Dear Hakuba,

                         I’m sorry I haven’t been around this holiday season. I’ve been visiting my family, and catching up with a great many friends I haven’t had the chance to see in some time. It’s been splendid, but I did want to be sure you received my gift before the new year. I’m told this will arrive sometime New Years Eve, and I hope that I’ve been told right. A shame I missed Christmas. I bet you had a splendid time, and I hope that the new year finds you happy. If not, I hope that it will let you be full of optimism, to go to the future, go into this next year and thrive.

                      Merry Christmas.

-Emi Reiko Himura                        

–

Hakuba held the case in his hands, wrapping from the shipping box and all else draped over his arms. “But… This is…”

[text] Emi-kun! You shouldn’t have!

[text] I’m joking, of course you should have!

[text] Or no- God, do you realize how much these — ??

[text] I’m walking to my study right at this moment.

[text] Happy New Year, by the way. I do hope that you got the teacups I sent. 

[text] Good God!

[text] I adore you!!!