Chapter 37 – Charms, Chaos, and a Christmas Secret

If anyone ever tells you “A shrine trip is relaxing,” they’ve never gone with my classmates.

We had just finished at the café when Usagi tugged my sleeve, eyes sparkling like she had a secret plan.

Even though shrines were usually a New Year thing, Usagi insisted we come tonight.

So here I was, standing at the stone steps of Seiryou Shrine, breath puffing out in little clouds while snow dusted the lanterns.

The moment we stepped past the big red gate, I realized there was no peace to be found.
Lanterns hung glowing on either side, smoke drifted from food stalls, and half the school seemed to be lined up for fortunes.

Daiki immediately stretched like he owned the place. “Man, nothing says Christmas like takoyaki at a shrine.”

“Nothing says ‘you’ll choke’ like talking with your mouth full,” Hina replied, expressionless as always, while handing him a tissue before he even asked.

Kenta, of course, was filming the crowd with his phone. “Breaking news! Class 1-B spotted! Possible couples confirmed!”

“Stop narrating like a reporter!” I snapped.

Meanwhile, Usagi was practically skipping beside me.
“Yuuji-kun~ look, look! They have bunny-shaped charms this year!” She pointed so excitedly I thought she might dislocate her shoulder.

“…You’re buying one, aren’t you?” I said.

“Of course! It’s destiny!” she grinned,

I sighed. “Why do I even ask…”

We all made our wishes at the main hall, though “serious” might be the wrong word for some of them.

Daiki closed his eyes dramatically and whispered, “Please let me pass math this year…”

Hina dropped her coin in with perfect posture. I swear she muttered something, but it was too quiet for anyone to hear.

Kenta slammed in a whole handful of coins. “Make me the greatest gossip hunter of all time!”

Usagi clasped her hands together tightly, eyes shut, shaking a little like she was summoning divine power. “I wish—!” She opened one eye at me mischievously. “Not telling~”

“Then why build it up like that?!”

She only giggled, tugging on my sleeve. “Hehe, Yuuji-kun’s funny when he’s flustered.”

I could practically feel my lifespan shrinking.

After fortunes Kenta practically screamed when he pulled “Bad Luck” and immediately taped it to the shrine tree upside down like it would reverse the curse.
We all wandered through the stalls.

Mika bought candy apples and ended up with syrup all over her nose.
Daiki won a cheap prize at a ring toss and kept bragging about his “skill.” Hina looked at everything quietly, but the faint curve at her lips told me she was enjoying herself.

Usagi, naturally, darted from stall to stall like a kid on caffeine. “Yuuji-kun~ this one! Oh, wait, no, over here!” I got dragged along so much my arm started to feel like stretched mochi.

By the time the sky turned darker, we finally regrouped near the back steps of the shrine.
The crowd had thinned, lantern light flickered softly, and for the first time all evening, things went…quiet.

That’s when Usagi spun on her heel, facing me with both hands hidden behind her back.
Her cheeks were slightly pink from the cold, but her grin was just as bright as ever.

“Yuuji-kun~” she said, leaning closer. “I’ve got something for you.”

I blinked. “Uh…for me?”

She nodded, then pulled out a neatly wrapped small box with a red ribbon. “Tadaa~! Don’t shake it though, or the gods will curse you.”

“…That’s not how shrines work.”

“Shhh, just take it,” she said, pressing it into my hands.

I stared at it, feeling awkward with the others nearby, but she stepped closer so only I could hear her next words.
Her voice softened, just a little :

“Open it tomorrow night, ...Because that’s when it’ll matter most.”

My breath caught.
There was something in her tone, Not her usual playful bounce, but something... something, hiding behind the sparkle. Before I could ask, though—

She suddenly threw her arms around me. “Merry Christmas, Yuuji-kun~!”

I nearly dropped the box. “Wha—hey—?!”

“Aw, they’re hugging!” Kenta shouted cheerfully. “Scandal confirmed!”

Daiki whistled. Mika squeaked and turned redder than her candy apple. Even Hina, smiles a little, then muttered, “How bold.”

“Usagi—!!” I shouted, trying to wriggle free as my classmates started laughing and snapping pictures.

I let out a small sigh and stopped struggling.
I give up, If this is how it’s going to be, I might as well…
Slowly I hugged her back. “…Fine,” I muttered, letting myself relax a little.

“Hehe. Yuuji-kun’s warm,” she said. I didn’t move. I just stayed there, letting her hug me.
Then reached up and patted her head.

She just hugged tighter, giggling into my chest.

…And just like that, my peaceful Christmas was officially doomed.

Usagi Status: Energetic rabbit, maximum chaos. Hugged me in public. Help.

Mental State: Embarrassed, Confused, Surprisingly warm And suspicious of this “open it tomorrow” business.

Food Rating: Shrine festival stalls – 8/10. Takoyaki was good, but I didn’t get to finish mine because someone (cough Usagi cough) dragged me around.

Friend Group Status: Kenta is going to spread rumors, Daiki won’t shut up, Hina knows something again, Mika almost fainted.

New Year’s Resolution: Survive until the next semester. Hopefully.