Chapter 172 - Shrine Visit, Part-One (1/2)

Time had passed quickly, months had passed, and it was already January.

It was the first of January of a brand new year. Shun woke up early in the morning to follow his daily routine.

He exercised inside the house to avoid the freezing cold weather of January, and after taking a quick shower, he went to the dining room to greet his parents.

Shun entered the living room to see his parents sitting under a kotatsu, watching the new year programs on the TV.

Shun: ”Good Morning.”

Both of his parents turned to him and greeted him.

Parents: ”Good Morning.”

Shun slipped under the kotatsu and spoke.

Shun: ”Happy New Year.”

He extended one hand towards each of his parents.

Both of them placed an envelope each on Shun's hands and said.

Parents: ”Happy New Year.”

Shun smiled and opened the envelopes with the new year's money. He counted the sum and spoke.

Shun: ”Nice.”

Shun's mom looked at her son and asked.

Mom: ”Any plans where are you going to spend the money.”

Shun transferred the money into a single envelope and answered.

Shun: ”I am going to segregate the money to buy a couple of books in the next few months, and I am thinking of buying art supplies.”

He looked up towards his mother and smiled.

Shun: ”I am thinking of taking up drawing.”

Shun's dad set down his teacup and asked.

Dad: ”Ooh, what kind of drawing?”

Shun shrugged and answered.

Shun: ”I am not sure, but I am really interested in pencil sketches.”

Shun's mom smiled and said.

Mom: ”There is Osechi in the kitchen. Go and eat some.”

Osechi was an assortment of foods that were made and eaten during the new years.

There Sweet Rolled Omelettes, Candied C.h.e.s.tnut and Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Black Soybeans, Herring Roe, Simmered Shrimp, Salmon Kombu Roll, Yellowtail Teriyaki, Chikuzenni (Simmered Chicken & Vegetables), Sweet Red Bean Paste, Mochi among other things.

Shun ate all of the dishes until he was full and patted his stomach as he exited the kitchen after washing his plate.

Shun: ”That was delish.”

Shun looked at the clock in the dining room and saw it was nearly time, so he went to the living room and peeked inside and said.

Shun: ”Mom, I am going to the shrine with Satsuki-chan.”

Shun's mom turned to her son and advised.

Mom: ”Dress warmly. It is really cold out there.

Also, take a box of Mochi from the kitchen and give it to Momoi-san.”

Shun nodded and affirmed.

Shun: ”Alright.”

Shun went up to his room and pulled out some warm clothes to put, and in minutes he was ready to go outside for his first shrine visit of the year.

He opened the door to his house and shivered in the face of the cold winds of January.

He took out his gloves and put them on.

Shun walked to the house next door with a box of Mochi in his hand. He pressed the doorbell and waited for the occupants to open the door.

Shun saw the door open, and behind it was Mr. Momoi.

Shun smiled and greeted.

Shun: ”Happy New Year, Mr. Mo-”

Shun wasn't able to finish as Mr. Momoi closed the door. He stood there silent for a while, before once again ringing the doorbell.

Once again, Mr. Momoi opened the door, and the moment he saw Shun, he once again closed the door, but this time, Shun put his foot in the door's way to stop it from closing.

Shun: ”What are you doing?”

Mr. Momoi, with an expressionless look, replied.

Mr. Momoi: ”Nothing.”

Shun immediately followed.

Shun: ”Then let me in.”

Mr. Momoi shook his head and responded.

Mr. Momoi: ”Not going to happen.”

Shun warned the a.d.u.l.t who was blocking his way.

Shun: ”I will shout.”

Mr. Momoi studied Shun's face and said.

Mr. Momoi: ”I will take my chances.”

Shun clicked his tongue. He didn't want to shout, as it was embarrassing.

Shun: ”You leave me no choice.”

Shun took a deep breath and got ready to shout, but before he could do it, something hit Mr. Momoi on the back of his head.

Mr. Momoi: ”Ouch!”

Shun heard an embarrassed shout from inside the house. He recognized the voice.

Satsuki: ”Dad! What are you doing?!”

Satsuki pulled Mr. Momoi away from the door and opened the door for Shun.

Satsuki, with her cheek's flushed, spoke.

Satsuki: ”Shun-kun, I am so sorry. Please, come in.”