Chapter 85
First Shrine Visit with Everyone②
Past 11 PM, the temple bells had begun ringing for the New Year. The shrine was overflowing with visitors; many were likely spending New Year’s Eve here and would continue on to their first shrine visit of the year.
This shrine, facing the mountain, was quite spacious, and numerous food stalls lined the area in front of the torii gate. I, along with Seiya, waited near a prearranged meeting spot for the girls.
We had received a message that their cars had departed, so they should arrive soon. I thought we’d make it in time for the New Year countdown.
We’d celebrate the new year together and then head to the main hall for our prayers, though we’d have to be careful not to get lost in the crowd.
But with this many people, it was easy to imagine getting separated, just like during the summer festival.
And yet, there was a strange sense of déjà vu… or something like that.
“Um… are you alone?”
“Would you like to join us for the shrine visit?”
“Um… if you don’t mind.”
Seiya Kanagi, handsome as ever, could draw the attention of any girl just by wearing a hakama. Truly a “girl magnet.”
Seiya casually brushed them off, weaving past the girls.
“So many… this makes the tenth time, huh?”
“Still as popular as ever. Maybe it’s the charm of the hakama.”
Meanwhile, I, wearing the same hakama, was completely ignored. The tall Seiya and the hakama looked perfect together. I noticed people subtly taking photos on their phones—like he was a celebrity.
Hey, stop calling me in the way!
“Sei-chan!”
That resonant voice belonged to Hiyori Amano, a current high school idol. Her voice carried effortlessly, as expected from someone whose profession was singing. Her blonde hair and flower-patterned furisode suited her perfectly.
Following her were Kana Yumisaki and Umika Sera, approaching from behind.
“Sorry to keep you waiting.”
“Senpai~ I’ve become prettier, right?”
Yumisaki’s black hair complemented her furisode beautifully. Sera, usually casual, looked undeniably cute dressed up.
“Is everyone here?”
Seiya raised his voice.
“Yes. We came in separate groups, but since we left at the same time, everyone will arrive shortly.”
Sure enough, Mizuri Kagaya, Saika Kudohara, and Kasumi Hojo also appeared. Each wore a different furisode that suited them perfectly.
The gazes of the other shrine visitors were intense; with their furisodes and beautiful faces, it looked like an idol agency gathering. Well, there was indeed one idol.
Watching Seiya’s composed face coordinating everyone was amusing. I stayed in stealth mode.
“Wow! Seiya-kun, Taiyo-kun, the hakama suit you both really well~”
“There are quite a few people. A bit noisy, huh?”
“It’s the end of the year. But I’m glad we made it in time.”
The three of them chattered as they looked around. That made eight of us; the remaining two were Tsukiyo and Urahara.
“Seiya, whose furisode impresses you most?”
“Can’t say that here.”
“Such meaningful conversation you’re having~”
Mizuri joined the conversation. Her light brown hair was neatly tied up, and given her natural beauty, she looked incredible. You can’t underestimate someone like her.
“Seiya-kun, what do you think? A different furisode style than usual~”
“Well, it’s fine, I guess.”
Seiya had to compliment everyone, so showing preference could cause trouble.
“But it really looks good. Her hair down usually, but this changes her impression.”
“Uh-uh-uh, Taiyo-kun, you’re not supposed to compliment me, right?”
The attention of the surrounding visitors shifted.
Gasping and admiring voices were thrown their way. Today, Urahara, usually wearing her hair in braids of a grayish-brown shade, had it styled differently—accompanied by Tsukiyo.
“Taiyo-kun, she’s here~”
“Oh… this is wonderful.”
Mizuri extended her hand to introduce, and Seiya calmly gave his impression.
Tsukiyo’s furisode was dark pink with cherry blossom patterns. Her chestnut hair was braided, with pink floral ornaments accentuating her beauty.
Even her small face, which I was used to seeing, felt as if it were my first time noticing it.
Her makeup was impeccable. I marveled at just how beautiful someone could become.
Tsukiyo stood before us.
“Um…”
“…”
I didn’t know what to say. Perhaps this is what it means to be truly speechless. My mouth opened, but no words came out.
Then, the temple bells rang again.
“Everyone, fifteen minutes until the New Year!”
Hojo’s voice brought everyone back to reality. Tsukiyo went to Sera and Urahara, and I… remained standing, frozen.
“She really outdid herself with her beauty.”
“Hey, you still need to tell her properly, Tsuu-chan.”
I slumped my shoulders, scolded by Kudohara and Hiyori. Why couldn’t I just say she looked beautiful? I should have been able to, countless times before.
“As expected of my sister, perfect in every way. I raised her well.”
“Seiya-kun’s siscon spirit is always as usual, huh.”
The ten of us gathered and waited.
And at midnight, we welcomed the New Year.
“Happy New Year!”
Everyone exchanged greetings. The year had flown by, and now we were finally third-year students. Exams and other challenges were approaching.
Near the torii gate, more visitors arrived for the first shrine visit, and the crowd began swelling. Our group risked being swept up in the wave.
“Don’t get separated. There’s a less crowded spot near the main hall. Let’s regroup there.”
Everyone agreed with Seiya, pairing up to stay together in the crowd.
I stopped thinking and let my body act naturally. There was only one person I truly wanted to speak with.
I reached for their arm and drew them close. They were surprised but immediately leaned in and stayed by my side.
“Taiyo-san…”
“Let’s go, Tsukiyo.”
“Yes.”
I led Tsukiyo away from the crowd, toward a spot a little away from the shrine’s torii. After about five minutes, we stopped.
From here, we could overlook the main hall. It was a private space—no interruptions. The prayer would be a bit late, but she would understand.
“Hm?”
I heard the sound of a message on my phone. It was from Seiya: “Don’t have any regrets.” Then messages kept coming—Mizuri, Kudohara, Hojo, Hiyori, Yumisaki, Sera, Urahara.
Short messages, each a single word or phrase. Typical meddlesome people… but I was glad.
I faced Tsukiyo.
