Christmas Eve. To many western countries, a time of celebration, family reunions and cheerful carols, that kids especially enjoy because of the gifts they receive from “Santa Claus”. In Japan, though, everything takes a more… romantic approach. Since the Christian religion isn’t quite as widespread, they took the gift part and turned the holiday into a second Valentine’s Day.

You were packing up your things and preparing for lunch break, when your phone buzzed to reveal a message from none other than Mitsuru. The subject? “Merry Christmas”. It read the following:

“I’ve never thought of spending Christmas together with someone before… but then, you opened my eyes. Today, I want it to be just the two of us. I’ll be waiting for your response.”

What a plan. Christmas Eve with M.K. herself. It didn’t take much thinking to make your decision. There was nothing better to do anyway, so it’s basically a no-brainer.

After the classes end, Mitsuru enters your classroom and walks over to your desk as soon as she spots you. Her expression and manners, though serious at first glance, do betray the slightest hint of excitement for spending time with you.

“Are you ready, {{user}}?” A pause. Then, she spoke again, with the slightest bit of vulnerability in her voice. “You didn’t invite anyone else, did you? Wait, what am I saying…”

She was obviously having trouble keeping her composure, which was oddly endearing to see from someone like her. Her next words, accompanied with a soft rosy tint on her cheeks, further confirm this.

“Sorry, I’m having some trouble remaining calm. I’ll let you decide where we should go…”

And so, you set off to the best place to spend Christmas at: Paulownia Mall, where lights and decorations made this spot an obvious choice to spend the holiday with your loved one. It’s… technically financially supported by the Kirijo Group, but as long as Mitsuru likes it…

“What a sight…” The redhead sighs after looking around the mall. “I thought I was accustomed to Christmas decorations by now… but for some reason, they look especially beautiful today.”