple servings.

When I think that a year has passed since last Christmas, I can’t help but feel how quickly time flies.
After this, the end of the year will come, and we’ll probably go to the Sayama Fudoson temple for our first shrine visit.

As time keeps passing, it feels like farewells come faster in proportion, and it makes me incredibly sad.

Among the four of them, they will probably find their life partners eventually, but whoever dares to say they want to take away these adorable four from me, well, I’ll definitely…

――《《End up giving them a strong punch》

◆◆

(POV Kaito)

Well, time really flies, doesn’t it? It’s hard to believe that today marked our first shrine visit of the year already.
It feels like it was just yesterday when we were enjoying the Christmas party, watching year-end shows, and savoring the delicious duck soba.
Has the new year arrived so quickly?

“Kaito! Can I borrow your phone?”

“Yeah, sure.”

As we stood in line at the Sayama Fudoson temple, surrounded by a bustling crowd of people for the New Year’s visit, Chiaki grew bored and asked to borrow my smartphone.
Without hesitation, I handed it over, and soon she was engrossed in tapping away, watching videos with Chifuyu, Chiharu, and Chinatsu.

Now that I think about it, I never actually taught them how to use the smartphone.
Occasionally, when they ask for it, I let them borrow it, but I’ve never taken the time to show them how it works.
However, observing them now, it seems like they’ve become quite proficient with it on their own.

I guess kids naturally have an interest in things and quickly learn.
It would be great if I could integrate this into their studies somehow, or find a psychological method to increase their motivation for learning.

“Cats are cute!” Chiaki said.

“Yes, they are.
Cats are wonderful, aren’t they?” Chinatsu added.

“Yes, they are,” Chiharu said.

“Why are cats so cute, I wonder?” Chifuyu added.

Chiaki, Chinatsu, Chiharu, and Chifuyu exclaimed how adorable cats were while watching videos.
It was indeed a heartwarming sight to see.

“Oh~~, amazing~~! They’re spending so much money,” Chiaki said.

“How much are they really spending?” Chinatsu added.

“That’s crazy,” Chiharu said.

“It really is,” Chifuyu added.

Now they seemed to be watching a gaming channel.
Watching their enthusiastic expressions, I pondered whether I should buy them smartphones.
But what should I do? As far as I’m concerned, maybe when they reach middle school.

But having the ability to make phone calls can be convenient.
Perhaps it’s time to seriously consider buying them smartphones.
However, I don’t want them to become too absorbed in that and neglect their studies…

“Kaito-san, we need to move forward….”

“Right, sorry, Chifuyu.”

While I was lost in thought, I hadn’t realized that the line had moved forward.
Thanks to Chifuyu subtly taking my hand and guiding me, we managed to avoid inconveniencing those around us.

“…”

“…”

Her hand casually grasped mine.
It had become a continued habit to hold hands without any particular reason.
Chifuyu’s hand was indeed small, and it felt slightly cold, perhaps due to the chill in the air.

I couldn’t ask her to let go, and it wasn’t really bothering me, so I didn’t say anything.
I somewhat understood Chifuyu’s feelings, which made it difficult for me to decide what to do.
Maintaining the status quo was the best I could manage.

“Oh my, Fuyu.
You’re holding hands with Kaito-san.
So cute, isn’t it?” Chinatsu remarked.

“Uh… W-Well, it’s cold, do you have a problem with it?” Chifuyu retorted.

“N-No, not at all… There’s no need to be aggressive like that,” Chinatsu responded.

Chifuyu’s face had turned completely red.
I wonder if it was because of the cold.
Her cheeks were beautifully flushed with a deep crimson hue.

“Hmph, I’ll hold hands too,” Chiaki declared.

As if in competition, Chiaki grabbed my right hand while Chifuyu held onto my left.

“Oh, how envious… That’s not fair,” Chiharu said.

“…Here, I’ll hold your hand, so stop glaring at Kaito-san,” Chinatsu said.

“Yeah, if that’s the case, well… that’s fine,” Chiharu said.

Chinatsu held Chiharu’s hand, putting an end to her envious gaze.
The atmosphere turned heartwarming and gentle again.

Both Chiaki’s and Chifuyu’s hands were small and cold.
It’s true what they say, that people with cold hands have warm hearts.
After all, both of them are kind, cute, and considerate.

As we held hands, watched videos together, and passed the time, we finally arrived at the main hall.
There were many people, so we needed to finish our prayers quickly.

“Here, this is for the offering.”

I distributed some coins to everyone and made my own offering as well.
I don’t believe in gods or anything like that, but I thought it wouldn’t hurt to make some wishes.

――May the four of them have good health, luck, academic success, and financial fortune.

Alright, that should do it.

“Kaito, I want to draw an omikuji (fortune slip) too!”

“Sure.”

After finishing our prayers, we gathered around the nearby omikuji stand and each put in some money to draw an omikuji (fortune slip).
I didn’t believe in omikuji or fortune-telling, but I thought it was important to enjoy it as a kind of tradition.

“Wow! Kaito, I got great fortune!”

“That’s amazing.
Can I see?”

“Sure!”

Chiaki handed me her fortune slip, and I glanced at its contents.

Love… Your proficiency has reached a certain level.
You have acquired the Love Skill Special Attack.

Academics… Your proficiency has not reached a certain level yet.

Awaited person… Already within your grasp.

Finances… Irrelevant.

Travel… Should go for it.

Lost items… Will be found.

“Oooh, it looks pretty good”

“Yeah, right? As expected, It’s all about your actions in daily life!”

“What about you, Chifuyu?”

“I got great fortune….”

Chifuyu opened her Omikuji (fortune slip) and showed it to me.

Love… Take off the hairband, let down your bangs, and you’ll be unbeatable.

Academics… Nothing to say about it.

Awaited person… You know who it is, right?

Finance… You have talent.

Travel… Go for it.

Lost items… It’s all good.

Is this what the recent Omikujis (fortune slips) are like? It feels like the format has changed a bit from last year… Well, it’s still great fortune, so that’s good, right?

“That’s great.
How about you, Chinatsu?” I asked.

“I got great fortune.”

Chinatsu showed me her Omikuji as well.

Love… Somehow, it’s strong.

Academics… You should study.

Awaited person… It’s always the person you least expect.

Finance… No talent.

Travel… Go for it.

Lost items… They’ll be found for you.

“That’s great.
How about you, Chiharu?”

“I got great fortune.”

Love… The ice has melted, but it’s not blooming yet.

Academics… No issues.

Awaited person… Older.

Finance… Not necessary.

Travel… You’ll be taken along.

Lost items… They will be found.

“Oooh.
It feels pretty good, doesn’t it?”

“Yes.”

I’m not quite sure what makes it good, but since everyone got great fortune, it must be a good sign.
I’ll just keep that thought in mind.

Now, let me take a look at my own Omikuji.
I spread it open and read the characters.

“So, how is it, Kaito-san?” Chifuyu asked.

“How is it? Kaito?”

“Kaito-san, please show me.
“

“Oniisan, how is it?”

“…”

Love… you might just punch yourself in the face.

Academics… Still in the growth stage.

Awaiting Person… No need to say it.

Finance… You have talent.

Travel… You’ll be taken along.

Lost items… Someday, someone will find them.

While it’s great fortune, I’m not sure what to make of this unclear and somewhat advice-like wording.
It’s probably best to take it with a grain of salt and not overthink it.

“Kaito-san, you also got great fortune.
That’s great!” Chifuyu said.

“We all got the same!” Chiaki said.

“Well, it seems like we’ve started off on a good note for this new year,” Chinatsu added.

“Yeah, that’s right.” Chiharu agreed.

Well, whether the content is good or not, since everyone got great fortune, I suppose we should consider it a positive sign.

“Kaito-san, I want to try that crepe over there,” Chinatsu said.

“Me too, me too!” Chiaki added.

After drawing our fortune slips and learning the results, it seemed like the girls’ interest shifted toward the food stalls.
Chinatsu and Chiaki pointed their fingers and their eyes sparkled with excitement.

“Alright, shall we go?”

‘”Oooooh!””

“Eating from the start of the new year…” Chifuyu muttered

“My sisters are cute from the start of the new year.” Chiharu added.

Leaving the main hall behind, we walked towards the food stalls.

***********************

TN: It’s very interesting that Kaito said that whoever steals the girls’ hearts he may just punch them in the face, and then the fortune slip tells him, you may punch yourself in the face lol.