The Twelve Disastrous Days Of Christmas

December 15th

One, two, three, twenty-three messages, unspeakable images and pencil marks were scattered on his desk. He figured at a private school, the desks would be replaced every year or so. Actually, no, that seemed too often. Well, no matter what it was, the desk looked as if Takahashi had sat on it last. He seemed like the kind of person to doodle obscene images on school property.

It's the break... No one will bother me... Starting... Now-

"Hey, Saiki!"

Right on cue.

"I wanted to let you know that I might need your help later," said Kaidou, whispering ominously as usual.

Whatever it is, I don't want to.

"I should have enough strength to fend off any ominous spirits, but you must forgive me if I let my guard down, considering the circumstances..."

Circumstances...?

"It'll be tempting for the evil forces to strike when we're all gathered together, and I wouldn't want to risk the lives and souls of the people we hold dear," he said, nearly shedding a tear.

Yeah, yeah, sure.

"That would ruin the party. And we can't have that!"

The party...?

"See you later, Saiki!"

Kaidou left, without even confirming whether or not Saiki would aid in his battle.

Again with the stupid party. Couldn't he ask Kuboyasu to help? At least he's actually going to be there.

Later, Toritsuka mentioned the same thing.

"They got Teruhashi to go, can you believe it? A whole party with her, hahaha!" He did a silly little dance, clearly showing his excitement. "Christmas is so romantic, and we'll be together for hours!"

Saiki was unaffected, and frankly, annoyed by his constant pestering.

"Hey, are you not excited for the party?"

'Why would I be excited if I'm not going?'

And wouldn't want to go.

"Wait, you're not? But Tits was telling me that-"

"Don't call me 'Tits'! Do I not tell you enough?" Aiura waltzed up to him and smacked him over the head. "Stop it!"

"Ow! Hey!"

"Oh, hey, Kusuo! I need to take this guy away, so if you'll excuse us," she said, smiling cheerfully and dragging him out by his shirt.

"Can't wait for the party!"

...

Again with that stupid party, good grief. Why would they even tell me about it if I'm not going?

They must be over excited. Figures.

"Saiki-kun, are they alright...?" said Teruhashi, approaching Saiki and gesturing to Aiura and Toritsuka.

'Yes. They're like that all the time. Ignore them, like I do.'

"Okay then... Are you walking home with Akechi-kun today?"

Saiki nodded.

"Oh? Where is he?"

'Bathroom.'

"Well, alright then. I'm sure I'll bump into you again soon."

Finally, a normal interaction. Took them long enou-

"Ooh, and I'm so excited for the party! I'm sure we'll all have a great time!"

How...

He stood up and grabbed his bag, heading out the door.

"Goodbye, then...?"

He nodded again, heading out the door.

They have things so mixed up, don't they?

He had no idea.