Chapter 44: Holding the Angel’s hand (1/2)

They took an hour car ride or so from where Amane stayed, and arrived at a rather famous shrine in this area. As expected, there were much fewer crowds compared to what they saw on TV, but there were still quite a few people around.

“There’s a lot fewer people, but there’s still quite a few of them ”

“Yep.”

“Mahiru-chan, don’t get lost here. We’ll keep an eye on you, and you have your phone. It won’t be too difficult to keep in contact, but it’s better to go to the shrine together.”

“Yes.”

The kimono-clad Mahiru had the most inconvenience moving about, and was moving slowly despite wearing boots; the kimono would slow her greatly, and it was natural for her to move slowly.

It was not to the point where they had to squeeze their way in, but people were bumping shoulders, and they had to keep an eye on each other.

“Shall we go then?”

Shihoko led them into the crowd, first to the Chōzuya to rinse their hands and mouth. As expected, Mahiru was garnering lots of stares.

There were quite a few dressed in kimonos, and logically, Mahiru should not stand out too much even in kimono…but this did not seem to be the case.

To be honest, even in school uniform, and without ornament, she was attracting lots of attention. It was impossible for a traditional innocent looking girl to not attract attention while in Japanese clothing.

Even the manner she rinsed her mouth was so beautiful, and stares were gathered upon her.

“…Is anything the matter?”

“Not really.”

He was displeased about others eyeing Mahiru, but he did not voice it out. He rinsed his hands and mouth as his parents did, and followed them.

He wanted to slow down and wait for Mahiru, but she was dressed in a kimono, not her usual clothing, and she had difficulty dealing with the hem, it seemed. There were many people present, and she was walking slower than usual.

“Mahiru, you alright?”

“This, this much is…hya!”

She lost her balance as she bumped into someone else on the shoulder, and was about to fall over, so Amane grabbed her arm.

“Doesn’t look like it.”

“…Sorry.”

“Okay, lend me your hand.”

It was necessary to take care of her, especially when she was walking around while unused to such clothing.

He reached his hand to the little palm extending from the sleeve, and she looked up towards him.

Seeing her in such a state, Amane was about to reel his hand in, thinking she might be unwilling, but she hastily placed her hand onto his, looking up at him once again. He was left confused, and looked back at her.

Jiii, they stared at each other for quite a bit, and Mahiru was first to avert her eyes, grabbing Amane’s palm firmly.

There was no time for Amane to show any doubt, and they soon arrived before the Saisen box. While experiencing the touch felt from the hand, he buried the little doubt into his chest.

“You took quite a long while. What did you wish for?”

They left the crowd after making their prayers, and Amane asked Mahiru who had quietly prayed.

Mahiru prayed with an ideal beautiful action, her eyes closed and hands together for about twice as long as Amane did. He was nearly mesmerized by the elegant gesture after she moved her hands aside, and only then did he remember to ask what she prayed for.

“Just no illness or calamity.”

“That’s rather ordinary.”

But well, it certainly was just like Mahiru to wish for this.

He was thinking that she did not have much desire, and wondered what else she could have prayed for. It was as expected, and he was a little disappointed.

“And also.”

“Also?”

“…I want to live some peaceful days like this.”

This really was just like Mahiru.

It was something she would wish for, given that she disliked drastic changes, and liked peace and tranquility.

“That’s not going to happen with my mom around.”

“But that is fun in its own way.”

Is that so…? So he wondered, but he kept quiet after seeing how happy she was, and held her hand with a gentle look.

After all, they were still passing through a crowded place, and his parents were awaiting afar after finishing their visit. It would be troublesome if she was to trip over at this point.

Amane held her hand while thinking so, but she blinked slightly, lowering her eyes bashfully as she held his hand back.

“You two, over here~”