𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 - 𝐀. 𝐆𝐀𝐊𝐔𝐒𝐇𝐔𝐔

𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 :𝗦𝗡𝗢𝗪𝗙𝗟𝗔𝗞𝗘𝗦

—monsters in the dark be free and feel the snow
it's pretty in the afterglow

STANDING ON THE EDGE OF YOUR PENTHOUSE, You looked down on the frozen sea right in front of you. You stared at the small, fragile glass that was glistening down from the sky, extending your arm to catch one or two. Smiling at the little snowflake on the palm of your hand. The sting of its coldness electrocuted through your skin, making your arms shake. You then continued rubbing your arms to feel some sort of warmth you were missing tonight.

I shouldn't have agreed to go on this trip.

Looking back on your space, you decided to catch up on your student council work. It seems that the school's offenses and problems just keep on increasing. From housepet's complaints, cases of cheating, loss of money, and Kirari Momobami's trial. They never give you a break.

I swear Yumeko's the only great gambler in this school.

Obviously, she's merely a carbon copy of me, after all.

You walked through the big interior, picking up the paperwork cluttered on your table. Sitting down on your office chair while eyeing the details of Kirari Momobami's case. You saw the rather old photo album you had brought with you.

The cover of the beige album was minimalist and straightforward. "[first name] & Gakushuu." Like it was said on the outside, the album was filled with your pictures from New Year to Valentines, Halloween to thanksgiving, everything. Some photos were newly taken, while most are oddly ancient-looking.

You shook your head before closing the album with a sigh. You should have just went with your father, a nagging voice in your head exclaimed. Clicking your tongue, you thought, I'd rather die than be all sweet with him.

After setting down the album, you walked to your room and looked for a thick winter coat to keep you warm outside. Choosing your red winter coat, you got it off of its hanger and wore it. Of course, not forgetting to bring your Hyakkaou Academy emblem. You were planning to spend the holidays in the casino after all. Once you were all set, you carefully locked the door and walked on the way to the lively casino.

Although, you wanted some sort of freedom from your puppeteer's strings. It did feel really off to not have anyone else around you.

Why am I so miserable during the holidays?

Is this freedom or loneliness?

The last question was lingering through your brain the longest. Oh, to feel numb in the most breathtaking city in Japan, Kyoto. Oh, to feel so sleepy in a city that never sleeps. This was all too tiring for you. Because for all you know, your father and father in law wouldn't give a damn about celebrating the holidays. Or maybe they did. But they just separated you and Gakushuu, anyway, so what's the point?