The Moon-Viewing Festival is upon us, and unfortunately my grandparents won't be able to celebrate it with me this year. They're forbidden from drinking alcohol, which certainly upset my granddad (cheeky brat) - and they're heavily monitored by the nursing facility.
I would've been fine with a lone arrangement, would let me just laze around and watch TV, but...
"I wanna run away from home for a bit."
A girl next to me gave me an impossible request.
"Huh?"
"I mean, your parents aren't around, right? So why don't I just spend a night at your place for change? I promise I won't be noisy."
"Well, duh, obviously I expect a guest to act appropriately - the issue is: are you REALLY sure? Surely that'll make your parents want me dead on the spot."
Yukino went silent for a moment, deep in thought. After some contemplation, she answered.
"The thing is: when my family celebrates any kind of holiday, it's way too formal. I want to experience a holiday that... Isn't heavily restricted by its traditions - I want to treat holidays as less like an obligation, and more as a genuine holiday where you spend with your dear ones."
"And you consider me as such."
Yukino gets flustered
"W-Well! I don't have any better options! And like, you're absolutely free for that day with no obstacles in a way! Do not get it twisted!"
"Yeah-yeah. As a staying-for-the-night guest, I will have you do some chores with me. Don't expect me to treat you reverently just because of you're visiting."
"Geh..."
After our periods, me and Yukino go to convenience store to buy ingredients for the preparation.
"Okay, that should be alright..."
"Why is selection taking too long?" Yukino asked and I point to both the price tag and expiry date.
"One must be frugal with their spendings, especially if you're planning on living independently. Not only that - you should watch out for expiry date, since stores like to peddle stuff that's either already expired or close to. Don't wanna get poisoned while you're at it."
As we continue to browse the store, Yukino conspicuously gazes at the alcohol isle.
"What's wrong, Yukino?"
"... I wonder how I would feel under the influence..."
"What's with the rebellious spirit all of a sudden?"
"W-Well, if I'm going to spend time with you - m-might as well spend it to the fullest!..."
"Alcohol's not healthy."
"Well, neither like 90% of the food. Come on, don't be such a stickler about it! Besides, don't people drink sake during moon viewing?"
"We're buying non-alcoholic sake then."
"Hiin..."
...