Chapter 1

Web Translation Version Translated from the Land of Light

Translation: ejdj

Proofreading: Taodayo

I will never forget what happened that day.

I had a girlfriend whom I had been dating for a year.

Her name is Sasaki Reina.

Although we attended different universities, we were about the same age, got along well, and she had a cute appearance that seemed a waste for me.

Because of her gentle personality, I was often envied by those around me.

Compared to junior high and high school students, college relationships are much more mature.

Of course, this is also because we have become adults.

In a certain sense, being envied might be natural. I was proud to be dating such an outstanding girlfriend, and I even thought about planning a surprise that might not be suitable for her. (ejdj: I don't quite understand this sentence, so I translated it this way)

"Is this enough for our one-year anniversary?"

In my hand was an expensive champagne prepared for our one-year anniversary date. Planning to "drink the champagne made for our one-year anniversary together" was something I never thought I would do before.

I had also made a reservation at an Italian restaurant that she liked for tomorrow. She would surely be happy.

The closer I got to her house, the more I anticipated Reina's reaction, but I also felt an unbearable unease, wondering if all my efforts would be in vain.

But what awaited me at her doorstep was the absurd sight of my girlfriend holding hands with another man.

"Let's break up." I never imagined that our one-year relationship would end in this way.

It was a month before I met Santa Claus, and my daily life changed significantly with the arrival of the beautiful Santa Claus.

◇◆

"Even if I behave well, Santa Claus won't bring me any gifts, right?"

The smoke from the cigarettes I started smoking this year wafted in the cold sky. I, Hasegawa Yuta, said this in the park near the station, as if expressing dissatisfaction.

"Depending on the reward from Santa Claus, I could behave well too."

My friend Mino Ayaka, who was waiting for me to finish my cigarette, replied with a grin.

From her expression, I could tell what she was thinking.

"So, what reward do you want?"

"Boyfriend!"

"I thought so." After I answered without hesitation, Ayaka pouted and said, "What, isn't that obvious? Everyone is like that at this time of year."

As Ayaka watched me smoke my third cigarette, she asked, "What about you?" Ayaka seemed to already know my answer, and the corners of her mouth were already slightly upturned. "Money."

"Ha! I knew it!" Ayaka said as if she had been waiting for this answer all along.

"Shut up." This time, it was my turn to pout.

Seeing this, Ayaka laughed even harder.

"You're still hung up on your ex, aren't you?"

"No, I'm not."

"Ha ha ha, I can't stop laughing."

"I said I'm not!" After I shouted with a serious expression, Ayaka finally stopped laughing.

"Sorry, sorry, you hit my funny bone."

"You have a terrible personality."

"Don't be a sore loser."

I sighed at Ayaka, who was patting my shoulder and trying to hold back her laughter. We have known each other since our second year of high school and are now in our second year of college, so we have a long history.

Because we are in the same department, we spend a lot of time together. Ayaka, with her beautiful face, is very popular among our peers.

However, as our relationship improved, I began to see some flaws in her personality, and she couldn't seem to find a boyfriend no matter what.

I don't dislike her tendency to laugh off others' misfortunes; in fact, when I broke up with my ex, her teasing made me feel more relaxed.

Although my ex cheated on me a month ago, which led to our breakup, most of my friends were shaken by the news and tried their best to comfort me. I was grateful to Ayaka for laughing it off and not showing me that side of myself.

While some say she has a flawed personality, Ayaka is a kind person. For example, she doesn't smoke but still accompanies me without complaint, as she is doing now.

"So, how are things with your ex? Are you still in touch?"

"Are you kidding? There's no way I could still be in touch. My mental strength isn't that strong."

"That's good, that's good. It's about time you went on a group date." Ayaka's eyes sparkled as she smiled.

Ayaka, who has a wide network of friends from various clubs, occasionally organizes group dates and invites me.

"Uh—"

"I'll be your Santa Claus!"

"Ah, will you give me money? If you do, I'll go."

"No way, why should I have to give you money?"

"Then I won't go." I threw my cigarette into the ashtray and left the smoking area.

"Huh? Are you leaving?"

"Sorry, I have to work today."

"Okay, see you. If you want to go, send me a line."

"Sure." I said goodbye and left. I don't really like group dates, and the "work" was just a temporary lie. If I stayed with Ayaka any longer, I would keep getting endless invitations, so I had no choice.

The smell of cigarettes on my clothes now strongly irritated my nose.