Floating Lanterns I: The Charms

"Emi, I'm leaving," Toru's hoarse, loud voice cut through the chatter, his expression emotionless and indifferent as he linked arms with his clingy girlfriend. "See you, sis-in-law!" Himemiya Kazumi called out playfully, waving with unrestrained energy. She was a whirlwind of spirit, a towering presence like a raging flame before them.

With a final wave to the group, the couple turned on their heels and made their exit. Naggi, Hinoda, Emi, Shinji, Shouichi, Misaki, and Ayane stood by the bonfire, watching them go. The faint sound of traditional folk music echoed through the air, adding a layer of eerie calm to the scene, as if the night itself held a quiet, lingering mystery.

Next, Shinji also raised his voice, addressing the group with a grin, "Well... we're off to grab some food too. Have fun, guys!" With that, he casually wrapped his arm around the tall, busty girl's shoulders, walking away together like a picture-perfect couple.

"Huh?" Hinoda with his long neck, gasped before lowering his voice so only his friend, Naggi, could hear, "Bro, when are those two dating?" 

"What~What do you mean?" Naggi replied, scratching his cheek questioningly. 

"The manager and the silver wolf, of course!" Hinoda clarified enthusiastically, nodding towards Shinji, who was whispering jokes into Emi's ear. She laughed joyfully, though her brown eyes remained fixed on Shinji's angelic face. The girl was utterly captivated by him, no doubt.

"Ohhh... I don't think they're dating. Shinji's always been a flirty guy, but he's never once gotten serious with anyone," Naggi remarked, his tone flat and dismissive. "Didn't you hear the rumours? I reckon there's a bit of truth in them." The muscular shorty didn't seem too keen on continuing the gossip as he turned his attention back to the ceremony.

"You reckon?" Hinoda's eyes widened, tinged with curiosity, though he didn't look entirely convinced, "Man... That'd be my first time hearing that... Can't believe a perfect guy like Shinji got such a crappy reputation..." His passive grumbling nagged at his short friend. 

Before Hinoda could utter another word, Naggi spoke up, half rotating his head to Hinoda, "Hey! Shouichi's leaving too?" They watched as the boy was about to depart, and two beautiful ladies followed at heels.

"You leaving Shouichi?!" Naggi shouted while vigorously waving at the party emerging from the crowd.

"Oh! Naggi, Hinoda," Shouichi called out as his eyes landed on the pair, standing 10 metres out. With a friendly wave, he led his group toward them, Misaki on his side while Ayane on his rear.

Once they were within earshot, Shouichi spoke cheerfully, "We're heading to buy some Omamori charms. Misaki-chan said they're closing soon. Wanna tag along?" His signature cheerful smile accompanied the invitation.

"Thanks for asking, but nah, we're good," Naggi replied promptly, wiggling his nose as he offered a weary smile.

Shouichi nodded understandingly, "Alright, you two have fun then!" With that, the charming boy continued on his way, Ayane and Misaki following closely.

Hinoda forced a half-smile as he waved, watching the trio disappear into the bustling crowd. His smile quickly faded into a sour expression as he sighed aloud. "Sigh… Shouichi, at least leave Ayane with us!" He whined, hanging his head and crossing his arms in exasperation.

"Ahaha! Cheer up, mate. At least you've got me!" Naggi quipped, slapping Hinoda hard on the lower back.

"Yeah, my high school life sucks bad, man. I really need a girlfriend!" Hinoda lamented, shaking his head. "I've never even held a girl's hand — except for my mum's! Let alone kissed anyone or… anything else."

"Who needs a girlfriend when you've got these?!" Naggi exclaimed with glee, flexing his large biceps. The veins popped out dramatically, and his muscle bulged as though it doubled in size.

To spite Hinoda even more, Naggi raised his biceps dramatically and kissed it theatrically, pressing his lips to the muscle with an exaggerated flourish.

"Now this is real love," He said with a grin, striking a pose and flexing his muscle fibre harder.

Hinoda groaned, rolling his eyes. "You're unbelievable, man."

Naggi chuckled, clearly enjoying the effect he had on his friend. "Hey, someone's gotta appreciate the goods, right?" He winked, still holding the flex.

"But I don't have muscles, bro…" Hinoda groaned, deadpan.

Naggi burst into hearty laughter, clapping Hinoda on the shoulder. "Mate, you're hopeless, but at least you're funny!"

***

Shouichi walked alongside Misaki, with Ayane trailing behind them. After a 10-minute stroll from the goddess's statue and the bonfire, they arrived at the shrine office situated next to the temple grounds. The shrine was beautifully adorned with lanterns, their soft glow casting a serene atmosphere, much like the main shrine but without the overwhelming crowd.

Inside the shrine office, a large display of various charms caught their attention, each one carefully arranged to showcase its unique appeal.

A cheerful shrine maiden greeted them with a warm smile as they paused in front of the display. "Hello and welcome to Kagehiro-jinja Temple!" She said in a friendly tone, over-excitement even. "Would you like to browse our charms today? We have a variety, each with different meanings. Please feel free to take your time, and let me know if you need any assistance!"

The trio nodded politely, offering their thanks before they began to sweep their eyes through the assortment of charms laid out before them. Each charm seemed to carry its own promise, from the vibrant red one symbolising wealth and prosperity to the soft pink one for love and relationships, and others dedicated to themes of protection, success, and good health. They each carefully studied the selection, hoping to find the one that resonated most with their own personal wishes.

"The kitsune charm keychain is so cute, it kinda reminds me of Ayane-chan," Shouichi thought with a smile, picking up the delicate charm.

"The Inu charm would be a perfect fit for Yoko-san," He continued, selecting another charm with a fond look.

"Lastly, the Neko charm necklace in rose gold is gonna look amazing on Misa-chan," Shouichi mused, carefully placing the charms in a small basket. He discreetly handed the basket to the seller without the other two noticing.

"That's a total of 8,800 yen! Such a kind gentleman," the shire maiden remarked cheerfully.

Shouichi's face soured as he pulled out his wallet, hands slightly trembling. "It's so pricey... sob," He muttered under his breath, but paid it anyway, feeling a stab of guilt at the cost.

Misaki, noticing the exchange, asked Ayane casually, "Morimura-san, did you get anything?"

Ayane shrugged. "Nope. I already bought mine last year." Her tone was flat, unbothered. "What about you, Misaki-chan?" She inquired in return.

"Well, I haven't bought anything for myself..." Misaki replied with a bright, loving smile then she paused and turned to Shouichi, her eyes sparkling. "But I got this for you, senpai. Good luck with your first mid-term!" Misaki continued cheerfully as she extended her hand, presenting a pink Omamori charm adorned with a delicate heart pattern.

Shouichi raised an eyebrow. "Isn't that for love?" He thought, but smiled and accepted it gratefully.

With a cunning grin, Shouichi pulled out his own gift. "And for my lady... This one is for you!"

Misaki gasped in delight, cupping her mouth in surprise as he dangled the beautifully crafted Neko charm necklace before her eyes, hypnotising the girl. "Wow, it's so pretty!" She exclaimed, her face lighting up with a smile as radiant as the first cherry blossoms of spring.

"Can you put it on me, senpai?" Misaki asked, her voice lilting with excitement as she hummed a cheerful melody. Her body swayed slightly, unable to contain her anticipation. She turned her back to him, her braided hair cascading down like a ribbon of silk. With a graceful motion, she swept it aside, revealing the delicate curve of her nape, its soft, pale skin catching the glow of the festival lights. To Shouichi, the sight was utterly mesmerising, her natural elegance leaving him momentarily breathless.

"R~right now? It's a bit crowded," He hesitated, feeling a flutter of nerves and a butterfly in his stomach from the prying eyes of onlookers; attention drew everywhere they went. 

"Please, Shou-senpai!" Misaki half-turned to him, her eyes brimming with adoration like a fawn, oozing its cuteness. Those eyes were impossible to refuse, holding a gentle yet commanding allure that effortlessly enslaved his body.

Ayane bent in close, lips whispering so only he could hear, "Virgin, eh!?" Then his deep blushing amused her as she chuckled softly.

"Ye… yes! I'll do it," He stammered, gathering his courage, all that he could round up. He carefully placed the necklace around Misaki's neck, his heart throbbing, his hands unsteady. But when the deed was done, the rose gold glinting against her pale skin, complementing her delicate features ever so perfectly.

Misaki beamed, her eyes sparkling with divine delight. "It's so cute! Thank you, senpai!" She said, her voice full of joy as she gently cradled the necklace in her hands, as if it were the most precious thing in the world.

With the gentle melody of her voice, the glimmer that danced within her eyes, and the tender grace in her every movement, it felt as though it truly was.