Christmas? I Plan to Stay In

Shuichi Kanda responded with the same smile.

"You really are annoying."

"Thank you for the compliment."

Sakayanagi Arisu Shuichi Kanda was not ashamed but rather proud.

Chapter 221 Christmas? I plan to stay indoors and not go out.

Since the outcome of the case involving Ayanokoji's beating of Ryuen became known, many first-year students have been filled with anxiety about the result.

Although the one who got beaten up this time was that extremely annoying Ryuen, the fact that he was beaten so badly and yet the matter was handled so lightly is astounding.

This made some students wonder: if I were to be assaulted one day, would the person who assaulted me simply go unpunished?

These concerns are understandable, since not everyone enjoys fighting; some people are peace-loving and dislike fighting.

So, three days after the news broke, the Student Council began receiving more and more letters about their tolerance for fighting.

Inside the Student Council Office, Nagumo's expression was grim as he looked at the letters.

Needless to say, he definitely felt that this was trouble that Shuichi Kanda had caused him.

However, this time it really wasn't true; Shuichi Kanda had no idea.

After all, according to Nagumo, this kind of behavior condones fighting to some extent. If people can fight without being held accountable, then the school will be in complete chaos.

It's understandable that students who dislike fighting or are weak at fighting feel insecure.

The hastily devised solution clearly wouldn't work, Nagumo thought to himself, shaking his head.

Just as the discussion surrounding this matter was gaining momentum, the Student Council issued another statement.

The gist of the statement is that violence can be used to a certain extent to resolve problems, but students who cause trouble without cause will be severely punished.

As for what level of punishment warrants and what level of punishment waivers, that is determined by the Student Council.

Although the statement did not specify the extent of the concern, it did alleviate some of the anxieties of many students.

Upon seeing this statement, Shuichi Kanda chuckled. Just how did Nagumo manage to dominate the second-year students?

That's it?

"This class meeting is now adjourned. I hope you will continue to be responsible students of this school during the winter break, and please spend each day in a respectful manner. That's all."

Chabashira-sensei on the podium also finished the second semester's closing ceremony. From now on, Advanced Nurturing High School has finally ushered in the winter break.

Shuichi Kanda checked the time: 11:59 AM, December 23rd.

After Chabashira-sensei left, the classroom quickly became lively.

Shuichi Kanda also packed up his books to take back to his dormitory, and then Miyake came over from his seat.

"Shuichi, how about going out for a meal? A Chinese restaurant opened in Keyaki Mall, want to check it out?"

"A get-together?" Shuichi Kanda nodded slightly. "I'm fine with it, but what about Airi and Haruka?"

"It's already arranged; the two of them will show up at the restaurant shortly."

As he spoke, Miyake gave a thumbs-up to indicate OK.

"Then I'm fine with it, but aren't you going to have your first meal after the holiday with Qiao Huan?"

Shuichi Kanda stood up and slung his backpack over his shoulder.

"Actually, I've already made plans with Xun to go out and have fun together for Christmas."

So what if you made plans to go out for Christmas? Look how smug you are! It's like I have no one to go with!

A dozen minutes later, Shuichi Kanda and Akito Miyake appeared at the newly opened Chinese restaurant.

Looking at the store's decor, Shuichi Kanda couldn't help but feel something was off.

Is it really possible to make money by opening a shop in a place like this?

He immediately forgot about those questions once he saw the menu.

You're charging 3000 points for a plate of stir-fried bean sprouts?

Also, a serving of steamed dumplings costs 3500 points?

"You guys aren't thinking I'm a sucker, are you?"

Looking at Sakura and Hasebe, who had just arrived, Shuichi Kanda was slightly speechless.

"It's certainly expensive, but I've heard it has really good reviews." Hasebe Haruka somewhat discontentedly, "And I told you guys right after I discovered this restaurant."

Ah, yes, yes, yes.

But since you've put it that way, I have to give it a try, right?

Aside from hanging out with Miyake and the Miyake, Shuichi Kanda has been spending most of his time in his dorm lately exercising, reading, playing games, cooking, and resting.

Even though winter break has already begun, this is no exception.

But seriously, will the school really let students have a peaceful winter break? Will it be like the summer break, with some random Special Exam?

Knock knock knock.

Just as he tossed the large bone into the casserole, there was a knock on Shuichi Kanda's door.

"Shuichi, did I disturb you?"

The visitor was Kushida Kikyo, the socialite of Class D.

"Thankfully, I was cooking just now."

Ever since Horikita knelt before Kushida has come to Shuichi Kanda's place to vent his stress much less often.

"Cook?" Kushida's eyes lit up. "Can I stay for dinner?"

"Of course, as long as you don't mind." Shuichi Kanda shrugged. "Anyway, come on in. Aren't you cold going around with your legs bare in this weather?"

"Hehe, I was cold at first, but hearing Shuichi's concern for me makes me feel warm all of a sudden." Kushida's face lit up with a sweet smile.

Kikyo, I really like your rebellious and contradictory side. Can you please change back to your current sweet and innocent image? It's really hard for me to get used to this.

"What's wrong?"

"No, it's just that I'm not used to you being like this."

The air suddenly fell silent, Kushida's smile vanished.

"Tch! Shuichi, really." Kushida curled his lip. "By the way, Shuichi, do you have any plans for Christmas?"

"Why are you asking this? And shouldn't you be spending Christmas with your friends?" Shuichi Kanda walked into the house, turned on the gas, and adjusted the heat.

Shuichi Kanda's words made Kushida Kikyo's face stiffen. Indeed, several people she was on good terms with had invited her out for Christmas.

"Actually, I don't quite understand why you guys insist on celebrating Christmas."

Christmas is an important Christian holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus. In Europe and America, most people choose to spend this holiday with their families.

However, after it spread to Japan, it somehow turned into a dating festival and a shopping festival.

A while ago, Shuichi Kanda watched an anime called White Album...

Therefore, enthusiasts also call this festival the festival of White Album.

If you want to go on a date or go shopping, then of course you can go on any holiday, so why choose this particular day?

I don't believe in Christianity, I believe in the system! Understand? The system!

"Us?" Kushida Kikyo astutely noticed the information implied in Shuichi Kanda's words, "Besides me, is anyone else asking Shuichi out for Christmas?"

"Yeah, during lunch, Airi, who is Sakura, asked me about my Christmas plans. When I got back to the dorm, I ran into Honami, and Masumi just called to ask about it too."

Sakura Airi, Ichinose Honami, Kamuro Masumi...

So I was the last one to ask?

"So, Shuichi, you didn't agree to go out with them, did you?" Kushida Kikyo looked at Shuichi Kanda with an unfriendly expression.

"Forget it, I'm not going anywhere on Christmas Day. I'm staying in my dorm all day. Aren't you cold? The weather forecast says it's going to snow heavily that day."

As he spoke, Shuichi Kanda glanced at Kushida's bare thighs as he sat on the bed.

What are you looking at?

"Looking at your thighs, aren't you cold leaving them out in this weather?"

"Of course it's cold."

"Then why are you still showing skin?"

"There's nothing we can do about this, right?" Kushida pouted. "Because it's cuter this way, and Shuichi, didn't you find it fascinating?"

"Ha, superficial. I was just checking if your legs were frostbitten," Shuichi Kanda scoffed.

By the way, is there anything in the system that makes someone impervious to both heat and cold?

Of course!

Holy crap!

Shuichi Kanda was just thinking about it, and the system immediately responded. Has this system become sentient?

[Whether to consume December's item distribution chances.]

Um?

What do you mean? Can you guarantee that something like that will definitely appear?

[Uncertain.]

Then what are you talking about? What if you give me another piece of garbage?

[...]

Shuichi Kanda ultimately resisted the system's temptation to use up his hard-earned item distribution chances.

"Although I don't plan to go out for Christmas, I do have time tomorrow."

"Let's go out and have fun tomorrow!"

Upon hearing Shuichi Kanda agree, Kushida immediately extended an invitation.

Since I can't invite you for Christmas, Christmas Eve will do!

December 24th, Christmas Eve, 8:50 AM.

Shuichi Kanda on a scarf, a down jacket, and gloves before leaving the room. Although he did this, he was actually no different from usual, except that he wasn't wearing his school uniform.

Shuichi Kanda arrived at the dormitory lobby via elevator. Kushida was chatting with two girls from his class, and judging from their expressions, the atmosphere was quite pleasant.

Today, Kushida was wearing a solid yellow and white down jacket, with a white knitted sweater underneath. She was wearing her favorite pleated skirt and black tights.

It seems that what I said yesterday had some effect.

"Shuichi, over here!"

Upon seeing Shuichi Kanda emerge from the elevator, Kushida immediately Shuichi Kanda to him.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

"It's okay, I just arrived too."

Shuichi Kanda approached and greeted Kushida.

"Huh? Is Kikyo going on a date with Kanda today?"

Upon getting closer, Shuichi Kanda realized that the people who had been chatting were Wang Meiyu and Kokoro Inogashira, who were from the same class.

"That's right."

As he spoke, Kushida hugged Shuichi Kanda's arm.

Kushida's actions caught the attention of both Wang Meiyu and Inogashira.

"Um, does that mean Kikyo is dating Kanda?"