Miko Story 3-2: ‘Tsukuyomi’s Melody, The Thread of Connection’ Chapter 2: The Melody of the Water’s SurfaceAsked

Days spent at Tsukuyomi Shrine continued, and Soma’s mind and body visibly recovered.

The refreshing air of the shrine grounds, the warmth of the sunlight filtering through the trees, and, above all, the peaceful time spent with Mihana gently enveloped and healed his heart.

His expression, which had always held a trace of melancholy, now often displayed a gentle smile, and his complexion had improved considerably.

One day, Mihana guided Soma to a secret garden deep within the shrine, a place normally off-limits to everyone except those involved with the shrine.

It was a quiet and special place with a meticulously maintained garden, a still “Mirror Pond,” and an old-fashioned arbor standing beside it.

“This is a place I’ve cherished since I was a child,” Mihana said, inviting Soma into the arbor. “I often come here when I want to spend time quietly and calm my heart.”

Ascending the mossy stone steps slowly and sitting down in the arbor, a quiet and tranquil water surface spread out before them.

The surrounding trees and sky were reflected on the water’s surface, reversing the scenery like a mirror. The way the reflected scenery subtly changed with each breeze was so beautiful that one could watch it forever without growing tired.

“Wow…! It’s truly a quiet…breathtakingly beautiful place… It’s like being inside a painting,” Soma exclaimed sincerely. His eyes were fixed on the scenery reflected on the water’s surface, as if absorbing it.

Mihana smiled happily at Soma’s words and replied, “Really? I love it here too. It’s especially wonderful at dusk. The water’s surface is dyed in the colors of the sunset, creating a truly magical scene.”

For a while, the two of them simply gazed at the water’s surface in silence.

Occasionally, the wind crossing the water’s surface rustled the leaves of the trees, carrying the pleasant sound of rustling leaves. The way the fallen leaves created small ripples on the water’s surface, which then spread out quietly, was like a musical melody.

“…Looking at this water’s surface makes me feel like my heart is being cleansed,” Soma murmured quietly. “It’s a strange sensation…as if all the hustle and bustle of the city and my daily worries are being washed away.”

Mihana smiled gently and replied, “That’s right. This pond is called ‘Misogi no Ike’ (Purification Pond). It has been said since ancient times that it has the power to purify both the mind and body. It’s believed that by touching this water, one can dispel impurities and move forward with a renewed spirit.”

“Purification…,” Soma murmured softly as he gazed at the water’s surface. His expression seemed to be looking into the distance. Mihana looked at him worriedly and asked gently, “…Is something bothering you?”

After hesitating for a moment, Soma slowly opened his mouth.

“…Actually…I used to make a living as a painter. I held solo exhibitions and painted on commission…but after becoming ill, I couldn’t hold a brush as I wanted to…”

He looked at his own hands with a sad expression. These were the hands that had once drawn countless lines and manipulated colors.

Mihana gently placed her hand on top of Soma’s. Her warmth gradually warmed Soma’s chilled heart.

“…I see… That must have been difficult… But now, you’ve come to think that you want to paint again, haven’t you? You’ve come to feel something from seeing the scenery of this shrine, haven’t you?”

At Mihana’s words, Soma looked up in slight surprise. Mihana’s warm gaze gently enveloped his heart.

“…Indeed…that’s right. Recently, I’ve started to want to paint again. I want to paint the scenery of this shrine, and I want to paint Mihana…that’s what I’ve come to think,” he said, looking slightly embarrassed but with a determined expression. Mihana felt her heart pounding at his words. Joy and a slight hesitation stirred her heart.

“…That’s truly wonderful! Please, by all means, try painting. I’d be happy to be your model. Feel free to ask me anytime,” Mihana replied with a heartfelt smile. Soma’s expression also brightened.

From that day on, Soma began to face his sketchbook again.

Mihana actively supported his creative activities by becoming his model, taking walks with him around the shrine grounds, and telling him various stories passed down at the shrine.

The paintings Soma drew were even more powerful and warm than before.

One day, Soma showed Mihana a painting he had drawn. It was a picture of Mihana cleaning the shrine grounds.

Her figure holding a broom, her expression bathed in the sunlight filtering through the trees, even each strand of her hair fluttering in the wind, were drawn with delicate touches and with affection.

“…This is…!” Mihana was speechless as she looked at the painting. The person in the painting looked completely different from how she usually saw herself in the mirror. It was a woman drawn through Soma’s gentle gaze, beautiful and possessing a somewhat sacred atmosphere.

“…How is it…? Do you like it…? I’d be happy if I could have expressed even a little of Mihana’s beauty…,” Soma looked at Mihana’s face with a slightly anxious but hopeful gaze.

With tears in her eyes, Mihana replied in a trembling voice, “…It’s…very wonderful…more than words can say…thank you so much for drawing me so beautifully… I’ll treasure it…”

She gently embraced the painting. At that moment, Soma gently placed his hand on Mihana’s shoulder and looked at her gently. Mihana also looked up, responding to Soma’s warm gaze.

A special emotion, indescribable in words, filled the space between them.

That evening, the two were once again in the arbor of the secret garden. The sunset dyed the water’s surface red, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene.

Soma sat next to Mihana and gently took her hand. Slightly surprised, Mihana gently squeezed his hand in return.

“…Mihana…I…I’m truly grateful for having met Mihana at this shrine. If I hadn’t met Mihana, I’m sure I would still be in a dark place. Mihana’s kindness, warmth, and the quietness of this shrine saved me,” Soma spoke slowly but powerfully as he gazed at the water’s surface dyed in the sunset.

Deeply moved by his words, a single tear fell from Mihana’s eye.

“…I…feel the same way. My world has also changed since meeting Soma. Being with Soma warms my heart and makes me feel fulfilled,” Mihana replied, holding Soma’s hand tightly. Under the sunset sky, their hands were firmly clasped.

The quiet water’s surface was like a mirror reflecting their hearts. The melody of the dusk gently enveloped them.

(To be continued)