It happened while Tsukasa was walking around the mall, his family had finished buying gifts for each other and some friends, though he wanted to stay behind for a moment, it's Christmas eve tomorrow, they planned to invite over their friends since their parents are unfortunately busy on that time, too bad they have to work during Christmas eve, though they did promise on spending time on Christmas morning.
Tsukasa spotted Honami carrying a lot of stuff. He immediately hurried over, worried for the girl. “Hello Honami!” He greeted loudly, and the girl was shocked at his sudden greeting. “Oh! Tsukasa-san, it's been awhile.” Honami started, adjusting the stuff she's carrying, it looked like ingredients, there's a lot of them though. “Do you need help? I'm free anyways!” Tsukasa offered, the brunette perking up at the offer. “That would be appreciated.” Honami responded, the blonde grabbing some of the items in her hands, the girl visibly sighed in relief at the weight being lifted off her hands. “So, what's this all for?” He asked, both of them walking at a steady pace. “Ah you see, the girl I’m working for is planning to have a feast with her friends though they didn't get to buy some much earlier, I volunteered to buy the ingredients for the meals they will cook. They're busy decorating her house for now.” Honami explained, most of the items being held by Tsukasa.
“I see! I heard from Saki that her friend is temporarily staying with her right?” He questioned, the girl nodding in response. “That's right, I don't know how long though, but they make it up to me by buying groceries from time to time.” She giggled, both of them remaining quiet as they looked around. “Ah right! I’ll be buying gifts for everyone in our party tomorrow night, would you care to come with me? I need an extra hand, I would ask Shiho and the others but… I don't really want my gifts to be revealed so early…” Honami admitted. Tsukasa simply grinned, giving her a thumbs up despite the weight he’s currently carrying. “Sure! I already bought gifts anyway! I promise I won't snitch!” Tsukasa laughed boastfully, Honami awkwardly giggling. ‘Tsukasa-san is really reliable huh?’ Honami concluded, coming up with a new topic to talk about with the older male. They eventually had to part ways when Honami hailed a cab, helping her put the ingredients inside. “Thank you Tsukasa-san, let's meet at the mall at 10 in the morning?” She suggested, the blonde nodded, hands on his hips. “That's fine with me! See ya Honami!!!!” He waved enthusiastically as soon as she entered the cab. She gave a small wave back, the cab starting to pull away.
When he got home, he realized he got a message from Rui, checking it out, he saw that it's the boy asking him to come with him to buy gifts for Emu and Nene. Tsukasa frowned, sad that he couldn't join him for now.
<Sorry Rui! I have plans with someone else!>
He replied, he was about to put his phone down when he received a reply immediately.
<Well aren't you a busy person Tsukasa-kun. It's alright, I hope you have fun :3>
Tsukasa giggled at the emoji, deciding not to reply and get ready for tomorrow by sleeping early. On Honami's side, she was playing with their dog when suddenly, she heard her phone chime. She rubbed Shibao’s belly one last time before directing the dog to her brother. “Shibao, go to brother for now.” The dog barked and followed her instructions, as the dog runs, she pats off the fur on her legs and grabbed her phone.
<Honami, do you have time tomorrow? I'm going to buy gifts for Ichika and my sister.>
Honami felt conflicted as she already made plans with Tsukasa, making sure her hands were clean of fur before replying.
<Sorry Shiho-chan! I already have plans with Tsukasa-san. How about Saki?>
She questioned why Saki is not included in her list of people she needs to buy a gift for.
<I already bought one for her earlier. Also, it's alright, next time then.>
Honami smiled at how understanding the girl is, sending a quick thanks, seeing that Shibao is now busy playing with her brother, she stood up from the floor, deciding to help their mother in house chores to keep herself busy. Since it's a holiday break, there's nothing to do as of the moment. They even took a break from practicing to spend time with their families. “I wonder what I should buy for them.” Honami smiled in excitement, she’s really hyped on giving her bandmates the best gift.
The next day, Rui managed to buy everything he needed so early in the morning, he even decided to go home now to wrap his gift for the girls. Tsukasa's gift was already wrapped and ready yesterday, he just hopes it's not damaged while he's away, though that's very unlikely. Then, he saw Tsukasa on his phone and earbuds, probably listening to a musical he found recently. He was about to call out when a girl ran towards him, panting heavily. “Is that… Mochizuki-san?” Rui tilted his head, so this is the person he has plans with. “Sorry I'm late!” Honami started, pressing her hands together in apology. “Ha! Ha! Ha! It's fine, Honami! I haven't been here for so long anyways! Shall we go?” He offered removing his ear buds, the girl nodded, the both of them walking away. Now Rui should’ve minded his business but… he’s too curious for his own good.
He started walking along the same path as them, bumping into someone, he apologized at the same exact moment as the stranger. When he looks over, he finds that Shiho is the one he bumped into. “Hinomori-san?” He questioned. The girl looked away, her eyes almost looked frustrated. “I was here to buy gifts but… I saw Honami rushing and followed her… I’m worried.” Shiho admitted. The boy blinked before giggling. “Well I understand, it's normal to fret over your girlfriend, right?” He commented, the girl gasped in surprise, her cheeks slowly turning red. “How did— ah… Tsukasa-san must’ve told you.” Shiho sighed in defeat, she should've expected this. “Well Tsukasa-kun is quite chatty. Though we should hurry now or we might lose them.” Rui pointed at the duo, Shiho nodded, both of them quietly rushing over to the duo who entered a store awhile ago.
When they reach just near enough, they're already at the checkout. “It's quite amazing how you're able to pick out a gift for Shiho immediately.” They heard Tsukasa comment. Honami blushed, taking the paper bag from the cashier. “Well… I’m Shiho’s girlfriend, I should be able to do this much.” Honami admitted, Shiho made a small sound, looking over at Rui who simply smiled, not saying anything. Well she appreciates the fact that he can read the room unlike Tsukasa. “As expected of you Honami!” Came Tsukasa's reply when they're exiting the shop. They continued following the two, it seems like a normal shopping trip, Tsukasa ending up carrying most of her gifts which he didn't mind. Shiho and Rui were about to agree on leaving when their topic suddenly took a romantic turn.
“So, how are you and Shiho?” Tsukasa questioned, Honami perked up, “it's been great, Shiho is really supportive and caring. It's almost overwhelming, though I don't want her to stop! It's a great feeling to have someone care about your well-being.” She happily answered, the blonde smiling at her. “Well I guess I can relate! I'm not dating Rui, but I do appreciate how supportive and caring he is!” Tsukasa added, their mood suddenly becoming even more cheery. Shiho and Rui swore they started glowing all of a sudden.
“I see but you see… Shiho's sometimes too stubborn and we could end up in disagreements because of it. I'm too scared to talk about our problems sometimes, what should I do?” Honami asked, a hand on her cheek in worry. Tsukasa hummed, looking up in thought. “Well I’ve never had that problem but, disagreements won't break what you already have you know? I'm sure Shiho loves you too much to be really mad at you!” Tsukasa assured, the brunette glowing again.
“Geez, he doesn't have to yell it for everyone to hear.” Shiho complained, but she couldn't hide the pink in her cheeks and ears. “I heard from Saki-chan that Kamishiro-san is courting you, how is he?” Honami questioned, Rui gulped, the last time he asked, Tsukasa's still not sure about his feelings for Rui but still wanted to try in the form of the taller courting the shorter. “Well he did help a lot in figuring out my feelings for him. I'm not really interested in dating until recently, you know? It's just pretty recent when I realized that I don't mind being in a relationship with a guy, but I don't think I would want it with just any guy or girl.” Tsukasa paused for a moment, looking around the shops. “You see, I don't think I can imagine dating anyone other than Rui, when I told Saki about this, she said I might be Demisexual. But then I don't feel the same with Emu and Nene, then she suggested being AroAce, and I guess that opened a new light on me? Romance never really interested me but I wanted to try for Rui. He’s a really nice guy, a real gentleman!” Tsukasa complimented.
Now, it's Shiho and Rui blushing by their words, scratching their necks in embarrassment. “I see, I can somehow understand, I can't really see myself dating someone I’m not particularly close with. I asked Saki about her opinion about this stuff and she said she doesn't really care what gender she would date as long as it's someone who can support her and her dream.” Honami smiled, their conversation seemed to cheer them up more than anyone else. “Ah! I remembered Nene saying she can't see herself dating a man! I think it's eye opening. Oh right back to Rui. I find his small gestures endearing, like how he held his hand out for me to take whenever we go down and up the stairs or when in public so I won't get lost, he makes me feel like it's okay to depend on someone once in a while.” Tsukasa shifted, Honami nodding along.
“Shiho would always come over in our breaks and ask how I’m doing, also whenever we go out, she would ask what I want first before getting her own. Aren't they so sweet?” They laughed among themselves. “Rui's pretty closed off when it comes to his much more genuine and deeper feelings. Though sometimes it leaks out in the form of hugs and hand kisses, I’m sometimes amazed at how bold he is!” Tsukasa proudly grinned, acting as if they're already together. “Shiho's not that good with physical and verbal affection, though when it's not her day, she would wordlessly come over to my house and we would do nothing but lay down on my bed and cuddle, it's really adorable.” Shiho tripped in shock, the purplenette helping her up immediately.
“Oh! Rui would often pull all-nighters but there are times where he doesn't sleep at all, Nene said he could go on without sleep, but that's really concerning, yet for some reason as soon as he sits beside me and leans on me, he’s out like a rock! It's adorable.” Tsukasa's voice softened at the memory, Rui almost blew their cover away by his choked gasp. “Shiho often tries to do everything by herself, I don't really like scolding her, but her guilty look squeezes my heart.” Honami's tone is much more cheery and higher now.
“Rui often causes trouble! It's frustrating and he tries to get away by giving a pitiful look but if it fails, he pouts so dramatically, it's so funny.” Tsukasa laughed afterwards, the two of them really buried deep in their conversation, unaware of the growing ripe tomatoes behind them.
“Hehe, I really love Shiho.”
“Haha, I really love Rui.”
The four of them looked at Tsukasa in shock. They're still at the courting stage so what the blonde said caught them all off guard. “Tsukasa-san? But I thought you’re still figuring out your feelings?” Honami questioned, Shiho wordlessly shaked Rui, wanting him to stay focused on whatever Tsukasa will be saying before he daydreams out of joy. “Ah well…remember how I said that Rui really helped me figure out my feelings and that I can't see myself dating anyone other than Rui?” Honami gasped in understanding, even Shiho's eyes widened as she realized the implications. “So… I planned to tell him soon but I realized that I bear the same feelings as Rui. I love Rui romantically, and I would like to have him as my boyfriend.” Tsukasa admitted.
“Dude! Get a hold of yourself!’ Apparently, her voice was too loud that Honami and Tsukasa whipped their heads behind to see Shiho and Rui squatting on the ground with both their faces painted in red. Honami and Tsukasa blushed, realizing that they heard everything. “Ehem! Should we go home together?” Tsukasa casually offered. Seeing no point in refusing, Shiho dragged the man to stand besides Tsukasa while she went besides Honami and took all of her bags leaving the brunette with nothing to carry. “Thank you.” Honami chimed, immediately linking her hand with Shiho's arms, their shoulders brushing with every step. Both girls looked at the older males to see Rui's face buried in Tsukasa’s shoulders, both arms wrapped around the blonde's arms while they walked. “Rui! We’re gonna fall if you keep this up!” Tsukasa scolded yet he doesn't seem to have any trouble with their current position. “This is your fault Tsukasa-kun, I’m too embarrassed, leave me be you cruel wizard.” Rui dramatically replied, earning an eye roll from the blond but a fond sigh afterwards.
“Oh yeah, are you going to hail a cab Honami?” Tsukasa asked. The girl nodded, Shiho deciding to join her. The four of them waited for a cab, all of them helping in putting her gifts inside, Shiho promising that she won't take a peek at all. Soon enough, the girls have to leave. “Tsukasa-kun—” Rui started, interrupted with a flick on his forehead. “Sorry Rui, let's talk about that later tonight, I don't want my plans ruined after all.” Tsukasa grinned, Rui nodded, taking Tsukasa's hand as they headed over to the station.
The party later on made the already lively house more lively. Emu poured drinks for everyone while Honami and Tsukasa kept bringing in new dishes on the table. After eating, Shiho decided to take a breather on the house’s balcony, Honami soon chasing after her. “Are you enjoying this night?” Honami asked as soon as she entered, Shiho smiled, nodding at her. “Aside from Tsukasa-san’s awfully loud voice it's pretty good.” Honami giggled at her comment, sneakily leaning her head on top of Shiho's. Being taller than your lover is really an advantage. “And you?” Shiho returned the question, the taller blinked, smiling in content. “It's great. I really like it.” Honami answered, and she moved away, confusing the gray-haired girl. The taller girl suddenly leaned again, kissing Shiho's cheeks. “Let's go back to everyone.” Honami suggested, ignoring the way Shiho's cheeks slightly flushed at the gesture. “Eh? Where's Tsukasa-san?” She heard Honami ask. “He’s on the door with Rui!” Came Saki's immediate answer. ‘Guess they're having that talk huh.’ Shiho came out of the balcony with a satisfied smile, taking Honami's hand, intertwining it with her own.
Tsukasa huffed at the coldness, taking a seat at their porch. Rui took a seat beside him, looking at him until he talks, but it seems that the blonde is too focused on the cold to even start a conversation. “So— Tsukasa-kun’s giving me his answer now right?” Rui nervously asked, the other looking at him now. “You already know it anyway. Well, I thought hard about it, I was afraid I didn't share your feelings and I don't want to hurt you, but with the help of others and your genuine actions and words. I came to fall in love with you. I guess you really know how to woo me.” Tsukasa giggled, suddenly, cold hands cupped his cheeks, a soft kiss given on the corner of his mouth. “Sorry Tsukasa-kun, I really wanted to kiss you right at that moment but I’m not yet ready to do it on your lips, does that suffice?” Rui wondered. Tsukasa's eyes widened but he grinned as he always does. “It's more than enough. Let's go, it's too cold out here.” Tsukasa said, followed by a shiver. “Well I guess it is cold.”
“Merry Christmas.”