“Merry Christmas.”

When I opened my eyes after that unexpected drenching, an old friend stood before me, unrecognizable. Dan and Jerry, the wild duo who had attended every party during their college days, were friends who were so similar and well-matched, yet they drifted apart due to a certain incident. Ten years later, on a White Christmas Day, Jerry, who was gambling at a casino, was kidnapped by Dan. Dan then proposed a chess game to Jerry, making it a bet.

“If I win, let's go to ‘that forest’.”

As they played chess, recalling that incident they both wanted to forget, a tense atmosphere hung between them. In this uncomfortable situation, as Jerry tried to escape, Dan pointed a gun at him. And seeing Jerry, who could have killed him but didn't, Dan finally voiced the question buried deep in his heart...

“Back then, you...”

(Source: Ridibooks, translated)