"It's really cold today."
Kei stood beside me, rubbing her hands together as she glanced my way now and then.
I caught a snowflake, but didn't feel anything in particular.
Seeing how unfazed I was, Kei pouted in annoyance.
"What is it?"
"Hmph."
She turned her head away.
A while back, I'd seen an introduction to the Christmas holiday and a series of events on the school forum.
If I could, it'd be fun to take part in them with Kei.
"Looks like Zelkova Shopping Center has some holiday events."
"Yeah. The theme park opens this afternoon."
"The theme park?"
"I think it means they'll have some bigger events in a few central areas, like a little market and a themed haunted house..."
Kei counted them off on her fingers, looking excited.
"Sounds like there's quite a lot going on."
"It's Christmas, after all!"
"Come to think of it, this is the first holiday I've spent with you, Kei."
"...!?"
"What's wrong?"
"What do you mean, what's wrong? You just took my hand without saying a word..."
Kei struggled lightly, as if trying to resist.
But I'd laced my fingers with hers and pulled her close.
"You're mean..."
"How am I mean?"
"Doesn't teasing me make you mean?"
"You could've just held my hand right from the start..."
Kei threw herself into my arms and bit my shoulder.
"Ts..."
She hadn't bitten very hard.
"Does it hurt?"
Still, I gently rubbed her shoulder and asked.
"A little."
"Did I bite too hard?"
A trace of worry showed in her eyes as she looked remorseful.
Like this...
She was really tempting me to tease her.
"I bet a kiss would make it feel a lot better."
I stroked her head as I spoke.
"Well..."
Kei's ears turned slightly red.
She glanced around, then quickly kissed my cheek and pulled away.
"T-there, is that enough?"
"Is that enough...?"
"Then... what do you want me to do...?"
"I don't think you kissed me in quite the right place."
"There are... too many people here..."
When she saw me point to my lips, Kei covered her face and glanced at the students passing nearby.
This was the path outside the dorm's main entrance. Even early in the morning, plenty of students passed through.
"Then forget it."
I sighed in disappointment and deliberately looked away.
Kei tugged at my arm, giving it a little pleading shake.
"D-don't be mad, Seisuke."
The white-and-brown plush cat tipped her head up as if to win me over.
She put her arms around the back of my neck and lifted her adorable face.
"I guess I can't say no to you..."
As if to say, I guess I can't say no to you, so if you want one, I'll reluctantly let you have it.
But...
Her eyes were tightly shut, and even her voice trembled a little.
She didn't seem nearly as calm as she was pretending to be.
When I still didn't make a move, she cracked her eyes open.
Catching my amused expression, Kei bit her rosy lower lip...
"You're teasing me again!"
"I'm not talking to you anymore..."
"Mm..."
"..."
(An aside: Since special chapters are updated irregularly, I've put them up front to keep the main story flowing smoothly and avoid mixing things up. If you enjoy these special chapters, please show your support.)