Suruga-Ya SS: This Year's First Shrine Visit Wish

This year's first shrine visit was quite different from their last. Amane and Mahiru were dressed in perfectly ordinary clothes to visit the shrine.

Last year, Mahiru borrowed a kimono from Amane's mom for their shrine visit. However, this year, she didn't have that kimono; even if she did, Mahiru wasn't confident she could wear it well for the occasion. While she knew the basics of putting on a kimono and even had Koyuki's approval, she didn't feel it was enough to justify arranging one on her own. Besides, they would be taking the train this year, so there wasn't much room for the elegance of a kimono. That's why they left the house in warm casual clothes this year.

When Mahiru noticed a hint of disappointment on Amane's face and asked him about it, he replied, "Your kimono last year was unbelievably cute, so I was hoping to see it again…but it must be a hassle to put on, huh?"

Mahiru quietly decided to borrow one again next year by asking Shihoko nicely or finding a way to arrange her own kimono.

"Did you wish for anything this year?"

After they finished their shrine visit, Amane casually asked the question, prompting Mahiru to snuggle close to his arm and look up at him.

"Same as last year—for good health and to experience this happiness for a long, long time."

Mahiru's wish was a simple one at heart. She wanted nothing more than to spend her days with Amane in good health and peace. It was the same wish as last year, yet it carried a slightly more profound meaning this time.

When Mahiru spoke with a gentle smile, Amane returned an equally warm look.

"That's just like you. I say that, but I wished for the same thing, too," Amane replied.

"Nothing good will come of being too greedy, after all. Wishing for these days to continue might be plenty greedy already," Mahiru mused.

"Then I'm just as greedy. Guess we'll both have to work to make it happen. We can't just rely on the gods for everything now, can we?"

"You're exactly right."

Both Mahiru and Amane understood that relying solely on divine intervention wasn't enough—they needed to put in the effort themselves to keep their time together comfortable and fulfilling. Their wish was simply a final nudge, a request for the gods to watch over their efforts. However, the one wish Mahiru truly wanted to be granted this year was something else entirely.

"I made one more wish, but unfortunately, it's not something I can grant.

I hope it comes true," Mahiru said softly.

"Same here, but this one's really out of my hands…" Amane replied bitterly.

Judging by the look on his face, it seemed they'd wished for the same thing, and Mahiru couldn't help but give a wry smile at how perfectly their thoughts had aligned without any planning. Amane must have realized it too, as he wore a matching expression, almost like a mirror image of her own.

"I just hope that things turn out well for everyone. It would be sad if someone had to swallow their tears and give up."

"Yeah… We have no control over what happens, so all we can do is wait and see how things unfold."

"We still haven't got any updates from them yet, so there's not much else we can do now, is there?"

Since New Year's Eve, Itsuki hadn't replied to anyone—not even Amane, his best friend, or Chitose, his girlfriend. Chitose messaged Amane, asking if he knew what was happening with Itsuki. It wouldn't be unusual for him to respond late after a day, but after two or three days of silence, even Chitose's usual lively messages began to sound increasingly anxious. "It's really starting to weigh on Chitose-san now. Watching her spirits sink lower and lower is hard to bear…"

"Itsuki has to sort this out for himself, so we can't step in. Though Chitose is directly involved too, so…"

For now, since it was Itsuki's matter, they hadn't told Chitose anything. However, knowing the situation themselves while leaving her in the dark felt far from ideal. After all, she was more deeply involved than anyone else. Letting Chitose stay confused and worried without knowing what was happening didn't feel right.

"…What should we do?" Mahiru asked quietly.

"I'll talk to her," Amane replied. "It might go against Itsuki's wishes, but…leaving her worried sick like this isn't right."

Amane was prepared to accept whatever consequences might come—whether that meant Itsuki's anger or even a strain on their friendship. Mahiru gave a gentle, sympathetic smile as if to say she'd share any scolding that came his way. Then, to ease the slight tension in Amane's hand, she softly intertwined her fingers with his.