Chapter 1: Encounter in the Sunlight
In the early morning stillness, the grounds of Tsukuyomi Shrine were filled with serenity and surrounded by deep green forests. Sunlight pierced through the ancient trees, casting dappled shadows on the moss-covered stone pavement, creating a mystical scene.
A young woman walked quietly through the shrine’s sacred grounds, enveloped in pure air. Her name was Mihana, a shrine maiden serving Tsukuyomi Shrine. With her long, glossy black hair flowing down her back, her clear eyes exuded both intelligence and kindness.
Though she usually wore glasses that gave her an intellectual appearance, she had removed them for her early morning cleaning duties, lending her face a mysterious aura.
Dressed in white shrine maiden attire, she held a meticulously crafted broom. Her manner of sweeping up each fallen leaf with care was akin to a sacred ritual.
“May today also bring good fortunes to everyone…”
Mihana murmured softly, gripping her broom firmly.
To her, this shrine was not just a workplace but also a beloved hometown she had known since childhood, a sanctuary for people’s hearts, and the most important place in her life.
Feeling the sacred air on her skin and listening to the whispers of the trees, she drew her daily strength.
At that moment, she noticed a man standing under the ancient camphor tree at the entrance to the shrine, said to be over a thousand years old. He held a sketchbook and seemed deeply engrossed in drawing something.
Cautiously, yet assuming he was a visitor, Mihana decided to approach and speak to him.
“Good morning. What brings you here so early?”
The man, startled by Mihana’s clear voice, looked up. His well-formed features held a somewhat melancholic expression, his thin lips showing a trace of tension.
“Good morning. I’m sorry to be here at such an early hour. My name is Soma Oribe. I was… drawn to the scenery of this shrine…”
Soma shyly showed Mihana his sketchbook.
The sketch depicted the ancient camphor tree and the shrine behind it with delicate strokes. Every leaf and the texture of the stone pavement were meticulously drawn, showcasing his exceptional drawing skills.
“Wow…! It’s beautiful…! It’s like a photograph. No, it feels as if it captures the special atmosphere of this shrine even more than a photo.”
Mihana couldn’t help exclaiming in admiration. The drawing seemed to convey not just the scenery but the serene air and the flow of eternal time held by the shrine.
“Thank you… Actually, I’ve been feeling unwell lately. I wanted to spend some time away from the city’s hustle and bustle in a quiet place. I felt a sense of peace in the tranquility of this shrine, and…”
Soma spoke with a slightly sorrowful and resigned expression. Mihana felt deep sympathy for his words.
“That sounds tough… Please, feel free to take your time here. If you don’t mind, how about some tea at the rest area further inside the shrine? A warm drink might help you feel better.”
Soma was surprised by Mihana’s heartfelt offer. He soon softened his expression and replied modestly,
“…That would be wonderful. Thank you.”
Mihana smiled warmly and led him towards the rest area.
The rest area was a simple wooden building but clean and meticulously maintained. From the windows, one could overlook the greenery of the shrine grounds, creating a quiet and peaceful space. After skillfully preparing the tea, Mihana handed a cup to Soma, saying,
“Please be careful, it’s hot. We’re using high-quality tea leaves from the Jade Village. It has a lovely aroma, doesn’t it?”
Soma accepted the cup with both hands, deeply inhaling the rising steam and the scent of the tea leaves,
“Ah, it truly does have a wonderful aroma. Thank you.”
Soma showed a deeply relieved expression. Taking a sip, he closed his eyes and slowly savored it.
“…Delicious… It’s very calming.”
“I’m glad to hear that. Please, take your time. This shrine is said to have healing powers from ancient times. The tranquility, the vitality of the trees, and above all, the power of the gods will surely help to heal your heart and body little by little.”
Mihana said as she sat across from Soma.
In the soft sunlight, a gentle time began to flow between the two.
“…You’re a shrine maiden at this shrine, aren’t you?” Soma asked quietly. Mihana smiled gently and replied,
“Yes, I was born and raised here, and it’s my duty to protect this shrine. I’ve lived with this shrine since I was a child. The voices of the trees, the sound of the wind, the chirping of the birds… They have all become a part of me.”
Her words were filled with deep affection and pride for the shrine.
Thus began a conversation between the two.
Soma gradually opened up about his life, his love for drawing, and the struggles he had faced since falling ill. Mihana listened sincerely, nodding gently to his words, sometimes touching his hand softly and sending warm glances to soothe his heart.
Her natural kindness wrapped around Soma’s heart warmly. During their conversation, Mihana noticed that Soma’s hands were slightly cold and asked worriedly,
“…Your hands are a bit cold. Are you feeling chilly?”
Soma hesitated a little but honestly replied,
“…A little…yes.”
Without hesitation, Mihana gently wrapped her hands around Soma’s hands.
“…Please stay warm. It’s a bit chilly today.”
Wrapped in Mihana’s warm hands, Soma showed a momentarily puzzled expression. But he soon smiled softly, a look of relief spreading across his face. The warmth slowly began to melt his frozen heart.
“…Thank you. It feels like my heart is really warming up. It’s a strange feeling, as if both my body and soul are being warmed.”
Looking into Mihana’s eyes, Soma said. Mihana, embarrassed, smiled and let go of his hands. However, a special air began to flow between them that was different from before.
The sunlight gently illuminated their profiles.
