This New Year's Eve

December 30, 2023 at 6:01 PM

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A guy with crimson hair was sitting on a bench. His head was lowered, and his bangs covered his misty gray eyes. He put his hands in the pockets of his winter coat. He couldn't go back to the dorm, and his parents moved out and now he has no place to spend the night. After the destruction of "Ares", Outei Tsukinomiya became an ordinary school like everyone else. If before he could stay in the dorm and skip all the holidays, now he can't. And it all started with the fact that all the students were sent home for the winter holidays. If someone tried to stay in the hostel, they were kicked out, and those who tried to get inside, they were not allowed, while saying: "You don't have to come back until the end of the holidays!"... When he arrived home and rang the doorbell, he saw strangers instead of his parents. The man looked at him for a couple of seconds and smiled broadly. Man: You're the Nosaka Yuma from the Japan junior national football team! Yuma: Hello... He said with an awkward smile. Man: Did you come to your family for the holidays? Yuma: You could say that... I'm sorry if my question seems rude, but isn't Nosaka Harumi living here? Man: Harumi? The name is familiar... At that moment, a woman appeared in the hallway. Woman: This is the woman who sold us this apartment and moved with her husband to another country. Nosaka lowered his head so that his bangs covered his eyes. The woman came up to them. Woman: I'm sorry, but she didn't give you anything... We didn't even know that she had a son... Yuma: No, it's okay. Thank you for telling me that they moved. I'm sorry for bothering you. It's good for you to celebrate the New Year and happy holidays to you. He said with a sad smile. The guy turned around and started to leave, but a woman's voice stopped him. Woman: Wait! I still have her number. You can go inside and talk to her on the phone... Yuma: Thanks for the help, but no need. Once again, I'm sorry for the trouble and goodbye. The guy left, and the couple looked at each other. Man: I don't understand how you could do this to your child? To leave without telling him anything... Woman: I don't know, but I feel sorry for him... Nosaka didn't know where to go now. The guy sat down on a bench and thought about what he should do now. He didn't want to intrude on someone's visit or spoil the party. After all, the New Year is more of a family holiday and it is better to celebrate it with your family. While he was trying to figure out a way to sneak into his dorm unnoticed, he suddenly felt warmth on his cheeks. In surprise, he raised his head and saw in front of him the blue eyes of a girl who were looking at him with concern. There was a gentle smile on his face. Yuma: Anna... He was surprised, as he had not expected to see her. Anna: Your cheeks are cold. How long have you been sitting here? And why are you alone? Something happened? You look upset. She took off her red scarf and wrapped it around her nose. *Yuma's thoughts: How does she do it? I'm good at hiding my feelings and emotions from everyone, but she is... It's like he sees right through me. But most of all, I don't understand why I keep telling her the truth... Even now, I can't lie to her, especially when those blue eyes are looking right into mine.* Nosaka started telling her and after a while, he told her everything. Anna hugged him, the guy did not expect this, but did not push him away. He unconsciously hugged her back, while pressing his face harder against her chest. Anna: Since we are both alone, let's celebrate the New Year together! And since you have nowhere to go, then come with me. You're not going to spend all the holidays outside. They broke off their embrace. Yuma: I was planning to sneak into the dorm and hide from the guards. So you don't have to worry about me. Suddenly he noticed tears in her eyes. Anna: I see... I knew you didn't like me, but it looks like I was wrong and you actually feel disgusted with me. Now it's no wonder why you don't even want to be near me... Yuma: What?! The guy was at a loss and surprised at the same time. The girl turned around. Anna: Well, then I'll go, so as not to bother you... She took a couple of steps when suddenly Nosaka hugged her, thereby stopping the girl. Yuma: You don't disgust me! I just didn't want to impose on you, and I don't like holidays either... And I'm sorry... It wasn't nice or gentlemanly on my part, you listened and offered to help, and as a thank you, I refused to keep you company on this holiday, so I also brought you to tears... If your offer is still valid, then let's celebrate the New Year together... He said guiltily and regretfully. A grin appeared on Anna's face. She didn't know why, but she was sure Nosaka would fall for her trick. Anna: Do you really agree to accompany me on this holiday? Yuma: Yes. Anna: Are you sure? After all, you won't have a way back anymore. She turned to him and looked earnestly into his eyes. Yuma: That's right! I never break my promises. Anna: That's great~ She said with a mischievous smile. Anna grabbed his arm and pulled him along. Nosaka was confused. *Yuma's thoughts: Why do I feel like I've just been tricked?* Anna: Nosaka, you don't mind if we go somewhere first, do you? She spoke with a bright smile, which made Nosaka smile himself. Yuma: I don't mind. *Yuma's thoughts: Well, if it's Anna, then nothing bad will happen.* They went to the toy store first. Anna bought a lot of toys and asked the sellers to pack each toy beautifully and in a festive way. After that, she decided to go to the bakery store. Nosaka followed her and carried a large bag of toys. He didn't understand why she needed all this. The girl ordered everything she had and asked to send it all to a certain address. They left there and went to another place. Yuma: I'm curious... Why do you need all this? Anna: You'll see soon~ A few minutes later they came to the orphanage. From where all the children ran out and rushed to Anna. They surrounded them. Children: Little sister, you've come! Uraaaaaaaa~ They shouted joyfully. One of the children noticed Nosaka and screamed with delight. Jack: AAAAAAAAAAAAA! It's Nosaka Yuma! All the children looked at Nosaka and also screamed with delight. Jack: I couldn't even dream of meeting my idol! Lily: It's really him! He is much more beautiful in real life than on TV! Mika: Sister, thank you so much for such a gift! A gambling smile appeared on Anna's face, which made Nosaka feel uneasy. The girl came up to him and tied the scarf like a bow. Yuma: Have you decided to make a gift out of me? Anna: And why not? It seems to me that there is nothing wrong with the famous "Emperor of Tactics" giving these orphans a little of his time and attention. Yuma: Okay... Only this time I agree to be a living gift. Anna: That's great! Okay, it's time to give out presents! She turned to the children. Anna: And so guys! Get in line to receive your gifts! The girl opened the bag and began handing out gifts to all the children. They thanked her for it. When all the children received their gifts, the bag was empty. Each of them opened them and was happy. Anna: And so, that's not all! Now we're all going to go inside and you put your presents down. After that, we'll all eat and go for a walk outside. And at the end, a sweet table and fireworks will be waiting for you~ Children: HOORAY! They shouted joyfully and ran inside. The teacher came up to her and thanked her. After that, the three of them went inside. The children put down their toys and sat down at the table. After a few hours, they were already full. The guys went to dress warmly and went outside. Anna and Nosaka, together with the children, began to make a snowman. After a while, they finished. After that, some children played snowballs with Anna, and Nosaka rolled the rest of the children. Suddenly, a snowball flew into the guy's face. Anna: I'm sorry Nosaka, how are you?! Maybe an ambulance? She spoke with concern. The guy began to knock off the remnants of the snowball from his face. Yuma: Anna... It's just a snowball, you don't need any ambulance. Yes, and I am completely healthy. He sat on his knees and made a snowball. Yuma: So why don't we continue the fun? He said with a grin and threw a snowball at her. Anna: Well, hold on! She said with the same grin. Then everyone started running and throwing snowballs at each other. After a while, the teacher came up to Anna and said that everything was ready. The girl gathered everyone and they went inside again on the sweet table. Everyone sat down in their seats and began to eat sweets. Someone with hot chocolate, someone with tea, and someone with coffee. Lily: Today's holiday was the best! Jack: Exactly! And all thanks to sister and brother! Yuma: I didn't do anything like that. All this is entirely due to Anna, it was she who organized and bought it all. I'm ashamed that I didn't prepare anything for you... Anna: You're wrong. For these children, the biggest gift was that their idol not only came to them, but also spent time with them. Melissa: Brother... I'm sorry if this question seems rude to you, but is it true that you're like us? Tom: That's right! Before sister Anna came to us for the first time, we were all depressed... And then sister told us about the Japanese national team in which she was a member. And also showed your matches! Jack: And when she told us about you and Ichihoshi Hikaru, we didn't believe her. Nosaka stroked his head. Yuma: It's all true. When I was little, my parents sent me to the children's center, which was located in the "Ares" project. To be honest, I've never seen my father, and my mother said it would be better for my future. But in fact, they just got rid of me. They never visited or took any interest in my life. There was even a case when I went to the hospital after an accident. The doctors tried to contact my parents, but they didn't even answer the phone. And even when I was terminally ill or my life was in danger, they never tried to contact me. And today, when I returned home, I was met by strangers. Thanks to them, I found out that my parents had left for another country, they didn't even tell me anything about me and didn't pass anything on to me through those people. It is not difficult to understand that for my parents I never existed and really was just a hindrance to them. I'd be lying if I said that I didn't think about it as a child... And if I die, will they mourn for me? He said with a sad smile. Anna: Nosaka... She said sadly. Yuma: My reason and meaning of life was "Ares" to which I devoted myself. Thanks to him, I grew up to be a talented and famous person. However, now it has been destroyed... I was the one who betrayed and destroyed "Ares". As for Ichihoshi, his entire seed died in a car accident... He is the only one who could survive, but became an orphan. Because he believed that his brother was still alive. Ichihoshi did not break down and continued to live for his brother. But when he found out the truth and that "Orion" was using him, he broke down... Anna: But thanks to you, he's back to normal and even stronger. Ichihoshi often said that you replaced his brother. You've become a family to him. She said kindly. Lily: Brother... You said you destroyed what was the meaning of life for you. What is the meaning of life for you now? Yuma: Hmm... I don't even know... Nosaka thought about it, he looked at Anna, and then at his cup. The children noticed this and smiled excitedly. Yuma: Football, probably? The guy didn't think much about what really made him move on. When he was at "Ares", his goal was to change the world, and this became his meaning of life. But now... Is this really what he wants and lives for? Nosaka looked at Anna again and remembered. *Memories* Yuma: And unlike those who sacrifice their time and effort. We do not waste our energy and live in comfort. We can devote more time to ourselves and our family. He turned his head away from Anna and looked at the field. Yuma: These are the kind of people you get after the "Ares" balance. He closed his eyes and a picture of a happy family appeared in his head. A gentle smile appeared on his face. Yuma: It won't be difficult for such people to love their children and family. *The end of memories* Nosaka abruptly turned away from Anna and clutched his head as if trying to hide. *Yuma's thoughts: Now that I remember this, I want to sink through the ground... Why did I sound like I was trying to persuade Anna to start a family with me?! I really seemed to hint to her that I would be the perfect husband and father... Idiot... Yes, how can such people, who were raised more like robots, love anyone at all?! At "Ares", we were constantly told that feelings and emotions only get in the way. As a race, such people will be able to successfully build their career, but not a loving family... I've said so much to Anna, but I don't know anything about love myself.* Anna: Nosaka, are you all right? She spoke with concern. Yuma: Yes, I just remembered something. He got up and sat up straight. Jack: It looks like brother is in love with sister Anna! Anna's face turned red. Anna: Jack, don't be silly! Nosaka can't possibly be in love with me. Melissa: But it's true. When Lily asked brother about what has now become his meaning of life, he looked at sister Anna before answering. Tom: And if you think about it, then sister was also constantly looking at brother. Which means she's in love with brother! Lily: It turns out that the brother and sister have mutual love! She said happily. For the first time, Nosaka didn't know what to do or say. He could play along, but then it could hurt Anna, and if he starts denying, he will reject her again, as he has already done before, then he will open not only her old wounds but also hurt the feelings of the children. Whatever he chooses, it still hurts the girl's feelings, and he didn't want that. Anna: Nosaka, help me... She said and looked pleadingly. Yuma: When are the fireworks going to be? Thus, he changed the subject, but did not improve the situation. The children attacked Anna again with questions, but this time about fireworks. And after a while, the children finally waited for it. They all went outside and saw the fireworks. The children looked up with delight where fireworks like colorful flowers bloomed in the sky. Nosaka looked at Anna and decided to ask her a question. Yuma: Anna... Have you been helping orphans for a long time or since you found out about my past? Anna looked at him and smiled tenderly. Anna: I can understand why you asked such a question. So I'll be honest. I decided to help orphans after I found out about your past. As I said before, I couldn't believe that parents could do this to their child. And since I grew up in parental love and care, I thought that all children have the same as me. But you opened my eyes and helped me understand that there are parents in this world who really abandoned their child. Seeing how you were a bad person and suffered from it... If it wasn't for the guys who helped you, then what would have happened to you? Would he have died of his illness? Or would he have gone into surgery and continued to help Midwin with his misdeeds? The same goes for Ichihoshi... After all, he is also an orphan and because of the mental trauma, he thought that at least he had a brother left... He went down a dark path for him. And if it wasn't for you, who knows what would have happened to him. When I saw you two, I thought about it... And what will happen to those children who have the same situation with their parents as you two? Who will take care of them? Who will help them get on the right path when they get ready? Therefore, no matter what they suffer like you, I decided to help them. Maybe you're disappointed in me. Yuma: No. On the contrary, I even admire you. You were able to admit that your opinion was wrong. You've thought about the orphans and you're even helping them. Not everyone is capable of this. But you were wrong about something again. Anna: And what is it? Yuma: The one who helped me get on the right path was not the guys, but you. He said with a gentle smile. Anna: What?... A blush appeared on Anna's cheeks. Nosaka took off the scarf and began to put it on the girl. Yuma: None of the guys cared about me. Haizaki took out his anger on me because of the antics of "Ares" in which his beloved was injured, Asuto did not even try to make friends with me and he did not even try to guide me on the right path. Nishikage, he was afraid of me and tried not to go against me, like all the members of my team. But you're the first and only one. Anna, it was you who decided to tell me off for that terrible football. It was you who were not afraid of me, despite the fact that I could hurt you. It was you who decided to understand and find out the reason why I was so loyal to "Ares". You're the one who was worried about me... I tried to stop him and persuade him to undergo surgery. You rushed to me when it seemed like I was about to die, you even cried because of it. I understand that you did all this out of love for me. Anna, I don't dislike you and I don't dislike you, the reason I rejected you is that I don't deserve your love. You who grew up in love and care... And I who don't know what it is... I couldn't give that kind of feeling to anyone... Therefore... Thank you more for the fact that at least these children will know what love and care are. He spoke sadly and at the same time with tenderness, which brought tears to Anna's eyes and she began to cry. Nosaka gently touched her face to wipe away her tears. Yuma: And again, I've brought you to tears... Sorry... Anna shook her head negatively. She touched his hand and pressed her cheek against it harder. Anna: No! It's not your fault! It's just that I'm touched that it turns out I'm dear to you, and even in my own way, but you care about me. You're ready to give up your feelings for my happiness... You may have said it without realizing it, but you just confessed your feelings to me. She said with a smile on her face. Nosaka was surprised. Yuma: How... How do you manage to see me through? You know and see what I feel, and it's strange, because no one else can see them. Even I don't realize how I feel... Anna: I don't know myself... It somehow happens by itself. Maybe I was created especially for you. Like you said, I grew up loving and caring, so I can teach these kids the same thing. Nosaka... She took his hand away from her face and tangled their fingers as if in a lock. Anna approached him, and Nosaka flinched in surprise. It seemed that their lips would touch each other a little more, since there was almost no distance between them. Anna: I will teach you to love. Therefore... Why don't we try to start a relationship? She said with a beautiful smile on her face, which made Nosaka swallow nervously. Yuma: You do understand that until I understand what it's like to love, you will have to suffer a lot. And it's not a fact that I can still learn to love... There is a possibility that even if I learn to love, there may be another one next to me. Are you sure this risk is worth it? Anna: In order to achieve something, you need to take risks sometimes. And for some reason I am sure that I will become a part of your family. A grin appeared on Nosaka's face. Yuma: Well... I will look forward to this moment. He kissed her on the lips, thereby completely removing the distance between them. Anna's eyes widened in surprise at first, but after a couple of seconds she closed them and began to respond to the kiss. It seemed that a miracle had happened for both of them on this New Year's Eve. Nosaka never liked holidays, but today was special for him in the first days. *Yuma's thoughts: Family, right? I think thanks to Anna, this wish will be able to come true.* While these two were kissing, they did not notice how the fireworks ended and now all the children were looking at them. When they pulled away from each other, they heard the children's cries of delight. When Anna came to, she blushed to such an extent that she lost consciousness and smoke seemed to be coming from her head. Nosaka reacted in time, catching the girl. The children started laughing. Lily: If sister Anna reacts to a kiss like that, then what will happen to her when she and brother have children? Nosaka, along with the teacher, was surprised. Yuma: I didn't expect that at this age you already know where children come from. Teacher: They shouldn't know about it at all! At that moment, Anna came to her senses. The guy looked at her. Yuma: You're not going to lose consciousness again, are you? Otherwise it will be difficult to carry you home in my arms without knowing your address. Anna blushed again at the realization of the situation. The guy noticed it. Yuma: Don't even dare... Before he could finish, she fainted again. Annoyance was visible on the guy's face, he sighed heavily, his expression changed to a gentle smile. Nosaka took Anna in his arms like a princess and said goodbye to everyone. He carried her slowly in his arms, and after a while she came to her senses. The girl realized that she was in the hands of a guy and it made her feel awkward. She started when she suddenly heard his voice. Yuma: Before you pass out again, can you tell me your home address? He asked mockingly. The girl finally gave her address without looking at him. Anna: I'm sorry and thank you... Now you can put me on the ground, I'll go myself... She said shyly. Yuma: Nah, suddenly you'll lose consciousness again. Anna: I won't lose it! She mimicked, while unconsciously looking at his face. A blush appeared on her face, and she awkwardly looked away from him. Yuma: If you're so embarrassed by just looking at me and fainting from just a kiss, then what happens when we get beyond that? Where is that brave girl who said she would ring me? He said with feigned disappointment. Anna: It's just that this is my first time and I'm not used to it... Not only had I never been in a relationship with anyone until that moment, but suddenly I got myself a boyfriend who is the dream of all girls... That makes me a little uncomfortable. Nosaka looked at her and at that moment Anna seemed very nice to him. Which is why he unknowingly stopped and kissed the top of his head, then his forehead, nose and cheek. The guy began to give her gentle kisses everywhere, thereby embarrassing her even more. Anna: N-Nosaka! She said, stuttering and trying to stop him at the same time. *Yuma's thoughts: She reacts so sweetly. It makes me want to tease her even more.* Anna: Let's go to my house already, otherwise we might freeze. Yuma: Are you sure? He said with an echid smile. Yuma: Maybe I should go back to the dorm somehow. Anna: Don't forget that during FFI I lived under the same roof with you. So nothing will happen if you spend the night at my place during the holidays. Yuma: We weren't in a relationship then. Anna: Then it was even more dangerous to live under the same roof with a bunch of guys and not have your boyfriend next to you. I still remember how some gangsters accosted me and if Endo-san wasn't around, it's not known what they would do to me. Yuma: What kind of scoundrels are these? Anna: I don't know, but it was because of them that Endo-san was taken away by a policeman. Perhaps I remember this day well, since it was on this day that you returned from surgery. Nosaka immediately guessed what was going on. Yuma: Ichihoshi... He said irritably, while putting Anna on her feet. The girl did not understand what Ichihoshi had to do with it. They held hands and headed to her house. Anna: What does Ichihoshi have to do with it? She asked curiously. Yuma: Before he came over to our side, he was the one who tried to get rid of our team. So the gopniks, this is most likely also his handiwork. Well, if that's the case, then he just has to help me with something. Anna: And with what? Yuma: You'll find out soon. He said with a devilish grin, which sent goosebumps all over the girl's body. After a while, they reached her house. The couple went inside, where they continued to celebrate the New Year. Or rather, the girl made them hot chocolate, which they sipped while watching a movie, while wrapped in one blanket. Anna's head was resting on Nosaka's shoulder. When the movie ended, the couple was already fast asleep. Both were tired, but happy with the day. They will never forget this day, because it was on this holiday that their story began. Nosaka, who never liked holidays because he had been alone since childhood. He was looking forward to the next ones, because now he has someone with whom he can celebrate them. And Anna decided that now she would always arrange pleasant surprises for Nosaka on holidays and she would definitely teach him to love.

Notes:

Happy New Year to all~ 🥳🎄 I wish you all good luck and all the best in 2024!