Chapter 26

Synopsis
It's the Christmas season, and all the children are excited for the arrival of Santa. To keep Kotaro from being disappointed, Ryuuichi does his best to play the part of Santa like their father. Meanwhile, Hayato reaches out to his estranged dad for the sake of Taka's happiness this Christmas.

Long Summary
Kotaro is mesmerized by all the Santa and Santa-like objects and people he passes by while Ryuuichi urges him to hurry up so that they will not be late. In the daycare room, Usaida sits near the heater and points out that it is rare for Ryuu and Kotaro to arrive after he does. Ryuu apologizes and regrets going to the mall for a notebook instead of the convenience store. Kotaro holds a gambling flyer, and Usaida asks why he has such a flyer. Ryuu points at the tiny picture of Santa on the flyer, saying that Kotaro must be staring at it. Taka suddenly jumps up and announces that he has seen an even cooler Santa at the toy store and that he asked him for a transformers' belt. Usaida informs Taka that Santa only visits children who are well-behaved, so he may not visit Taka this year. Taka tears up and argues that he is a good boy, but Usaida comments that he never finishes his broccoli. Taka trembles and softly says that he will eat his broccoli. Usaida seems rather amused. Suddenly, Hayato hits Usaida on the head, to which Usaida argues that he was making Taka eat his broccoli. Hayato tells him that he knows he is only trying to make Taka cry, which Usaida admits. Taka runs over to his brother and asks if Santa will visit. Hayato points out the obvious, saying that the Santa he met was not authentic, but Ryuu covers his mouth, urging him not to destroy his dreams. Hayato says that he was shopping with Taka when he saw that Santa. Kotaro pets Taka's head, confidently saying that he is a good boy and that Santa will visit.

Later, Kirin declares that she believes that Santa might not exist, causing Satoru to swoon over her. Takuma happily announces that he asked Santa to be with Kazuma forever, to which Kazuma agrees. Kousuke cries and asks Ryuu what to get his sons for Christmas since they are such good children. Yukari tells Ryuu that she has finished Yutaka's Santa costume while Ryuu thinks about how he would play the part quite nicely. While changing for gym, Ryuu stuffs clothes up his shirt, attempting to look like Santa, but instead causing his classmates to believe that he was trying to look pregnant. They ask if he is doing this for his little brother while Usokawa comments that it is usually the father's job. The other classmates immediately hit him, scolding him for not paying attention to Ryuu's family situation. Ryuu dismisses the slip-up and explains that his parents took Christmas rather seriously and that Kotaro is looking forward to meeting Santa. He tells them that he would like to become Santa in place of his parents this year, which emotionally touches his classmates. Usokawa quickly takes out his new smartphone to look up cheap Santa costumes. He finds a revealing female costume and imagines Ushimaru wearing it. On the subject of smartphones, Usokawa suggests Ryuu ask the chairwoman for one since she is wealthy. Ryuu becomes flustered and refuses, thinking about how much she has helped him already. His classmates interpret the chairwoman as stingy and unreasonable. Hayato opens the door, and Ryuu calls after him, saying that he will go with him to the courtyard. However, Hayato blatantly states that he is skipping class.

While walking in the hallway, Hayato passes by his father, Taizo, and politely bows. After they have passed each other, Taizo calls his name, but dismisses it. Hayato says that if he called him to ask about a present for Taka, he can buy him a transformer's belt. Taizo asks why he would get a present of Taka, and Hayato says that he had long figured out that the anonymous presents that they were receiving were from him. Taizo goes silent, and after a long pause, asks Hayato if there is anything that he wants. Hayato asks him when he will tell Taka with his own mouth that he is his father, saying that there is nothing else that he wants. Hayato turns away, but turns back to ask Taizo where the chairwoman's office is.

On Christmas Eve, Kotaro and Ryuu stare at the ornately decorated Christmas tree with awe. Saikawa prepares an entire feast for the two, and Ryuu thinks about how his classmates believe he is abused, though it is quite the opposite. Saikawa explains that the chairwoman is attending an important dinner and excuses himself, saying that he also has work to return to. Ryuu thanks him for preparing dinner and tells Kotaro to thank him, but Kotaro stays silent. Saikawa wishes to stay, but apologizes for having to leave. He tells the two that their reply that they would be lonely without him makes him happy and wishes them Merry Christmas before leaving. As Kotaro clings onto Ryuu's sleeve, Ryuu thinks back to when he did not completely understand Kotaro's thoughts and reflects on Saikawa's comment about loneliness. He tellls Kotaro that since his big brother is here with him, they can happily eat together, saying that Santa will be here soon. Ryuu is then shocked, since he cannot change into his Santa outfit with only the two of them there. Ryuu excuses himself, telling Kotaro that he needs to use the restroom, but Kotaro follows him along into the bathroom. Ryuu wonders how his father was able to change into his costume and figures that he must have been too distracted by cake to pay attention.

Suddenly, the door bell rings. Kotaro's eyes light up and he calls out Santa's name while running to the door. Ryuu hesitates as he opens the door to see all the members of the daycare center and the parents wishing them a Merry Christmas. The chairwoman takes the bag with the Santa outfit from him and pats his head with a small present, saying that she does not like kids who do not grow up. In the box is a cellphone, and Ryuu figures that Hayato must have told the chairwoman about his broken phone. Ryuu speaks to his father and mother, saying that he felt disappointed when he did not see them when the door opened, but those feelings were greatly outweighed by the happiness he felt. He admits that he felt so happy, he started to tear up.

Characters in Order of Appearance

 * Kotaro Kashima
 * Ryuuichi Kashima
 * Usaida Yoshihito
 * Taka Kamitani
 * Hayato Kamitani
 * Usokawa
 * Ushimaru Yuki
 * Taizo Hebihara
 * Saikawa Keigo
 * Morinomiya Youko