Hatsumode is a Japanese tradition of visiting a shrine for the first time in the new year. People go to pray for good fortune, health, and safety in the coming year. Shrines in Japan are filled with visitors during Hatsumode, with an atmosphere full of spirit and hope accompanying the turn of the year.
In front of the Nakano sisters' apartment, Eiji stood in casual clothes: a thick dark gray coat, a dark blue scarf wrapped around his neck, and warm black pants. The cold air that night did not bother him, even though snowflakes were still gently falling. He was waiting for Nino and Miku, who were getting ready inside.
"A month has passed, huh... Time flies by without notice. For some reason, I feel restless as time goes on."
His brows furrowed; Eiji had a premonition that he needed to do something important, but he couldn't remember what it was.
He would regret it for the rest of his life if he missed it.
"Occupational therapy, medication, psychotherapy, and other attempts to treat amnesia. None of them have worked; I still can't remember my past."
Trusting his intuition, even though Eiji always appeared calm on the surface, he was actually anxious.
"Sigh... I have done what I can. All that's left is to let nature take its course."
Realizing that his restlessness and anxiety would change nothing, and instead, would make his life unhappy, Eiji could only resign himself.
"But... women take a long time to get ready."
After waiting for nearly 20 minutes, the apartment door opened. Eiji turned and saw both girls walking toward him.
Nino and Miku appeared wearing beautiful winter yukata.
Nino wore a bright red yukata with soft cherry blossom patterns, paired with an elegant gold obi. Her hair was neatly styled in an updo, adorned with small flower-shaped hairpins that added to her grace. She radiated a confident and dynamic aura, as usual, but that night she looked more enchanting than ever.
On the other hand, Miku wore a soft blue yukata with maple leaf patterns, giving a peaceful and calm impression. A silver obi adorned her waist, adding an elegant touch to her appearance. Her hair was left down, only decorated with small flower petal-shaped hairpins. She looked graceful and gentle, like a figure embodying the tranquility of winter itself.
"Have you been waiting long?" Nino smiled as she noticed some snow in Eiji's hair and helped brush it off.
Miku, with a shy smile, slightly lowered her face.
"Sorry for making you wait, Kamiki-kun."
Eiji looked at both of them for a moment, knowing that if he didn't say any compliments now, it would lead to dissatisfaction from both girls, so he did.
"It's no problem. You both look very beautiful in those yukata."
Nino was pleased to hear the compliment, flipping her hair and proudly saying, "Of course. It's New Year's Eve; I have to look special."
Miku only smiled faintly, her cheeks slightly flushed from Eiji's praise.
"Then let's go. Don't let Ichika and the others wait too long." she said to change the subject.
"Maybe Ichika hasn't come yet. After all, she's really bad at waking up in the morning." Nino said uncertainly.
Together, they stepped out toward the nearest shrine.
❀❀❀
The road to the shrine was filled with people moving with enthusiasm, their faces beaming despite the biting cold.
The distinctive aroma of street food and the sound of laughter filled the air, creating a enveloping that New Year's Eve.
Eiji walked beside Nino and Miku, keeping a safe distance to protect them from the increasingly dense crowd.
After fifteen minutes of walking, they arrived at the shrine area crowded with a sea of people.
Lanterns hung along the path, casting a warm light that contrasted with the cold air. The sound of temple bells echoed, accompanying the hurried steps of visitors eager to offer their first prayers of the new year.
Nino glanced at the crowd, her eyes trying to spot a familiar figure.
"Where are they? It seems almost impossible to find Itsuki, Yotsuba, and Ichika among so many people." She said a bit frustrated.
"They said they would arrive earlier, but maybe they got stuck in this crowd too." Miku nodded in agreement while looking around.
If it were her from before, she would be dizzy being in the middle of such a crowd.
Eiji observing both of them carefully, realized it would be more efficient to use another method.
"We should call them. It's better to determine a meeting location than to search in a crowd like this." He said calmly.
Even with Six Eyes, it would take time to find Itsuki and Yotsuba in a sea of people. He had to admit that people were very enthusiastic about coming to pray at the shrine, even though it was still early.
Nino looked at him for a moment, then nodded.
"You're right. I'll try calling Ichika."
While Nino was busy looking for her phone, Miku looked at Eiji with a faint smile.
"You can always be relied upon, Kamiki-kun. Whether it's work or other things, you are very helpful to us." she said softly.
"On the contrary, I should be the one thanking you, Miku-san. You are willing to help someone as suspicious as me; just saying thank you isn't enough to repay your kindness."
"It's only natural for us to help each other. I'm sure Kamiki-kun would do the same if you were in my position at that time."
"I don't know; I'm not sure."
Eiji shook his head, disagreeing with Miku. In his opinion, he wasn't the type of person who would help others selflessly.
Around them, the sounds of the crowd and the rustling of gently falling snow filled the air.
Nino ended the call and sighed in relief.
"They're near the main gate. Come on, let's go there."
Then the three of them moved toward the indicated direction, slowly navigating through the crowd.
Due to the large number of people, they jostled against each other until they almost got separated. Fortunately, Eiji's reflexes were very quick. Before Nino and Miku could be pushed away and disappear into the crowd, he held each of their hands, preventing them from getting separated.
"That was close. Thank you, Eiji."
"..."
Unlike Nino's usual response, Miku felt a bit shy having her hand held by Eiji. After a moment of contemplation, she did not pull away.
The three of them arrived at the main gate, and then they heard someone calling them.
"Nino, Miku, Kamiki-san, we're over here!"
"There."
As Nino and Miku searched for the source of the voice, Eiji quickly spotted it.
He saw Itsuki and Yotsuba wearing yukata, and their hairstyles looked different than usual. Besides the two twin girls, he noticed a man and woman with black hair who seemed to be siblings near them.
"Hm?"
As he walked closer, Eiji could sense emotions of dislike and slight hostility from the black-haired man.