How to Melt the Ice Queen's Heart E-Book

Kakeru Takamine

• Herausgeber: WS
• Kategorie: Für Kinder und Jugendliche
• Serie: How to Melt the Ice Queen's Heart
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023

Seitenzahl: 244

Beschreibung

Asahi Kagami is a curt sort of guy, yet never hesitates to lend a hand. Slowly, but surely, he’s finally getting through to the frigid Fuyuka Himuro—a girl aptly nicknamed “The Ice Queen” for her standoffish attitude—and melting her icy exterior.

In the midst of it all, two hearts inch closer, inciting a tangible change—not only in Fuyuka’s personal life, but even at school.

This is the second volume of a slow-paced love story where characters experience the double-edged nature of romance. From laughs, to tears, to everything in between, these two will gradually learn how to convey their emotions properly.

Leseprobe

Contents

Chapter One: A Few More Nights Until It’s...

Chapter Two: ...New Year’s Day

Chapter Three: Shrine Visit

Chapter Four: What Lies Beneath the Frost

Chapter Five: A New Semester

Chapter Six: Strategy Meeting

Chapter Seven: Happy Birthday!

Chapter Eight: Changing Feelings

Chapter Nine: Valentine’s Day

Chapter Ten: Study Meet

Chapter Eleven: The Amusement Park

Chapter Twelve: The Himuro Household

Chapter Thirteen: Freezing Rain

Chapter Fourteen: How to Melt the Ice Queen’s Heart

Chapter Fifteen: Asahi’s Affection

Chapter Sixteen: Fuyuka’s Affection

Afterword

Guide

Contents

Chapter One

A Few More Nights Until It’s...

Christmas was over, and New Year’s was fast approaching. The holiday was just shy of a week before it arrived, verified by the sight of kadomatsu—a decoration which consisted of three closely-bounded bamboos placed on top of a straw mat—shimenawaropes which garnished the entrance of the shrines, and kimono dresses which were worn around town. Meanwhile, the striking Santa Claus suit had begun to fade into obscurity.

Mellow festive lights would continue to illuminate the streets amidst the infamously hectic final days of the year. The sublime semblance of the kadomatsu, kindled by the modern LED strips above them, fashioned a novel aspect that treaded between tradition and innovation.

The New Year’s cheer could also be seen in neighboring supermarkets, where customary New Year foods—like kagami mochi rice cakesand various, colorful dishes of osechi—lined up the storefront. Meanwhile, forgotten leftover Christmas cakes, now sold at a substantial discount, suggested the year had drawn to a close.

“A few more nights until it’s New Year’s Day,” Asahi hummed a verse of a popular children’s song to himself.

It was time to enjoy traditional New Year’ activities, such as casting kites, playing with a spinning top, bouncing a ball, or enjoying a good round of battledore and shuttlecock.

Many people were filled with anticipation for the upcoming year, whereas others fretted with the heavy weight of unfinished business. Fuyuka was one such example of the latter, as she’d promised to redeem herself at cooking just one month ago.

“I’ll be making food by myself today,” Fuyuka declared with a piercing gaze.

“You’re sure you’ll be careful to not burn the pan this time around?” Asahi asked, making little effort to hide his skepticism.

“I’ll be fine.”

“You won’t mess up the seasoning either?”

“No, I won’t.”

“And you won’t spill oil everywhere?”

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re making fun of me.”

“Nah, just listing every mistake you’ve made up until this point.”

“So you are mocking me,” Fuyuka grumbled, pouting a little in protest.

Asahi would be forgiven to assume they’d grown closer over the spell of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day—they’d spent the holidays together, after all. Still, Fuyuka’s attitude hadn’t truly changed much. Her transient cheerfulness, which peeked through the layers of melted snow of her frigid personality, led him to believe that her current good nature was simply an instance of embracing the holiday spirit.

Either way, there was no way Asahi could determine the subtleties of their relationship—not when Fuyuka visited his apartment every night to have dinner together.

I know we’re good friends, at least. I mean, we’ve grown to know each other, and we’ve spent so much together and all, Asahi thought. “I was just messing with you. No need to get all bent out of shape about it.”

“I’m not,” Fuyuka retorted.

“A little grumpy then?”

“Where did you get that idea?” she said, looking away from Asahi.

“Hit the jackpot, huh?” he forced a smile.

Asahi could sympathize with her at the end of the day. Inhibiting a student’s enthusiasm was hardly a commendable trait for a teacher, after all. Besides, Fuyuka’s cooking skills had been showing steady signs of promising growth. Of course, it had been largely in part to his thorough teaching, but he couldn’t discredit her ability to rapidly improve with daily experience.

She’s still pretty rough around the edges, but I can confidently say that she’s got the basics down, Asahi mused.

Her past blunders didn’t exactly inspire confidence, but he finally settled on letting her have her way. Meanwhile, Fuyuka had already begun making preparations in the kitchen.

“I get that you’re eager, but what brought up the whole thing anyways?” he asked.

“I feel confident enough in myself, and I want to show you what I’m capable of now.”

“Whoa, now you’ve got me interested,” he said. They hadn’t gone shopping that day, so they were limited by what little ingredients they had in the fridge. That left Fuyuka to try her hand at a certain familiar dish—curry. “So you’re giving curry another shot?”

“Yes,” she answered. She was determined to succeed in her second attempt at preparing curry and make it the highlight of their closing year. “You can go relax on the sofa for the time being.”

“What? I’m not allowed to stand next to you?”

“No. I can’t focus if you’re around.”

“C’mon, I’ll just be looking from the side.”

“You say that... but then you’ll start meddling, just like you always do.”

“Point taken.”

“I thought so. That’s why the kitchen is off-limits until I’m done!” Fuyuka asserted, then pushed Asahi out into the living room. She rolled up her sleeves, opened the recipe book, and prepared the vegetables—potatoes, onions, and carrots. “Hey, no peeking!”

“Damn, was it that obvious?”

“Very much so,” she glared at him holding a knife, compelling him to raise his arms in surrender.

I think I’ll really get on her bad side if I keep joking around, so I’ll just sit down and wait for her to call for me, he concluded.

An assortment of emotions grew and swirled unchecked in his head. As a concerned party, he was both keen to see where she stood ability-wise and afraid for her well-being at the same time. All of his conflicting feelings served to heighten his excitement.

＊

A few hours passed. Finally, a plate of curry, succulent in its aroma, was placed on the table for Asahi to relish.

“Let me know what you think,” Fuyuka said, standing next to him with an expression of both anxiety and tension. Her hands were clasped together near her chest, as if she was a praying nun; the image was further propagated by her choice in dark, modest loungewear.

“Sure thing,” Asahi replied.

With that, he began to eat. His opinion could be easily gathered based on the quick, eager spoonfuls. He had no major criticism of anything he tasted—the vegetables were wonderfully savory, the curry sauce was thick and rich, and everything was nestled in the piquant, subtle smell of the spices.

“This is incredible,” he said.

“Y-You’re not just flattering me, are you?”

“Have I ever sugarcoated my real thoughts for you?”

“You haven’t, but...”

“I’m being honest here. The curry you made is killer,” Asahi complimented.

Fuyuka’s eyes widened upon hearing his praise, and her face brightened up into a smile. “Hooray,” she whispered, striking a moderate fist pump from under the table... or so Asahi assumed.

Anybody who would be happy to have their food complimented, and Fuyuka’s no different, he mulled.

“Looks like I managed to get it right this time,” she noted with an innocent laugh. Her grin was so lovely that Asahi’s mouth curled as well.

“But, yeah—you’ve gotten pretty good. You been doing any special practice behind my back?”

“Of course. I make sure to review what you’ve taught me and practice beforehand.”

“Huh. That explains it.”

“Although, naturally, it all comes down to your great tutoring.”

“Nice try. Too bad flattery won’t put you in my good books.”

“It doesn’t need to—I meant what I said.”

“In that case, I’ll take your word for it,” he replied, accepting her compliment. Truly, Fuyuka’s progress had been remarkable as of late. Her knife-handling skills, in particular, had been honed to the point where Asahi felt confident leaving her with one unsupervised. “I honestly feel fine leaving you to cook on your own now that you’re this capable.”

“N-No way! There’s still so much I’d like you to teach me. Daily, if at all possible...” she objected in an unfamiliarly loud voice.

“Someone’s eager. Welp, not that I mind or anything. I’m pretty free most of the time,” Asahi reassured her with a nod.

Fuyuka’s expression softened in relief, gradually melting into a soft smile. Asahi mirrored her.

It makes me happy that she’s so willing to learn. No idea if she’ll stick to her word and actually come by every day for a lesson, but heck... I’m here to help as long I don’t have anything else to worry about—

Asahi’s face soon fell into a slight frown as he recalled the upcoming plans he had already arranged. He hesitated for a moment, though his doubt was promptly erased. They needed to be on the same page.

“Say, got anything planned for New Year’s?” he asked.

“Nothing, I’m afraid. I’ll just be staying in my apartment,” she said, her smile vanishing.

It doesn’t sound like she can’t be with her family because the trip’s too far or something. It’s clear that she’s got some problems with them, he noted to himself gloomily. It was as if she couldn’t be with them, or rather, didn’t want to. Whatever the case, it was never his intention to make her sad.

“Wouldn’t you know it? That makes two of us,” he said.

“You won’t be going back home to your family this year?”

“I was supposed to... until my parents decided they’d come visit me instead,” he explained. It had been some time since their last visit, and they wanted to see how he was holding up, or so they’d told him. Asahi’s apartment was originally supposed to house the three of them, and he’d been keeping their rooms clean in the event that they decided to sleep over at any time. “I say that, but they’ve got the restaurant to worry about. They’ll just pop in around noon and then go back, apparently.”

“Still, that sounds wonderful. I’m sure they’re looking forward to spending quality time with you.”

Not gonna lie, it really weighs on me that my parents are gonna be the ones showing up here first thing next year... but it might just work for the best, he thought. “So anything specific you’d like to eat on New Year’s Eve and Day?”

Despite his question, Fuyuka didn’t appear to fully grasp what was asked of her—or perhaps she did, given her shocked expression.

“Come on, weren’t you the one who just said you wanted daily lessons?” he added bluntly.

Fuyuka nodded in response. “I’d... love to have some traditional toshikoshi soba noodles,” she said with a pleasant grin.

“That’ll be a first for me, too. I’ve never made soba before.”

“Kneading noodles sounds really fun. I can’t imagine I’ll have much trouble, either. What do you think?”

“Maybe... if you’re patient enough.”

“‘Maybe’?” she parroted.

“Yeah. There’s no telling what’ll happen once you go at it.”

“Teasing me again, are you? Hmph,” Fuyuka grumbled with an angry glare.

Although her sulking didn’t particularly faze Asahi, a certain issue sprang to mind which led him to voice his concerns.

“You sure you’re fine celebrating New Year’s with me?” he inquired.

“Now that you mention it...” her voice trailed off as the realization seemed to dawn on her. Her eyes darted across the room before eventually settling on Asahi. She peered up at him timidly. “Is it all right with you?”

“I don’t mind at all,” he answered.

They would not only have dinner together on New Year’s Eve, but they’d now agreed on spending time together until the New Year’s countdown. The prospect opened its own can of worms.

It’ll be pretty late at night, which we’ve never done up till this point.

Fuyuka, blissfully unaware of Asahi’s musings, beamed with happiness; she resembled a child ardently awaiting the New Year. Her gloomy disposition from a moment ago had vanished into thin air, and it pleased him to see her in such high spirits again.

“Thank you for the meal. It was delicious,” he said, bringing his hands together in prayer after he’d completely finished his plate.

“I hope I’ll have more opportunities to cook for you again in the future,” she replied while mimicking Asahi’s gesture.

“I can hardly wait.”

Asahi locked eyes with Fuyuka. They both enjoyed the laid-back serenity of the room, unburdened by the frantic nature of the last remaining days of the year.

Chapter Two

...New Year’s Day

The calendar marked the 31st of December—New Year’s Eve, in other words.

The closing day of the year had always been an exceptional occasion. With just one step outside, the jubilant hubbub of the masses could be heard down the streets. The New Year’s spirit inevitably seeped inside the houses, as well, and populated the news rounds on TV and social media alike.

Should New Year’s Eve really feel more special now that I’m spending it with someone this time? Asahi contemplated. “Man, it’s been a busy year.”

Asahi’s murmurs echoed through the room before fading away. The recollections of various recent events gave him a pleasant, warm feeling on the inside; meanwhile, the boiling water of the bath he was submerged in supplied warmth of another variant.

I’ve spent so much time looking back at what happened over the year that I’m actually starting to feel dizzy, he thought.

Asahi had made plans to spend New Year’s Eve together with Fuyuka. They’d agreed that Fuyuka would leave for a while after the splendid dinner they’d enjoyed, and then they’d meet up again once she’d gotten ready.

“Should probably step out of the bath,” he decided. He stood up once he’d warmed up enough, causing agitated ripples and splashes from where he’d once sat.

He took a quick shower and exited the bathroom, still dripping wet. Fortunately, the droplets that trickled down his body landed onto the diatomite bath mat he’d spread on the floor. The mat promptly absorbed the water and evaporated it. One of the best items around if you’re living alone. Doesn’t even need to be washed.

The only thing left to do was to dry himself using the towel he’d readied beforehand, put on some clothes, and dry his hair with a blow-dryer... or, at least, that had been the plan until Asahi realized two things. First, he had forgotten to prepare a change of clothes, and second, the intercom was ringing.

“Crap, I gotta put something on,” Asahi mumbled as he hurriedly wiped the rest of his body. Since he wasn’t all too keen on running around the apartment naked, he wrapped a towel around his waist before checking who was at the door.

However, it was at that moment where another realization, or rather, a certain question crossed his mind. Wait. Did I remember to lock the front door...? I have a bad feeling about this.

As it would turn out, his fears were well-founded.

“Honestly, Asahi—you need to make sure you’ve locked the door behind you. What if some burglar entered the apartment?” Fuyuka complained.

Asahi’s ears couldn’t properly register her words. Fuyuka, for her part, froze in bewildered shock as a mostly-naked Asahi—save for the towel—stood in front of her.

“Sorry about that. I’ll be extra careful next time,” Asahi apologized, opting to bow his head as a cacophony of emotions wreaked havoc within his mind.

“Go change into something first and we’ll talk about this later!”

Her shriek, although very much warranted, rang throughout the apartment and into the bathroom behind him. Her face was so red that Asahi could’ve sworn she was the one who’d just gotten out of the bath.

＊

“I know that I’m at fault for barging into the apartment, but that wouldn’t have happened if you’d remembered to lock the door behind you. You should take part of the blame! I didn’t see anything, by the way! And even if I had, it was only a slight peek, and I’ve already wiped it clean from memory!” she rambled without seeming to take a pause for breath.

Asahi’s features contorted into a stiff smile in response. He returned to his room to put on some clothes and dry his hair.

After a while, they relaxed on the sofa and the situation began to calm down. Still, his heart refused to stop beating like mad; largely in part to how novel Fuyuka seemed.

The sweet scent of roses wafted from her slick, black hair, and her ever-translucent skin had taken on a slight, yet nonetheless seductive, reddish tint. Her attire was also quite eye-catching—although she was dressed in loungewear, the light pink boa fleece material was both snug and stylish as it wrapped itself up warmly around her delicate body.

Although Asahi was used to seeing her in casual clothing, this was the first time he’d met with her right after she’d taken a bath. He was frozen in place, unable to take his eyes off of her.

“Umm... You’re staring at me so much it’s starting to make me feel embarrassed,” she mumbled, hanging her head down to hide her face.

“Crap, my bad. It’s just that you look kinda different,” he swiftly apologized.

“I could say the same for you, too.”

“Huh, really? I think I look the same as always, personally.”

“That’s not true at all. You’ve combed your hair and you’re in your pajamas for a change,” she noted. She stole a peek at him before adding, “I’m surprised that you’re hiding some muscle under there.”

“You didn’t have to word it like that.”

“You aren’t in any clubs, so it was a bit unexpected.”

I guess she’s got a point. It’s not like my regular routine would help me build any type of muscle, but... seems like the little bit of training I’ve been doing in my free time has paid off!

“I don’t mean to tease you, or anything. I’m praising you, actually,” she added.

“Thanks, I guess. Hold up, didn’t you tell me you wiped it from your memory?” he replied, electing to tease Fuyuka to cloak his bashfulness.

“I-I just did, I swear!” she shook her head in panic, her face painted deep crimson once more.

The evening grew late as they spent the remainder chatting and watching TV.

＊

“For some reason, I’m slightly craving a bowl of cereal right now,” Fuyuka said.

“What a coincidence—I was just thinking the same thing.”

“It seems like we have tomorrow’s breakfast all planned out, then.”

“What, we’re putting corn flakes on the top of the list of first things to eat on New Year’s? Seems a little out of place, doesn’t it?” he asked.

“Hehe, you’re probably right about that.”

They both watched the actors on TV tell jokes. Asahi could hear pleasant, charming laughter from right beside him. Fuyuka—who was clearly unfamiliar with comedy shows—sat on the edge of the sofa, enjoying the lively sketches of the year-end-special.

Damn, the smile won’t leave her face, he noted. Asahi was convinced that her typically-displayed “Ice Queen” exterior must take a considerable toll on her, and that the lovely, beaming girl sitting next to him was, in fact, closer to her real personality. She’s changed so much in a span of a few months.

“Umm, why isn’t this actor wearing any clothes?” she asked.

“He’s performing a bit. Never heard of this act before? It’s pretty common on comedy shows.”

“B-But performing with nothing but a tray as cover is taking things a little too far...” she grumbled and buried her face into the cushion, trembling in a sheepish manner.

Guess she has a pretty low tolerance for nudity... especially considering she was as red as a tomato when she saw me without a shirt on.

Fuyuka tugged on his heartstrings each time he got to know a new side of her. Every cute gesture or change in expression left him pleasantly surprised.

“Asa... hey, Asahi?”

“Hm?”

“We need to start preparing the toshikoshi soba,”she said.

“Whoa, it’s already this late?”

“Yes. The New Year will come and go if you keep spacing out like that,” she reprimanded him, pointing at the clock on the wall which steadily closed in on midnight.

Not much left to do to prep the noodles, anyways. We just gotta boil them and let them soak in broth for a bit, he thought.

They both headed to the kitchen and divided the work between them. Asahi tasked himself with making the broth, while Fuyuka was placed on boiling duty. The food preparations moved ahead efficiently and without a hitch.

“Look at this one, Asahi! I’m very proud of it!” she exclaimed with a grin—a new expression of cheerfulness that differed from the one she’d had when she’d watched TV.

“I gotta say, it’s looking great,” he said, following up with a smile of his own. It warmed both his heart and body to see her happy. In fact, he felt a certain, unique sense of comfort when he was with Fuyuka that was quite dissimilar from when he hung out with Chiaki and Hinami.

＊

“Just a few more minutes until it’s the New Year’s,” he remarked.

“It’s finally happening.”

Asahi and Fuyuka were both reclining upon the sofa after they’d enjoyed their meal of toshikoshi soba. The noodles had been pleasant—both chewy in texture and extremely flavorful due to the dashi present in the broth.

The TV broadcast they’d tuned into ushered in the realization that the year was coming to an end. The camera highlighted the buzzing crowds that were walking around a famous shrine’s grounds, coupled with the solemn ringing of the joya-no-kane—an ancient custom where a temple bell is rung 108 times on New Year’s Eve.

“It feels somewhat strange to greet the new year together, doesn’t it?” she asked.

“I know what you mean. I never would’ve expected it, given how you were a few months back.”

“C-Can’t we consider that water under the bridge?” she pleaded in a low voice.

Despite her objections, Asahi could never truly forget.

It had all started when he’d nursed her back to health after she’d fallen ill with a fever. After that incident, Fuyuka had gradually allowed him to meddle in her life, and they’d deepened their relationship. The result was obvious, given that she now sat next to him at his house. Asahi cherished every little interaction they had together, even when she was still “The Ice Queen.”

A pleasantly warm, comfortable atmosphere predominanted the room. They both broke into smiles.

“Thank you for everything you’ve done for me this year, Asahi,” she said.

“Same here. You were a great help,” he replied, returning her heartfelt gratitude. “Say, you got any New Year’s resolutions?”

“Maybe one. I want to become as skilled as you are at cooking.”

“That’s a good one. Might take you a few years to make it a reality, but hey.”

“Although it hurts me to admit it, you’re not wrong. Still, I’m confident that I’ll get there if you continue to tutor me,” she pointed out.

Which means... we’re gonna keep this up next year? Maybe even longer? Asahi’s intention had been to tease her with his previous comment, but she’d blindsided him with her counter. He could feel himself blushing. Whatever the case, seems like we’ll be spending more time together.

“I’m really looking forward to next year’s lessons,” she said, her eyes closing to half-moons as she smiled endearingly. Asahi’s heart was set ablaze with an undefinable emotion he’d never experienced before.

I can’t put my finger on it. Chiaki and Hinami are also my friends, but this is definitely a different feeling from when I’m with them. Whatever the enigmatic sensation was, it flickered in Asahi’s vision like a quivering mirage in the distance. I still feel I’m getting closer to figuring it out. I’m sure I’ll get to the bottom of it someday, one step at a time.

“Ten, nine, eight...” several voices on the TV began counting in unison, snapping Asahi out of his thoughts. “Seven, six, five...”

Asahi and Fuyuka stood shoulder-to-shoulder, waiting for them to finish.

Four, three, two, one... brilliant fireworks lit up the night sky as the countdown reached zero. The brilliant display was accompanied by the deafening sound of the temple bells which rang for the final 108th time.

“Happy New Year!” “Hope you have a wonderful year ahead!” Asahi and Fuyuka blurted at the same time, straightening their posture for the standard bow.

Alerts from Asahi’s phone—which had been left on the table—began a set of rhythmic beeps at the same time.

Must be a message from Chiaki or Hinami or something, Asahi told himself.

Prompted by Fuyuka, he picked up his phone. His assumptions were immediately validated—it was from the “Obnoxious Couple.” They, along with a few other of his close friends, wished him a happy new year. He scrolled further down and saw a few notifications from a chat group labeled, “The Kagami Bunch.”

Asahi decided to check his parents’ messages so he could reply to them. As he examined his phone, his expression grew increasingly perplexed, and he exclaimed, “You’ve gotta be kidding me.”

“What’s the matter?”

“Just got a message from my parents. They’re coming to visit and spend the night.”

“It’s shaping up to be a bustling New Year’s Day.”

“I just hope they don’t get too excited and disturb the neighbors,” he groaned. I say that, but they’re adults. They know their manners and all, so I’m sure it’ll be fine... Nah, I take that back. My dad and common sense are polar opposites. He’ll lose his mind just like he did on Christmas Eve if he comes across Fuyuka who happens to live next to me. I don’t see mom reigning him in if that happens.

“I suppose that means that today’s lesson is postponed,” she said. “I’ll just stay in my apartment.”

“Yeah. Sorry for that, especially on New Year’s Day.”

“No, no, don’t worry about it,” she reassured him.

They’d both reached the same conclusion: if Fuyuka didn’t visit, then they’d avoid another incident like when she’d bumped heads with Chiaki and Hinami during their stay at Asahi’s apartment.

Man, she looks kinda sad. I thought my parents would show up at noon, then return to the restaurant. I wanted to spend the evening with her. I really did. But now she’ll be all by herself, he brooded, guilt-tripping himself over the abrupt change in their schedule.

Can’t we find some middle groun—his contemplation was interrupted by the familiar intercom bleep. “Who could it be at this hour?” he asked cautiously.

Asahi hadn’t invited anybody but Fuyuka, and he couldn’t for the life of him think of an acquaintance who would drop by at this hour. That left him with one of two possibilities: either it was the first prank of the year, or some sketchy, unsavory visitor.

He tossed Fuyuka—who was visibly anxious—a reassuring glance, then attempted to discern the visitors through the intercom’s monitor. Up popped a large, boisterous man, and a stern-looking woman looking into the camera.

“So who is it?” Fuyuka inquired.

“My mom and dad.”

There was a pause, and her eyes widened in shock. “Did I hear you correctly?”

“Yup.”

“I thought they were coming over at noon.”

“So did I. I’m pretty confused myself, honestly.”

“Well, let’s open the door for them. We can worry about the other details later.”

“Wait, wait, wait, hold up! If we open it right now, they’ll see you here with me!”

“O-Oh, you’re right. What should we do? We’re backed up against the wall.”

“Okay, what if you hid in the bathroom and waited for the right chance to—crap, no. They’d find out if they use the bathroom. Maybe if I hid you in my room... tch, no. It’s too far away from the entrance,” he mumbled. The intercom chimed a second time as he tried to conjure up a solution. “I’m just gonna talk to them for now and see what happens.”

He approached the monitor and enabled the speaker, “Asahiii, you there? It’s your old man at the dooor!” Kazuaki’s roaring voice erupted, causing Asahi to flinch and pull his ear away.

“Why are you guys here? I thought you were coming over at noon!” Asahi cried.

“I’m sorry, is that the first thing you say to your parents on New Year’s?” Toko scolded him.

“Happy New Year, Mom,” Asahi replied after a pause.

“Mhmm. Happy New Year.”

“Can you hear me, Asahiii? Happy new rear!” Kazuaki butted in with a joke unfitting for his age.

“For God’s... Dad, you’re not twelve. Where did you even hear that from?!”

“Did you get our message? We just texted you saying that we’re spending the night here,” Toko said.

“Yeah, I thought you were stopping byat noon,not in the middle of the night,” Asahi grumbled.

“I know we’re late, but we wanted to close up earlier so we could greet the New Year together,” Kazuaki explained.

“Too bad your dad took his sweet time composing a new menu.”

“Sorry about that—once the chef in me gets rolling, it’s hard to stop!”

Not gonna lie, it’s pretty annoying they felt the need to pop in on such short notice. They’re here to be with me, though, so I can’t exactly complain...

“Anyway, let us in. We’re freezing out here in the cold,” Toko said.

“Umm, about that...” Asahi floundered.

“Speak.”

“Sorry. I’m just, y’know... not finished cleaning up yet.”

“No need. We’re not strangers. Just open the door for us.”