The Odd One Out (1)

Woah… It smells good over here!

Yeah. The smell of roasted turkey always boosts my appetite.

It’ll be a while before it’s ready, though. Like I told you before, I need to get going. Would you mind if I left the rest to you?

All that needs to be done is to help out the kids, plating up the turkey, and–of course–tasting it. I want you to have the first bite.

Really? You want me to be the taste-tester? Yippee! Good luck with practicing for your competition, Yuki-nii!

Thanks.

(Yuki-nii’s cooking is always so yummy, but turkey is a special treat we only get at Christmas time! I can’t wait!)

Hey, Kiroku! Did you lock in and finish up those decs yet?

No, I’m… almost done. I’m trying to make sure… this part of the ring… lines up properly.

(Looks like everyone is doing their part in prepping for the party. Is there anything that I can help out with…?)

Huh…? Kuguri-san, what are you doing?

Hey there, cica. What does it look like I’m doing?

I’m enjoying some wine with the colors of the golden hour in the background.

That sounds super elegant and I’m tooootally jealous, buuuut if you’ve got some free time could you pleeease help out preparing for this party…?

I’ll pass. I’m not interested in any Christmas parties.

Though, I am interested in seeing you scurry around everywhere, cica.

(Jeez… Kuguri-san’s as stubborn as a mule, but… it’d make me really happy if he joined us for more dorm events.)

Though, at the moment, I am getting a little bored of this. I’ve been at it for a while, so⁠—

Really?! That means you could⁠—

It means it’s time for you to join me, I suppose. You’ll be sharing a toast with me.

Nope! Hard pass! I’ve still got a lot of work to do with preparing for the party!

Oh? Are you sure? Why don’t you take in the scent of this wine? Go on… Look at its color too. It’s not every day you get to taste something like this.

Not to sound cliché, but who knows when you’ll get a chance like this again if you let it slip through your fingers now…

Well, if you don’t want it, there’s not much I can say about that. I can drink it all up for you if you want, cica.

F-Fine…! I guess… I’ll take one sip⁠—

No wait! I can’t! Everyone else is giving it their best with preparing for the party, so I can’t be the only one slacking off!

Good grief…

You’re so harsh, cica.