397 4.4

That day, I ultimately returned to the dormitory without buying a cake.

Then, as if to shake off any evil thoughts, I studied New Year's traditions online, which was coming up.

I had spent last year without thinking about it too deeply, and I had some regrets.

I might be able to do something appropriate for the holiday after the New Year.

Not even a single rice cake was served to celebrate the New Year in the White Room.

It was around 8 p.m. when I finished dinner while doing various research.

As I began to wonder whether to take a bath or not, a phone call came in.

"Good evening, Ayanokōji-kun."

"I wasn't expecting a call from you at this time, Sakayanagi."

"I thought I'd check in just in case."

"I'm not a disappointing person, just so you know."

I answered that as a joke preemptively.

"Hehe, I suppose not. Ayanokōji-kun isn't a disappointing person after all."

But looking at the reaction on the other side of the phone, was that her actual intention for calling?

"I'll save it for next year's fun."

I wasn't saying that out of spite, but I was honestly conveying my positive feelings.

"Is that so?"

Sakayanagi, who seemed happy, laughed on the other side of the phone.

"Changing the subject, has Karuizawa-san's condition improved?"

"The fever seems to have dropped. All that's left is to endure two more days."

Even if the fever fell, according to the rules, you must stay in your room for two days after recovery.

"Is that so? That's convenient for us. May I make an appointment with you now?"

"Right now? I don't have any problems with that, but what's the matter?"

"Why don't we save that for when we meet? Would you mind if I visit your room?"

"Are you planning to come to my room?"

"Is it inconvenient all of a sudden?"

"No, not really."

"Then, I won't have any hesitation."

As soon as I answered, the call was cut off.

I didn't even have time to think about the abrupt ending of the call before hearing a gentle knock.

"I see."

I stood and headed towards the door; opening it revealed Sakayanagi, the caller.

"Were you out somewhere?"

She looked very well dressed for someone who came from her room.

Additionally, there was a slight dusting of snow on her shoulders and hat.

"Merry Christmas. Santa has arrived."

As soon as our eyes met, Sakayanagi held out a small box with one hand.

She nodded in satisfaction as I accepted the box.

But to call herself Santa...

"It's already the night of the 26th. Santa Claus is quite late, isn't he?"

"Santa Claus is modeled after Saint Nicholas, who is said to have existed in the southern coastal region of Turkey. Considering that he has to finish delivering presents, ride his sleigh all the way to Japan, and then to this location, it's understandable that he'd be a little late, isn't it?"

Answering like so, it was hard to tell if she was being too serious or poking fun.

"Only you would make such a unique rebuttal."

Anyway, it wasn't a good idea to keep her standing at the front door, so I decided to invite her into my room.

"I won't hesitate to intrude."

"So? What business does this tardy Santa have?"

"I think you already know, but I've brought a Christmas cake. Since I'm calling myself Santa, it's fine for you to openly accept the present."

"Well, judging from the box, I had a feeling it might be something like that, but I'm experiencing a strong sense of déjà vu."

Could it be that Sakayanagi had been scheming for this moment since that time all along?

"Yes, that's exactly why. I promised to bring a different cake, didn't I?"

Indeed. Back then, she had detected my lack of enthusiasm for the Mont Blanc cake and had told me that she would allow me to take my revenge next year...

"So this happening today was no coincidence, right?"

"Of course. I thought it would be a perfect opportunity since you wanted to eat a cake. I also didn't recommend the convenience store sweets in order to avoid duplicate cakes."

"So that was why you pushed me with such an expression."

"Exactly. It went splendidly according to my strategy."

If I had stopped by the convenience store and decided to eat a cake on the way, it would've been doubtful whether I would have enjoyed the cake that Sakayanagi brought.

"You seem to have spent Christmas alone, so I've come to save you."

"Is it okay for the leader of Class A to come rolling into a boy's room late at night?"

"It would be more troublesome for you if it were discovered."

I couldn't deny that. If Sakayanagi forced herself in, the amount of condemnation I'd receive would undoubtedly be greater.

"Besides, it's still 8 p.m. It's not a surprisingly late hour for winter break, is it?"

"Maybe."

"You seem to be keeping your room as neat as ever. I'm impressed. I've visited several girls' rooms, but none of them are as clean as this."

After complimenting me, Sakayanagi asked for permission and sat down on the bed.

Then, she took off the coat she was wearing.

"If I couldn't meet you today, what would you've done?"

There would've been several possible scenarios; I could've been sleeping, going out, and so on.

"I was planning to visit at a time completely unrelated to Christmas."

So it just happened to be today.

It seemed that she also had Karuizawa in mind.

"I believe you already know this, but I've prepared two cakes for us."

I had a feeling there were two cakes when I received the box. It seemed heavier than just one. She supposedly intended for us to eat them together here and then leave.

"Alright, I'll get the drinks ready. Is the same as last time okay?"

"I'll graciously look forward to it."

I headed to the kitchen to prepare the coffee I made last time.

"Gradually, you look more natural standing in the kitchen."

"Living in the dormitory, opportunities to cook tend to naturally increase."

"Isn't that up to you? With convenience stores and the school cafeteria, it isn't difficult to find food even if you don't have money."

"...Maybe. I might just want to cook for myself."

"That's something unimaginable in the White Room. But it's a shame, isn't it? Even if you become a professional-grade chef, there won't be a place to showcase those skills after graduation."

Like at Keyaki Mall, she seemed more interested in discussing such topics today.

"It's true, but are you trying to probe something? I doubt you can see everything that goes on in the White Room. I don't think Chairman Sakayanagi would casually reveal it to his daughter."

I couldn't see Sakayanagi's expression since my back was turned, but she was probably smiling.

"Indeed. What I'm saying is only within the realm of imagination. As you said, I don't have a complete grasp of the White Room's details. But isn't it close enough?"

"Right. After I graduate, or even if I'm expelled, I'll be returned to the White Room and take on the role of an instructor. I'll be responsible for nurturing my successors until I'm no longer needed."

Until recently, I had no doubt about that outcome.

However, I do feel a slight skepticism now.

The merits and demerits of attending this school for three years—when weighed against each other, there were inevitably some aspects that appeared irrational.

Of course, I didn't know the details of the situation outside. That man said that the White Room was up and running again, but without any solid information, there was no way to know whether or not that was true from here.

As I brought the cups of coffee, I also prepared two thin plates.

These were for serving the cake.

"By the way, can I expect the cake to be good?"

"I don't know your tastes, but if it isn't good this time, I'll just arrange another opportunity. In fact, it might be better to fail this time and get a chance to try again."

I didn't expect her to say she'd be content even if it wasn't delicious.

Maybe I should lie and say it tastes good anyway.

"I'm confident in discerning any acting."

"Don't read ahead of me."

"Your everyday thought process is quite easy to understand. It's very simple and clear."

Sakayanagi seemed to understand that I was still an ordinary second-year student with little experience. It appeared she took into account school life matters and external-factor influences in her calculations and considerations.

When I opened the box, there were two classic shortcakes placed side by side.

"Where did you buy these? You didn't have them prepared beforehand, did you?"

The box had what looked like a logo of the cakemaker.

It didn't seem like something normally sold at convenience stores or supermarkets.

"It has a somewhat unusual backstory. I was planning to buy sweets from a convenience store before visiting, but on the way, I met my classmate Sawada coming back from Keyaki Mall. He said the famous shop's cake he had ordered was delayed due to the snow and arrived today. However, he gave up on having it during Christmas and ended up eating another cake. He was bringing it home wondering what to do... and that's how it happened."

"So you snatched a delicious-looking cake from Sawada?"

Nevertheless, such a coincidence did exist.

Well, it was about Sakayanagi. There was a possibility that she had obtained all that information beforehand.

It would be rude to pursue that point further.

"Rest assured, I've paid the private points properly. I don't know if Sawada-san was going to eat these two cakes by himself or with someone specific."

There are probably more students nurturing love than you imagine.

I decided to eat the cake I received from Sakayanagi.

I had eaten shortcake a few times before, but as it boasted to be from a famous shop, it felt different—even starting from the cream. It tasted much better than the Mont Blanc I had last time.

"It seems to have suited your taste."

"I haven't said anything yet."

Feeling that I was exposed, I couldn't help but move my hand and take a second bite.

"Even without saying anything, I understand. Though, I do feel a little conflicted since I didn't choose it."

Sakayanagi, who replied so, also carried the cake to her mouth and nodded satisfactorily.

"But the taste seems to be exceptional."

Showing her acceptance of what needed to be acknowledged, Sakayanagi seemed happy.

Without talking about anything, the two of us finished eating the cake and took a breather.

As it was about time for the clock to pass nine, she broached the subject.

"Would you like to take a walk outside for a little while?"

"Outside?"

I could refuse, but after this, I would only take a bath and go to bed.

Before that, it wouldn't be bad to take a walk on the snow-covered road; I had limited opportunities to experience it.

"It might be nice."

I decided to accept her proposal as there was no particular reason to reject it.

Above all, it seemed that Sakayanagi still wanted to talk.

"Then I'll wait for you in the lobby first."

Considering my need to change clothes, Sakayanagi stood up with her cane.

I decided to get ready and follow her.