After finishing my last year of schooling at Yamaku, I decided to stay in the area, considering how much it's affected me over the past few months. I convinced Hanako to do the same, so we moved into a small apartment together. My parents were excited when I gave them the idea, and have been sending me money to help pay the bills. I have been working part-time in the city, while Hanako's been studying to be a teacher at Yamaku. But that doesn't matter, because it's Christmas Eve, and I'm sitting comfortably inside with a cup of hot chocolate. Hanako went out to town a few hours ago, giving me time to relax next to the fire. While relaxing, I start to think back to those days in July, how our relationship began, our first kiss...our first time having sex. I'm hit by a wave of emotions, the same I felt after Hanako's confession in the park, but before I can dwell on the thought, I'm pulled out of my daydream by the sound of the door opening, letting in a burst of cold air.
 
“Hisao~!” I hear Hanako calling for me, but before I can turn around she's already got her arms wrapped around me and giving me a kiss. “Merry Christmas,” she says; I notice her carrying a small bag, but I can't see what's inside. “That wouldn't happen to be my present, would it?” I ask, “Maybe.” she answers, coyly. I stand up, setting my mug down and turning to face her, I  see two familiar faces behind her. Hanako must have noticed my surprise, “Lilly called me right when I was getting on the bus to come back home, and wanted to know what we were doing tonight.” I turned to face Lilly and Akira, greeting them.