Chapter 1
I wish Christmas would just disappear.
Perhaps I muttered that because of the Christmas illuminations I saw in front of the station. Although Christmas was still over three weeks away, the city had already begun its preparations. The tree glittering in the center of the station's terminal was for Christmas. The main street was decorated with lights, shining brilliantly. I stood on the deck in front of the station, leaning against the railing as I took it all in.
I wondered where all the money for this came from. The breath I exhaled deeply turned white from the cold, gathering in front of my nose.
On Christmas Day, it would probably look even more beautiful. The city would be overflowing with lovers, Christmas songs would emerge from nowhere, and the world would be wrapped in happiness.
Damn it all, I thought to myself.
After all, I was supposed to be viewing this scene with my girlfriend.
You say you love me, but I'm sure it's not true. It's sad, but I understand.
That day, after being together for over a year, she had said that to me. Lying on the bed in just her underwear, she narrowed her eyes as she smoked a cigarette.
Thank you for everything.
Then she gave me a small smile.
I realized then that nothing I could say would matter anymore. Understanding that my path would no longer intersect with hers, I felt something close to despair, yet I couldn't bring myself to speak words of denial, only wishing fervently that it was all just a dream.
On that last day, even as she left the room, she gently stroked my head.
Let's just do our best, shall we?
I had pondered the meaning of those words ever since, unsure of what I should strive for and what lay ahead of me.
I wish Christmas would just disappear.
My muttering wasn't directed at anyone, just words that slipped out like a sigh. I never expected a response.
It's possible, you know. To erase Christmas.
It was a girl's voice, coming from behind. I turned around in a panic towards the source of the voice.
There stood a girl who seemed to be a high school student. Well, I couldn't be certain she was one. But she wore a navy blazer beneath a matching coat, with a white blouse and a tartan skirt. Her black hair was cut in a short bob just above her shoulders, and her features looked youthful. She held a school bag in both hands.
Apart from the fact that she was out at this hour and had approached someone like me, a college student, she really did seem like a high school girl.
I can make Christmas disappear.
Her voice was uninflected, almost flat.
What?
I must have looked incredibly foolish. Was this some kind of prank, targeting me, even though I wasn't a celebrity or anything? Or perhaps a setup for a scam?
I can erase Christmas.
Her claim was utterly outlandish.
Regardless, thinking it best to avoid any involvement, I pretended not to notice her and started to walk away.
Please wait, Mr. Criminal.
As I began to step down from the pedestrian bridge, I heard her words and stopped in my tracks.
Criminal. At that word, I felt the blood drain from my face. A chilling realization. I slowly turned around, my eyes widening in shock.
The girl in the uniform was holding a green notebook. An ordinary notebook, yet . . .
I've read this.
Indeed. Seeing her smug and distain-filled look, I was certain. That notebook was mine.
I moved to snatch it back.
Don't move, please.
Her voice was commanding.
If you try to take it by force, I'll scream that you're a pervert.
You have quite the personality, don't you?
Are you falling for me?
She was seemingly unfazed by my sarcasm. I sighed deeply and shook my head.
Sadly, I can't bring myself to like someone who peeks at others' belongings like a criminal.
What are you talking about? You're the criminal here.
She flipped through the notebook with a taunting air as she spoke.
Who do you think it would be interesting to give this to, Mr. Criminal?
The girl's voice was tinged with a sadistic pleasure as she spoke.
The police? Your parents? Or perhaps to your beloved girlfriend . . .
All right, all right.
I raised my hands in surrender.
What do you want? Just to let you know, I'm a heartbroken, washed-up college student. No money, no remarkable talents, just a pathetic man. Threatening me won't get you anything.
Doesn't it make you sad to say that?
The girl sighed as if exasperated.
Have I not been clear? My wish is to erase Christmas.
That again.
Are you out of your mind?
The girl silently moved closer as I questioned her, and before I could say anything else, she kicked my shin hard.
Ouch . . .
The impact was surprisingly strong, coming from her slender frame, and I crumpled to the ground. My leg was so numb from the kick that I couldn't stand up for a while.
Hey, Mr. Criminal. Whether you live or die is up to me, you know.
The girl crouched down in front of me and grabbed my hair.