Chapter 76: Kissed by my Childhood Friend on Christmas Eve 1

Kissed by my Childhood Friend on Christmas Eve 1

I found myself gazing absentmindedly at the gigantic Christmas tree sparkling and twinkling. Despite being bundled up in a down jacket, the winter cold seeped through, evident in the white breath escaping my lips.

Today was December 24th, Christmas Eve. I was on-site as a staff member for a TV special, where a comedian and several models showcased a trendy date spot with famous outdoor illuminations in a commercial facility.

Some staff members were familiar faces, while others carried large equipment I hadn’t seen before. Perhaps due to the morning broadcast ending, the tense atmosphere had eased a bit.

I took out my smartphone and sent a message to Aya.

“Finished shooting. On my way now.”

She was doing a part-time job today at Uncle Ryouji’s Chinese restaurant. Despite it being Chinese cuisine and seemingly unrelated to Christmas, it unexpectedly thrived. This year, they planned to set up a stall and sell something called Christmas chicken.

After waiting for a while, there was no reply from Aya. It seemed she was quite busy.

It had been two weeks since I made her climax in the library and received oral pleasure behind the stairs. The last time I had sex with Aya was over a month ago when she delivered something to the middle school.

To be honest, I thought I might get used to it as time passed, but that was far from the truth. Every time I saw her, I felt a surge of desire and even when I wasn’t looking at her, just imagining her made my lower regions respond.

When she gave me a blowjob behind the stairs, I hoped it would somewhat satiate my desires, but if anything, those days only intensified my lust for her.

I was in the midst of frustration to the point where I saw Aya’s face in idol photos on city billboards and posters.

“Oh, Ryuji-kun, you look tired. Want some cake?”

While gazing at mannequins in the commercial facility, Chiharu-san called out to me. Chiharu-san, wearing a high-end white coat, had a surprisingly cheerful smile. In her hands were cupcakes that looked sweet.

“No, I’m fine. Thank you.”

“Ah, heading to your girlfriend’s place now?”

“Yes, that’s the plan.”

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“I see, I see.”

Chiharu-san nodded as if satisfied while taking a bite of the muffin in her hand.

“Going somewhere special?”

“No, we haven’t decided anything.”

“Well… how about checking out the illuminations? There’s a lively one at the station not far from Ryuji-kun’s house. Quite flashy, I think.”

“Is that so?”

I couldn’t help but wonder how she naturally knew where I lived. But then again, Chiharu-san was close to my sister.

Chewing on her second cupcake, Chiharu-san became serious.

“By the way, about being exclusive… Have you thought about it yet?”

Honestly, I was still pondering. Chiharu-san was a popular model, active not only in modeling but also appearing energetically on TV variety shows. Becoming exclusive with her would undoubtedly increase my income and bring stability. Thanks for reading on ManaNovel!

It could create a foundation for Aya and me to build a home while attending university.

However, her face kept popping into my mind—the uneasy, expressionless face she showed me in the middle school classroom and library.

—Don’t refuse.

A strong intuitive warning echoed.

I know.

Right now, it might not be an easy decision to refuse just because Aya might feel a bit jealous. In fact, my intuition suggested that her feeling jealousy might be…

At that moment, a ringing sound filled my ears.

Images were projected in front of me. The familiar entrance of an apartment building—a few years later, the room where we lived together.

“Welcome back! Are you going to eat dinner today?”

Aya, with her chestnut-brown, long hair, welcomed me. We exchanged words in the doorway. This scene was a regular occurrence.

“Sorry, gotta leave for the location right away.”

Standing at the entrance, we chatted. This was another common sight.

“Isn’t it tough for you, too, juggling everything?”

“Compared to your work, it’s a piece of cake.”

“A piece of cake? Like a farting kappa?”

“Yeah, a kappa. Well, gotta go. It’s a shoot with Chiharu-san today, right?”

“Yeah.”

“As long as Chiharu-san doesn’t collapse… Well then, do your best.”

“Yeah, I don’t think it’ll go late today.”

As usual, we exchanged the customary kiss before leaving.

“…Take care, Boyan.”

“See you. I love you.”

Leaving a smiling Aya behind, the entrance door closed.

Back to reality—the vision had concluded.

Ah, I see.

Thanks to Chiharu-san, it seemed we would enjoy a modest cohabitation life even years later.

Perhaps my indecision had irritated my impatient intuition, prompting it to reveal the future so clearly.

“Ryuji-kun?”

Suddenly, Chiharu-san had approached, peering into my face.

“Oh, sorry. Um… can I give you an answer a little later?”

“Why?”

I sensed a chill in Chiharu-san’s eyes.

“I’m currently in the midst of exam preparation. I think it’s a matter that will influence my future, so if possible, could I give you an answer after the announcement of the results?”

Staring directly at Chiharu-san, her exceptionally well-kept face contorted.

“…Sorry.”

“Huh?”

“Sorry, I asked Kaede-san about the exams, but I ended up mentioning it on my own terms. I got impatient because I wanted an answer soon.”

“Sigh.”

“Ryuji-kun, you may seem mature, but you’re still a student! Yeah, that’s right, you should prioritize that. I’m sorry.”

“No, I’m the one who should apologize! Sorry… Oh, do you want some cake?”

“No, I’m fine.”

Relieved that Chiharu-san didn’t seem angry, I sighed.

“When will you know the results?”

“On February 12th.”

“Oh, then can I get an answer right away when that comes? Depending on the result, it might be something, but I can’t wait too long as a pro.”

“Understood.”

“On February 12th, huh? Well, the day before Valentine’s… might be inconvenient. I’ll come to ask the day before.”

Ask… directly?

“Ryuji, are you about to go?”

My sister called out while collecting costumes.

“Sorry, I’m about to.”

“Oh, right, I kept you here, sorry. Want me to drive you near her workplace?”

“No, I’m fine.”

“I see, I see.”

Bow to the smiling Chiharu-san, I quickly left the scene.

- - - -

Using my smartphone, I quickly found information about the popular illumination spots. In no time, I arrived at the nearest station.

A thirty-minute walk from here would take me to Aya’s workplace.

The time was still between afternoon and evening, yet the winter sky was already tinged with red.

My hands became numb from the cold, so I bought hot cocoa from a vending machine near the store.

Warming my palms with the cup, I noticed two young guys, probably university students, approaching the vending machine next to mine.

“Hey, wasn’t that girl selling stuff super cute?”

“Oh, that Santa girl. She was amazing.”

Curious, I glanced at them from the corner of my eye.

Both of them held chicken with silver handles.

It seemed like they were talking about Aya after all.

A bit wary, I eavesdropped on their conversation.

“I’m totally into her type.”

“Well, petite, slender, big boobs and cute… a girl like that exists, huh?”

“Not just that, when I got cocky and bought another one, she laughed and thanked me like crazy.”

“Oh, that smile was something else.”

“A lively girl, huh? That’s dangerous… I might be in love.”

“Next time we go to that shop, should I try talking to her? It’s close to our university too.”

“Does she have a boyfriend, I wonder…”

“She might. With that level of cuteness… but would a girl with a boyfriend work on Christmas Eve?”

“Damn, the possibility just opened up. Gotta have a strategy meeting right now.”

“Not for Christmas Eve though…”

The guys, munching on chicken, walked away in the opposite direction.

Taking a breath inadvertently.

Am I being a bit too cautious?

No, it’s probably better not to let Ryouji-san’s store hire Aya anymore.

At that moment, my phone vibrated in my pocket.

Taking it out, a message from Aya was displayed.

“Sorry, I might be late getting off.”

It seems like they’re really busy.

I find myself thinking that half of that is probably because of her.

Walking towards the store, I realize something.

Lately, Aya’s charm has become dangerous.

I vaguely felt this since we started dating, but recently, it seems like there’s an increase in allure, a certain sensuality.

Even when she’s without makeup, there are moments when she looks stunning enough to take my breath away.

Is it because she’s been enduring our intimate moments all winter?

I catch myself hoping that she, too, feels desire when she looks at me… Such self-centered desires even cross my mind.

I wonder if I only perceive Aya this way because she’s head over heels for me, but the gazes of the guys transfixed by her when she wore handcuffs that one time were anything but ordinary.

“Hurry up.”

My pace naturally quickens.

Gradually, Ryouji-san’s store comes into view.

The stylish lighting still illuminates the sign.

A simple stall is set up in the front parking lot and there… a cute Santa girl is there.

“Oh, Boyan!”

Aya, who noticed immediately, peeks out from the stall.

Simultaneously, the group of seemingly university students gathered there all turn their attention to me.

Approaching the stall, she leaves her post as a salesperson and comes over to me.

“You finished work quickly.”

“Well…”

Aya softly smiles and I find myself holding my breath unintentionally.

She’s in her usual white chef’s coat, now paired with a black down jacket. Her chestnut-colored short hair is tied back and she’s wearing a red and white Santa hat on top.

Though the only Santa element is the hat, there’s a completely different vibe, making me stiffen in awe.

“Hey, what’s up?”

Aya tilts her head, peering at me skeptically.

Being looked at like that with the Santa hat makes her too cute for words.

With her bangs hiding under the hat, her naturally well-proportioned features are emphasized, making me even more captivated.

“No, just thought your cheeks looked cold.”

“I’m not blushing or anything.”

Well, I didn’t say they were red.

Aya often worries about her cheeks turning red. It seems to be one of her complexes.

I think it’s just a cute aspect of her, but I’ve never mentioned it as saying so would probably make her mad.

“I said they look cold. Here.”

Placing my warm palms on her pink-tinted cheeks due to the cold, I ignore the gazes of the customers. If anything, I should probably flaunt it.

“Wow, Boyan’s hands are warm~”

Surprised, she widens her eyes, then immediately softens her expression in comfort. This girl’s expressions change at the drop of a hat.

Now, her face takes on a somewhat apologetic look.

“Sorry, I might not be able to come up for a bit longer.”

“It’s okay, I’ll wait. Should I take over as the salesperson? Standing outside for too long will be cold.”

I feel the sharp gazes from the customers, but I ignore them.

“Hehe, does Boyan want to wear this too?”

Aya points to her Santa hat.

“Oh yeah, I really want to.”

“Hehe.”

“I probably looked silly wearing it.”

She must have imagined how I looked and a weird expression made her burst into laughter. But soon, she smiled sweetly.

“Thanks, Boyan. But we’re close to selling out, so I want to push through. You stay here at the shop.”

“…Alright.”

Reluctantly, I headed inside the store. Well, it wouldn’t be fair to the other part-timers if only Aya took a break.

Given the situation, I decided to keep an eye from inside to ensure no strange bugs bother her.

“Hey, Boyan, long time no see!”

“Long time indeed.”

Ryouji-san shouted from the kitchen with a wide grin on his face. Even though he sent me a nice smile, he was vigorously shaking a frying pan. He seemed extremely busy.

After a quick greeting, I searched for the prime seat where I used to sit when I was a regular customer.

“Oh, sorry! Couldn’t secure it today.”

Ryouji-san shouted again.

“Need any help?”

“Please! Can you help with the dishes?”

I swiftly headed to the changing room, switched into the largest chef’s coat and headed to the kitchen.

“Thank you so much! Boyan, you’re a lifesaver!”

“No problem. It seems the customers have stopped coming.”

“Yeah, it’s Christmas after all.”

Looking at the clock in the store, it was already past 7 PM.

“The stall seemed busy.”

“Absolutely. Aya-chan’s the reason for sure.”

Outside, Aya and the others who had already sold out of chicken were busy packing up the stall.

“Sorry about that. Today is her date with Boyan, right?”

“How did you know?”

“Who knows, but watching you two, it’s easy to tell. Even today, Aya-chan raised her hand to be the salesperson because Boyan was coming.”

“Huh? What does that mean…”

“Well, probably something like wanting to see her boyfriend’s face as soon as possible. It’s adorable.”

“Right.”

If that’s the case, being inside the store would allow us to see each other for a longer time.

“Boyan also blushes, huh?”

“Well, sometimes.”

I casually deflect Ryouji-san’s teasing words.

In this regard, he shares a similar personality with Aya.

“So, when’s the wedding for you two?”

Once again, Ryouji-san’s teasing tone almost made me burst into laughter.

Back in elementary school, I used to come to this store often with Aya on her bike and Ryouji-san would tease us in the same way.

At that time, we would exchange awkward smiles, but now…

“When things settle down, we’d like to.”

“I see.”

Ryouji-san responded not with surprise or teasing but with a sincere, somewhat nostalgic voice.

“Take care of Aya-chan for me.”

“Sure.”

“Sorry, Boyan. Leaving it to you and it’ll be fine. Even today, if you couldn’t come to pick her up, I wasn’t planning on asking for temporary help.”

“Is that so?”

“Oh, right, wait a sec!”

Shouting loudly, Ryouji-san took out two chickens from the oven.

“These are Christmas presents. I’ll wrap them up, so enjoy them later together.”

“Thank you.”

Expressing my gratitude, I went outside to help with the cleanup of the stall.

The smartphone’s clock indicates 8:00 PM.

I was waiting outside the shop for Aya to come out.

Ryouji-san seemed to have decided to close the store early and the other part-timers were leaving one by one.

I feel like there are eyes on me standing in the parking lot, but I ignore them.

The doorbell of the shop rings and Aya comes out.

“Sorry, sorry, kept you waiting!”

She’s dressed in a black down jacket, with a light orange sweater inside and jeans below.

It’s her usual style, but there’s a hint of light makeup on her beautiful face.

Freshly applied lipstick moistens her lips, emitting an unexpectedly alluring charm.

And for some reason, she’s wearing a Santa hat on her head.

“You’re still wearing that?”

“Hehe, it’s a Christmas present.”

“From your uncle?”

“Yeah. Oh, Boyan, want to try wearing it later?”

“Sure, later.”

As we talk, the two of us start walking down the night street.

“Sorry, we got really late…”

“It’s okay. I got to see Ryouji-san after a long time and also saw Aya’s Santa cosplay.”

“Coo…”

Aya makes a chicken-like sound.

Suddenly, she wraps her arm around mine, sliding her hand between my arm and body, holding on tightly.

Inevitably, Aya’s ample curves press against my arm and the vicious softness dominates my mind.

“Boyan, you’re so kind~”

She says in a voice that sounds incredibly embarrassed. This is the tone she uses when she’s feeling shy.

Come to think of it, this is the first time she’s linked arms with me.

Combined with the soft touch of her chest, I can’t help but feel a stirring below.

—You could lead her to a hotel.

—Emrace her in your arms.

The intuitive voice that have echoed many times over the past month resound again.

“Phew…”

I take a deep breath, calming the impulse that has repeated dozens of times. I stop right there.

“Boyan?”

“Aya, there’s something important I want to talk to you about.”

“Hmm… what is it?”

Aya, with the Santa hat on, looks up at me with a puzzled expression.

It’s endearing how she doesn’t look anxious at all with such an ominous start.

Maybe even if she feels a little uneasy, she’s behaving this way to not show it to me.

“I’ve been invited again to work as Chiharu-san’s exclusive staff.”

“…Really?”

She seems more skeptical than surprised.

“Yeah, really. She even approached my sister first.”

“Seriously… That’s probably a promotion, right?”

“Yeah, that’s what it seems like.”

“You’re amazing…”

She squeezes the arm she linked with me.

From Aya’s warm body, a multitude of feelings flows into me.

But I shut them out.

Even without relying on the power of intuition, it’s clear.

In her current state of mind, jealousy and a self-loathing for feeling that way are clashing within her. It comes across painfully.

I wait for Aya’s response.

At the end of the swirling emotions, the decision she makes.

“I think it’s a good idea.”

Aya smiled brightly.

“Why do you think that?”

“Well, it’s a huge promotion, right? Chiharu-san is a super popular figure, so you’ll probably get a lot more work. Fashion shows, TV appearances, all that jazz. And didn’t Boyan say he wants to earn more?”

“Yeah.”

“And, like, isn’t it a recognition of Boyan’s abilities? I don’t know much about that world, but I think opportunities like this don’t come often.”

Aya passionately explains, mixing in a bit of excitement.

She probably knows that if she expresses dislike, I might decline. So, without showing any unpleasant feelings, she’s genuinely celebrating for me.

Aya has truly become strong.

So, I need to become stronger too.

“Aya, thanks. It really helps to have your support.”

“Hehe, leave it to me. I can push your back as much as you need.”

She probably intends it as a way to repay me.

After all, she has pushed my back many times.

In reality, it was always Aya herself who gathered her courage and overcame the obstacles.

…I need to gather my courage too.

I can’t rely on the power of intuition from here on.

I have to face a battle to change the future with only my own strength.

But Aya has made it this far even without the power of intuition.

If I can’t do it, it would be quite embarrassing.

“Aya.”

“Hm?”

“I want to embrace you twice a day.”

“What?! I… I know… but…”

“Remember when I said we should hold off on that until the exam results were out?”

“Yeah… settling things, right?”

“After the exams, we might not have much time to see each other.”

“Eh…”

She mumbles softly.

With a face that says she doesn’t quite understand what I’m talking about, she continues to murmur.

“Why?”

“There’s something I absolutely need to challenge. To do that, I need to dedicate more time to work. Even on weekdays, I won’t be able to see you much after school. I’m really sorry for being so selfish.”

Even I find myself getting exasperated at what I’m saying.

How far am I going to go to unsettle her?

If I’m truly infatuated with Aya, I should prioritize spending time with her. It’s unthinkable to prioritize work, even if it’s temporarily.

Ordinarily, she might consider breaking up with me.

But surely…

The challenges I’m about to face won’t be straightforward.

The more sweet moments I spend with Aya, the more I’ll undoubtedly become addicted to that pleasure.

I might not have to work so hard. I could just surrender to fate and with that, a happy future awaits. And… I might give up on the challenges.

“Is that a really important thing…?”

It’s the most crucial thing for our future.

But saying something like that might unnecessarily burden Aya.

And, it might disappoint her a bit.

“Yeah, it’s really important to me.”

“…Then, yeah… it’s okay. I’ll… endure it.”

“I can see your resolve shaking already.”

“Why?!”

From her lips came such a cute plea to endure and one wonders how many men in this world could resist without pouncing.

“Aya, thank you.”

For not asking too much.

For silently pushing me forward.

“Nah, I trust Boyan.”

“After the results are out, I’ll embrace you to death.”

“To death is a bit… but yeah, please.”

I want to hug her so much that she looks embarrassed, right now.

I take another deep breath, for the umpteenth time and start walking slowly.

The winter air is freezing and it feels like snow could fall at any moment.

The sky is clear and the stars are sparkling.

“Hey.”

“Hm?”

“What should we do after this?”

Come to think of it, I hadn’t decided on a date plan.

Looking at the clock on my phone, it’s already half-past eight.

“I plan to take you to a beautiful place.”

While saying that, I organize potential date spots in my head that we could still make it to.

“Oh, Boyan, did you decide? How about illumination?”

Illumination, huh?

Come to think of it, Chiharu-san mentioned a flashy illumination at a station a bit away by train.

Looking at Aya’s face, which is slightly expectant, I feel like we shouldn’t go to the place Chiharu-san recommended.

“…How about going to the Gorgeous Town for a change?”

“Oh, that sounds great!”

Aya beams with a smile like a blooming flower.

With our arms still linked, we walk in the opposite direction of the station.