It was the third and final day of New Year’s celebrations in accordance with Japanese tradition. Fuyuka spent New Year’s day with the Kagami family and agreed on tagging along with Asahi for the hatsumode on the second day—the custom of visiting a shrine for the first time in the new year in order to pray for a prosperous year ahead.
Asahi and Fuyuka were making their way to Soleil Levant, or, more accurately, to the house nearby where Kazuaki and Toko lived.
They’d arranged to meet up with Chiaki and Hinami in the afternoon so they could all go to the shrine together. At least, they had, until Asahi had relayed the news to his parents. They’d asked him to bring Fuyuka to their house at once. Needless to say, Asahi was left in a strange position with the knowledge that his own parents wanted something to do with Fuyuka rather than their own son.
“Why would they call us over when they know we’re gonna be busy after?” Asahi asked.
“They must have their reasons,” Fuyuka replied.
“You know what this is all about, right? Spill the deets.”
“I do, but... I’m going to keep it a secret for now.”
“You’re just making me more curious.”
“You’ll understand soon enough. Keep looking forward to it.”
Unbeknownst to Asahi, everything had been devised and organized between Fuyuka and Toko. His idea of enjoying the New Year’s seemed to be widely different compared to his parents’. While he’d imagined days of lounging around and relaxing, his parents clearly had other plans in mind. They’d been constantly pestering their son and his friends since New Year’s Day.
They said they’d drive us to the shrine when we’re done, so there’s no reason to refuse, Asahi thought to himself as he marched alongside Fuyuka.
It had only been about a week since Christmas Eve. Although they’d both walked the same streets recently, the town appeared utterly changed. Holiday decorations had been hung up here and there, which further cemented the fact that a new year had begun.
Asahi and Fuyuka indulged in idle chatter as they walked down the road, tumultuous crowds bustling around them all the while. They arrived upon an aged house before long.
Asahi felt a wave of anxiety as he approached the door; it had been quite some time since he’d last set foot in his family home, after all. Still, his unease wasn’t even remotely comparable to what Fuyuka must have been experiencing. She was about to visit his house after only meeting with his parents on three separate occasions.
She must be sweating bullets right now. Can’t say I blame her, I’d feel the same if I was in her shoes, he thought. “Tell me when you’re ready so I ring the intercom.”
“G-Go right ahead,” she stuttered nervously.
Asahi pressed the intercom button. The two of them were soon greeted by a set of boisterous footsteps approaching the entrance, rather than a voice over the speaker.
“Asahi, you made it! And Himuro, you’re here too! Welcome!” Kazuaki called out enthusiastically as he flung the door open.
Toko followed right behind him. “Hi. Long time, no see. Get in—it’s cold outside.”
Asahi’s parents showed them into the house, where they took off their shoes at the entrance and proceeded to the guest room together.
Never thought I’d ever be a guest in my own house, Asahi mused as his lips twisted into a strained smile.
Suddenly, his father gripped his shoulder.
“C’mere, Asahi—we’ll be going this way,” Kazuaki said.
“Fuyuka and I will be staying in this room,” Toko remarked, her hand on the girl’s shoulder. She pointed toward the corridor, gesturing that she wanted them out of the room. Her face was stoic as ever; not even Asahi could tell what she was plotting.
“You heard your mom, Asahi. No guys allowed in this room until they say otherwise.”
“Yeah, yeah, suit yourselves,” Asahi replied. Fuyuka’s quiet as a lamb. She knows what’s going on, so I guess there’s no need to worry, really
Asahi and his father complied and moved to the living room. He plopped down on the sofa. Since he needed to kill some time until his mother called him over, what better way to do so than by watching TV?
I bet the broadcast schedule’s jam-packed with specials since it’s the start of a new year. I don’t think I’ll get bored anytime soon.
“Hey, Asahi—you couldn’t possibly have, oh, I dunno... forgotten that I’m right here next to you?”
“No, of course not.”
“Then why don’t you speak with your old man instead of watching TV?! We’ve got so much to catch up on!”
“We literally saw each other two days ago, Dad, and we stay in touch. What else could you want?”
“Toko, dear, come over! Asahi’s in his rebellious phase and refuses to listen to me!”
“What the—sheesh, fine. You win. I’m all ears.”
Asahi gave in to the pressure and reluctantly turned off the TV. Even the biting cold of winter wasn’t able to cool off Kazuaki’s overwhelming, fiery personality.
“You’re such a good son, Asahi.”
“You set the bar way too low, Dad. Both what you consider an obedient and a difficult child.”
“You can be the best son someday... if you end up walking in with your future bride and announcing it to us.”
“Don’t look at me like that. I’ve heard this exact thing a dozen times.”
Kazuaki had always been outspoken about his eager desire to see a grandchild, so he paid considerable attention to Asahi’s female friends. Ironically, his father’s eagerness—or rather, incessant badgering—probably played a large role in Asahi’s indifference toward romantic relationships. At least, that’s what Asahi was inclined to think.
That means today’s the exact scenario he’s been waiting for.
“Himuro is great, isn’t she? She’s well-mannered, elegant, and most importantly, gorgeous.”
“I’ve told you a hundred times—we aren’t in a relationship.”
“Personally, I think you’re perfect for each other.”
“Just don’t bring this up in front of Fuyuka. She doesn’t see me like that.”
“Really now...?” his father sounded dispirited.
I get that he’s sad, but I hope he keeps this convo between just the two of us. Hell, if he went to Fuyuka about this, I wouldn’t be surprised if it’d be considered some kind of harassment in today’s society.
“Well, what do you think of her, then?”
“I’m sorry?”
“You know what I mean. This is the first time you’ve brought a girl home. You must like her at least a little bit, right?”
“I do... as a friend,” Asahi replied cryptically.
“I think I’ve got the full picture now,” Kazuaki nodded with a broad grin. “We gotta make sure you impress the lady.”
“What’re you talking about?”
“Sit tight—I’m gonna go get something. I’ll be right back.”
Kasauki headed up toward the second floor—where both his bedroom and Asahi’s former-bedroom-turned-storage were—with brisk footsteps. Given the clamor and thunderous stomps coming from upstairs, he was undoubtedly searching for something. And just when Asahi thought the commotion had finally settled down, a series of loud thumps arose from the stairs.
His father returned, panting, and held out a piece of clothing to his son. He must’ve dragged it out of his closet.
“Here you go, Asahi. I want you to have it.”
“Why do you have a kimono?”
“I’ve had this thing since I was your age, and now I’m giving it to yo—hey, hold on! What do you think you’re doing?! Stop sniffing it! I made sure to clean it up properly beforehand. You’re gonna make your old man cry, you know that?!”
“I’m just messing with you, Dad. Wonder if I’ll fit in it, though.”
“It should be juuust fine. Well, it might be a tad big, but that’s it.”
Kazuaki, who was taller and boasted a stocky physique, had bought the kimono when he was still maturing physically. Unfortunately, he’d hit an intense growth spurt soon after, which meant he’d grown out of it quickly. The kimono had been sitting in the closet ever since, waiting to be worn.
“You’re going to the shrine, right? You might as well dress for the occasion!” Kazuaki exclaimed with a wide smile.
“I appreciate it, Dad.”
Asahi was rewarded by his father ruffling his hair.