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The morning air was crisp as Hikari and Sumiko headed to the airport, their breath visible in the cold. Hikari, with his carefree attitude, walked with his hands in his pockets, looking around with curiosity. Sumiko, on the other hand, was all business, her eyes focused and her stride purposeful.
The sun had just begun to rise, casting a golden hue over the city as they approached the bustling terminal. Travelers hurried past, wrapped in coats and scarves, dragging their luggage. The sounds of rolling suitcases, boarding announcements, and distant conversations filled the air.
As they entered the airport, Hikari was fascinated by the energy of the place. "Wow, it's so lively here!" he exclaimed, eyes wide with wonder.
Sumiko sighed, glancing at him with mild irritation. "Focus, Hikari. We're not here for sightseeing. This mission in Hokkaido is important."
Hikari nodded, trying to look serious. "Got it, Sumiko. I'll be on my best behavior."
They made their way through check-in and security, eventually finding their gate. As they waited for their flight, Sumiko reviewed the mission details one more time.
"Our target is a nasty cursed spirit causing trouble in Hokkaido," Sumiko explained. "We need to handle this efficiently. Remember, you're here to learn, but be ready to act if necessary."
Hikari nodded. "I understand, Sumiko. I'll do my best."
As their flight was announced, they gathered their belongings and headed to the boarding area. Sumiko felt a mix of anticipation and worry. This mission was crucial, and she hoped Hikari would rise to the occasion. Hikari felt both nervous and excited, eager to prove himself.
Boarding the plane, they settled into their seats. Hikari immediately started poking around, adjusting his seat, and fidgeting with the tray table. Sumiko tried to ignore him, but her patience was wearing thin.
"Hey, Sumiko," Hikari said, leaning over with a grin. "Do you think they serve sushi on this flight?"
Sumiko rolled her eyes. "It's a short flight, Hikari. I doubt it."
Hikari smirked. "Well, if they don't, maybe I can just conjure some with my awesome cursed energy skills."
Sumiko snorted. "If you can conjure sushi, I'll actually be impressed. But until then, can you just sit still?"
Hikari leaned back, pretending to ponder. "Hmm, sitting still... That sounds almost as hard as our mission."
Sumiko shot him a look. "Focus, Hikari. This isn't a joke."
Hikari held up his hands in a mock surrender. "Alright, alright. I'll behave. For now."
As the plane took off, Hikari kept himself entertained by making funny faces at Sumiko. Despite herself, Sumiko found it hard not to laugh at his antics.
"Do you ever take anything seriously?" she asked, exasperated but smiling.
Hikari grinned. "Of course I do. I just like to have a little fun along the way. Keeps things interesting."
Sumiko sighed, shaking her head. "Just make sure you're ready when we land."
Hikari gave her a thumbs-up. "You got it, boss."
As the flight continued, their banter lightened the mood, making the upcoming mission seem a little less daunting. Despite her irritation, Sumiko couldn't help but feel a bit more at ease with Hikari's playful presence.
Hokkaido, located in the northernmost part of Japan, is known for its stunning natural beauty, with vast landscapes, mountains, and hot springs. As the plane flew closer, Sumiko couldn't help but think about the serene scenery they would soon encounter. The thought of the snow-covered fields and picturesque towns momentarily distracted her from the mission ahead.
Seated in the comfortable second-class cabin, Sumiko glanced at Hikari, who had fallen asleep next to her. His carefree face looked peaceful, a stark contrast to the irritation he often caused her. She wondered if she should continue disliking this handsome boy who always seemed to find a way to annoy her, yet also had moments of surprising competence.
Their treatment on the plane was decent—not quite first class, but certainly better than economy. They had been given this level of comfort because, despite being students, they were on an assignment to eliminate a simple cursed spirit in Hokkaido. It was an important task, but not one that warranted any special treatment beyond the basics.
As she looked out the window, Sumiko's thoughts drifted back to the mission. This was Hikari's first mission, and he was supposed to learn by watching her. The responsibility weighed on her shoulders, and she hoped he would take things seriously when it mattered.
Sumiko's gaze returned to Hikari, his chest rising and falling with steady breaths. She sighed softly, a mix of frustration and a reluctant fondness filling her. Maybe, just maybe, there was more to Hikari than his playful exterior. Perhaps this mission would show her a different side of him.
The distance from Tokyo to Hokkaido is significant, spanning over 800 kilometers. Traveling by plane, it typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach New Chitose Airport, just outside of Sapporo, Hokkaido's largest city.
As the landing announcement echoed through the cabin, Hikari slowly opened his eyes, roused from his sleep. He turned his head and saw Sumiko resting on his shoulder. How she ended up there, he wasn't sure, but he couldn't help but notice how serene she looked. Her snow-white eyebrows framed her closed eyes perfectly, and her long, fluffy white hair cascaded over his shoulder, its subtle scent invading his senses.
For a moment, Hikari felt a strange mix of emotions. He admired her beauty, but he knew he needed to control his thoughts. Taking a deep breath, he gently nudged her.
"Sumiko, wake up,we're almost there,"" he whispered, trying to keep his voice steady, flashing her a lazy smile."Ready to show me how it's done?"
Sumiko stirred, blinking awake and lifting her head from his shoulder. She looked around, momentarily disoriented, before her eyes focused on Hikari.
Sumiko rolled her eyes. "Just try to keep up and don't get in my way," she mumbled, straightening up and brushing her hair back. "Let's get ready to disembark."
Hikari chuckled. "I'll do my best, sensei."
As they prepared for landing, Sumiko thought about their return journey. She had always wanted to see more of Hokkaido's beautiful landscapes, and maybe this time, she could convince Hikari to take the land route back to Tokyo. The scenic route would take longer, but it would be a chance to enjoy the picturesque countryside and perhaps gain a better understanding of her annoying but intriguing companion.
As the plane landed , Hikari and Sumiko collected their belongings and disembarked. The crisp Hokkaido air greeted them as they stepped out of the airport. Making their way through the terminal, they spotted a man holding a sign with their names.
"Welcome to Hokkaido," the man said with a smile. "I'm Agent Kondo from Jujutsu High. I'll be your guide for this mission."
They followed Agent Kondo to a waiting car. Driving through the city, Sumiko admired the snow-covered streets and distant mountains. Soon, they arrived at a cozy restaurant.
"Let's grab some food before we head out," Kondo suggested. Inside, the warm aroma of freshly cooked dishes enveloped them. They ordered bowls of miso ramen, crispy tempura, and fresh sashimi.
As they ate, Kondo explained the mission. "Our destination is a rundown temple in a remote village," he said, pointing to a map. "A cursed spirit has been causing some trouble, but it's nothing too serious."
Sumiko nodded. "What do we need to know about the spirit?"
"It's just a restless monk's spirit," Kondo replied nonchalantly. "It's known to cause some mental distress and minor injuries, but it shouldn't be too difficult to handle. I'll be waiting outside while you two take care of it."
Hikari leaned forward. "What's the plan?"
"We'll drive to the village and set up a base near the temple," Kondo said. "You two will enter the temple and deal with the spirit. Just be prepared for anything."
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— I should also start writing my others novel that are on pending!—
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