When Budding Lilies Blossom

Rena and Manami had originally planned a romantic Christmas date, but their holiday was derailed when Manami fell ill with a cold. Determined to make up for lost time, Rena visits Manami’s home on New Year’s Eve. As she arrives, however, nervous thoughts begin to consume her. This marks their first night together, and Rena finds herself blushing at the mere possibility of whether Manami has intimate thoughts about her. Despite her lingering insecurities, Rena resolves to give Manami the most memorable evening possible. To Rena’s astonishment, Manami has prepared a delayed Christmas miracle. The room is adorned from floor to ceiling with festive decorations, and Manami radiates excitement as she presents Rena with a beautiful necklace. Overwhelmed by gratitude, Rena suddenly panics upon realizing she arrived empty-handed. Yet Manami remains entirely unbothered by the oversight. For her, no wrapped present could ever compare, because Rena herself is the only gift she truly wishes to unwrap.