Secret Santa 2023 - Story collection

[Mirage_GSM]

And here is my entry for this year. Glad I managed before Christmas. Was a bit hectic this year.
As always prompt and author’s notes will be at the end for spoiler reasons.

Naughty or Nice

The halls of the main building are practically empty as I hurry through the corridors, trying not to run. I almost let some of my prescriptions run out, and now I had to get the new meds today because the pharmacy will be closed over the holidays, and now I’m running late… Well, not actually running…

The door of room 3-3 is the only one where a sliver of light shines into the dim corridor, and I hear voices, laughter and music from inside. Damn, they already started!

As I open the door and enter, my classmates turn around.

“Hey, Hisao made it!” Akio shouts putting an arm around my shoulders. “We were just wondering if we should go look for you in case you broke down in a corner somewhere!”

A couple of months ago his crass humour would have sent me spiralling back into depression. Has it really only been a few months? Now I don’t even blink. “Nah, wouldn’t miss this even for a heart attack. Not when there’s going to be cookies.”

I disentangle myself from my fellow science club member and put my contribution to the cake and cookie buffet on the desk next to the door. Mine is store-bought, but I see some of my classmates went the extra mile and baked them themselves.

I wave hello to my other classmates. In the back corner, the newspaper trio of Naomi, Natsume and Hanako are sipping fruit punch from cups of paper. Hanako gives a quick wave before returning her attention to her friends.

Over by the window, Taro is feeding orange slices to his girlfriend, the weird artist girl from 3-4 who did the mural for the festival. I talked to her once or twice back when I was new. What was her name? Rin? They seem to be in their own little world, and I’m not sure they even noticed me entering.

Molly, Ikuno, Miki and Misha are sitting around a desk munching cookies… Well, it’s mostly Misha and Miki – Molly is fiddling with her phone, and Ikuno is refraining for obvious reasons.

Leon walks over to Akio and me. “Hisao… uh… late?”

“Yeah, I had to pick up some meds before everything closes for the holidays. Would suck if I had to go down into town just for that tomorrow. Is everyone here now, or are we still waiting for someone?”

Leon looks over to Akio who is happy to do the explanation. “Lit Club is doing their Christmas party today as well, and Suzu and Lezard decided to go to that one. Misaki wanted to spend the day with her boyfriend in town. Shizune, Ritsu ,Haruhiko and Takashi already left to spend the holidays with their families.

“Shizune… and… ah… mad, yes!”

“Yeah, the prez was really pissed when she was told she had to be back home on Christmas Eve. I think she was looking forward to this a lot.”

“Uh… last… and… er…chance… tests.”

I nod at Leon. “Yes, we won’t have many more occasions to get together like this before the exams start next year – if any. We should ask Misha to see if we can do something nice for her before things get too bad.”

Before I can do that the door opens again, and two people come in: The first is a small, portly man with a giant fake beard, a red coat that might – with a bit of goodwill – pass as a Santa Claus costume and a big sack which he puts down on the teacher’s desk. Behind him is Mr. Mutou, dressed up as… Well, as Mr. Mutou, really. He’s carrying a folder wrapped in sparkling golden paper, though he’s touching it gingerly as if he’s afraid the glitter might come off on his fingers.

The man in the costume lets out a loud laugh from his belly: “HO, HO, HO, Merry Christmas children! Have you all been good this year? If so, Santa might have some presents for you!”

All conversations in the classroom end immediately, and at least half the mouths of my friends are hanging open, mine included.

I whisper to Akio: “Who’s the guy playing Santa?”

“That’s Mr. Nomiya, the art teacher,” he replies without being able to tear his gaze from the apparition. “When Shizune and Misha insisted on collecting all our presents beforehand, I suspected they were planning on getting a Santa, but I never expected something like this.”

One by one, all my friends seem to get over their shock; only Misha has a grin so wide I worry about the top of her head falling off. Apparently she’s very pleased the surprise worked so well.

Mr. Nomiya seems to be enjoying himself almost as much. “Let me introduce you to my loyal helper… Kne… Kneck… Kneckt Rupert? Is that correct?” He looks at Misha asking for confirmation. Apparently satisfied he continues. “Kneckt Rupert has been watching you children to see if you’ve been naughty or nice, and he has prepared some reports for me to see if you will get treats or tricks today.”

Misha rushes over to Mr. Nomiya and frantically whispers something into his ear.

“Really? Oh, of course, my bad. Anyway, let’s go through the class roster alphabetically. Rupert?”

He holds out a hand, and Mr. Mutou hands him a sheet from the golden folder. I am certain Misha crafted that thing.

“Arai!” Taro steps forward. “Ah, there you are,… oh, and hello Ms. Tezuka! Let’s see… It says here, you are always trying to help your classmates when they are in trouble. You got passing grades in all subjects and excellent ones in…” he looks from the paper to Taro and back a few times. “…in Home Ec. Yes, I can certainly see that.”

Seriously? What’s that supposed to mean?

“So, you’ve certainly been a nice kid, let me see what I have for you.” The teacher rummages through the sack and produces a few presents that are tagged with Taro’s name and places them on the desk in front of Taro, and Akio helps him carry them all back to his seat. “Next…” He takes another sheet from Mr. Mutou. “… Ikezawa!”

I worry a bit how Hanako might react to being the centre of attention, but she steps forward after only minimal hesitation. “So, according to Rupert here, you have excellent grades overall, especially in literature and you’ve been helping out the newspaper club. You also greatly improved your attendance since summer. All in all an exemplary student! Here, have your presents!”

As Mr. Nomiya digs through his sack, Hanako’s face is bright red from receiving all this praise - I don’t think the applause from Natsume and Naomi are helping either – but as she returns to the two of them with an arm full of presents, she has a grin on her face that almost rivals Misha’s.

“Next, Inoue!” Naomi steps forward. “I see you are very engaged in the newspaper club, and you are good with computers and English…” His grin becomes a frown for a moment. “…but Rupert tells me that you failed your last math test. That won’t do at all, young lady! You know final exams are coming up soon. So, Rupert has some little extra present for you.”

While Mr. Nomiya searches for Naomi’s presents Mr. Mutou hands her a stack of papers. “These are some exercise sheets for math. Please note that those are not homework, but I recommend you still work through them over the holidays.”

Naomi takes the sheets with a face as if he had handed her a dead frog, then gathers her presents and retreats to her corner.

“Next, Ooe!”

As “Santa” continues down the list, I make my way over to Misha. “So… I don’t think this part was your idea, was it?”

She shakes her head. „No, that was Shicchan’s idea. She prepared study materials for every subject and asked Mr. Mutou to hand them out to those who need them.”

I figured that had to be the case.

Leon, who followed me over here, nudges me. “Maybe eh…not and nice… do eh... for Shizune, yes?”

I’m almost sure he is joking, but before I can make sure I hear my name. “Nakai!”

I step up to the desk. “So, I see that Nakai has only been here for a short time, but has already founded a science club and become its president. Also of course excellent grades in science… but not so much in English. Kneckt Rupert! You know what to do!”

If I didn’t know better I would think the art teacher is enjoying this part too much. Mr. Mutou hands me the English exercises in addition to my presents.

Well, looking at the bright side, I would have spent most of the holiday studying anyway, so know at least I have the materials for it. And knowing Shizune I’m sure they are top notch.

After me, Akio gets handed materials for literature and history, and Miki gets a pile of paper that seems to include almost every subject. Mr. Mutou looks grave as he hands it to her.

Then it is Misha’s turn. She steps up to the desk with a resigned expression. She probably knows what’s in store for her.

“Ms. Mikado you have put in a lot of work for the student council. That is very laudable. You also have excellent grades in English, but you are in a very real danger of failing maths and science. I do hope you will work hard to prevent that from happening.”

She returns to our desk and starts absentmindedly flipping through the sheets, looking like sadness personified.

After Leon has received his presents – and no extra materials – the two teachers wish us a merry Christmas again and take their leaves – not without Mr. Nomiya grabbing a handful of cookies on his way out.

Akio looks over at Misha. “So, you’re one of the people who unpack their presents immediately?”

“What? Uh, no, not really… It’s just… I know Shicchan put a lot of effort in it, but it doesn’t really feel like a present, you know?”

Suddenly I feel an arm closing viselike around my shoulder. As I look down I see it ends in a bandaged stump – and as I turn the other way I see Miki’s face right in front of my own.

“So, Hisao, doing anything special over the holidays?”

I sigh. “Study group?”

“That’s how I like my men. Quick on the uptake and always willing.”

“Sure. I guess most of us will stay here for studying anyway. We need a few others, though. Leon for history, Akio for lit… Hey, Misha, want to join in and help us with English?”

“Yeah, I’m not going to be able to do those problems on my own anyway.”

She slides the sheets with the science exercises over to me, and I pick them up.

As I look through them I see that Shizune has to have put a lot of effort into them. Some of the examples seem to have been taken from pretty current scientific magazines, spanning topics from genetics to lasers and astrophysics.

“Hey, those look really interesting! Akio, we should do some of those exercises in the science club after the holidays.”

Miki rolls her eyes. “You’re a nerd…” Then she brings her face close to mine again. “…but you’re just the nerd I need.”

...

So, Merry Christmas Ivanovich!
The prompt was:

MC celebrating Christmas with the cast and Misha got MC something very interesting... (Try to keep it relatively sfw)

I have to admit that this prompt had me stumped for a while. Of course every story should be about something interesting, but having to include something that is interesting in-story is harder than it seems.

So I put that off for last and started with planning out the Christmas party. About the first thing I decided on was Nomiya-Claus. In the beginning I wanted Nurse to play the helper, but I settled on Mutou when the “special presents” idea came up.

And yes, Misha might have mixed up the story of Rupert a bit, since normally he’s supposed to be the helper of St. Nicholas, not Santa Claus.
I was going for a more serious take at first, but soon realized that would not work with the premise, so I went for light-heartedness over literary quality.

The prompt did not specify any special pairing – or any pairing at all – so I decided to go with the “no-pairing-everyone-is-friends” approach - but since it was to be only relatively sfw, I had to slip in at least one lewd joke. Is Miki seriously coming on to him, or is she just teasing? You will have to decide for yourself how any theoretical one on one study session might end…

[Sharp-O]

Naughty or Nice

That was a lovely bit of lighthearted fun, Mirage! I love when Hisao gets a friend group rather than a love interest, especially one with familiar faces.

Is Leon your name for GreyHair McNoName and is he a foreign exchange student?

[Mirage_GSM]

Naughty or Nice

That was a lovely bit of lighthearted fun, Mirage! I love when Hisao gets a friend group rather than a love interest, especially one with familiar faces.

Is Leon your name for GreyHair McNoName and is he a foreign exchange student?

It's a bit of a reference to one of my older stories, where Lelouch is called "Leon" by everyone, since noone can pronounce his name. The Taro x Rin pariing is also from that story (kinda - Taro was not yet named when I started the story, so he has a different name and a different disability) but nothing else, since that one is set post Emi's good ending.

[Sharp-O]

It's a bit of a reference to one of my older stories, where Lelouch is called "Leon" by everyone, since noone can pronounce his name.

Ha! Fair enough, I do like how you characterised him.

The Taro x Rin pariing is also from that story (kinda - Taro was not yet named when I started the story, so he has a different name and a different disability) but nothing else, since that one is set post Emi's good ending.

Hey, a Taro x Rin pairing wouldn't be the strangest one he's had and could probably be really sweet. But I also like the inclusion of Akio's characterisation as the class clown and his friendship with Hisao.

[Ivan]

This was really good

I don't have any complaints at all ;D

I like how everyone was written, i like the way things were described (idk the word for it ;( ), and i thought that misha was... well. Misha (she is my fav btw, if you couldn't tell.)

I am glad that you got my prompt

you're a good writer

[hdkv]

See the notes at the end of the story.

---

“Oh, here you are!”

It was Lilly who suggested we play hide-and-seek inside the house. At first, we hesitated: she can’t see us, and we thought she coudln’t hide herself properly, but we found out that Lilly can find us anywhere using only sound as guiding source, and she managed to hide herself flawlessly. We spent some twenty minutes searching for her before giving up and admitting defeat.

It was the second day of the Christmas holidays. Lilly invited me and Hanako to spend winter holidays in the house in Hokkaido, where we spent some time earlier in the summer. This place is special for all three of us. For me, it was the place when I admitted to myself that I can’t imagine my life without Lilly or Hanako.

“Hisao, now it’s your turn to hide! I will close my ears for a while…”, Lilly says, putting her palms over her ears.
“…a-and I will close my eyes.”, Hanako adds.

I start counting to sixty in my head while finding the best place to hide. Hmm, this corner of kitchen seems good enough: I can hide myself under the table, and it isn’t visible from the door frame. How fast will they find me this time, anyway? The first time I tried to hide, Lilly found me almost immediately. She told me that I breathe too loud and that she can hear me from the other side of the house. This time I’ll try to hold my breath and keep silent for as long as possible.

“Time’s up!”

I carefully listen to the girls’ footsteps. They’re not close, but not too far either. I carefully move myself under the table into a more comfortable position so I can relax a little while they are searching for me.

It is nice to spend our last vacation before final exams like this. Playing, talking, enjoying ourselves. And while I’m not certain about my own career, and I don’t know yet where I will study, I definitely know that next Christmas we’ll be here again.

The footsteps are closer now. I try to hold my breath, but resistance is futile: I gasp as I see someone approaching me.

“Lilly, come here, I f-found him!”

I move out from underneath the table, defeated.

“Okay, you got me. Shall we try again, or do you girls have another game in mind?”
“I think it’s time for dinner, Hanako, what do you think?”

---

After finishing dinner and cleaning the table, I sit beside the fireplace wondering how we’ll spend the rest of the evening. Judging by her thoughtful expression Lilly is thinking the same. Hanako, however, has left to another room, to “bring something” from her suitcase, whatever that might be. The quiet sound of her shuffling around in the other room mixed with the sound of logs cracking in the fireplace is quite relaxing, and I shut my eyes to just enjoy serenity. After a moment, a relatively loud banging sound of something being dropped on to the table pulls me out of my reverie.

"I've b-brought a new game for us to play this evening. What d-do you think?"

I open my eyes and see that Hanako returned to the table and there is something bizarre in front of her. It looks like a chess board at first, but something about it is wrong. Unlike a standard square chess board, this one is hexagonal, with quadrilateral cells. On three out of six sides, standard chess pieces are placed in a familiar pattern. Unlike chess there are three armies — black, white and red.

“Lilly, there is an… unusual chess set on the table, look at this.”

Lilly stretches out her hand and places her palm on the chessboard, trying to feel its shape and position. Each of the cells has a hole in the middle that is used to balance pieces and assist blind players. Lilly quizzically arches her eyebrow after feeling the third set of pieces.

“This is… quite interesting, Hanako.”
“I l-like when we play chess, but sometimes…”, with a heavy sigh Hanako continues, “w-when two of us play chess I feel that third one is missing out. Be it me, Hisao, or especially you. So, I’ve been researching options to play chess for three players.”

I haven’t heard anything about chess for three people before.

“I will need some time to learn my way around this board, but it seems like interesting idea to try, Hanako. Thank you.”
“This is c-called three-man chess, it was created in 1984 by George Delke, whose hobby was to invent unique w-ways to play chess. The rules are almost the same, you just need to bear in mind s-some extra things that comes with a hexagonal board. For example…”

After a brief explanation of rules, we start our first match. Lilly takes the white pieces, Hanako takes black, leaving me with the red ones, the player, who starts last. At first it’s awkward: Hanako has already had time to learn the intricacies of this new board, but Lilly and I struggle around the board. Despite not being able to see the board Lilly picks up the game quite quickly and I find myself outplayed by both girls. Hanako checkmates me again.

“Wanna try again?” I ask, basking in the moment with them.
“Of c-course.”

---

“This was a good idea, Hanako!”, Lilly says, then yawns.

We played three-man chess until late night. I even managed to win once, by checkmating Lilly, but the other matches were split between Lilly’s or Hanako’s favor. I guess we’re out of time now —my insomnia has started playing tricks on me, and whilst I feel like I can stay up until dawn, both girls have been yawning for the last twenty minutes or so, and visibly want to sleep.

“Thank you, Hanako, Lilly. I will put the pieces and board into a drawer and sit down here for a bit longer. I can’t go to sleep right now, sorry with my medication playing tricks on me.”
“N-no problem, Hisao. Good night.”
“Good night.”

We stand up and hug each other before the girls head upstairs to the bedroom. I sigh and sit back into the futon. I look into the fire burning in the fireplace and think about the game, this evening, and Hanako’s words.

“Missing out”.

Huh.

That is quite a clever observation of our relationship. Usually, the chess is a game for two, just like life. But in our case, we have three people. Three players. And we play together. Together in everything we experience.

A year ago I didn’t even know Lilly and Hanako, but now I can’t imagine myself outside of this little misshapen family. And I know they feel the same way. I don’t know how many Christmases I have left, but I do know that I want to spend these days, all of these days, with them.

As we play our little game of three-way chess.

---

Victim: Razoredge
Prompt: Hisao, Lilly and Hanako are spending the Christmas holidays in Hokkaido, in Lilly's parents' house. It's time to teen shenanigans. Whoever Hisao is dating is up to you.

So much for shenanigans, lol. It was nice to think around this prompt and in the end I created something cozy. Hope you will like it.

Special thanks goes to Feurox, the proofreader and editor for this story.

[Ivan]

#target
sgtpepper

#prompt
Hisao has a Charlie Brown-esque, flashback-heavy sojourn through the trappings and cliches of commercialized Japanese Christmas, before ultimately putting the focus back on what matters most to him. Can be written with Hisao by himself or with a girl or on a route of your choice, or as a post-script to a route. Should contain at least one over-the-top metaphor-laden flashback of him playing with a sled in the snow.

#the story
As the year draws to a close, the streets transform into a winter wonderland, adorned with all the magical trinkets, festive decorations, and the singing of carols. However, amidst the merriment and cheer, I find myself growing increasingly cynical towards this holiday season.

The celebration of Christmas used to fill me with joy, opening presents and spending time with family. Now, the once-sacred holiday has become nothing more to me than another reason to feel sorry for myself. This will be my first Christmas alone; without family or friends or lovers. It's quite depressing to be honest...

I remember being 8, or maybe 9, playing in the snow with my classmates. I was living the dream. The air was crisp and cold, yet I didn't seem to care. I clambered in my sled and remember yelling "3...2...1... Go!" as I was pushed down the hill. The sled was racing down, a bullet that had been shot out of a gun. My face being tickled by the wind. The atmosphere was magical. I could hear the laughter of children all around me, I could see the snow relentlessly falling, I could taste it melting on my tongue and I could feel my scarf being dragged behind me, like a flag on a windy day. I miss being like this. Being so innocent to the world that nothing ever really mattered. Before all the hardships of life. Before the incident...

The holidays are a stark reminder of the incident. It's like every time I think I forget about it, it's like a 30 second unskippable ad on a youtube video, you just can't fucking ignore it. And then the reminder of it makes me reflect; when I reflect, I get sad; when I get sad, I get scared; when I get scared, I get pissed off; when I get pissed off, I get lonely; and when I am lonely, I spiral into depression. Fun!

Have you ever stayed up till 3am, watching 5 hour speedrun documentaries for a game you don't even play, and as you stare at your computer, you wonder "How the hell did my life get here?" and you start thinking about love, life, friends, family, nature and the universe. I do all of this to distract me from the incident. Every time I sleep, BANG, nightmare again and it won't fucking GO AWAY!!! Oh great here it comes again...

Its 4:05. I'd started to get ready to leave when I finally see her. Iwanako. I never really knew her very well, but in the few interactions I've had with her, she's been quite nice to me. I'd gotten her note in maths class and was thinking for the whole day of what to say to her. Maybe something cheerful like "Wassup!" or casual like "hey." or maybe eve-
"Iwanako? I got a note telling me to wait here... it was yours?"
Fucks sake Hisao. You had one job. ONE J-
"Ahmm... yes. I asked a friend to give you that note... I'm so glad you got it."
Play it cool.
"So... ah... here we are. Out in the cold..."
and then i felt it. The bane of my existence. The missing page of the book. That feeling when all is going well and you realise it can only go down from here.
She says "You see... ...I wanted to know... ...if you'd go out with me..."
and at this exact moment, my life changed forever. Like someone had just struck me in the chest with a knife, pain hit me harder than I thought pain could hit. Fucks sake. Stupid body... You ever get that feeling when you just want to get a file and just start filing your teeth down to their gums, and choke on the powder created? Because thats what I felt.

A few weeks later, it was Christmas whilst I was in the hospital. It felt pretty damn lonely. I remember my mum and dad showed up, but no-one else did. I had to eat the crappy hospital food and it tasted awful. Like really bad. Like someone put plastic on a plate, heated it, and called it food. The doctor did get me a present, I was given a nice christmas sweater by them and I wore it alot. I wore it a little too much and ruined it. Shame. I don't currently own a Christmas Jumper because I don't have the money. Not that its worth buying anyways. I'd have no-one to show it to.

Anyways... The holidays. They kinda suck, especially because, the holiday is largely seen as a romantic occasion for couples, as they eagerly flock to restaurants, hotels, and parks to indulge in all the joys of being in a relationship; which is really the last thing I need right now after the events earlier this year.

I went through a hard breakup, with a girl called Emi Ibarazaki. We had been through it all together. We used to go on runs every morning. She was the fastest thing you'd have ever seen, despite having no legs. She had so much determination that she could do anything she set her mind to. I met her mum; I said some stupid things, she forgave me; she said some stupid things, I forgave her; we went on holiday together; we graduated High School; we kissed... alot; and then we were going to college...

I remember Emi arrived 14 minutes late with only half of her makeup on. We wandered the city and went into an array of cafe's and bars. We went karaoking and she fell asleep on me halfway through 'Kiss from a Rose'. I then think we went to the park, or back at my place? I don't quite remember much of that night. All I remember that my lips really fucking hurt in the morning, oh yeah and Emi said "You know I will always be there for you." Spoiler alert: She wasn't.

Things just started to fall apart. We didn't break up with a fight or in tears, we just lost feelings for eachother... Well, she lost feelings for me. I feel like the fact the breakup wasn't a tragedy almost makes it worse, like all I felt back then was emptiness. All I feel now is emptiness. I want to be angry at someone, but I don't have anyone to direct blame at. Other than myself. I think back to last year...

The weather outside pretty much sums up my mood. Cold and empty. Emi told me that she had something that she wanted to say to me. I've brought some roses. My hands are freezing but the thought of her is all I need to warm them. I spot her across the park in her winter attire, looking beautiful as ever. I yell "Emi! Hey!" and she comes over. I present the roses, exclaim "M'lady" and perform a mocking bow. She's not laughing like she would normally do. She just smiles and hesitantly takes the flowers. "Look. Hisao. There's something I need to tell you." I respond with a witty comment "That you're madly in love with me?" She just responds with "Seriously, please listen." Her tone takes me aback. She is dead serious, yet speaks so calmly. "These last few months have been a tough time for us. We've not seen eachother as much, as life just got in the way. We've slowly drifted apart, and i think it might be time to say goodbye. I think the spark that was once there between us has been slowly dying and I'd rather just put it out of its misery than let this fire slowly die. So, Hisao, this is my goodbye to you. I enjoyed all the fun times we had, and I'll never forget you. Thank you."
I was lost for words, and before I could even comprehend the situation, she was gone. I was shattered. Broken. I think back to this moment almost every day. Should I have ran after her? Said something? I can still smell her perfume...

Anyways, it's cold, so I go into the local teahouse. Maybe some tea will lighten the mood a bit? I take my seat and then I see her.
Emi Ibarazaki.
Son of a bitch.
Those piercing eyes, soft hair, cute smile and a happy-go-lucky attitude.

The sight of her hits like ecstasay. My stomach does a 180. My mind goes numb. I want to run away. She can't see me right now. She mustn't see me right now. She looks like she's doing good for herself. Her tongue looks soft. I miss when it would fight mine... Is that her boyfriend that she is with? I hate his haircut. He looks like a prick. I bet he serenades her. Can't blame him. I wonder what he looks like nude... What am I saying?!? My life is a disappointment. I haven't made any friends, not gotten a great job, not socialised. I'm a failure. This is bad. Very bad. It'd be daft of me to cry. I think I'm gonna go- "Hisao?!" I hear from behind me from that same-old singsong voice. I freeze...

"Hisaooo?" She is right infront of me. Looking at me with those big green eyes. I can smell her perfume. I manage to mutter "Hi Emi" under my breath.
"Are you alright? How are things going?" She sits opposite me. She is so cheerful.
"Could be better." I say solemnly. I try to slow my breathing.
She responds with "awww. What's up?" Great Hisao. Now you've made her care. You're just the fucking best.
I say between breaths "To be honest, things haven't gone great recently." My breathing isn't slowing.
She says "What's gone wrong?" I feel tears start to build.
My voice trembles "Life just isn't quite what I thought it'd be when I was younger. My job's a joke, I'm broke and my love life is DOA." I barely manage to speak without bursting into tears.
She simply says "Well. I am going to give you some advice." I wait...
"Life is tough. Face it. But there is beauty to it. If life gives you lemons, you could make lemonade, or you could squeeze the lemons back in life's eye because life is a bitch. I think what you need to do is look at the good things and stop focusing on the bad. Take whatever bad thing that is holding you back, and just let go. Hakuna Matata." My breathing slows. Her voice is calming.
I say "How do you let it go?"
She says "You could try to ignore it, try to run from it but the only way to truly let go is to come to terms with your problem"
"Come to terms with it?" I question.
"yeah! Theoretically, if you were upset at a breakup and wanted to let go, but you couldn't, you could try to speak to your ex-partner about it and she may help you move on." Yeah she definitely has read me like a book.
I give up "How did you know...?"
She starts giggling "Hisao! We were together for so long, I know you better than most people!"

My mind is a weird mix of emotions. Why can't Emi be mean about it? Why is she so nice? I can't move on if I don't hate her.
I stammer "Why don't you hate me? Why did you break up with me..." I trail off towards the end.
She laughs "You can be really silly sometimes. Hisao, break-ups aren't about venom and spite and hatred. Just because someone breaks up with you, doesn't mean that they hate you. Sometimes it just means that seasons changed, and the love went cold. Some people break up to prevent more pain in the future. You shouldn't be upset that someone broke-up with you. If someone breaks up with you, it just means that it wasn't meant to be."
I just say "Damn, I never thought about it like that... " A 3 second silence proceeds. My mind wanders to the person Emi was sitting next to.

"If you don't mind me asking, who is that you are sitting with?"
"Oh, that's Kenji!"
Wait... not that Kenji? Surely...
"Don't worry, we are just friends ahaha." She winks at me mockingly. "Hey Kenji, come over!"
Kenji perambulates over in an orderly fashion. "Good evening. Is that you Hisao?"
I am completely flabbergasted. The last time I saw Kenji, he was ranting about how the feminists were going to take over the world, and now he is speaking properly and is acting... normal.
"Hi Kenji..." I blurt out.
He responds "Hisao, how are things?"
Emi butts in "Hey! I already asked him that!"
Kenji says "Oh, Hisao do you mind if I take a seat here?"
I respond "No Kenji, no I don't."

This brings me back to a cold rainy day, when we were all still at Yamaku. Emi had planned a picnic, despite the fact that it had looked like it was going to rain. It rained. The rain left me, Rin and Emi all soaked, we had to abandon the picnic. I wonder what happened to Rin... We went inside a teahouse, not too desimilar to this one, and we ate there instead. Until that day, Emi was very focused on keeping track of my eating, but she said that the day was a "cheat day" so it was fine.

I feel bad about dissing Kenji's haircut before. It's actually not that bad, though it does make him look like an e-boy. I ask about what had happened to the students at Yamaku, I never really stayed in touch with anyone. It turns out that Lilly ran away to Scotland, Shizune is now a CEO of a major company, Hanako is in university studying paleontology, Misha is training to become a teacher at Yamaku and Rin found a new passion in Table Tennis of all things. She plays with the racket in her mouth, and is on Japan's paralympic sports team! Kenji says that he and Emi both go to the same running club, and that Kenji is surprisingly fast.

Us 3 talk for so long and my face hurts from smiling too much. I do not remember the last time I smiled so much it hurt. Is this what Emi was talking about? Have I come to terms with the breakup?
"Hisao? Hisaooooo?"
"What?" I say. I zoned out.
Kenji says "I was wondering if you would like to spend Christmas at my place, unless you already have plans..."
I respond a little too quickly "Yes, I would love that."
He responds "Okay, it is settled then."

The evening slips before I know it, into night. Kenji announces his departure and I am left with just me and Emi.
She says soon after "Well... I think it's time for me to go then. It's been nice speaking to you Hisao."
I say "If you ever change your mind about the relationship thingy, I'm always here."
she said l"I'll keep you posted" And she leaves.

Despite my reservations, I can't deny that there are moments of beauty and charm amidst the chaos of Christmas. The city's vibrant lights and decorations create a magical atmosphere, and the festive spirit is contagious, even for a cynic like me. I won't be spending this Christmas alone. I will be surrounded by friends. I'm ecstatic. I may be single, but things are looking up. I think I may have moved on from the breakup. Looking back, I don't think I would have changed a thing between me and Emi. You know that feeling, after you've had a long-ass day, whether you've spent it working, doing sport, having sex or any physical excercise; and you get a wave of euphoria wash over you. I feel like that. I feel good. And if she ever wants to come back, there'll be a smile on my face and a key under the mat.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

#Random notes because why not

I had to learn what Charlie Brown was for this
I spell-checked this once so pls tell me if there are any errors
I have never written anything before wahahaha so this was a fun first time
Tell me if i did the prompt wrong wahahaha
Im 15
Uhhh merry christmas sgtpepper, you should chat to me

Thats a wrap

Merry Christmas one more time because 3 times is good luck ;)

[sgtpepper]

Posted my story today, for none other than Mirage himself - "Hours, Minutes, Seconds".

[Sharp-O]

Three-Way Play

This was quite a nice little bit of writing! Good job!

[sgtpepper]

Thank you Ivan, I appreciated your story. Part of the joy of Secret Santa is seeing how people interpret gift ideas and seeing where they end up - in a way, I think it it reveals what other people think about you when they do so. You seem pretty new here, so my best advice is to just keep going. Merry Christmas!

[Mirage_GSM]

I do know what Charlie Brown is, but to be honest it would not have helped me much in this context. All I know are a few comic strips of kids being philosophical with each other. ^^°

Hisao is a bit of a saint in this one. I have been in a similar situation before - my GF breaking up with me after four years for similar reasons - but if she had done it the way Emi did in this story, I doubt we'd be on speaking terms today...
And Hisao comes and says she's being nice about it

Anyway for a first time story with such a difficult prompt this was excellent writing!

[Hacksorus]

Victim: brythain
Prompt: "A restaurant scene in which one cast member is introducing others to a cuisine (or dish) that they have never tasted before. And it's Christmas."

I went ahead changed "Christmas" to "Holiday season" because I'm late as usual. In my defense I actually worked on Christmas this year (thanks Japan lol).

Despite Hanako and Lilly having always been my favorites, I've never attempted to write them before. Hope you guys like it! And any constructive feedback is always welcome too of course.

---

Has my sweatervest finally met it's match? Lilly told us not to worry too much about formality, but standing in the entryway of this fancy restaurant in downtown Edinburgh I wonder if I should have tried a little harder.

I can't imagine Hanako is faring much better. Despite looking very sharp and businesslike in her outfit that Akira recently helped her pick out, she probably feels inadequate too. It's been a while since the last time she's used me as a human shield from the gazes of others, but here she is. I decide to savor this while it lasts, while Lilly deals with the staff.

---

Finally settled in our own private room, Hanako breaths a noticeable sigh of relief. I suppose I should have expected this arrangement; Lilly still knows Hanako better than I do. I briefly consider asking Lilly how much this costs, but stop myself. She made it very clear that she wants us to have the best experience possible for our first holiday season here in Scotland, and Hanako and I have no illusions about how well off her family is after staying in her family's home over the past week.

"I hope you two haven't spoiled your dinner, because I've been looking forward to this." Lilly says with an uncharacteristically mischievous smile.

My excitement for the coming evening wanes with the realization. "We're not eating anything too weird here, are we?"

"Now, now. I can assure you this a very fine establishment." Lilly twirls a strand of her beautifully-arranged hair. "But what's the point of travelling if you don't sample the local cuisine?"

"Oh no. Don't they eat like, sheep stomach here or something?" I blurt out.

"H-haggis.."

Even Hanako, despite not being a picky eater, looks hesitant.

Lilly offers a reassuring smile. "Don't worry now, I won't force either of you to eat anything if you don't want to. But it would make me very happy if you would give it a try."

Hanako and I look at each other, exchanging resignated glances. We both know Lilly went for the jugular on that one. No getting out of this now.

"Well.. if you're so concerned, I suppose we could arrange for something to ease our nerves a bit."

Lilly giggles as she reaches for.. wait, is that the wine menu?

---

After a brief round of drinks and small appetizers, we get our first course. A simple looking mashed potato dish, introduced as Clapshot. Clapshot, huh? Sure, why wouldn't it be called Clapshot? My first bite goes down easy enough.

"This one's quite nice. It's just a regional potato dish, right?"

"That's exactly right." replies Lilly with a simple nod.

As I continue chewing through this pleasant dish, I can feel my nerves settle a little more. This is true comfort food, well suited to a cold night like this, and I need not even ask Hanako if she agrees; she's chewing happily with her eyes closed and a blush spread across her face. Taking another bite and focusing on the flavors more, I find that they are rich with the simple, familiar sensations of butter and salt. Although, there's a slight earthy aftertaste that I can't quite place.

"What else is in this, Lilly? I kinda like it."

"Ah, you've probably noticed the Swedes." She replies simply.

Hanako freezes instantly in place, mid-bite. Were we not on the town, I genuinely think she might have spat it out. Instead she just sits there, wide-eyed and with her cheeks ballooned like a chipmunk storing acorns for winter. I need clarification immediately, but I haven't been at such a loss since Kenji's most recent attempt to borrow my toothbrush.

"Oh, pardon me," interjects Lilly with a bemused, yet apologetic tone, "I suppose that might sound strange if you're not from around here."

With a giggle, she adds, "You don't actually think we eat Swedish people, do you?"

"Right, of course not.." I release a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. Hanako warily resumes chewing, much more slowly now.

"So, Lilly, is there another word for it?" I ask.

"Oh, yes. They're neeps."

"PPPPPPPTHP!"

Lilly and I jump back in a start as we look over at Hanako, desperately trying not to spit out her food as she rocks back and forth in uproarious laughter. After a deep gulp, she gasps for air between the gaps of her heavy laughing.

"S-sorry, I don't.. heeheehee.." She starts coughing violently and I gently pat her back. Despite nearly spitting her food out, she doesn't seem too embarassed. Hanako spends almost the next entire minute cycling between poorly-containted laughter and an inability to catch her breath.

Lilly turns to her own food. "Or, maybe we should just call them turnips." She concludes with a defeated sigh.

"N-neeps!" Hanako chirps as she pumps a single fist into the air. God bless her. We need to give her alcohol more often.

---

Maybe we gave her too much alcohol.

Hanako and I are so far gone at this point that neither of us even flinched when Lilly informed us that our main dish, haggis, had finally arrived. I mean, really, how bad could it be? We had survived the Toad in the Hole. We had survived the Bangers and Mash. We even survived the Cock-a-Leekie Soup. Emboldened with hard-won confidence, we set forth towards our final challenge. And you know what, it was delicious. This whole goddamn dinner was delicious. I apologize to the Scots for all those mean things I let Kenji say about them uncontested.

"C-can I have some m-more.. neeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeps?" With a tilt of her head, Hanako draws out her new favorite word out for a little too long, as though it tasted as good as the dish it describes.

"Hanako, please.." Lilly seems to take every utterance of the word "neeps" as a physical blow.

"Yeah, Hanako, give the poor lass a rest." I interject. "If we're gonna laugh at anything it should be the cock-a-leekie soup."

"Pffffffffft!" Hanako leans back far into her chair and kicks her feet back and forth in delight. Certainly doesn't take much to get her going tonight.

Upon seeing Hanako's unmitigated delight, Lilly's face softens into a tipsy grin. "Well, as long as you're enjoying yourselves, I suppose.."

My addled brain finally realizes how strange it is that Lilly has treated us to an obscenely expensive dinner in an attempt to share more of her culture with us, and we've basically spent half the dinner roasting her. I suppose that's the stage of closeness the three of us have reached; our mutual trust running so deep that we wouldn't even dream of suspecting ill-will from one another.

"Here. Drink up, dummy." I slide Hanako a tall glass of water and she wordlessly takes it in both hands before drinking steadily. We've been through this rodeo enough times that we know that Hanako will be dead to the world tomorrow if we leave her to her own devices. Lilly and I take the moment to drink some much-needed water ourselves.

"Happy Hogmanay, you two." Lilly says to us with a warm smile. "I'm so happy I could finally share one of these with you."

"Hog money?" Hanako asks with a hickup. "I-is there still another dish coming?"

"That's what we call New Years here, Hanako." Replies Lilly gently.

"Wait, the New Year happened already? Did we miss it?" I ask. Now that I think about it, there was a lot of noise out there not too long ago..

"Indeed, we did. To be honest, I didn't notice it either. We must have been making a lot of noise ourselves." Lilly laughs.

"Happy.. hog monkey.. to you too. I loooooooooooove you guys." Hanako drawls.

"Happy Hogmanay. And thank you so much for this, Lilly. This was incredible." I say.

"Lilly!" Hanako reaches her unsteady arms out as if to hug Lilly, seemingly unbothered by the large table that exists between the two of them.

"It was my pleasure, you two. Now, shall we be off? Akira should be here soon, and my parents are expecting us to be back soon." Lilly says before moving to gather her things.

As usual, I support Hanako as we make our way out of the restaurant; by this point she doesn't even hesitate to lean heavily against me. Akira, who has come to pick us up, leads the way down the brilliantly brightened street alongside Lilly. The harsh winter air pierces somewhat through our alcohol-spurred daze, clearing up my thoughts a bit. One irreplacable friend in front of me, clearing the way forward; and another at my side, keeping me warm. For Christmas, what else could I even ask for?

[Feurox]

My Secret Santa for the talented and lovely StealthyWolf! In a separate thread.

viewtopic.php?t=13565

Thanks again to Prof for organising this lovely event every year! And to Mirage for once again organising this thread!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[Craftyatom]

I just posted my secret santa over in my one-shot thread, but here's the link for the collection - Merry (slightly belated) Christmas, hdkv (and everyone else)!

From Craftyatom for hdkv - Happy With Yourself

[brythain]

Victim: brythain
Prompt: "A restaurant scene in which one cast member is introducing others to a cuisine (or dish) that they have never tasted before. And it's Christmas."

I went ahead changed "Christmas" to "Holiday season" because I'm late as usual. In my defense I actually worked on Christmas this year (thanks Japan lol).

Despite Hanako and Lilly having always been my favorites, I've never attempted to write them before. Hope you guys like it! And any constructive feedback is always welcome too of course.

Well done! I enjoyed this, being an honorary Scot out of Edinburgh. Sadly, I was born much further south and hence am not really a Scotsman. Thank you very much, neeps and tatties always a good chunk of a meal.