“Chiharu-chan and Tenka-chan aside, it’s a shame Hijirin couldn’t make it.”
After they started walking, Ayaka said that—though she didn’t look particularly disappointed.
Chiharu and Tenka both had family homes in Kansai, so naturally they couldn’t come for hatsumode—
And in Chiharu’s case, her family ran a shrine, so she was busy helping out. Hatsumode—first shrine visit of the New Year
Meanwhile, Hijiri lived relatively close by, so he had been invited.
“…Sounds like he’s got a lot going on.”
Soichiro said with a wry smile.
Hijiri had his own obligations at home during the New Year—
They had regular visitors, so he needed to help prepare and receive guests.
That was why he couldn’t come.
At least, officially.
“His house is nearby though. It wouldn’t take that long just to stop by and pray…”
Ayaka tilted her head, puzzled.
At the Tachibana household, of course, there were preparations for guests too—
But Ayaka herself didn’t really think of doing that kind of work personally.
As long as she gave instructions and checked things at the end, the staff could handle the rest.
And that way of thinking wasn’t entirely wrong.
The Ryouzenji household also had staff—
So even if Hijiri slipped away for a bit, it wouldn’t cause any real problems.
Which meant his “busy” excuse was only half true.
(…Didn’t want to third-wheel on a double date, huh.)
Remembering Hijiri’s words, Yuzuru smiled to himself.
He’d been considerate.
Though maybe a little awkward about it too.
“Wow… so many food stalls! It’s like a festival!!”
As they reached the shrine, Arisa clapped her hands, eyes sparkling.
Stalls lined both sides of the path, catering to the New Year crowd.
She looked around eagerly, curious about everything on display.
“…Let’s pray first, shall we?”
Seeing her nearly drawn in by the delicious smells, Yuzuru gently pulled her along.
Arisa blinked, snapping back to herself.
“R-right… of course.”
She quickly composed herself.
The four of them headed straight to the shrine without detouring and finished their prayers.
“…So, what did you wish for this year?”
When Yuzuru asked, Arisa smiled mischievously.
“The same as last year. What about you?”
“Same as last year.”
They exchanged a glance and laughed.
Seeing that, Ayaka leaned in with obvious curiosity.
“What? What do you mean, the same as last year?”
““It’s a secret.””
They answered in unison.
Ayaka pouted slightly—
Apparently feeling left out of their “shared secret.”
“Come on, now I’m curious…”
“Probably just something like wanting to keep flirting next year too.”
Soichiro said casually, trying to placate her.
Yuzuru and Arisa both nearly protested—
But since it was basically correct, they couldn’t say anything.
“Since we’re here, why don’t we write ema?” Wooden plaques for writing wishes at shrines.
Turning back to them, Soichiro pointed towards a nearby stand.
Sure enough, ema were being sold.
“Sounds good.”
“Yes, let’s.”
Though they had a vague idea of his intentions, Yuzuru and Arisa agreed.
They bought ema and used markers to write their wishes.
—May I spend next year together with my fiancée.
—May I be with my fiancé next year as well.
After writing, they hung them in the designated area.
Ayaka peeked at them and turned to Soichiro with a grin.
“As expected of you, Soichiro-kun. Bullseye.”
“Told you.”
““…””
Being laughed at, Yuzuru and Arisa frowned slightly.
In retaliation, they checked the ema the other two had written.
—I hope my uncle finds a good partner.
—I hope my younger brother’s love comes true.
““…””
Both wishes were about someone else’s happiness—
Impeccably virtuous.
Hard to criticise.
Though not entirely without openings.
“…Your brother’s love—that’s my sister, isn’t it?”
“Well now, let’s hope it brings good fortune.”
Soichiro cheerfully patted Yuzuru’s shoulder.
After that, the four of them drew omikuji. Fortune slip.
During the school trip, Yuzuru and Arisa hadn’t had great luck—
But this time, both got daikichi. Great blessing.
Relieved at such a promising start to the year—
Though, considering Soichiro and Ayaka also got daikichi, there was a suspicion this shrine handed them out a bit too generously.
“Hm? Arisa… are you buying a hamaya?” Decorative arrow used as a good luck charm.
“Yes. I thought I’d keep it in my room… is that strange?”
“No, not strange exactly, but…”
Unlike small charms that cost a few hundred yen, hamaya were a few thousand.
A bit pricey for a high school girl buying one for herself.
“I’ve got a bit of money saved up. If I’m getting something, I’d rather it feel effective.”
“I see…?”
Yuzuru wasn’t entirely convinced—
But Arisa looked so pleased examining it that he let it be.
Maybe it was like buying a wooden sword on a school trip.
“…Anyway, we’ve finished what we came for…”
After Soichiro and Ayaka picked out their charms, Arisa spoke up hesitantly, clearly restless.
Yuzuru smiled and nodded.
“Shall we check out the stalls?”
“Yes!”
She nodded eagerly.
Yuzuru glanced at Soichiro and Ayaka—you’re coming too, right?
The two of them smiled wryly and nodded.
