A Different Christmas (KomaHina)

The Hidden Tree ✩

"Hinata? Are you listening?" I lifted my head off of my desk drawing my attention towards the teacher at the front of the classroom. "Can you answer my question?" I brushed my hair off my face and went to speak. "The answer is four, x equals four," I hated maths, especially algebra. Why did anyone think to bring letters into maths. Maths is for numbers! I've never been smart or talented. I have no interest in this class anyways. I slumped my head back down onto my desk closing my eyes. I awaited the siren of the school bell so I could leave to eat recess, but the lesson felt like it was going for hours. Plus, Komaeda isn't in my maths class so I have nobody to talk too. Maybe he could help me with my algebra homework, he is good at this kind of stuff. I don't understand how one individual can be so smart and kind. I looked up and inspected the room. Very generic, there were an equal number of wooden desks placed in rows, there was a vacant desk that had papers and folders stacked on top of it, there was a small array of flowers which were spread across the window seal and a small shelf at the back which held many books about Shakespeare and other pointless historical figures. Overall, a nice but boring classroom.

My thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the loud shriek of the school bell notifying students and teachers that it was finally time for break. I sighed in relief. At recess today Makoto and I are planning on helping set up the hall once again. Since last time neither of us made much progress. I picked up my book and walked out of the classroom. I went to my locker where I neatly placed my folders and books away. "Hey Hajime!" I heard a call from the distance. As I turned in the direction of the hallway I was faced with the bright and cheerful Makoto who seemed quite pleased with himself. "I managed to convince Komaeda to join us again today! Isn't that great!" he clapped. I grinned. "Yeah that's awesome," I smiled. Maybe I could ask Komaeda about the algebra homework while I'm there. Makoto quickly skipped away towards to gym where they were setting up. I followed by not as fast, I didn't want to waste my energy. Plus, I'm extremely tired. I didn't get much sleep at all last night. I was too busy thinking about that stupid game of truth or dare, and the kiss.

I don't really want to admit it but the kiss in the storage room was my first kiss ever. It makes me sound lame since I am sixteen. I huffed. "Makoto wait for me!" I quickly picked up my pace and ran to catch up with Makoto.

I arrived at the gym soon after Makoto and walked in to see the progress the group had made while he was gone. the area was well decorated and very bright. Flashes of red green and gold from the tinsel made the scene look so cheerful and bright. I looked towards a corner and saw Komaeda sitting alone on the floor. He looked sad. I tilted my head and whispered to Souda who was walking around near me. "Is he ok?" he stopped moving and looked over where Komaeda was seated. "He hasn't said a word to any of us all morning." As Souda said that Komaeda looked up. He stayed silent slowly looking back down at his lap. I quickly hurried over and slid down the wall to sit next to him. "Komaeda are you ok?" I placed my hand on his shoulder. He sat there completely still for a moment but quickly pulled me into a tight hug. My eyes widened but I adjusted, and I brushed my fingers through his fluffy head of white hair. "I-I'm sorry," he mumbled. "Can we leave?" Komaeda sniffled burying himself into my chest. "Oh, uh yeah, of course." I stood up followed by Komaeda who almost hid behind me as we walked. I told Makoto that we were going to head out and he said it was ok noticing that Komaeda was uncomfortable.

He led me out to a secluded part of the school by a grouping of trees. He sat down leaning against one. I sat against the other side of the tree gently placing my head on the rough bark. I looked up at the bare branches laced with shimmery white snow. "H-Hinata?" Komaeda whimpered. I noticed the tears quickly rolling down his cheeks. he looked so sad. "Komaeda, it's ok," I smiled turning around to face him. that's when I noticed that Komaeda was kneeling beside of me inside of sitting against the tree like he was before. He tried to grin even though it was clear he was struggling. I wiped away the tears on his face with my sleeve. "Everyone is so happy because its Christmas. They all have friends and family to go home to. Naegi has Kirigiri, Miss Nevermind has her whole kingdom! but, I'm left with nobody. I don't have anyone to open presents with or bake with. It's not fair!" he dug his hands into the snow which coated the ground. I frowned but tried to hide it, "You have me," I slightly grinned. I saw his eyes widen. "Huh?" he paused. "Nobody has ever said that to me before," Komaeda quickly pulled me into a tight hug. "You're the best Hinata!" he giggled. His laugh was so cute. "I am?"