Chapter 1: A Year's Worth of Debt

Huh, who could it be? It's so early in the morning.

Coming. Who is it?

Ichigoooo!!!

Morning.

What are you guys doing here? And why the school uniform?

Do you know what day it is today? It's New Year's Eve! That means this year's coming to an end!

I bet you still have so many things you weren't able to do this year! Isn't that right?!

Keigo's just been sulking because he didn't get much attention from you this year.

Uh, why all of a sudden?

We're friends, aren't we?! But look back on what we did this past year!

You weren't around for summer break, and even when I invited you to hang out, you'd always say you were busy.

So today of all days, you're gonna spend time with me!

All right, I get it.

Aww?! You're going out today, Ichigo?!

But I put so much work into preparing the New Year's Eve soba for tonight.

Don't worry. We'll be back before evening.

Oh, all right. Then bundle up and stay warm out there.

Thanks.

We'll wait for you right here. Go get changed into warmer clothes.

Yeah.

By the way, Yuzu, I saw you had a New Year's greeting card on the living room table. Weren't you supposed to send that out?

Ahh! I completely forgot about it!

Aww. It probably won't make it in time for New Year's, huh?

By mail? I doubt it. It's probably best if you deliver it in person at this point.

Hmm, but wouldn't that be weird?

I'm going out anyway, so I'll explain the situation and give it by hand. That should be fine, right?

Okay. Thanks for doing that.

Wait, Ichigo! Let me go with you!

Hello? Is the red-headed kid around?

Hey, there. Hold on, let me go get him.

Here he is.

What do you want?

Uh, I didn't mean Renji.

Oh, I knew that. It was just a joke! Haha!

Jinta! You have some visitors!

So, you're back here being errand boy for Kisuke again?

Is he blackmailing you or what?

Don't ask.

Whaddya want, Carrot-Top?

I guess Yuzu forgot to send out her New Year's greeting cards, and I know it's a day early, but I brought it to you in person.

For me?! Wh-Why would she send me one?

Ooh, what's wrong, Jinta? Your ears are turning bright red.

Looking back on it, you always gave her a little extra something whenever she came by.

Ooh la la.

Wait, hold on. You like Ichigo's sister?

Isn't that great, Ichigo? How do you feel about having him as a brother-in-law?

What?! I don't want this kid to be-?!

Sh-Shut up already! Say one more word and I'll beat you all into a pulp!

That's not very nice, Jinta. Don't you know it's my birthday today?

Does it look like I care?!

It's your birthday, Kisuke?

You should've told us earlier.

I'll go buy something to celebrate.

You don't have to. I mean, unless you really want to. I feel bad for making it sound like I asked for it.

Hey, you're coming too!

Huh? Why me?

I'll put up the decorations.

Then I shall prepare a full course meal!

That sounds fun.

Well, we're gonna get going now.

All right. Have a Happy New Year, everyone!