Chapter 84
First Shrine Visit of the Year with Everyone①
December 31st—New Year’s Eve.
From the morning, I was busy helping with the house cleaning and shopping for the New Year. The Yamada family wasn’t particularly wealthy, but they took care to do everything properly, so this time of year was quietly hectic. Plus, during the first three days of the new year, we’d be visiting relatives.
Since Christmas, I’d been so busy I hadn’t been able to talk to Tsukiyo, let alone Seiya. I could have just sent a single email, but I hadn’t.
Even though it had been busy, the evenings were free, and suddenly I found myself with nothing to do.
A few train stations away from the nearest station, there was a large, historic shrine. After the new year struck, we were supposed to meet in front of the station and go for Hatsumode (the first shrine visit of the year) together. Last year, I was similarly free, so I went to Seiya’s house, had New Year’s soba with him and Tsukiyo, and then the five of us—including Sera-san and Urihara-san—went for Hatsumode.
Now, it felt awkward. If Seiya was working his part-time job, only Tsukiyo would be there, and that would be uncomfortable…
“Maybe I shouldn’t even go for Hatsumode…”
A heavy feeling settled in my chest. Why did I have to feel this way at the end of the year?
Just then, my phone rang. The caller was Seiya.
“Hey, you free?”
“Yeah. What’s up?”
“Get ready immediately. We’re heading out.”
Looking out my room window, a black car was parked outside. That was the Kudohara family’s luxury car. I knew this pattern. I quickly changed, stuffed my camera into my shoulder bag, and went outside.
Climbing into the back seat, I saw Seiya leaning back comfortably.
“Hey.”
“Yeah, I got caught right after my shift ended.”
Seiya waved his phone. A solo email from Kudohara had come through: “There’s no need to attend the year-end party, so I’ve decided to play with my cute kittens. Take Taiyo and wait.”
The car started moving, presumably toward the Kudohara family’s villa. We’d spent the summer festival and Christmas party there too.
“Hey, Seiya… how’s Tsukiyo?”
“Same as always. No tension like before finals.”
“R-Really?”
“Just wait for the right moment and talk to her. There’s a chance.”
It was past 8 PM, and Seiya and I were relaxing in the guest room. Meals were served, and the TV was enormous. I’d never seen a 70-inch TV before. Truly, the super-rich are on another level.
“If Seiya marries Kudohara… I’d want to come visit every day.”
“What are you talking about? Don’t be ridiculous.”
Even saying that, I wondered if Seiya was thinking the same thing. It was quite the golden opportunity. Kudohara was a capable woman, so theoretically, he could live as a kept man. Not that it concerned me.
As we joked, Kudohara entered the guest room.
“You two are taking it easy, huh?”
Her long, hazy-colored hair swayed as she approached. She was in casual clothing, but compared to what we were wearing, she looked overwhelmingly stylish.
“Senpai, what about this time?”
“I’ll have your outfits ready soon, so get prepared. You’ve probably never worn a hakama. Let them help you dress.”
“Hakama, huh… like the yukata in summer. It really makes you feel focused.”
“Don’t worry. They’re inexpensive, so if they get dirty it’s fine, Taiyo.”
Even though she said that, when I looked up the previous outfit, the forehead embroidery alone had cost over six figures… expensive clothing for her amusement is still scary.
“Will you be dressing up perfectly too, Kudohara?”
Her yukata last time was perfect. Tsukiyo looked cute, but Kudohara’s presence was overwhelmingly noticeable.
“I would love to, but I came back here suddenly and wasn’t prepared. This time, I’ll leave that role to Tsukiyo.”
Tsukiyo… that should be interesting.
“Please don’t put my little sister in too expensive a kimono. What if something happens…”
“Don’t worry, I just want to see her. I want to engrave Tsukiyo-kun’s cute furisode appearance in my memory. Taiyo, make sure to take good photos.”
“Kudohara really seems to enjoy herself, huh.”
Her eyes were sparkling. She really loves cute girls… it’s hard to describe. She was excited because she was going to dress other girls in furisode. Originally, she had been at a party with important people until midnight and had been feeling low-energy. She had even said she wasn’t sure if she could go for Hatsumode, so this must be exciting for her.
While Seiya and Kudohara chatted like usual, the men’s kimonos were quickly brought into the room.
“Then I’ll go get dressed too. Oh, Taiyo-kun.”
“Ah… yes?”
“Everyone knows about what happened at Christmas. You have your own thoughts, but… Tsukiyo-kun has feelings too.”
“…Yeah.”
“Everyone supports your relationship. Make sure to consider that before you… speak or interact with her.”
With that, Kudohara left.
“Was that meant to encourage us?”
“No, about 80% was a threat. I could practically hear her say, ‘Don’t make Tsukiyo sad.’”
Women working together are scary… I wonder what happened that Christmas night. All the women stayed here. But I want to remember that remaining 20% of encouragement.
Seiya and I got dressed and moved toward the shrine before the New Year struck.
