I would never expect that I would be experiencing this problem. Money problem? Absurd. I'm talking about being run out of my room, because of the rent increase. In case you haven't heard, grandma Hina decided to increase the rent to 60%. I meant we'll be paying an additional 60% to the current rent! It's according to Keitaro-senpai. I'm thinking of applying part-time jobs for a while. I've been thinking about it for a long time anyway. But I fear that I'm already occupied as of now with my exorcisms, and that taking more work will affect my studies. Mother and father will not be pleased.

I went home tonight and reported this news to mother and father. To my surprise, I've been told that they're willing to give me the money!... to pay for the first rent when the increase is pushed through. Afterwards, I'll have to leave Hinata Sou.

It's pretty chilly outside and it was snowing. At first I was hesitant to leave my comfy futon, because I stayed up last night playing boardgames with my senpais. Their classes start next week. And it was a battle trying to go back to school today. It was a very fun Christmas season. Keitaro-senpai was on a roll and he planned a back-to-back party. Not only that we did a New Year's party, Keitaro-senpai kicked a Year Starter party as well! What is he now? A party animal? Keitaro-senpai? Unheard of.

Everyone in class was all lazying about in the classroom. Even the teacher admitted that she wasn't in shape to be teaching yet. She said that there a lot of gatherings, celebrations and buffets during her holiday season. Everybody's still having a hangover. I really wish that I slept in today. Curse my warrior's discipline!

It was a long day, but it was fun! I was asked by Keitaro-senpai and Narusegawa-senpai to help stall Shinobu-chan while the rest prepares for her surprise birthday. Narusegawa-senpai was also tasked to stall Shinobu-chan by going to the market district. Narusegawa-senpai asked Shinobu-chan for help about some recipe. And while they were out buying things at the market district, I secretly followed them. The plan was, if both of them finished earlier than anticipated, I would surprisingly show up and execute my delaying tactic to Shinobu-chan. I'm lousy at scripts, you know. Fortunately, I was called by Keitaro-senpai and he said that everything was set with guests already present at the Hinata Sou. Actually, they've already prepared and that they just needed to decorate and put everything in place. I called Naru-senpai afterwards. And yeah when we all went back... I tell you, it was a long day. But it was fun.

It's Nee-sama's birthday today. I bid farewell to my fellow tenants in Hinata Sou for a few days while I travel back home. Everyone wanted to celebrate Nee-san's birthday and so everybody was present. I would've been ashamed if I was the only person that didn't make it.

"Keitaro-senpai, I'm heading back home for a few days."

"Hmm... okay. Be safe." he still has no energy. It felt that I wanted to hit him to make him snap out of it. But it wasn't really appropriate. Because he looked more like Keitaro-senpai was hurt.

"I'll- I'll be going now. Take care of yourself, senpai."

"Sure..." such a lifeless reply. And his eyes were almost dead too. Anyway, I'm sure everything's going to be all right.

There was a lot of food. I was really jealous. How come they throw a feast for Nee-san? I should get the feast! I'm going to be the head soon! Not Nee-san! When it's my birthday, I only get a cake-- and we celebrate it at Hinata Sou. Sigh. Somehow it's pissing me off.

"Moto-chan. Thanks for coming."

"Nee-san, otanjoubi omedetou gozaimasu."

"You look really different, Moto-chan. It's my birthday, but how come you're the one that looks different. You've become really pretty."

"Nee-san... your flattery won't change the present I have for you. Here."

"Can I open it?" she asked.

"Go ahead." then Nee-sama laughed. "W- what?"

"It's nothing. Truly... you've changed. Your taste have become... how should I say it... you've become somehow refined. Thank you for the lovely necklace."

Me? Refined? Ugh. I better get a good present on my birthday!