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"So, have you given any more thought towards expanding your wardrobe beyond just kimonos and yukatas?"

"… Not really," Shiki responds, consciously repressing the urge to tilt her head. Instead, she is careful to hold herself still. "What brought this on, Tsumiki?"

"Well…" Tsumiki trails off for a moment as she leans forward with a look of concentration. Warm brown eyes are fixated on the flower hairpin in the mirror that she holds up to Shiki's hair. Beneath her fingertips, the cluster of wisteria flowers overflow and spill down, lilac-hued blooms vibrant against both the paleness of her own skin and the white backdrop of long, unpinned hair.

"Well?" Shiki prompts.

"I mean… I know that you've stated multiple times before that you're comfortable in traditional clothing–" With her free hand, Tsumiki gestures towards Shiki, indicating the fine linen yukata that she's currently wearing. Numerous flowers of rich, varying purple shades are embroidered into the soft white surface of the dress. "–and I'm not saying that it's bad, or anything. You look really nice in them! It's just…"

The other girl briefly falls silent again, mulling over her words.

"I just… I think you should also try out some other types of clothing, too," she finally says. "Experience new things and all that, y'know? There are tons of cute dresses or skirts that I think you'd wear really well! Or even just regular pants, maybe with a camisole top and a light cardigan. Casual dress, y'know? Or, if you still prefer more traditional styles, then there are also some short kimono dresses out there that you could choose from!"

Shiki isn't really sure what to make of this. "… Short kimonos?"

Tsumiki laughs. "Don't sound so doubtful! They're mainly just like kimonos, except cut short so the dress line usually ends somewhere around your knees."

Ah. That certainly explains why Shiki wouldn't have seen anyone dressed like that around the clan compound, then, if short kimonos are that short.

"Promise me you'll think about it? If it turns out that you really dislike it, then I won't keep bringing it up, but… I'm getting the feeling that it's mainly just force of habit that has you wearing traditional clothing all the time," Tsumiki fiddles with the wisteria hairpin.

Shiki… doesn't really see how it's a problem, the way that she dresses.

No one within the clan has ever gotten on her case about it… but admittedly, that might be due to the traditionalist ways of the Gojo Clan. Satoru-niichan certainly seems to have fun presenting her with various colorfully-patterned kimonos; many of the more elaborate designs in Shiki's wardrobe were gifts from her cousin. Ken-jichan has also given her hairpins that go along well with several of Shiki's favored outfits.

She likes all of them well enough, and they are indeed comfortable. It's what Shiki is used to… just as Tsumiki has astutely pointed out in her observations. Personally, Shiki is also of the opinion that she already has more than enough clothing to wear; Tsumiki is probably the only person concerned about expanding Shiki's wardrobe.

For some reason, though, she still finds herself asking, "… Does what I wear really matter?"

"Of course it does!"

… Well. That's quite a resoundingly firm answer if Shiki has ever heard one. Faintly indignant as well, if she's not mistaken.

Tsumiki picks up another hairpin to place up against Shiki's hair. This particular accessory is one that's affixed with peonies, each a deep red-bordering-on-violet shade.

"Which one do you prefer?" she asks. "This, or the wisterias?"

"They're both nice," Shiki responds.

Tsumiki smiles. Shiki finds herself suddenly stricken with the feeling that her response probably isn't the answer that her friend is looking for. Although, Shiki really doesn't have a strong opinion about it, they both look nice enough…

"Which one do you prefer?" Tsumiki repeats, lifting both hairpins in her hands pointedly.

"… The wisterias?" Both hairpins look perfectly fine in her eyes. But the wisteria coloring seems to match a little better with her yukata… maybe…?

Although… if any of the stricter Gojo elders caught sight of this, Shiki has no doubt that they would be displeased.

It's not explicitly stated, but there is an unspoken rule of sorts within the clan to avoid wisteria patterns. Because the character for 'wisteria,' 'fuji,' is the exact same fuji as in the Fujiwara Clan.

The Gojo Clan prides itself in being descended from Sugawara no Michizane. Sugawara no Michizane, who had been banished along with his entire family through the machinations of his political rival, Fujiwara no Tokihira –a courtier and politician backed by the strength of the influential Fujiwara Clan. It was no surprise, then, that the Gojo Clan did not look kindly upon those of Fujiwara blood. Especially not in light of the fact that Sugawara no Michizane died in exile, then became a vengeful cursed spirit in death. A powerful vengeful spirit,whose destructive rampage had ended up being recorded in historical texts…

In short: The Gojo Clan holds no love for those who bear the Fujiwara name. To the point where there are no wisteria trees planted on Gojo clan grounds at all.

Shiki turns the wisteria hairpin around in her hands thoughtfully.

"Something on your mind?" Tsumiki asks.

"It's nothing." In the end, a flower is a flower. The hairpin makes for a pretty accessory, and accessories are meant to be worn.

Let others make of it what they will –it's not as if Shiki is wearing the Fujiwara clan crest or anything. She doesn't even wear the Gojo crest, and… neither does Satoru-niichan, come to think of it. Even though he's the clan head.

Gojo Takatomi, on the other hand, seems to be quite fond of wearing the clan crest openly.

If Shiki had to take a guess, there are probably some subtle political messages underpinning this entire situation. Such as: Satoru-niichan may act in the role of a clan head, but he will not allow himself to be reined in by the elders who claim to act solely in benefit of the clan. Or: Takatomi-sama may be an aging elder, but bearing the crest as he does serves as an undeniable visual reminder that he is an elder of the Gojo Clan whose words and actions hold significance.

Shiki sighs. She really doesn't have the patience or the temperament to deal with political games like this. How does Satoru-niichan deal with it all?

"There! What do you think?"

"It looks nice," she responds, returning her wandering attention to Tsumiki at the sound of the other girl's voice. Shiki tilts her head, watching as the white-haired girl in the mirror follows her movements. The slight momentum causes the wisteria flowers on the hairpin to clink lightly against each other, a clear sound. "Thank you for your help, Tsumiki."

"Mhm, of course! You know you don't need to thank me for something like this, Shiki," the other girl grins brightly. "Now, help me with picking out a hairpin too, please?"

"… Yes. I will." Shiki stands up, and circles around so that Tsumiki can sit down in front of the mirror–

A series of rapid knocks ring out by the doorway.

"Um, Shiki? Are you in there?"

"What is it?" Shiki thought Kirara was with Kinji right now. Neither of the two boys had brought along proper traditional clothing with them, so Shiki had asked the household staff to make proper arrangements after checking in with her classmates. There wasn't a formal dress code for Obon or anything, but Shiki suspected that it might be a little awkward for them if they were the only ones dressed in a jujutsu school uniform at the final bonfire later.

… On second thought, Kinji probably wasn't the type of person to get awkward so easily. Kirara, on the other hand, seemed to be much more sensitive to such things. Which… still didn't explain why he was standing in front of her door right now.

"Sorry for the bother," Kirara's voice is slightly sheepish. "I was just wondering if you knew where Tsumiki-chan was? There was something that I wanted to ask her–"

"Oh! The new star charts, right?" Tsumiki makes a sudden sound of realization from where she's seated in front of the mirror in Shiki's room. "Ah, sorry, I didn't realize that we took so long, Kirara-kun–"

The boy splutters, startled. "Tsumiki-chan?"

… Evidently, he had not expected to find the girl he'd been looking for right here with his classmate.

"You can just come in, Kirara." Shiki doesn't think that there's any point in holding a conversation with a door between them. Kirara pauses and murmurs a swift 'Excuse me,' before entering the room at the invitation. "Kinji isn't with you?"

"Uh, Kiyohira-sensei is with him. He said something about–" Kirara blinks, and freezes in his tracks upon catching sight of the two of them.

The odd reaction causes Shiki to glance down at herself first, then Tsumiki. She doesn't notice anything amiss…?

"We're just picking out hairpins here! Sorry for accidentally losing track of time, I really promise that we're almost done!" Tsumiki turns towards Kirara with a slight wave, holding a hairpin that she'd just picked up in her hands –a golden one adorned with a single jade green bead upon the end.

The small movement seems to be enough to startle Kirara out of whatever distraction he'd been caught by. "Oh, is that the one you're thinking of using? I think maybe pink or red would go better with your yukata."

Tsumiki is currently dressed in a light pink yukata. One that is similarly patterned with flowers, but still quite different from the floral design featured on Shiki's own.

"Eh? You think so?" Tsumiki blinks, glancing down at herself. "My obi is green, so I thought that this might work well."

"Well, it does work," Kirara agrees. "But your obi is a light tea-leaf green, while the bead on that kanzashi is a lot darker, with a slightly blue undertone. So I think maybe something pink or red to go along with the yukata would be nicer? Although, I guess a red bead wouldn't be seasonal, so… hmm. Maybe something with flowers instead, to match the pattern on your yukata?"

There's a brief beat of silence.

"Um… thanks?" Tsumiki says, faintly bewildered.

Kirara stiffens. The contemplative look abruptly vanishes from his eyes, and instead is replaced with something uneasy instead. Something that's almost… anxious? And… fearful, it seemed.

With a slight frown, Shiki discreetly scans her room. She does not uncover anything.

… Except, anything that could circumvent the Gojo Clan's wardings and cause such a strong sense of unease in a sorcerer clearly had to be dangerous. But if that was the case, then why couldn't Shiki sense anything at all? Why was Kirara the only one who was affected?

Or, was this something that was specifically targeting her classmate? Was Araya targeting someone next to Shiki again?

The past few days had been quiet –too quiet, really, considering the incident with Kamo Noritoshi that had taken place upon their arrival in Kyoto. Araya Souren was a manipulator. One who still held the advantage of hiding in the shadows, even though Shiki was now acutely aware of his presence. If this was the start of another plan where Araya was taking action against them–

No, but Kirara was also aware of Araya lurking in the background. If the boy suspected something wrong and was aware of it, then why wouldn't he say anything?

Unless he couldn't–?

"I-I'm sorry," Kirara shakes his head sharply, which immediately disproves that supposition. Unless it wasn't his voice that was being restricted, but instead his choice of words…?

Shiki studies her classmate carefully. The fear, the unease that she can read from him… none of it has abated. In fact, it almost seems to be getting even worse, which confirms for a fact that something is wrong.

That's not good. Not good at all.

"I-I'll just be going now," Kirara stutters and stumbles,taking a small step backwards. One step, and then two, as he fumbles in the direction of the doorway.

No, that won't do. Shiki is not about to just let her classmate leave like this, not with her suspicions regarding his current state–

"Sorry," Kirara breathes out, not even looking in their direction anymore. Which is wrong. Kirara might be shy, but he's not that shy. "I know that I shouldn't have–"

"No, it's okay!" Tsumiki abruptly exclaims, leaning forward and accidentally jostling Shiki with the sudden movement. But the sound of her voice is enough to stop Kirara in his tracks, so Shiki takes it as a sign that there's no need for her to physically restrain her classmate anymore.

… Wait, what did Tsumiki just say? 'It's okay?' What was okay?

"Sorry, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable or anything!" Tsumiki… apologizes? Why is she apologizing? And… on that note, it didn't make sense that Kirara had been apologizing earlier, too. Had Shiki missed some part of the conversation because of her distraction with Araya's potential involvement?

"I was just surprised," Tsumiki continues, in a softer tone of voice. "Especially since most boys I know don't usually pay attention to coordinating outfits like this."

Kirara hesitates, and slowly looks up again. Then, quietly, "I… I should be the one apologizing. For making you uncomfortable."

"No, not at all," Tsumiki tells him, honest and genuine. Something about the sincerity of her words seems to reach the boy, because there's a tense line in his shoulder that relaxes upon hearing this.

… Shiki is starting to become very, very confused by the mixed signals that she's receiving from all of this. "Are you not in danger?"

Kirara startles and stares blankly at her, "What?"

Shiki looks at her classmate for a long moment. He seems… as equally baffled by her question as Shiki herself currently feels towards the situation at large. She looks to Tsumiki for assistance… only to find the other girl's mouth slightly agape in similar perplexity. It seems that there will be no forthcoming answers from this front, either.

She turns back to Kirara. It's unknown just what the restrictions preventing him from just openly telling her what's wrong are. But it's not as if Shiki is similarly restricted, is she? At this point, subtlety has already gone out the window. Might as well just ask him directly, then.

"Just now, you were scared. Unsettled," Shiki decides to go for straightforward bluntness. "But I couldn't sense what was threatening you. What did you notice?"

… For some reason, instead of saying anything, Kirara only gapes mutely. As if Shiki is the one who'd said something unexpected. She wonders if she should be insulted. Out of the three first year students, it's a fact that Shiki is the one who's most experienced with the life of a sorcerer and all that it entails. Had Kirara really expected her not to notice anything?

"Um… Shiki…" Surprisingly enough, Tsumiki is the one who speaks up to fill in the silence that settles over them. "I think you might be misunderstanding something here."

… Is she? Tsumiki wasn't as sensitive to cursed energy, though, so how could she–?

Kirara coughs roughly. A sound that's distinctly awkward this time, with a faint hint of chagrin.

"Tsumiki-chan is right," he scratches at the side of his face, cheeks coloring slightly in embarrassment. "I'm not in danger or anything, I… I'm sorry for overreacting. I guess… it's just because I've had bad experiences before, with… with being… teased… about. Um. My interests and hobbies. Like reading horoscopes, or… fashion. Coordinating outfits, things like that."

… Wait. This was about the hairpins and yukatas? Shiki suddenly finds herself feeling exceedingly foolish.

She honestly doesn't even know what to think anymore. But at least it's good to know that Araya hadn't breached the Gojo Clan's defenses without raising any alarms, she supposes…

"That's awful," Tsumiki's expression falls. "For what it's worth… neither Shiki nor I are judging you for this. I'm sorry if we made you feel that way."

Kirara shakes his head. "No, it's fine! Really, it's fine. I… I know that neither of you are like that. I know this in my mind, but… I still can't help but react like this. That's my fault, not yours."

"It's not your fault," Tsumiki states firmly. "You can't help the way you feel, and… it's not wrong to feel something! I don't know what you previously experienced, but no one here is going to put you down or disregard you because of your hobbies."

The girl discreetly prods Shiki. You should say something comforting, too!

But unlike Tsumiki, Shiki doesn't really know what would serve as words of comfort. 'I'm sorry that you've been traumatized by bad experiences that left you ashamed of your interests' is a trite thing to say, and if Shiki said that she felt sympathetic…

That would be a lie. Empathy is not her strong point.

"Do you need me to kill anything?" Shiki asks, attempting to show solidarity for her classmate by volunteering her strongest skill.

Evidently, it's still the wrong thing to say, because Tsumiki instantly pokes her again, hard.

"… Thanks, but I think I'm good," Kirara says dryly upon witnessing the byplay. The boy is silent for a moment, but then he cracks a small smile. "You already scared the living daylights out of Maruyama that one time and knocked him out cold. That's enough for me."

Shiki blinks. She has no idea what Kirara is talking about.

"Who?" she asks.

"Nah, don't worry about it," the boy laughs. "Just… an old classmate of mine from junior high. He's not someone who matters anymore."

Shiki tilts her head.

"Well! At any rate," Tsumiki claps her hands together, and smiles. "Kirara-kun, would you be willing to stick around and provide another opinion for which hairpin I should use?"

Kirara pauses. Something flickers in his eyes, but Shiki is unable to decipher it. "Are you… okay with that?"

"Would I have asked if I wasn't?" Tsumiki smiles. The girl then turns towards the tabletop and hastily picks up another hairpin. "Here, what do you think of this one?"

"… Not quite. I think…" Kirara approaches slowly. Halting and hesitant at first, even despite Tsumiki's encouragement. His eyes scan across the array of hair accessories neatly laid out upon the table. "How about… this one instead?"

The kanzashi that Kirara initially chooses is one of a darker red shade, but after Tsumiki places it next to her hair, he immediately shakes his head and starts looking through the accessories again. Another hairpin with a dragonfly design is also tested and abandoned.

"No, I think something with flowers would probably be best…" he murmurs to himself.

It's interesting to see Kirara like this, intently focused on picking out a perfect hairpin for Tsumiki with the same concentration as the one that he'd used when working out the binding vows for his cursed technique. Or, it's not precisely the same, but there's definitely something about it that's… similar.

There's also a small smile that lingers over his lips, one that Kirara himself doesn't even appear to notice as he and Tsumiki pore over the accessories together.

"What do you think about this one, Shiki?"

Shiki does not nearly have as strong an opinion as the other two clearly do when it comes to hairpins. But even so, she obligingly steps forward all the same. Tsumiki had asked Shiki to help her pick something out, initially…

In the end, what they settle upon is a small comb, one that is affixed with silken flowers. Pink hydrangeas. The colors do match well with Tsumiki's overall ensemble, and the girl herself seems happy with what Kirara selected for her, thanking the boy with a wide smile.

Tsumiki rises from her seat and steps away from the mirror. Kirara falls into step beside her as the two of them begin heading for the doorway. There's a hand that the girl slips around Shiki's wrist, gently tugging her along with them–

And Shiki is left wondering if she's missed some invisible social cue, yet again. "Are we not going to pick something out for Kirara, too?"

Tsumiki pauses. Kirara, on the other hand, trips.

… Did Shiki say something wrong?

She'd thought that Kirara had seemed quite engrossed in the process of choosing a fitting accessory for Tsumiki. It had been something that he'd genuinely enjoyed, hadn't it? Kirara had even said so himself, that coordinating outfits like this was one of his interests and hobbies. And, he clearly liked these accessories. So why wouldn't he also–

Ah.

Right, he'd had 'bad experiences' on this front in the past. Boys generally don't wear hairpins like this, do they? Certainly, Shiki has never seen Satoru-niichan or Ken-jichan walking around wearing hairpins… but to the best of her knowledge, there's no rule that says boys aren't allowed to wear accessories, or anything of the sort.

Oh, wait.

"Is it because you think it wouldn't go well with your current yukata?" It would explain Kirara's hesitance if he simply felt that the colorful accessories didn't match with the simple, masculine style of the yukata that he was wearing at the moment.

Shiki pauses, eyeing her classmate. While she does have several other outfits stored away, Kirara is much taller than she is, and the boy also possesses a wider frame as well. Shiki doesn't think that any of her yukatas would fit him very well. He's taller than Tsumiki, too, although admittedly Tsumiki is much closer to him in terms of height than Shiki herself is–

"I don't think that's what he's concerned about at the moment," Tsumiki whispers into Shiki's ear, then turns towards the frozen boy. "Kirara-kun, would you be interested in picking out a hairpin to wear, too?"

"… My hair is too short for hairpins."

There's a complicated note of something in Kirara's words. Regardless, though–

"Hair clips, then?" There are plenty of those laid out across Shiki's table right now. Or, alternatively, there are still several kanzashi that Kirara could use… although they'd likely need to use several smaller pins and clips to hold it in place properly. They'd have to borrow Tsumiki's, in that case. Shiki's clips are white, which only works well for the particular shade of her own hair color.

"No, it's okay," Kirara says, and smiles. Small, wavering. Shiki glances towards Tsumiki, hoping to be able to receive some insight into what that means, but Tsumiki isn't looking back towards her in this moment. The other girl's eyes are fixed upon Kirara instead, and there's something in her expression that seems…

Sad, almost. Or is it concerned? Sympathetic, perhaps?

"Kirara-kun. If it's something that you like, then you don't have to–"

"Everyone else is probably waiting for us outside!" The boy hurriedly cuts Tsumiki off before she can finish her words, rapidly shaking his head. "Let's just… let's not keep them waiting any longer, alright?"

Tsumiki frowns. "Kirara-kun…"

"I appreciate it, Tsumiki-chan, I really do. But… it's okay. Really."

With that, Kirara hastily turns and all but flees from the room.

Shiki stares after classmate in silence for a long moment, baffled. Even if boys don't usually wear hairpins… was a severe reaction like that really warranted here?

Beside her, Tsumiki sighs.

"Shiki," she starts seriously, "Has Kirara-kun ever said anything about what happened to him at his old school before?"

… Not in particular. Shiki shakes her head to indicate her lack of knowledge on this front, which only causes her friend to frown even harder. But if Tsumiki thinks that this might be important–

"Should I ask him about it?" Shiki asks her friend.

"There's no need for that!" Tsumiki yelps, her response instant. "You don't need to hound him for answers. Actually, please refrain from doing … be patient with him, will you? Because I think… I think Kirara is sensitive about being open with what he likes, since other people around him reacted negatively to it in the past."

Shiki blinks. "… Why would he be judged for his personal hobbies?"

"Because picking out hairpins and what not is seen as a 'feminine' activity," Tsumiki explains softly. "And it's easy to be singled out in school if there's something about you that's different from others."

… Shiki doesn't really understand the image that the other girl is painting. Probably because she has never attended a regular school before, so how regular classrooms are like is a mystery to her.

She vaguely thinks back to her first encounter with Hoshi Kirara. Shiki had met the boy when she'd been hunting down a cursed spirit at his school, one with the interesting ability to travel through restroom mirrors. She doesn't actually know whether or not Kirara got along well with his old classmates, although she'd assumed that he probably did. Kirara was friendly enough, after all, and Shiki is self-aware enough to know that she's not the easiest person to converse with. If he could get along with Shiki, then surely he could also get along well with others –just like Yuzuki and Tsumiki.

But if there was any truth to what Tsumiki was saying…

"… Is there something that I should do about this?" Shiki asks.

"If you want my advice…" Tsumiki taps her chin thoughtfully. "Just be his friend, Shiki."

"That's it?"

"Mhm, that's it."

That sounds… far too simplistic. And doesn't really address anything in particular, either.

"If Kirara-kun has never had good friends before, then all you need to do is just be a good friend to him," Tsumiki smiles, bright and beautiful. "… Now c'mon, let's get going, too. Kirara-kun is probably wondering if we've gotten lost behind him or something!"

Shiki allows herself to be tugged along by the hand that finds its way around her wrist again. "I'd be more worried about Kirara getting lost here. He's not as familiar with the layout of the estate."

"Well, I guess that's true," Tsumiki laughs. There's a slight pause, before she speaks up again, "Also, um… I'm sorry. I know I asked you to pick a hairpin for me earlier, but then Kirara-kun came along and…"

"It's fine," Shiki tells her friend. Kirara's arrival had been unexpected, and considering the circumstances… it was good that Tsumiki had invited Kirara to join them, and be the one to select a hairpin for her. Because Tsumiki was trying to encourage Kirara to be open about his interests with them, right?

Shiki might not have her friend's social acumen, but she can recognize when it's best for Tsumiki to work her magic.

"It's fine," she says again. "There's always next year."

.

.

Satoru-niichan takes one look at Shiki, and starts laughing.

… It's because of the wisteria flowers, isn't it?

Shiki feels an answering smile of her own rise over her lips.

"Man, it's such a shame that Takatomi isn't around this year," her cousin heaves an exaggerated sigh once he wrangles his laughter under control again. "I bet that he'd have such a funny reaction. More's the pity."

"I could also just wear this when I'm back in the clan compound." Although in that case, Daisaku-sama might also experience a conniption. As well as several other elders that Shiki could think of.

"Y'know what? That's a great idea."

Tsumiki looks between the two of them slowly, "Is… is there something wrong with what Shiki is wearing?"

"Nope, not at all!" Satoru-niichan answers cheerfully. "My cute little cousin looks amazing in anything and everything –as she always does, really. As you do as well, Tsumiki-chan! Pink is a good color on you."

"O-oh, um. Thank you for the compliment, Satoru-san." Tsumiki reaches up and tucks a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

Shiki surveys the clearing. A very familiar clearing, for it's the site where the final okuribi is held every year. There are several other sorcerers who are already present, delegations from other clans who have already settled into the seating arrangements set up beforehand. There are folding screens to provide a thin veneer of privacy.

"So this is where the performance is supposed to take place, huh?" Kinji makes a vaguely interested sound –namely, one that doesn't sound very interested at all. The boy slouches in his seat, which earns him a silent side-eye from a nearby sorcerer, accompanied by a slight scoff. "What, got a problem?"

"Not at all, young guest," the man sniffs.

Kinji's eyes narrow.

"Well, good to hear that there are no problems," Satoru-niichan claps the man on the shoulder, a friendly gesture that is quite clearly not at all friendly in the least. The other sorcerer pales upon realizing just whosehand is clasped over his shoulder. "Be a good stand-in for Takatomi and just do your job, okay? It would be such a shame if we had any embarrassing behavior coming from our clansmen now, wouldn't it?"

"Y-yes, honored clan head."

Shiki hides another small smile behind the sleeve of her yukata. The movement does not go unnoticed by Satoru-niichan, who grins at her as he releases his grip on the faint-looking sorcerer.

"… That guy's also a Gojo, isn't he?" Kinji asks, sounding slightly confused… ah. Had he really thought that Satoru-niichan wouldn't admonish his own clansmen like this?

How silly. Satoru-niichan is the clan head, so ensuring that Gojo clansmen behave themselves is only natural.

"He is," Shiki confirms. It's also possible that the man's behavior just now was the traditionalist faction's way of expressing dissatisfaction with Shiki bringing in outsiders to Obon as respected guests of the Gojo Clan.

Both Kinji and Kirara were sorcerers who were unfamiliar with the traditions deeply engraved into the jujutsu world, after all. Neither of them knew of the 'etiquette' that 'proper sorcerers' were expected to conduct themselves with… even though that was probably the least important thing for a sorcerer, all said and told.

Satoru-niichan didn't hesitate to make it clear that he still stood on Shiki's side in this. To the point where he would blatantly warn off his own clansmen in public, even when there were still so many eyes from the various other sorcery clans on them–

"U-um, Shiki," Kirara tugs tentatively at her. He seems to have mostly recovered from the strange mood he'd fallen into, after helping Tsumiki choose a hairpin and refusing to choose one of his own, although there's still something about the boy that remains slightly subdued even now. But in this moment, Kirara's attention is focused on something else entirely, "There's someone who's staring at you. Like, staring staring."

Shiki is used to having many gazes focused on her in gatherings like this. Mostly because of the incessant whispers of blessed child and the endless rumors that follow her everywhere, like the shadows beneath her feet. Still, she lifts her gaze in the direction that Kirara indicates–

"Ah. The Zenins." In particular… Zenin Naoya, the heir of the Zenin Clan. The young man's lips twist upwards in an arrogant curve, although his eyes remain unsmiling, dark with something that makes Shiki want to frown.

Beside her, Megumi doesn't hesitate to scowl. "Him again?"

"… Y'know, I think I'm starting to get nervous whenever I hear the word 'again' come up in context with you," Kinji informs Shiki candidly. "How many enemies do you have out there? Should I be concerned?"

"There's only one that's a concern." And that would be Araya Souren, who had masterfully hid himself while still pulling strings in the background. The Zenin Clan, on the other hand, were far less openly antagonistic towards Shiki –and were also a known variable. "If the Zenin Clan oversteps itself… it's not like they have anywhere to run."

Someone behind Shiki makes a choked sound.

"Do I want to know why you're threatening the Zenin Clan?" Kiyohira-sensei's voice sounds up from the side, unamused but resigned. "Obon is supposed to be a peaceful celebration."

It is. But with what Shiki knows of Araya's presence… everything has been strangely peaceful this year, discounting the sole exception of what happened with Kamo Noritoshi before Obon had even officially started.

It's the last day, now. The time for the final okuribi. The clearing has been mostly filled, and all actors are taking their proper roles. There's a young woman dressed in ceremonial robes who steps forward from the Kamos' side, positioned in the furthest area away from the Gojo delegation.

A warm summer breeze brushes past, causing bright lanterns to sway slightly in the direction of the wind. Wavering lights, bobbing in the nighttime darkness.

The woman approaches the center of the clearing where the brazier for the bonfire stands. She casts the burning torch upon it, and tendrils of flames immediately begin to spread and bloom.

"So, she's supposed to start dancing now?" Kinji asks in a whisper. "For… half an hour?"

"Yes," Tsumiki whispers back.

"… It's really that long?!"

"You should see when Shiki dances," Tsumiki laughs softly at the boy's evident dismay. "It never feels long at all when she does."

Kinji whirls around, surprised. "Wait, you actually dance–?"

Something's wrong.

… Despite the friendly banter between her friends, there's something wrong. But it's hard to describe just what it is, exactly. A slight shift in the air, perhaps, or maybe a sharp crackle within the burning flames that's somehow off–

The bonfire pulsates.

Then–

Then, it abruptly rises up into a fiery, towering pillar and sweeps outwards. The roaring tidal wave of flames expands hungrily, instantly engulfing the entire clearing in a blazing inferno.

.

.

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