Chapter 01
The preparations were coming together so nicely. I almost danced around the manor, still not believing we truly were doing this. This evening we would celebrate with friends and family. The manor had been decorated nicely and everything was coming together perfectly.
Something sweet hit my nose. Perhaps Ruki was in the kitchen, finalizing the dessert. Following the aroma, I stepped into the heart of the manor already beaming.
"Eh?" I blinked. Heat dashed on my cheeks faster than I was able to form a coherent thought. "Oh my gosh! I'm sorry!"
Two pairs of eyes turned toward the door and me. I wanted to sink through the floor. It hadn't crossed my mind that there could have been someone else than Ruki in the kitchen... and I had forgotten that I had hung a mistletoe on the light bulb...
"Yuriko-chan... what are... you doing... here?"
"I... I... umh... looking for... erhhh... Ruki! Yes, Ruki!" I swallowed, my face feeling unbearably hot. "I thought... he would be making the dessert..."
Christine gave me the prettiest smile ever, leaning against Azusa-kun's chest. "Brother Ruki gave us permission to take over the dessert duty. He already prepared everything else for the dinner. So that's why he isn't here."
"Oh... that makes sense..." I wondered where Ruki might have gone then though. I had been busy with other matters, so I had no idea.
"I think... I saw Ruki... in the living... room some time... ago." Azusa smiled. "You might... want to check... there, Yuriko-chan."
"Right! I... I'll do just that!" I nodded, taking a step back.
"Yuriko," Christine's voice caught me before I was able to completely turn. "It was a sweet idea to have this party together. You are always being so kind to everyone. I hope the dessert will be to your liking."
"Oh, my sure it will be delicious!" Thought I had to admit I was a bit worried about how much spice Azusa-kun would put in there. "I... I'll go now. Please... continue... whatever you were doing..."
I darted out and headed toward the living room.
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Christine belongs to @seaoflove07
