Chapter 15: New Year's and the Shrine Visit

As Azumi’s treatment continued, school entered winter break, and the year-end season arrived.

The four of them had gathered at a nearby shrine to ring in the New Year and perform their first shrine visit of the year together. They met at the shrine entrance. Hirose, who had arrived first, watched as three stunning girls appeared before him.

"Everyone... you look incredible in your furisode."

The three girls were clad in vibrant, elegant kimonos.

Hibiki wore a brilliant red furisode. Her hairstyle, accented with a hairpin featuring red flowers, made her beauty stand out even more than usual.

Koharu was dressed in a subdued, graceful yellow. It was a stark, wonderful contrast to the dark, muted clothes she used to wear. The stylish look perfectly complemented her long black hair.

Finally, there was Kirino. Her kimono featured a white base decorated with large blue flowers that matched the color of her hair. Whether it was because she was used to wearing them or simply due to her model-like physique, she carried herself so naturally in the garment that it was enough to make one sigh in admiration.

"Thank you," the three replied in unison, spinning around to show Hirose the full detail of their outfits.

"Well then, shall we?"

At Hirose’s suggestion, the four of them began their walk into the shrine grounds.

◇

"Uugh... It’s soooooo cold..."

"...It really is~"

"Haa... my breath is completely white."

"Hirose-kun, Koharu-chan, are you feeling alright?"

While the others huddled and shivered, only one person remained unfazed by the chill: Kirino. Thanks to her Gift giving her a natural resistance to the cold, she acted as though the sub-zero temperatures were perfectly normal.

Even today, they had come to the shrine directly after finishing Azumi’s treatment session. As a result, both their physical stamina and mana reserves were running low.

"Well... I’m hanging in there, thanks to the potions," Hirose said.

"You really did drink a lot of them, Hirose-kun."

"I wish I had as much mana as Kirino... but honestly, Koharu has it harder than me. She has to do this twice a day."

In the grand scheme of Azumi’s recovery, Koharu was the one carrying the heaviest burden. While Hirose only needed to perform his skill twice a week, Koharu visited the hospital every single day to ensure Azumi didn't die from the shock of the pain.

Koharu’s <Mitigation Grant> skill could only last half a day at most, even when she poured a massive amount of mana into it. Consequently, on every day except holidays, she would stop by the hospital in the morning before school and again after classes let out. Like Hirose, she relied on the mana recovery potions Mizuki provided to keep going.

"I can only watch from the sidelines, so please don't overdo it. Especially you, Koharu," Hibiki said.

"Thank you, Hibiki-chan. But... this is the first time my Gift has ever been truly needed by someone. To be honest, it makes me pretty happy."

Until recently, Koharu had only used her skill to protect herself from her father’s abuse. But her new skill was meant to alleviate the pain of others. Being able to use that power for someone else’s sake brought her genuine joy.

"I see. Still, don't push yourself. It’s a bit lonely going alone, so I’ll come with you whenever I can."

"Thanks. Only when you’re not busy, though."

They were all deeply worried about Azumi, but tonight, they were at the shrine in their finest clothes to celebrate the start of a new year.

The four of them warmed themselves with cups of amazake as they browsed the various food stalls lining the shrine path.

"Oh, it’s almost time."

Hibiki checked her phone; it was just minutes before midnight. A countdown began, and the voices of the crowd rose in unison.

"Three, two, one...!"

"Happy New Year!"

Cheers erupted all around them.

"──Everyone, I’m looking forward to another great year with you. I know we’re already drinking it, but let’s toast with our amazake."

"Yeah! I’m looking forward to it too. I’m so glad I met you, Hirose... that I met all of you. Things are tough with Azumi-chan right now, but... every day is so much fun."

As Hirose’s girlfriend, Hibiki led the sentiment. The other two shared similar feelings, despite the complexity of their relationships; they were happy.

"Me too. I am who I am today because I met you two. Thank you. I’m in your care again this year."

"Everyone... thank you for saving me last year. I want to cherish this bond for the rest of my life. I look forward to spending this year with you all as well."

Koharu and Kirino offered their words of gratitude in turn.

"Then... cheers!"

With their small paper cups held high, the four of them toasted to the New Year. Afterward, they joined the long queue of worshippers, slowly making their way to the offering box. They rang the bell, tossed in their five-yen coins, and performed the traditional ritual: two bows, two claps, and one final bow.

Once they stepped away, the conversation turned to what they had prayed for.

"Hirose, what did you ask for~?"

"Well, since I was given this Gift, I prayed that I’d be able to help solve more people’s problems."

"I see! ...And what about me~?"

"Of course I included you. But... wait, aren't you only supposed to ask for one thing?"

"Who knows? I’ve heard some people say you aren't supposed to 'ask' for things at all, just give thanks."

"But everyone makes a wish anyway."

Hirose had many wishes. He wanted to help people with his Gift. He wanted to get even closer to Hibiki. He wanted to maintain his wonderful relationships with Koharu and Kirino. And, though he didn't know who or what had granted it, he added a silent word of thanks for his [Beauty] Gift.

"What did you pray for, Hibiki?"

"That Hirose won't be popular with any girls except me!"

"Wait, what?!"

"Fufu, I’m kidding. I prayed that we could stay close forever."

"I see... Then it’s the same as mine."

Hirose took Hibiki’s hand. He squeezed it tight to warm her chilled fingers, and Hibiki whispered as if reminiscing about the past.

"It’s already been four months since I met you, Hirose..."

"Yeah. It went by in a flash."

About four months had passed since his initial <Appraisal> in September. The relationship that began when Hibiki first called out to him had expanded in ways he never could have imagined, eventually leading him to assist top-tier adventurers. He never would have dreamed back then that he’d be involved in such things, despite being unable to become an adventurer himself.

And then there were his relationships with beautiful women like Hibiki, Koharu, and Kirino. Romance had always been a foreign concept to Hirose. Now, they were the ones who couldn't seem to get enough of him. It was a bit overwhelming, but he didn't hate it. In fact, he loved it.

"Hibiki."

"Yeah? Wha──nmm."

While Koharu and Kirino were looking away, Hirose suddenly leaned in and kissed Hibiki. Startled by the bold move, Hibiki’s face turned bright red.

"T-That surprised me..."

"You’re always the one teasing me. I figured it was my turn for once."

"Honestly... you're something else, Hirose."

With a beaming smile, Hibiki squeezed his hand even tighter. It was a gesture filled with the silent message that she was falling for him more and more every day.

"──Everyone, I’ll say it again: I’m looking forward to this year. And let’s give it our all for Azumi-san until the very end."

As they prepared to leave the shrine, Hirose addressed the group once more.

"Yeah! Of course!"

"Yes. Until the very end...!"

"I’m counting on you all. For my sake, too... please take care of Azumi-chan."

Hibiki, who couldn't provide direct treatment herself, took the hands of the other three, entrusting her feelings to them.

The new year had dawned. Until Azumi’s treatment was complete, each of them continued to do everything in their power.