Christmas Special (2)

"Sure is cold today."

Kei, standing beside me, rubbed her hands together while glancing my way with deliberate casualness.

I caught a snowflake, but felt nothing special about it.

Seeing my indifferent reaction, Kei pouted a little in annoyance.

"What's wrong?"

"Hmph."

She turned her head to the other side.

I'd seen an introduction to the Christmas holiday and a series of events on the campus forum a while back.

If possible, joining in on those activities with Kei would be a lot of fun.

"The Zelkova Shopping Center seems to have holiday-exclusive events."

"Yeah, the theme park opens in the afternoon."

"Theme park?"

"Basically, there'll be some bigger events in a few central areas—small markets, themed haunted houses, stuff like that..."

Kei counted off on her fingers with some excitement.

"Sounds like quite a few activities."

"It's Christmas, after all!"

"Come to think of it, this is actually the first holiday I'm spending with Kei."

"...!?"

"What's wrong?"

"What do you mean 'what's wrong'? You just grabbed my hand without a word..."

Kei struggled lightly, as if resisting.

But I interlaced our fingers and pulled her in front of me.

"You jerk..."

"How am I a jerk?"

"Isn't teasing someone being a jerk?"

"You could've... just held my hand from the start."

Kei threw herself into my arms and bit my shoulder.

"Hiss..."

It wasn't very hard.

"Does it hurt?"

But I still rubbed it gently while asking.

"A little bit."

"Was I too rough?"

She looked a bit guilty, a hint of worry in her eyes.

That expression...

Really makes me want to tease her.

"Maybe a kiss would make it a lot better."

I said while gently stroking her head.

"Well..."

Kei's ears flushed slightly.

She glanced around, then quickly pecked me on the cheek and pulled away.

"Th-That's good enough, right?"

"Is it... good enough?"

"Then... what do I have to do...?"

"It feels like... you didn't kiss the right spot."

"But there are... too many people here..."

Seeing me point at my lips, Kei covered her face and glanced at the students passing by not far off.

Since it was the road at the dormitory lobby entrance, even early in the morning, quite a few students were coming through.

"Then forget it."

I let out a disappointed sigh and deliberately looked away.

Kei tugged at my arm, shaking it with a hint of playful coaxing.

"Don't... don't be mad, Seisuke."

The cream-colored ragdoll cat lifted its head ingratiatingly.

Her arms wrapped around the back of my neck, tilting her cute little face upward.

"I really can't do anything with you..."

I really can't do anything with you—if you want it, I'll reluctantly grant it to you.

That seemed to be the emotion she wanted to convey.

But then...

Her tightly shut eyes, along with her voice, trembled slightly.

She wasn't as calm as she pretended to be.

Seeing that I still hadn't moved, she cracked her eyes open.

Catching my half-smiling expression, Kei bit her rosy lower lip...

"You're bullying me again!"

"I'm ignoring you..."

"Mmph..."

"..."

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