Sorry for making you guys stay after practice like this...

No, that's okay. I didn't have any other plans today.

Anyway, what is it that you wanted to talk about? It didn't sound like it had to do with our event...

So, I've been wanting to take a survey.

A survey?

It's almost Christmas, so we've been thinking about putting out a seasonal menu like we usually do.

We're decided on chicken for the entree, but still haven't agreed on a dessert.

We have two candidates that are both really good.

So, we want to decide by asking what our regulars think!

I see. If that's the case, I'd like to help, but...

I know that sweets aren't exactly your thing, so we won't force you to eat anything.

Yeah. I mean, that's what Akito's for!

What's that supposed to mean?

You have the biggest sweet tooth out of all of us! Therefore, we definitely need to see what you think.

Anyway, give me one second while I go get the samples.

Oh, our candidates are honey waffles and French toast!

The honey waffles have whipped cream sandwiched between them and a nice helping of ice cream covered in berry sauce on top.

The French toast is a fairly standard affair. Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside!

Wow! Those both sound really yummy...!

If it's covered in berry sauce, you should be able to handle it, right?

Yes, I'd like to have some.

Speaking of which, have your families all started getting ready for Christmas?

Yeah, it's not decorated yet, but we got our tree out already.

Yes, my mom's also started putting decorations up...

Isn't it still kinda early for that?

We usually wait until the last minute.

Haha! Us too.

This place sort of comes first, so we usually rush to get everything set up on Christmas Eve.

Oh, and does Santa Claus stop by you guys' places too?

Hehe. Every year.

My family's Santa usually asks these roundabout questions to see what I want for Christmas. I usually know what's going on, but I play along since it's so sweet of him.

I see. So that's how your family goes about that...

Does that mean Santa is more direct at your house, Toya...?

Yes, that's usually the case.

Really?! That means you get to ask for exactly what you want!

What about your family, Shinonome?

We sort of do that too because Ena won't shut up if we don't.

And? What about you guys...?

Oh, us?

Hmm... I don't think I've ever been asked what I want for Christmas.

And yet...

I always seem to get what I want.

That's incredible.

I suppose we shouldn't expect any less from Ke... I mean, Santa Claus.

I know, right...?

How does he always know?

Thanks for waiting.

Here are your honey waffles and French toast.

Wow...! These smell delicious!

Toya, neither have syrup on them, so you should also be able to try some.

Thank you very much.

I'm looking forward to trying them.

Alright, let's split them into quarters.

Starting with the French toast.

Okay!

Hey, Dad...

There's something I wanna ask you.

Shoot.

I always seem to get exactly what I want for Christmas, but I usually never say anything.

How does Santa Claus always know?

Does Mom help out with that?

You'll have to ask him yourself.

I'm in high school now.

You don't have to hide it from me anymore.

Hahaha. To us parents, you'll always be our little ones.

Yeah, I get that.

Anyway, you should have some dessert too... Before they eat it all.

Grr. I'm gonna unravel the mystery of Santa Claus someday.

Good luck.