Chapter 3: Azure Sky and the Divine Festival
The autumn wind painted the leaves of the trees golden, and the grounds of Tsukuyomi Shrine appeared even more splendid.
The high, clear sky was a deep azure, heralding the deepening of autumn. At the shrine, preparations for the annual grand festival, the “Tsukuyomi Festival,” were reaching their climax.
Colorful lanterns were hung throughout the grounds, the voices of people practicing festival music echoed, and the atmosphere was filled with energy. The leaves of the trees swaying in the wind adorned the grounds like a golden carpet.
Mihana was busier than ever, but her expression was filled with a sense of fulfillment. As her relationship with Soma deepened, her heart was filled with calm and warm feelings.
During the festival preparations, their bond became even stronger.
One day, Soma came to Mihana, who was preparing for the festival on the grounds. He was much healthier than before, his expression bright and full of confidence.
Recently, he was often seen not only painting the scenery of the shrine grounds but also sketching the festival preparations.
“Mihana, is there anything I can help with? Today, leave any physical labor to me, not just painting,” Soma asked Mihana with a joking smile. Mihana returned his smile happily and replied, “Thank you, Soma. Well… if you wouldn’t mind, could you help me decorate the large lanterns that will be displayed at the entrance to the grounds? They need to be hung a little high, so I need a man’s help.”
Soma readily agreed, and the two headed to the entrance of the grounds together.
Arriving under a large ginkgo tree, they found a huge lantern prepared. On the lantern, the crescent moon, the crest of Tsukuyomi Shrine, and the seven autumn flowers were vividly depicted. The ginkgo leaves swaying in the wind were like a shower of gold.
Soma carefully hung the lantern, being mindful of Mihana. Occasionally, their hands touched, and as they exchanged words, a warm atmosphere flowed between them.
Hanging the lantern high was a bit difficult, but Soma proceeded carefully, repeatedly asking Mihana, “Are you alright?”
During a break, the two decided to sit in a place with a good view of the grounds. They drank warm tea while breathing in the clear autumn air.
“…By the way, Soma, have you ever been to a festival before? You probably don’t see many traditional festivals like this in the city, do you?” Mihana asked curiously. Soma thought for a moment and replied, “…Well… not really. After I got sick, I started avoiding crowds… I just became uncomfortable in lively places,” he replied, looking a little lonely. Mihana, remembering Soma’s past, looked a little worried and said, “…I see… But this Tsukuyomi Festival is not just lively. Ancient rituals are also performed, and it’s an important opportunity to deepen the connections between people’s hearts. I’d be happy if you could enjoy it with me. I’m sure something warm will remain in your heart, Soma,” she said gently but firmly.
Soma thanked Mihana from the bottom of his heart, deeply touched by her warm gaze, and replied strongly, “…Thank you. If Mihana says so… I’ll definitely enjoy it with you. If I’m with Mihana, I’m sure I’ll be fine anywhere.”
The day before the festival, Mihana guided Soma to the shrine office. Various tools and costumes used in the festival were stored there.
Mihana took out a deep navy blue haori coat from among them and suggested it to Soma, gently explaining, “Why don’t you try wearing this during the festival? I’m sure it will suit Soma’s atmosphere. This color is the color of the night sky, and it’s also a sacred color representing the power of the gods.”
Soma, feeling a bit hesitant, followed Mihana’s suggestion and tried on the haori. Looking at himself in the mirror, he saw that it suited him well, just as Mihana had said.
The calm navy blue accentuated his dignified presence.
“…It looks wonderful on you! You look like a shrine parishioner protecting this shrine! It’s truly wonderful,” Mihana said with sparkling eyes, speaking from the heart. Soma smiled bashfully and gave his thanks, “…Thank you. Being allowed to wear such a wonderful haori… I feel like a different person.” At that moment, Mihana gently touched Soma’s arm and whispered, “…I’m really looking forward to tomorrow. It will surely be a wonderful day.” Soma felt his heart pounding at the touch of Mihana’s warm hand and her gentle words.
On the day of the festival, Tsukuyomi Shrine was bustling with many people from morning. Various stalls lined the grounds, and lively music and the cheers of people echoed. Mihana, as a shrine maiden, was busy with the festival proceedings and responding to visitors, but she occasionally looked for Soma. Soma in the navy blue haori was easily recognizable even in the crowd, and Mihana wore a relieved smile.
In the evening, the festival reached its peak. At a special stage on the grounds, ancient kagura dances (traditional Shinto ritual dances) were performed, and people watched the performance in a solemn atmosphere.
During a break in the kagura, Mihana found Soma. He was in a corner of the grounds, surrounded by children, talking happily.
Soma, gently talking to the children and showing a smile, was so lively that it was hard to imagine he was the same person as before. Mihana felt her heart warm at the sight.
Towards the end of the festival, the much-anticipated bon dance, a traditional Japanese folk dance, began in the central square of the grounds. As people in colorful yukata formed a circle and began to dance to the sound of drums and flutes,
Mihana found Soma and invited him into the circle. Soma, who was initially a little hesitant, was gently pulled by Mihana’s hand and gradually began to enjoy the dance as he entered the circle.
Soma, dancing awkwardly but earnestly while following Mihana’s instructions, brought smiles to the faces of the people around them.
During the dance, Mihana placed her hand over Soma’s, brought her face closer, and said with a smile, “…It’s fun, isn’t it! Soma, you’re very good!”
Soma, seeing Mihana’s smile, felt truly happy and replied, “…It’s wonderful. This is the most enjoyable festival I’ve ever experienced. I’m really happy to be with Mihana, thank you,” he said, a little shy but with heartfelt words.
Their hands were held tightly together. The people around them also sent warm glances at the two of them, seeing their happy appearance.
After the festival ended, a full moon shone in the night sky. Mihana and Soma sat down in a quiet corner of the grounds, looking up at the night sky.
“…Thank you so much for today. Thanks to Mihana, I was able to spend a wonderful day. It’s thanks to Mihana that I was able to have such a fun time. I’m truly grateful,” Soma said to Mihana, expressing his gratitude again. Mihana smiled gently and replied, “…I was also very happy to spend time with Soma. I’m really glad that Soma looked so happy. It became an unforgettable day for me too.”
At that moment, fireworks that colored the night sky were launched from the back of the grounds. Large flowers bloomed in the night sky, enveloping the shrine grounds in a magical light.
Mihana looked up at the fireworks and gasped, “…They’re beautiful…”
Soma gazed at Mihana’s profile and whispered, “…Yes, they’re truly… beautiful. This scenery that I see with Mihana is more beautiful than anything…”
Mihana blushed at Soma’s words and gently leaned on his shoulder. Soma put his arm around Mihana’s shoulder and gently embraced her.
The fireworks blooming in the night sky and the two people leaning against each other were like a painting. The light of the fireworks illuminated their faces, making the feelings reflected in each other’s eyes shine even more strongly.
When the fireworks ended, silence enveloped the grounds. However, a special feeling, different from before, certainly existed between the two.
“…Mihana,” Soma looked at Mihana again and said quietly but clearly.
“…I… Mihana, you are… important to me. My world has changed since I met Mihana. Being with Mihana makes my heart feel at peace and warm. I was truly happy to spend this festival with Mihana. …I… I want to stay with Mihana forever… These are my true feelings.”
Soma’s words resonated deeply in Mihana’s heart. Large tears welled up in her eyes.
“…Soma,” Mihana called Soma’s name in a trembling voice. Then, she nodded slowly.
“…I… feel the same way. I’m truly happy to have met Soma. Being with Soma makes my heart feel full. I also… I wish to stay with Soma forever…”
Hearing Mihana’s words, Soma wore a look of relief and gently grasped Mihana’s hand. Their hands were held tightly together. The full moon gently illuminated them.
Even after the festival, their interaction continued, and their feelings for each other deepened. As autumn deepened and winter approached, their hearts drew even closer, warming each other.
(To be continued)
Recommended Links:
Tsukiyomi-no-miya Kotaijingu (Naiku) Betsugu
Tsukiyomi-no-miya Toyouke Daijingu (Geku) Betsugu
Off-Limits Betsug | About the Jingū | Ise Jingū
Introducing the Betsugu enshrined outside the precincts of the Naiku and Geku. The Naiku has “Tsukiyomi-no-miya, Takihara-no-miya, Isawa-no-miya, and Yamatohime-no-miya,” and the Geku has “Tsukiyomi-no-miya” in and outside Ise City.
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