prologue

Chapter 1: Sweet and sour sweets and the hidden feelings.

Chapter 2: The girl in the tower and the chestnut tea towel.

Chapter 3: Tears, determination, and sugar candy.

　Afterword

　prologue

　It had been four months since I last rode the Shinkansen.

　Even though I say it's been a long time, I rarely ride the Shinkansen.

　Four months ago, I came to Kyoto from Shinashinakawa Station.

　Perhaps this can now be considered the return journey, as I boarded the Shinkansen from Kyoto to Shinagawa.

　To return home to Tokyo.

　Sakurai Ikoharu walks down the narrow aisle, rolling a carry-on bag, holding a Shinkansen ticket in her hand.

　I checked my seat number, put my luggage on the overhead rack, sat down in the window seat, and took a deep breath.

　I couldn't find a feeling that was tension or depression. In one word, I would say I had a heavy heart.

　I never thought going back to my parents' house would be so depressing.

　Koharu took another breath and, in an attempt to change her mood, pulled out a drawstring bag from her tote bag. Inside was her lunchbox.

　I received this from my grandmother, Sakurai Yoshino, who told me to eat it on the Shinkansen.

　When Koharu opened the lid, it was filled with Yoshino's homemade inari sushi and sushi rolls, and they looked delicious, with a smile on her face.

　There were other storage containers inside the bag, and while tilting his head, wondering "What is this?" he opened the lid and let out a "Wow" sound.

　Inside was a piece of yoyokan with goldfish swimming in a clear light blue container.

　A bite-sized rectangular yokan. It is light blue to evoke the image of water, with a white and brown layer at the bottom. In the center is a vibrant red goldfish.

　What a beautiful piece of yokan.

　It's truly a Kyoto summer treat.

　Koharu stares intently at the yokan, as if admiring a work of art.

　At the bottom of the pouch was a notepad with a message from his uncle, Soujiro, saying, "This is my new summer dish. Eat it on the Shinkansen."

「............」

　"Beautiful handwriting," Koharu said, widening her eyes as she held the note in her hand.

　Come to think of it, he must be such a skilled person to be able to make such beautiful Japanese sweets, so perhaps it's only natural that his handwriting is so beautiful.

　But still, the beauty of this writing is surprising.

　Koharu's uncle, Sakurai Sojiro, bears a strong resemblance to Yoshino, who was said to have been an unparalleled beauty in her youth, so the word "handsome" fits him perfectly.

　Although he is in his thirties, he looks to be in his twenties.

　However, contrary to his appearance, his personality is always carefree, bold, and arrogant.

　At the age of 18, she ran away from home saying she wanted to become an idol, but ultimately decided that the entertainment industry wasn't for her, so she quit and trained to become a Japanese confectioner at Asa Asakusa.

　Because of this, although I am from Kyoto, I now feel like an Edokko.

　Sojiro hasn't been home since he ran away from home, but after Koharu's grandfather Shigeru - who is like a father to Sojiro - passed away last year, he couldn't leave his mother Yoshino alone so he returned to his parents' home in Kyoto and has been helping out with the family business.

　The family business ran a Japanese goods store called "Sakuraan An" in Gion.

　Since Sojiro returned, the store has begun making and selling Japanese sweets, and now it is unclear whether Sakuraan is a Japanese general store or a Japanese sweets store.

　Early April.

　Sixteen-year-old Koharu fled her parents' home in Tokyo and spent four months living with her grandmother in Gion, who ran a Japanese goods store.

　I didn't go to high school.

　In the middle of her third year of junior high school, Koharu suddenly became unable to go to school, and as a result of her continued absence, she was unable to go to high school.

　Unable to cope with the sudden, ''peculiar change'' that had happened to her, Koharu holed herself up in her room and couldn't talk to anyone about it.

　Even if I told my stubborn parents, there's no way they'd believe me.

　Even if they believe you're not lying, you'll definitely be treated like a sick person.

　In particular, my father, who hates anything that is "not normal," cannot accept it.

　I didn't want to meet anyone who knew me, I couldn't leave my room, I couldn't talk about what had happened, and I was shut up in my shell.

"Koharu, would you mind helping out at my shop? Things have been really tough since Grandpa passed away. It would be a big help if you could help out," came a phone call from my grandmother Yoshino, who lives in Kyoto...

　--I'm saved, Koharu thought.

　He thought that maybe he could survive if he lived in a place where no one knew him except his family.

　And so Koharu visited Gion.

　Her grandmother Yoshino is kind but strong-willed, and her uncle Sojiro is a strikingly handsome but also very friendly, free-spirited and honest man.

　Every day living together as a family of three was very enjoyable, and Koharu's heart, which had been deeply hurt and hardened by the changes that had happened to her, gradually began to melt.

　And occasionally, she visits her cousin Mio Reito, the grandson of Yoshino's younger brother who lives in Shimoshimo Kamogamo.

　...Mioto-san.

　As soon as she thought of him, Koharu felt her cheeks get hot and she instinctively looked down.

　She is a very lustrous, beautiful and refined woman.

　Above all, he's a mysterious person who seems somewhat detached from the world...

　Speaking of strange, I was surprised.

　When I found out my grandmother's secret...

　Koharu smiles as she recalls the time she found out her grandmother's true identity.

　It was more confusion than surprise.

　My grandmother, Yoshino, was known as "the Gion Shrine Maiden."

　Yoshino's maiden name is Kamomo, and her ancestors are said to be descended from Kamomo no Tadayuki, who was famous as a master of onmyoji.

　Although she has been trusted by the local people since she defeated a demon that once appeared in Gion, Koharu's father, Souichi, hates this ''unusual mother'' and learns that Yoshino has instructed him to hide her from the family.

　Because of this, Koharu felt she understood a little bit about why her father hated 'things that cannot be seen'.

　Perhaps he began to feel alienated and disgusted by his mother's exorcism while he was still ignorant of it. Now, he hates everything from psychic TV shows to spiritual stories.

　That's why I thought there was no way I could say it.

　--So you can now read people's minds just by making eye contact.

　Koharu took a deep breath and leaned back in her chair.

　Koharu was now able to know what others were thinking just by making eye contact with them, and she was no longer able to go to school or talk to anyone about it.

　I was sure I would end up being a sick person.

　Above all, due to her father's influence, Koharu herself was unable to accept herself.

　Koharu shut her eyes tightly and, as if to regain her composure, placed her lunchbox on the table, clasped her hands together and said, "Itadakimasu (thank you for the meal)," before bringing the inari sushi to her mouth.

　"It's delicious as expected," he thought, narrowing his eyes.

　Koharu, who thought she was the only one who was out of the ordinary, experienced many things by living under Yoshino, who was also known as the "Prayer Priest of Gion."

　He has received requests for mysterious exorcisms, and once Mioto's older sister Anna, who works as a model in Tokyo, came to him and asked for advice, saying, "The rabbit has disappeared from the tapestry." Together with Anna, he struggled to return the rabbit to its original state, and at Tatsumi Shrine, a snake child asked him for help in returning home.

　The baby snake was actually the incarnation of a young dragon god.

　Wakamiya-kun was so cute.

　Imagining the adorable image of the boy drying off after drinking water, Koharu smiled and closed the lid of her lunch box after finishing eating.

　Finally, dessert.

　This is Sojiro's new yokan.

　Looking at it again, the yokan is so beautiful that I hesitate to eat it.

　Still, I was very curious about what it would taste like, so I took a small wooden spatula and brought the light blue yokan to my mouth.

"Hk!"

　I couldn't believe it, but it was soda flavored, just as the color suggested. Beneath it was sweet red bean paste.

　The goldfish also has a slight lemon flavor.

　I was surprised by the unexpected combination, but it was delicious.

　It's a truly refreshing dish perfect for summer.

　I'm sure this will also become a popular item at Sakuraan.

"As expected, the new work is also very popular. As expected of me!"

　I can still picture in my mind Sojiro standing there with his chest out, his arms crossed and a smug look on his face.

　Feeling lonely that she couldn't see that, Koharu lowered her eyes.

His time at Sakuraan caused him to encounter strange things that he had never imagined in his life before, and he found himself worrying and running around.

　As she continued this, Koharu finally came to accept her own unique side and truly felt that she wanted to continue living in Gion.

"...But," he muttered.

　That's why I have to go back to Tokyo.

　As if to motivate herself, Koharu clenched her fists tightly and looked out the window.

　In the blink of an eye, the Shinkansen left the city of Kyoto and headed east.

　Chapter 1: Sweet and sour sweets and the hidden feelings.

　　　　one

　──The city of Tokyo feels as if it is in a vortex of electric currents.

　Koharu felt a strange sensation as she looked out the window from the passenger seat of the car driven by her father, Soichi, who had come to pick her up.

　The city of Tokyo where I was born and raised.

　I was familiar with the skyscrapers, cars and people passing by, so I didn't think much of it. But after living in Kyoto for four months, I was able to see "Tokyo" objectively for the first time.

　It was as if a dragon wrapped in lightning was flying around at the speed of light, forming a vortex that stretched out into the sky like a spiral.

　Tokyo is a metropolis that stands shoulder to shoulder with the world, and the city itself is a melting pot of great energy.

　Thinking that far, Koharu frowned and said, "Hmm?"

"It's like a dragon wrapped in lightning is flying around"──or something like that.

　Why did I feel that way?

　He has been living in Kyoto for a while, so he may be confused by the difference with the big city.

　Now that I'm used to the old-fashioned streets of Gion, this feels like a world of the future.

　When I lived in Tokyo, I never had any particular feelings towards the city I lived in.

　But looking at it now, I am overwhelmed by the energy of this place.

　This place could also be called a power spot.

　Those who are able to ride this dragon-like energy of light will achieve great success, while those who do not fit into this magnetic field will suffer and may even leave this earth.

"...Koharu, how was Kyoto?"

　My father, who was driving, asked quietly to break the silence.

　They are the only two in the car. Their mother, Shoko, is at home preparing to welcome Koharu.

　Koharu gently looked away from the window and nodded, "Yes."

"Both my grandmother and Sojiro were very kind to me."

"I see," my father said, and then shut his mouth.

　Koharu glanced at her father sitting next to her.

　He is a man in his forties with a slim build, wearing a suit and glasses, and giving off a serious air about him.

　He has a gentle face and is said to look kind at first glance, but he is actually very nervous. This may be due to his job as an administrative scrivener.

　Koharu smiles wryly and says that even though they are brothers, he is completely different from Sojiro.

　Even though Soujiro is such a careless person.

　Ah, but since Sojiro also has to go through the incredibly detailed work involved in making Japanese sweets, he might be a bit sensitive too.

　However, the atmosphere they give off is that of complete strangers.

　Thinking of the generous and bold Sojiro, Koharu looked at her father again.

　A profile shot of him facing forward. The glasses he was wearing were not particularly stylish.

　There is a mole on her earlobe.

　Since it was exactly where I would get my ears pierced, when I was little I would touch that earlobe and say, "It's like an accessory." Now that I think about it, it's a little funny that my serious father has a mole like a piercing.

　As Koharu relaxed her cheeks, her father grimaced as if he sensed her gaze.

"Soujirou, are you still making sweets without working?"

　The words were sharp and Koharu became annoyed as she leaned forward and said, "S-Sojirou-san..."

"Ah, we're here, Koharu."

　Next thing I knew, the apartment building was right in front of us, and my father was turning the steering wheel and pulling the car into the apartment building's parking lot.

「............」

　His father, Sojiro, may appear frivolous at first glance, but he is a serious craftsman and takes a very stoic approach to making Japanese sweets.

　The sweets they make are really delicious and very popular.

　That's what I wanted to say, but because I was interrupted, I couldn't say anything more.

　Koharu undoes her seat belt with a bitter look on her face.

"You can read people's minds by making eye contact"

　This ability suddenly emerged in the middle of my third year of junior high school.

　After witnessing their public faces and hidden hearts, I was so shocked that I shut myself in my room and for a while I couldn't speak properly. But after spending time in Kyoto, I was able to speak naturally again.

　He was saved by the fact that not many people in Kyoto knew his former self, and that both Yoshino and Sojiro were very honest people.

　Koharu thought that she was now able to speak fluently and fluently, but when she was in front of her parents she reverted to her old self and couldn't help but stumble.

　Koharu sighed and got out of the car, grimacing at the suffocating summer heat.

　Kyoto was hot too, but it was a different kind of heat.

　Kyoto has a humid heat that is unique to a basin. Here, the heat is like sitting on a frying pan, due to the dense residential area and the glare.

　While her father is taking her carry-on bag out of the trunk, Koharu looks up at her apartment home for the first time in a long while.

　It was 15 years old and was a seven-story, ordinary apartment building with a slightly dirty white exterior.

　Because there are several apartment buildings of the same type, the letters "A" and "B" are written high up on the wall.

　Koharu's house is on the seventh floor of building A.

　The seventh floor, the top floor, is larger than the other rooms and has the highest rent.

　It's something that his parents are proud of, and it gives them a sense of superiority.

　Koharu follows her father, who has started walking with a carry-on bag in his hand, toward the entrance.

　I deactivated the auto-lock and entered the elevator.

　--Was the house I lived in like this?

　It's a very inorganic, emotionless building.

　There is no way that a house could have "emotions," so I found myself suddenly feeling that way and found myself scratching my head a little.

　The elevator dinged and the doors opened.

　At the end of the corridor is the house where Koharu lives.

　As she watched her father walk ahead of her, Koharu narrowed her eyes as he looked smaller than before.

　I thought the same thing when you came to see me in Gion before, but Dad has lost weight.

　I guess she was worried about me.

　Thinking about that, Koharu felt a sharp pain in her chest.

　My father rang the intercom to signal he was home and then opened the door.

　As I stepped through the front door, the door to the living room opened and my mother appeared.

"Welcome home, Koharu!"

　The mother was also thin, but her eyes were bright and her cheeks flushed with joy.

　It was clear to her that they were wholeheartedly welcoming her back, and Koharu bowed awkwardly, feeling both happy and apologetic at the same time.

"I-I'm home."

"You must be tired. I made lots of your favorite foods today."

"Uh, yeah, thank you."

　As she was taking off her sneakers, Koharu felt someone looking at her from the other side of the aisle and looked up, "Hmm?"

　A boy peers at me through the open living room door.

　He looked about middle school age and had a quiet, mature look.

"Hk!"

　Koharu was about to ask who it was, but quickly shut her mouth.

　Because that figure just vanished.

「............」

　What was that just now?

　Could it be one of those "non-human" creatures so familiar in Gion?

　As she stood frozen in shock, her mother looked at her and asked, "What's wrong?" Koharu shook her head and said, "It's nothing."

　At that moment, Koharu realized for the first time that she had changed even more from her previous self, and she wiped the cold sweat that had formed on her forehead with the back of her hand.

　　　　two

　--Gion, Kyoto.

　Kyoto has something to see in every season.

　A famous spot for cherry blossoms in spring, autumn leaves in fall, and beautiful shrines and temples with snowy scenery in winter.

　So, if you were to ask where summer is, it might be "Gion."

　Sakurai Sojiro sits by the window in a private room at a teahouse in Gion Hasakipontomachicho, also known as the Geisha district, gazing outside with a fan in his hand.

　The "summer cool deck" that juts out along the Kamokamo River has a charm that can only be experienced during this season.

　Admiring the moon floating in the sky, I brought the sake cup to my mouth,

"I'm sorry, Soujirou. Ever since my sister came to Kyoto, she hasn't shown up to see me. I've been lonely."

"That's true."

　Suzune, a dancing geisha at the teahouse, and Ayame, a performing geisha, pouted a little.

"No, it wasn't my sister who came, it was my niece. She was trying not to go out at night until she got used to Kyoto, as she might be feeling anxious. I'm sorry for neglecting you for so long."

　Soujirou blurted this out, recalling Koharu's constant, frightened look in her eyes shortly after she arrived in Kyoto.

"Oh my, it's your niece."

"So, has she gotten used to it yet? So are you going to start going out at night again?"

　As the two leaned forward, Soujirou shook his head slightly.

"I went back to Tokyo, and today I'm meeting someone here."

"A meeting? What? That's unusual. A meeting?"

"You don't meet up at a teahouse in the entertainment district, do you?"

"That's true."

　As the two geisha and maiko were laughing together, the sliding screen doors to the room slid open and Mioto appeared, accompanied by a soft voice saying, "Excuse me."

　Seeing the handsome Miohito with his beautiful eyebrows and eyes, the two of them opened their eyes wide and said, "Wow," and Sojiro beckoned towards them.

"Oh, so you're here, Mio-tan."

"Hey big brother, is your name Mio-tan? Nice to meet you, my name is Ayame."

"You're a beautiful woman. My name is Suzune. I look forward to working with you."

"Nice to meet you, my name is Kamo Mioto."

　As the two geisha bow with their hands on the tatami mat, Mioto smiles gently and bows back.

　"Wow," they exclaimed, blushing at her elegant behavior, which was no less than that of a geisha.

"Well, sit here."

"Excuse me."

　Mioto bowed and stepped into the room.

"Thank you so much for making time for me today. I never thought you'd choose the entertainment district," she said, narrowing her eyes in amusement.

"It's okay once in a while. Come on, have a drink."

　When Sojiro offered Mioto the virtuous gift, he held up his hand.

"Oh dear, Soujirou. Have you forgotten I'm only 19?"

"Well, you're still underage. And 19 is a bit of a stretch. Go ahead and have some orange juice."

"Yes, I will."

　After this exchange, orange juice was brought to Mioto and the two of them casually toasted and watched for a while as the geisha Ayame plucked the mitsuba and the maiko Suzune danced lovely.

"That's nice, I feel soothed after a long time."

　As Soujirou spoke with such sincerity, Mioto gave a small laugh.

"I'm surprised that Soujirou-san frequents the entertainment district. Is it this girl that he has a special affection for?"

"I wouldn't say I'm fond of them, but I once helped them out when they were being harassed by a drunk in town. That led to them being invited to the tea shop. Now they buy Japanese goods and sweets from my shop. Well, I guess we're friends."

"Ah, I see. That sounds like you, Soujirou."

　Mioto nodded vigorously in understanding.

　After the two geisha and maiko performed a magnificent shamisen and dance,

"I'm sure you have a lot to talk about, so please make yourself at home."

　He bows his head and slowly leaves the room.

"...As expected, the geisha of Gion really know how to read the atmosphere."

"So, what do you want from me, Mioto?"

　Soujirou asked while taking a sip of his sake, and Mioto instantly shot him a sharp look.

"What can I do for you? What are you doing here?"

　Soujirou blinked as Mioto closed the fan he was holding and slapped him on the knee.

"What are you doing, drinking... What are you angry about? Are you angry that we used the red-light district for our rendezvous? Just because you invited me doesn't mean I'm trying to make you pay. If you really want to treat me, I'm happy to oblige. Thank you for treating me, Mio-sama."

"Mio-sama? No, it's not that. I'm talking about Koharu-chan."

"What about Koharu?"

"I heard you went back to Tokyo."

　As Mioto continued speaking in a strong tone, Soujirou nodded with his mouth hanging open.

"Oh, you're back?"

"'I went home,' you say. Why did you go home?"

"Why?" he asked, shrugging his shoulders.

"That girl has the incredible power of being able to read people's minds, you know?"

　Mioto spoke in a strong tone, and Soujirou nodded, "Yes," and recalled the time when Koharu had confided in them.

　In the living room on the second floor, my face was tense and my body was shaking with tension.

"---I can read people's minds just by making eye contact with them."

　He said in a faint voice.

　Recalling what happened afterwards, Soujirou chuckled.

"What's the matter?"

"No, I remember when Koharu came out."

"Ah, you mean when Koharu-chan confessed everything to us and we all said in unison, 'I thought so'?"

"Oh, no matter how many times I remember Koharu's silly face at that time, it makes me laugh."

As everyone agreed, "I thought so," Koharu widened her eyes and exclaimed in a completely crazy voice, "Flute?"

"Well, we had a vague idea of ​​Koharu's powers. But being able to read the voices of living people is truly amazing. But if she were to be in a place like Tokyo where all sorts of different energies are flying around, something strange could happen. I think it would be best for her to be under Yoshino's care here in Kyoto. I don't know what kind of pressure her parents must have put on her, but they sent her back to Tokyo while I was busy."

　Mioto, who usually speaks softly, raised his voice and glared at Soujirou resentfully.

"You say nice things that aren't good for Koharu, but in the end you're only thinking about yourself."

"About yourself?"

"It says on your face, 'It would be a shame to let such a talented person go.'"

　When Sojiro pointed at his face mockingly, Mioto grabbed his index finger.

"Yes, I won't deny it. It would be a shame. The Kamo family was once known as the descendants of a renowned Onmyō master, but that is truly 'long gone'. Those born have no Yin or Yang powers. A child with incredible powers like Koharu hasn't appeared in recent years, even in the 'main family'. Her existence is a joy to the Kamo family."

　Soujirou's cheeks relaxed as Mioto spoke firmly, looking him in the eye.

"What's so funny?"

"Well, I just think that you're still carrying the weight of the Kamo family on your shoulders."

「............」

　Mioto kept his mouth shut and furrowed his brows.

"It may be good to be proud of your family, but why are you fighting this alone? Take it easy; you're still a child."

　Soujirou put his hand on Mioto's head and stroked it gently.

"...Please stop."

　Mioto frowned and brushed off the hand.

"Isn't that the case for you too, Soujirou?"

"I'm fighting alone, carrying the family on my shoulders? No, not at all."

　Soujirou shook his head.

"No. Did you lose any strength by going to Tokyo?"

　Hearing this told in a tone that sounded almost certain, Soujirou lowered his eyes without saying anything.

"I thought so. You once had a strong power, but when you moved to Tokyo, that power temporarily faded away. You had longed for Tokyo, but the various energies and magnetic fields there didn't suit you, and you lost your power. Perhaps that's why you moved around the city so often. But Asakusa seemed to suit you. But your power never returned. That's why you weren't even able to notice Shigeru's death - your own father."

　Soujirou went quiet at Mioto's words, and silence fell over the room.

"...When my father died, I had a high fever, so maybe I caught it in a way."

　After a moment, Sojiro awkwardly spat out the drink and took a sip.

"Did your powers come back after you returned to Kyoto?"

"No, it came back when the fever went down. That's when I sensed my dad's death. I really wanted to sense it before he died."

　Seeing Soujiro's bitter expression of regret, Mioto responded with a solemn look on his face.

"...I've been thinking about this for a while now, but Koharu's powers suddenly awakened. Could Shige's death have something to do with it?"

"Your father's death?"

　Sojiro frowned, crossed his arms, thought for a moment, then shook his head and said, "No."

"That's not true. My father was a completely normal person, just like my brother."

　Sojiro blurted this out while thinking of his late father, Shigeru.

　Shigeru is always smiling next to the strong-willed Yoshino.

　However, when Sojiro decided to move to Tokyo instead of going to university, Shigeru suddenly became a completely different person and opposed the idea.

　Sojiro was shocked because his father had always been on his side in everything he did, and they had a huge fight. Sojiro passed away without ever seeing his father again.

　Just as Soujirou lowered his eyes in pain,

"Yes, I thought so too. Shige-san is a normal person."

　As Mioto continued, he came back to his senses and looked up.

"But, now that I think about it, there are a few strange things about you."

"Any strange points?"

"Yes, that Yoshino-san said, 'I want to marry him. No one else' after seeing only Shige-san's photo. Also, his death was sudden and Yoshino-san didn't feel anything beforehand. I began to think that maybe he had something special that we just didn't realize."

　Soujirou's expression became serious upon hearing those words and he put his hand to his chin.

"...But, leaving my fever aside, my father died during the rainy season. Koharu stopped going to school around autumn, so I don't think my father had anything to do with it."

　Soujiro quietly let it slip and Mioto responded, "I see."

"Well, leaving aside Shigeru-san, with Koharu-chan returning to Tokyo, it would be fine if her powers were only temporarily hidden like yours, but if she were to go out of control internally, it could destroy her. Really Soujiro-san, why did you bring her back to Tokyo?"

　Mioto seemed to have regained his composure and strengthened his gaze, and Soujirou shrugged.

"Koharu 'went back' to Tokyo, but that doesn't mean she 'came back'. She went to convince her parents to let her continue living in Kyoto, and to let her go to high school there...to settle things."

"...Koharu-chan, have you decided to go to high school in Kyoto?"

"Oh, apparently, Koharu's grades in middle school were so good that there's a high school that will accept her after the summer holidays, depending on how her exams go. Well, it's a private school, and the principal and her grandmother are old friends, so apparently that's why they're arranging things."

　Then, Mioto looked as if he had lost all his strength.

"Is that so...Koharu-chan, you've gotten stronger."

"That's right."

"But why don't you go with her? Shouldn't you help persuade her not to go alone?"

"Well, my brother hates me so much, it would be counterproductive if I went."

　As Soujirou waves his hands vigorously, Mioto nods with a straight face and says, "I see."

"Don't just accept that so easily. And you're the one who's in the wrong."

"What is it?"

"Why did you call me here to complain? If you have a problem, you should take it up with my grandmother, who is Koharu's official caretaker."

"...But Yoshino-san, I'm scared."

　When Mioto quickly looked away, Soujirou burst out laughing.

"Even the fearless Mio-tan has a weakness for my grandmother."

"There is no one in the Kamo family who can stand up to that person. But even Yoshino seems to be weak against Souichi."

"I guess she feels guilty for hurting her son because of her shady business. Even now, there's still tension between grandma and my brother."

"...I see. It looks like this journey will be quite a challenge for you, Koharu."

　As Mioto sighed, Soujirou frowned.

"It's good that you care about him, but... don't deceive me."

"You're deceiving me. From the very beginning, Soujirou-san has been very wary of me getting close to that girl, why is that?"

"Why? Of course, it was just because."

　As Soujirou answered with his chest puffed out, Mioto opened his eyes wide.

"Just because?"

"Yeah, just kind of. I just don't feel like you're going to hurt her."

"I see, so it was just a hunch."

　Despite these baseless words, Mioto nodded vigorously in agreement.

"But, Soujirou-san, there's no need to worry. I have no intention of getting any closer to her than necessary. She's out of the question."

"Not eligible! My little Koharu is pretty cute though."

　Soujiro leans forward in disappointment, demonstrating his doting uncle side rather than his doting parent side, and Mioto responds with an amused "Yes."

"I think it's cute too. But it's not like that, so it's not my thing."

　Mioto said with a smile. Soujirou looked a little annoyed, but he leaned his chin on his elbow and said, "I see."

"As long as you don't seduce Koharu, then that's fine. But there's nothing I can do about your strange charm."

"Sexy fragrance"

"Well, drink it," said Soujiro, taking another virtuous possession in his hand.

"No, that's why I said you're underage."

　Mioto held up a cup of orange juice and brought it to his mouth, then looked out the window.

"Ah, what a lovely moon."

　Mioto muttered to himself and narrowed his eyes.

　Above the Kamo River, the moon was shining brightly, illuminating the town of Gion.

　　　　three

　The dinner on the day Koharu returned home was a very extravagant one.

　The food that my mother had prepared with all her heart was served on the table, and we continued to have a forced, inoffensive conversation: "Come on, eat as much as you like," and "That's right, Koharu."

　However, we couldn't talk about anything important.

"--Ah, I couldn't say it."

　Koharu jumped into her bed in her room and took a deep breath.

　"I want to continue living in Kyoto and I want to go to high school in Kyoto," I tried again and again, but I was on the verge of saying it and couldn't get it out.

(Oh, I'm glad Koharu's back. I wonder if I should talk about high school. I'd better avoid it today.)

(It was a good idea to send him to Kyoto, but to be honest, I don't want him to go again.)

　Every time our eyes meet, I hear the voices in my parents' hearts and I can't say what I want to say.

　...No, this is bad, I feel like I'll go back to my old self.

　Come to think of it, I forgot to eat the box of Japanese sweets that Sojiro brought back as a souvenir, saying that they taste better when chilled, and left them in the fridge. If we had eaten something sweet, we might have been able to talk more.

　Still, what on earth did he give me?

　As she was resting her chin on her hand and breathing heavily, she felt someone's gaze on her from the doorway and she looked up as if she had been shot.

　There was a boy wearing a white short-sleeved shirt and black trousers.

　She looked to be around middle school age, had a very mature air about her, and her body was half transparent.

　It's the boy I saw when I came into the house today.

"Who is that?"

　Koharu asked in a low voice, and the boy furrowed his brows.

"Who are you? This is my house."

"Oh, your house?"

"Yeah, I've been living here forever."

　Hearing the boy say this quietly sent chills down my spine.

　This house is this kid's house. So, could it be that he's been living here all this time and I just never noticed?

　This apartment was purchased as a new building 15 years ago and we moved in when I was a baby.

　So there are no previous residents or anything.

　--So maybe it's an earthbound spirit?

"Oh, are you a spirit that lives on this land?"

　Koharu asked timidly, and the boy snorted.

『You're an idiot.』

"Huh?"

"You're really stupid to say something like that."

　With that, the boy disappeared.

"...You idiot."

　Koharu muttered in a daze and sat on the bed, staring at the door in a daze.

　Both of Koharu's parents work, but they both took paid leave and stayed home for a few days after Koharu returned.

　However, they weren't going anywhere. My father was sitting on the sofa with the TV on and a newspaper in his hand, while my mother was looking at some work documents at the dining table.

　It's summer vacation.

　Since Obon is coming up soon, my parents will probably go on Obon holiday soon.

　There was barely any conversation, and the only noise was the television.

　It's just so unbearable.

　Why does this feel so unreliable even though it's my own home?

　When Koharu, who had been sitting on the carpet, stood up, the two of them turned to look at her in surprise.

　Maybe it can't be helped, but it feels suffocating to have my every move watched.

"...I'm going to the convenience store and buying some ice cream."

　Perhaps feeling relieved by his words, the two of them narrowed their eyes softly and said, "Have a nice trip."

　Perhaps she is remembering her childhood, when she was unable to leave her room. She seems to be excited even when trying to go to the local convenience store.

　Before that, I went to Kyoto by myself...

　With that thought in mind, I left the house with my coin purse in hand.

　A coin purse with a clasp closure made from crepe.

　This is one of the popular items at Sakuraan, a Japanese goods store, handmade by her grandmother, Yoshino.

　This purse, which I once used without any sense of unease, seems a little fresh to me now that I've left Kyoto.

　I went outside, but I didn't feel like going straight to the convenience store, so I just wandered around the neighborhood for the first time in a while.

　The heat today isn't too bad, so going for a walk isn't too bad.

　I no longer felt the vortex of electricity that I had felt yesterday when I returned to Tokyo.

　Maybe I've gotten used to it. It's a strange thing, I thought as I walked.

"Ko-Koharu?"

　A trembling voice came from behind her and Koharu turned around in confusion.

　There, my former classmates stood there with frightened eyes.

(I asked my mom, and Koharu really came back.)

　Koharu lowers her eyes, not wanting to sense the voice in her heart any more.

　She was in the same friend group and we got along well.

　But he was also one of the people who radiated strong malice towards me.

　Yes, when I qualified to take the entrance exam for the attached high school, which only had 10 places, and the boy everyone adored confessed something to me, I thought, "I wish this guy would just die." And there was no doubt that he was one of the people who wrote bad things about me on the school's secret message board.

"Oh, that's good. You can go outside now."

"Uh, yeah."

"Um, well, can I talk to you for a bit?"

　When she pointed to a nearby park, Koharu nodded and said, "...Okay."

　What are we going to talk about?

　I could tell that just by looking into his eyes, but I just didn't want to do that.

　The two of them walked into the park in silence and sat down on a bench in the shade.

　The flowing breeze was so pleasant that Koharu gently narrowed her eyes.

　Even though they were sitting on the bench, there was still distance between them.

　The distance is large enough for another adult to sit comfortably.

　She was quiet for a while, then

"I'm sorry," he said, turning to Koharu and bowing deeply.

　Unexpectedly, Koharu opened her eyes wide and muttered, "Eh?"

"After Koharu left, I was selected to take the entrance exam for T High School... and I passed, so I'm currently attending T High School."

　As she continued, Koharu simply nodded in agreement without saying anything.

　With me gone, this child was able to go on to T High School.

　Koharu was a little surprised that upon receiving the news, she was able to honestly think, "That's good."

　I thought I might feel a little more regret and envy.

　The fact that I didn't have any such negative feelings made me realize that I was less attached to the high school I had once hoped to attend than I had thought.

"I'm really sorry."

　Koharu shook her head as she apologized again.

"...There's no need to apologize for that. I was the one who stopped going to school of my own accord, and more importantly, it's the result of your hard work, right?"

　As she said this, her fists, clenched tightly on her knees, shook violently.

"I-I was writing too."

　Not able to hear much of what she was saying as she kept her head down, Koharu asked again, "Eh?"

"I wrote about Koharu too. On the 'school secret website'..."

　The trembling of my fists reached my shoulders, and now my whole body was trembling violently.

"I was envious and jealous of Koharu, who had everything going for her. When I found out about the bulletin board and saw that someone had written about Koharu, I, I was tempted too. I thought that it would be fine if Koharu saw the comments and felt a little bad. But then she stopped coming to school, and it was only then that I realized the gravity of what I had done..."

　He must be crying.

　Her voice has turned tearful.

　Koharu felt her heart heat up as she gazed upon her former friend, who still had his head down.

　Koharu had already felt the jealousy that bordered on hatred from the girls.

　It's easy to imagine what they might have written on the message board.

　So now I don't feel surprised or betrayed.

　Surely it's no coincidence that she was so close to home.

　I guess he wanted to come and apologize.

　Even though it was over and he should have just kept quiet, I was very happy that he apologized.

"...No way, that's enough."

　When Koharu said this, she looked up in surprise.

　Suddenly, our eyes meet.

(No way, you're not angry? That's good, I guess I won't get sued now.)

　Hearing that voice in her mind, Koharu blinked and said, "Eh?"

　What do you mean, you might not get sued?

　Wanting to know the background to that inner voice, I make firm eye contact and furrow my brows.

　It was almost unconscious.

　As she does this, images of what is going on at home begin to flow into Koharu's mind.

"Hey, did you know that Sakurai Koharu, who was recuperating in Kyoto, has now come back here?"

　When her mother asked her that, she shook her head and said, "No" while lying down on the sofa.

"I had no idea. Oh, you're back. So Koharu didn't go to high school after all?"

"Well, I don't think she's gone. She was so shocked by all the nasty things written about her online that she couldn't even leave the house for a while. The fact that she's come back means she must be feeling a little better. So I just wanted to make sure, but you haven't written anything bad about her, have you?"

　Although surprised by his words, she snorted.

"There's no way I'd do something so horrible. I was good friends with Koharu."

"That would be fine. Apparently, Sakurai's father is going to hire a lawyer who is good at dealing with anonymous online posts to find out who wrote them."

"Seriously?" she exclaimed, sitting up quickly.

"I won't forgive those who ruined my daughter's life, so I'll definitely sue that family. I understand how Sakurai's parents feel, but I don't think they'd go that far. If you haven't written it, then I'm relieved. Mom, I'm so nervous."

　Hearing her mother say such things, while pretending to be calm on the surface, inside she was panicking and thinking, "What should I do?"

　That was what happened last night. I couldn't sit still any longer, so I decided to apologize first, and came near my house, but I couldn't muster the courage to walk around.

「............」

　That's what it was.

　I came to apologize before I was sued.

　Koharu felt as if her happy and joyful feelings were crumbling away, and at the same time she thought to herself with a derisive smile.

　No, I feel like I'm going to cry.

　Without a word, Koharu stood up and ran away.

"Koharu!"

　I heard my friend's voice echoing behind me, but I didn't feel like turning around.

　--Ah, I guess there's no good in being able to read minds after all.

　If I couldn't read minds, I would have been happy that she apologized so sincerely.

　Koharu ran as fast as she could and came to a halt, out of breath.

　Desperately trying to hold back the tears, I look up at the sky.

　Ironically, a beautiful, clear blue sky was spread out before me.

　　　　Four

"......I'm home"

　Koharu was feeling uneasy as she showed up into the living room and sensed tension rising in her parents, who had been relaxed up until then.

　Why do they continue to treat me like I'm a sore spot?

　With a bitter feeling, I opened the refrigerator and took a sip of mineral water.

　I wiped my mouth and took a deep breath. Then,

"Koharu, there's something I want to talk to you about. Could you sit down please?"

　With a determined look on her face, my mother placed her hands on the back of the chair at the dining table.

"......Yeah"

　Koharu also felt that the time had finally come and sat down in the chair as she was told.

　My father, who had been sitting on the sofa, sat up and sat next to my mother at the table.

"It's about Koharu's future."

　My mother began, clasping her hands together on the table.

"......Yeah"

"Both my father and I did some research while Koharu was away. It wasn't close to our house, but it was close enough to commute that there was a decent high school that was accepting students for fall enrollment. We were hoping that Koharu would be able to go to that school."

　"That's a very parental offer," Koharu agreed with a bitter feeling.

　This is all dad's idea, and it's mom's job to communicate it.

　And they tell me what they want without asking my opinion first.

　Until now, I've always just gone along with it, saying, "Yes, I think that's a good idea."

　I didn't really understand it myself, and it wasn't like I had anything I wanted so badly that it would make me go against my will.

　--But I'm different now.

"What do you think, Koharu?"

　Koharu looks away as her mother tilts her head to look at her face.

　My mother's anxiety was so clear it hurt.

"...Y-yes, I can tell that Mom and Dad are thinking of me when they make that suggestion."

　Koharu said that much and then shut her mouth.

　My throat was extremely dry from nervousness and I gulped.

　The two of them remained silent, waiting for Koharu to say next.

"I went to Kyoto and thought, 'I want to live here.' And there was a high school in Kyoto that would let me enroll after the summer vacation..."

　Koharu said with her head bowed.

"--What are you talking about?"

　My father said in a low voice while showing an unpleasant expression.

　Koharu's body trembles in fear.

"Y-yes, what are you talking about, Koharu? This is your home."

　My mother doesn't have many opinions of her own. When I think about it, she's always trying to gauge my father's mood. If my father is against something, she's against it, and if he's for it, then that's fine.

"To be honest, Dad didn't want to send Koharu to Kyoto. But back then, you wouldn't leave your room, so when you said you were going to Kyoto, Dad reluctantly agreed. I'm glad that you've returned safely and well, and I'm grateful for that."

(I don't want her to stay with my mother any longer. I don't want Koharu to be influenced badly by that shady house.)

　By making eye contact, I could hear my father's inner voice at the same time.

(Neither my mother nor Sojiro are normal.)

　Unable to bear the voice, Koharu spoke up.

"--Dad, I'm not normal either."

"Huh?"

　My father's eyes widened as if he had been shocked, while my mother frowned suspiciously next to him.

"I, you see..."

　My heart was pounding and a cold sweat broke out on my forehead.

　How will they react if he tells them?

　But there's no turning back.

"W-well, exactly a year ago. Towards the end of summer vacation, I suddenly started to be able to hear people's inner voices. That's why I couldn't go outside anymore."

　Koharu spoke boldly, unable to look him in the eye.

　A deep silence fell over the living room, and Koharu bowed her head.

　Neither my father nor my mother said anything, they just looked at each other in shock.

　Koharu was so scared she couldn't look up.

"...What exactly are you talking about?"

　After a moment, Koharu raised her head as her father quietly let something slip.

　My father looked around and laughed at me, saying, "What a stupid thing to say."

"Y-yes, Koharu. What are you talking about?"

　"Yes," my mother replied, as if coming back to her senses.

(I hope you don't say any more weird things and upset your father.)

「............」

　As she listened to what they were saying, Koharu made up her mind and looked them in the eye.

"You may think I'm saying something stupid, and I myself think it's impossible. But it's true. I've learned to understand what people are thinking by making eye contact."

"Koharu, you..."

　As her father put his hand to his forehead, Koharu clenched her fist.

"Right now, Dad is probably thinking, 'What has happened? It was a mistake doing this to Mom after all. It has had such a negative impact on her. What are they going to do about it?'"

"Hk!"

　As her father stood speechless, her mother opened her mouth to speak, but Koharu interrupted her, "Mom!"

"Right now, the mother is wondering, 'Has my child really gone mad? Should I take him to the hospital in Shinagawa that Kikuchi-san recommended?'"

　My mother twitched and stopped moving.

　I blink in disbelief.

"You're probably thinking right now, 'What? What's going on? This is terrible. This child shouldn't even know about my coworker, Kikuchi-san. Could it be true? But there's no way that could happen.' Your mother must have been extremely embarrassed that her child was unable to go on to high school and was just drifting around. Of course she was worried about me, but she was more concerned about public opinion. Kikuchi-san had a child in a similar situation to ours who had gone to the hospital, so she asked you for advice, right?"

　Koharu was shaking, but she maintained eye contact and spoke in a strong tone.

"Oh, hey, Koharu."

"As for your father, he didn't tell anyone at work that I couldn't go on to higher education. Whenever someone asked him about me, he would say, 'T High School was too difficult, so I went to another school.' I'm sorry I'm a daughter who can't live up to your expectations. And I can feel how you're feeling right now.

"What is this? What does this mean? It's just a coincidence. I think you should really take me to the hospital. Don't say anything, don't look me in the eye."

　When Koharu was about to say that,

"Stop it!"

　My father slammed the table and my mother let out a weak shriek.

　In the silence that fell, the cup fell over and the barley tea spilled onto the floor.

　Koharu tried not to look at the two of them as tears spilled down her face.

"...It's okay, I won't make eye contact with you anymore. That's why I can't stay here anymore. Mom and Dad wouldn't be able to live a normal life with me like this, right?

　But, even though my grandmother and Sojiro know this about me, they still look me in the eye and live their lives as normal."

　With that said, Koharu slowly stood up and left the living room.

　Out of the corner of my eye, I see my parents looking shocked, and my chest throbs with pain.

　As soon as she entered her room, Koharu dropped to her knees and burst into tears.

　I didn't mean to say it like that.

　I hurt them both again.

　And, although I had expected it, I still found myself thinking, "Don't look me in the eye."

　Maybe I shouldn't have said that.

　They may never look me in the eye again.

　I pressed my face against the bed and cried silently.

"Yeah, I shouldn't have said that. You're an idiot."

　Hearing this voice, Koharu sat up in surprise.

　The boy in the white shirt was standing at the door, looking my way with cold eyes.

"Even if you have a different power than other people, you should hide it for the rest of your life. Trying to get others to understand you is just selfish. You'll end up being treated like a fraud by everyone, or you'll end up being called crazy or disgusting by others."

　As he spoke in astonishment, Koharu wiped away her tears with the back of her hand and met his gaze.

"Who the hell are you? Why would you say something like that?"

　Then the boy looked away and disappeared.

　Koharu's heart ached even more knowing that even an uncertain being would be wary of reading her mind.

"--Enough."

　I pressed my face against the bed again and gripped the sheets tightly.

　I want to go back to Gion soon.

　Grandma, Soujirou, Mioto──help me.

　Koharu then fell asleep.

　In my dream, there was that boy.

"Seeing spirits is creepy"

"He's a fraud."

　Someone is trying to ridicule me by saying that.

　The boy felt hurt at the gossip he heard.

　But I can't strongly deny it.

　Because I sometimes feel the same way as them.

　Even if you really do have powers different from other people, it's not something that should be made public.

　I'm happier keeping it hidden.

　As his strong feelings reached her heart, Koharu gently opened her eyes.

　The morning sun is streaming in through the window.

　"I just fell asleep like that," Koharu said with a wry smile.

　No matter what time it was, I picked up my smartphone.

　As I checked the time, 7:30, I noticed that I had an email.

　It was received at 11:50 last night.

"Koharu-chan, sorry for calling so late. I think you're already asleep. Are you back in Tokyo? I suddenly have the day off tomorrow. Would you like to have lunch with me? I'll treat you--Anna."

　This is Mioto's older sister, Anna.

　She is a model in Tokyo, and although her appearance is that of a cool beauty who seems unapproachable, in reality she is as bright and lively as the sun.

　The email conveyed a positive energy that made me feel like I was saved.

"I'd love to meet you."

　I replied impulsively and wondered if it was too early in the morning, but the reply arrived quickly.

"Good morning! Let's meet around 11 o'clock. I'll tell you the location later."

　As Koharu looks at the email from Anna, her stiff face naturally softens.

　...If I had stayed at home like this, I would have just become more and more depressed, so I'm really glad Anna contacted me.

　Koharu felt her heart calm down and placed her hand on her chest.

　　　　five

　Koharu told her parents simply, "I'm out," and left the house.

　Koharu looked away, and her parents refused to make eye contact with her.

　I guess he believed me at least, Koharu thought to herself as she sighed as she walked towards the station.

　I don't like it, I want to change my attitude. I'll meet Anna and get some energy.

　Koharu nodded vigorously and headed from the nearest Ooimachi Station on the Keihanshin Tohoku Line to Kan-Kantada Station, where she changed to the Tokyo Metro Ginzaza Line.

　So I got off at the last stop, Asakusa Station.

　The meeting place Anna had specified was in front of the Asakusa Kaminari Monmon.

　Asakusa is where Sojiro trained under a Japanese confectioner.

　It's typical of her to choose this place as their meeting place, as she has such strong feelings for Sojiro.

　Come to think of it, even though I was born and raised in Tokyo, this is my first time in Asakusa.

　Going out the first exit, Koharu looks around with curiosity.

　The atmosphere of Asakusa was completely different from what I felt when I first arrived in Tokyo. It was bright and vibrant like the sun.

　Koharu felt like she finally understood the feelings of Sojiro, who had once fled Kyoto in his longing for Tokyo, and moved to Shibuya and Shinshuku, before eventually settling in Asakusa.

　This town seems to suit Sojiro perfectly.

　Maybe even better than Gion.

　As I walked along, admiring the sight, a red gate and an imposing, gigantic Otejiyo lantern caught my eye.

　Anna was standing in front of the gate, and as soon as she saw Koharu, she waved vigorously.

　She has pure white skin and jet black hair in a bob cut with blunt bangs.

　Her features are so beautiful they are intimidating.

　As always, it looks like a Western doll wearing a Japanese doll's wig.

"Koharu-chan!"

"Anna-san, sorry to have kept you waiting?"

"No, I just got here too."

　She says with a bright smile.

　At first glance she appears to be a cool beauty, but contrary to her appearance, she is a very friendly and kind person.

"Well, since we're here, let's go and pray. Apparently Asakusa Temple is called 'Asakusa Kannon' because it enshrines the Kannon Bodhisattva. I'm sure it will bring good fortune."

　As Anna began to walk energetically, Koharu nodded with a smile and said, "Yes."

　We walk along the lively approach to the shrine, which is like a festival.

　There were many tourists coming and going, especially foreigners.

"The atmosphere of Sensoji Temple is like Kyoto, but it's different. It gives you a sense of something unique to Asakusa."

"Oh, I felt the same way. Asakusa is filled with a bright energy. It's different from the shrines and temples of Kyoto."

　Koharu and Anna pass through the Hohozozomon Gate, take in the smoke from the incense burner, and stand side by side in front of the main hall, hands clasped firmly together.

　Koharu didn't know what to wish for, so she simply put her hands together and bowed her head.

"I feel like I've been given some power. I hope I get some good news again."

　As they leave the main hall, Anna laughs, "fufufu," and Koharu nods in agreement.

"I feel like I've been energized."

　I really feel like this place is an incredible power spot.

　I leave the temple grounds, admiring the flock of pigeons.

"Koharu-chan, over here."

　Anna quickened her pace and stopped in front of a Japanese sweets shop.

　It is truly a long-established store, and the storefront exudes a sense of history.

"That's the Japanese sweets shop where Muneta trained."

　Koharu exclaimed in admiration, "Wow."

"This is a fine Japanese sweets shop."

"Yes, that place was a famous long-established Japanese sweets shop in Asakusa, and the craftsman there was apparently a very strict person. He wasn't keen to take on people he had no connection with, but he was moved by Muneta's enthusiasm and became his master."

"Is that so?"

　While I found this surprising, it also made sense when I thought about how delicious Sojiro's Japanese sweets are.

　Although there is no sign of hardship, I'm sure he must have worked tirelessly under the strict guidance of his master.

　I'm sure Anna called me to Asakusa to show me this shop.

"Once again, Muneta-chan is really cool."

　Anna put her hand to her cheek and let out a heated gasp. Koharu was at a loss for words and just shrugged her shoulders.

"I just got a lot of that smoke from Sensoji Temple on my face and body. I want to be able to make Muneta think I'm a good woman someday. I'll make him regret dumping me. And I'll definitely make him look at me!"

　Saying this, Anna clenched her fists.

"..." Koharu was even more at a loss for words and turned her gaze towards the Japanese sweets shop.

　There is a banner in front of the store that says "Delicious An."

　At that moment, the conversation he had with Sojiro in Gion came to mind.

　When Soujiro told her that he had given up on the entertainment industry, thinking it wasn't for him, and decided to become a Japanese confectioner, Koharu asked him, "Why did you become a Japanese confectioner?"

"It was just a coincidence."

"by chance?"

"When I was at rock bottom and struggling with my worries, I saw a piece of paper that said 'Delicious bean paste' and so I ate a Mame Daifuku. At that moment, I thought it was so delicious that it saved me."

"I see, sometimes delicious food can save you."

"Yeah, that's right. And we have the same name, so I guess that's why we were drawn to each other."

"The same name?"

"An and apricot paste."

　Soujiro said with a grin.

　The exchange flashed vividly in Koharu's mind, and her cheeks grew warm.

　Sojiro didn't dump Anna.

　However, he probably thought that it would be a negative thing for him to respond to Anna's feelings at this point, as she was working hard in Tokyo.

　...Anna, Soujirou-san thinks of you with great affection. But this is not something I should say, so I will keep quiet.

　Koharu said this in her heart.

"Well then, Koharu-chan, let's go to lunch. There are some stylish restaurants here in Asakusa, too."

　Koharu nodded vigorously as Anna turned to look at her with a dazzling smile.

　--Anna took me straight into a cafe with the Sumida River flowing in front of it and a view of the Skytree.

　The white tables and chairs and the green potted plants stand out in the sunlight.

"Wow, that's really stylish."

"Of course. The pasta, salads, and sweets here are all delicious and highly recommended."

　We sat facing each other at the tables by the window, and after finishing the lunch sets that soon arrived, we took a bite of the chilled dessert and both squint our eyes and say, "Delicious."

"I'm glad to see you're doing well, Koharu. Mioto was saying some weird things and it got me worried."

　As Anna said this and brought the small spoon to her mouth, Koharu's eyes widened and she said, "Eh?"

"What about you, Mioto?"

　I asked, trying to avoid eye contact as much as possible and looking at her cheek, and Anna leaned forward and said, "You see..."

"Last night, I got a rare phone call from Mioto. I say rare, but it might have been the first time he'd ever called me. Ah, he emails me every now and then, but he never calls me. So I got worried and thought something might have happened to my parents."

"Y-Yes, I understand."

"Then he said, 'Koharu's back in Tokyo now, so can you go and see her and see how she's doing?' I was so worried that such a man with such sharp intuition would say something like that, because I was sure Koharu must be in some kind of trouble. So I was glad to see that she's doing well."

　Seeing Anna smiling brightly, Koharu's heart warms.

　I wonder if Mioto noticed that I was at rock bottom yesterday.

　That's probably why he asked Anna for help.

"Ever since I was little, when there was someone around who looked depressed, he would say to me, 'Sister, I went to see you.' I wonder what's going on."

　Anna muttered to herself and rested her chin on her hands.

"--Ah."

　That's right.

　It's all thanks to Anna that I feel so light now, after feeling so heavy before.

　Perhaps Anna has a special power that is completely different from that of her grandmother, Sojiro, or even Mioto.

　I'm sure it is the "power to cheer people up."

　So, Mioto asked Anna to help cheer me up...

　As she thought this, tears began to spill from Koharu's eyes.

"W-what's wrong, Koharu-chan? Are you okay?"

"S-sorry, actually there were a lot of things going on."

　Koharu pressed her fingertips to the corners of her eyes and timidly met his gaze.

(Wow, something really happened. That Mioto guy is a scary guy after all. If you don't mind me telling you, I'll listen to you as much as you want.)

　Hearing Anna's inner voice, Koharu's cheeks lit up with a smile.

　This person is basically the same as my grandmother and Sojiro, in that what he says and what he thinks are pretty much the same.

　Feeling truly relieved, Koharu took a deep breath and opened her mouth.

"Anna-san, can you listen to me?"

　Anna nodded without saying anything, with a serious expression on her face, and Koharu began to speak slowly.

　Last year, I suddenly started hearing voices in people's minds, and I received ill will from my classmates, so I couldn't go to school.

　I was saved by taking refuge with my grandmother in Gion.

　She wanted to continue living in Kyoto, so she came back to try to persuade her parents, but they recently had a major disagreement.

　After he told her everything, briefly highlighting what had happened but also hiding nothing, Anna seemed convinced and clapped her hands in agreement.

"I see. That must have been difficult, Koharu-chan."

　Koharu found herself confused by how Anna wasn't afraid to make eye contact with her, even though she now knew that Koharu could read her mind.

"Anna-san, don't you hate making eye contact with me?"

"Huh?"

"Aren't you scared if someone reads your mind?"

　Koharu said awkwardly, and Anna burst out laughing.

"Well, I don't care about that because I grew up in the Kamo family. It's a scary house where they know everything."

"I, I see."

"Anyway, first of all, about the classmate. I understand how you feel, Koharu. A lot of nasty things were written on the online message board, and that was already hurtful enough, but then she wrote something about something she'd only told one other fellow model. I was really shocked because I thought she was my best friend. She'd spoken her congratulations."

　Anna spoke with a bitter look on her face, and Koharu silently nodded in agreement.

　It's a different format, but it's exactly the same situation.

"But Muneta told me to."

"To Soujirou?"

"Yeah, first of all, he told me, 'If it's going to hurt you, then don't look at it,' and about that best friend, he said, 'Even though he was jealous of you so much that it made his guts boil, he still congratulated you. That's because he wanted to stay friends with you in the future. If his jealousy was genuine, then his words on the surface weren't lies either. Don't judge someone based on just one side.' Those words really cut me right to the heart...

　I myself have times when I feel jealous or envious of someone, or I feel frustrated. But when I'm in front of that person, I say "Congratulations." It could be because of my pride, or because I want to continue being with that person, or because what I say on the surface isn't a lie after all."

"────!"

　The words that Sojiro told Anna struck Koharu in the heart as well.

　Back then, everyone was anxious and stressed about exams.

　Even though he was seething with frustration at the fact that I was doing well both in my studies and in love, he would say things like "I'm glad for you" and "You're amazing".

　No matter how many negative emotions were swirling around in their hearts, no, even with those negative emotions, they offered me their congratulations.

　That's true too.

　Tears welled up in Koharu's eyes again and she hastily wiped them away with a handkerchief.

"And about Souichi... I was close to Souichi, but I didn't know him that well. We were older than each other, and I went to university in Tokyo and then got a job. But I can kind of understand how he felt. When I was a child, I used to be excited about my parents exorcising spirits, but as I grew up, I didn't have the power to do it myself, and sometimes I thought, 'Are these people strange?' So I think he wanted his child to have no connection to that kind of world."

　When Anna said that, Koharu nodded and said, "Yes."

"...I wish I hadn't said that."

　Koharu said this with her head down, and Anna opened her eyes wide.

"Koharu, I don't think so. I was just about to say, 'But I'm glad you confessed.'"

"Huh?"

"It's natural to be surprised and confused, but I'm glad you were able to tell your parents about yourself. I'm sure you were very scared when you confided in them, and it's understandable that you feel a sense of regret now. But if you don't say anything, nothing will ever get started, and they won't understand."

"...Anna-san."

"You did your best, Koharu-chan."

　He lightly tapped Koharu on the upper arm.

"We need to tear down what has been built up through mistakes. It takes a lot of courage. If we continue to turn a blind eye, I think it will only get worse."

"...Yes. Thank you."

　Koharu held back the tears that were threatening to overflow again and bowed her head.

　Grateful that Anna had met her today and for Mioto's arrangements, Koharu thanked her again and left the cafe.

　When you get home, make sure you explain it properly without getting emotional.

　Right now, I want to live in Kyoto.

　　　　six

"I-I'm home."

　Even though she had made up her mind, Koharu still couldn't shake off the feeling of fear, so she timidly opened the living room door.

　However, his parents were nowhere to be seen and it turned out they had gone out together.

　I wonder if she's out shopping or something.

　I felt like I was losing my mind, and when I took a breath,

"When you get back, make sure you apologize properly. I'm really worried about you."

　A voice came from behind her and Koharu flinched and turned around.

　There, I saw that boy.

"......anxiety?"

"I was worried you'd get so upset that you'd do something terrible. I called you so many times."

　Hearing this, Koharu took her smartphone out of her bag and checked it, only to find that it had already run out of battery.

　I see, my parents might be worried about me and are searching for me.

　As Koharu hastily plugged in the charging cord, a boy came over to her.

"From now on, it would be best to hide your powers. It's to protect yourself and your family."

"To protect?"

　The boy didn't reply, but instead turned to the side, and something caught Koharu's attention, so she squinted her eyes at him.

　I feel like I recognize this boy's face, or rather, he looks like someone.

　Especially the area around the eyes and the profile.

　I had a mole on my earlobe, right where I would get a piercing.

"Huh?"

　That black guy is...

　Koharu looked the boy in the eye and frowned.

　Then, his consciousness slowly began to flow into my head.

　The image that comes to mind is of the town of Gion, with the Japanese goods store "Sakuraan" standing on a familiar street.

　Cicadas were chirping and cumulonimbus clouds were floating in the blue sky.

　The boy is walking down the street on his way home, wearing his summer uniform: a black school cap, a white short-sleeved shirt, and black pants.

"Hey, is it true that Yoshino-san is a shrine priest?"

"That's a lie. It's like a scam."

　Hearing that voice, the boy stopped in his tracks.

"But there are many people who believe in it. A long time ago, he defeated a great demon."

"That's just nonsense. It's true that there was a commotion, but no one saw Yoshino-san defeat the monster. She's just using it to make some extra money."

"That's really a scam."

"But there are people who believe in it, and they seem to be satisfied with it. I wonder if it's like a religion."

"Oh no, it's really disgusting."

　The boy was walking quickly, his school cap pulled down over his eyes.

　It was around the time the boy entered junior high school that he realized that even though people outwardly loved their mother, there were people who were talking behind her back.

　Until then, I believed that everyone trusted and genuinely adored my mother as "Gion's Shrine Priest," and I was proud of her.

　I returned home with a bitter feeling, to find my mother sprinkling coarse salt on someone's back and then slapping it off.

"This will get easier after a while"

"Thank you so much, Yoshino-san. It's amazing how just hitting me like this makes me feel better after a while."

"You're prone to catching it, so be careful. But even if I don't do it, just sprinkle some coarse salt on it and get someone to smack it on you, and it'll be just as effective."

"But Yoshino-san is the best."

　Seeing this exchange, the boy looked down and clenched his fists.

"Souichi, are you back? You should at least tell us you're back."

"Souichi-chan, it's been a while. You've grown so much. Right now, Yoshino-san was helping me get rid of all the bad things. As always, Yoshino-san is amazing."

　The two of them smile.

　A mother who never gives up on the belief that she has powers, and a friend who fanatically adores her.

　The voices of those who mocked the two of them.

　All these things swirled inside me - and I felt an indescribable nausea.

"Enough already!"

"Souichi?"

"The whole thing about prayer parlors is just an illusion, it's disgusting!"

　I shouted with all my might.

　From that day on, the boy - his former father, Soichi - vowed to leave home early and stopped speaking in Kyoto dialect.

　Koharu stood there in a daze in front of the translucent boy.

　This child isn't a spirit or anything...

"father......"

　Yes, he is surely the very thoughts that his father carried inside him when he was hurt.

　Thinking back to the young boy Souichi's words, that it was to protect himself and his family, Koharu felt a pang of sadness in her heart.

　At the same time, I felt like I understood everything.

　......That's right.

　It's not that my dad felt bad about himself for not having any power.

　I couldn't stand the fact that my mother was being spoken ill of because of my job as a shrine priest.

　The truth is, I wanted to protect him.

　I wanted to argue that it was not so.

　Still, I couldn't say anything because I couldn't feel it myself.

　All I could do was fight back.

　In my own way as a father, I wanted to protect my grandmother.

　I couldn't express it well.

"Your father loved your grandmother so much, and she was very dear to him, which is why it must have been so hard for him."

　When Koharu said that, the boy's eyes widened in shock.

"I understand your feelings very well. I love my grandmother very much, so I think I would feel the same pain if I met someone who spoke ill of my grandmother.

　But my grandmother used to say:

　A shrine priest exists to "help people to be happy." He reads the signs of the stars, reads people's signs, reads directions, uses I Ching, exorcisms, and prays. He sees everything, both visible and invisible, and prays for people's happiness. That's the job of a shrine priest. But he says, "Some people say he's a bit of a connoisseur."

　So I think she knew that people who didn't understand her would say mean things to her. I know that Dad wanted to protect her in his own way, but she's okay.

　All things considered, my grandmother takes great pride in her work and believes that her special powers are a gift from God."

　Koharu said, taking the boy's hand.

　The boy looked back at Koharu with a confused look on his face.

"Your father... it must have been hard for you because you loved your grandmother so much."

　The moment she gripped his hands tightly, the boy's face seemed to show a mixture of tears and laughter, then he disappeared.

　It's like a soap bubble has popped.

　The whole room appears to sparkle with tiny fragments of light.

　As Koharu stood there, entranced by the beauty, she heard the sound of footsteps coming down the hallway.

"Koharu!"

　The door to the living room slammed open.

　I see my parents with pale faces.

"Dad, Mom..."

　Unable to contact each other, they must have searched desperately for each other, as they were so out of breath that they looked as if they were about to collapse at any moment.

"Sorry for worrying you. My phone's battery is dead."

　Koharu bowed deeply.

　My parents shook their heads and said "no."

"And, I'm sorry I got emotional yesterday. I know it must be sad for you and your mom, but I'm just not 'normal' after all."

　As I spoke, I still felt a sharp pain in my chest.

"I used to hate myself for being like that too. But now I don't feel that way. And it's all thanks to my grandmother and Sojiro..."

　Koharu took a deep breath and looked him in the eye.

"Right now, I feel like Gion suits me better than here. I want to live with my grandmother and go to high school in Kyoto. Can you please allow me to do this?"

　Koharu bowed deeply and her parents said nothing for a while.

　Even if you don't forgive me, I'll go back to Kyoto.

　If they refuse to forgive me, I'll have no choice but to give up on high school.

　If you keep your head down and feel like that,

"...Koharu."

　My mother quietly whispered.

　When I gently looked up, both my parents had tears in their eyes.

"Koharu, we're sorry about yesterday too. After that, Dad and I had a long talk. You were the one who was suffering the most, and we made you say those things. I can't believe you were able to hear people's voices all of a sudden..."

　Having said that, my mother let out a sob.

"I don't think I could have endured that. That must have been really hard on you, Koharu."

　Koharu's eyes widened as her mother said this with tears in her eyes.

"mother......"

　Then her father stepped forward and placed his hand on Koharu's head.

"Your father and mother were mistaken about something. They were only thinking about sending you to a good high school, a good university, and things like that... What they truly wished for was for you to be happy. I'm sorry."

"......father"

　Koharu's face crumpled as all the emotions welled up inside her.

"Mom, Dad!"

　She clung to the two of them and cried out loud.

　Later, I remembered that I had left some Japanese sweets that I had brought from Sakuraan in Gion in the refrigerator, so the three of us - my parents, me, and myself - decided to eat them.

　Everyone opened the box, feeling embarrassed at their red, tear-stained eyes.

"Wow."

　The clear lemon-colored agar is dotted with thin slices of lemon and white stars.

　It's like a golden night sky.

"How beautiful."

　The two were so amazed at the beautiful sweets that Sojiro had made that they gasped in admiration.

　I said itadakimasu (thank you for the meal),

"--!"

　All three of them put their hands over their mouths and opened their eyes wide.

　This is also very delicious.

　It has an exquisite sweet and sour taste, and a refreshing and smooth texture.

"Sojiro-san, you're an incredible craftsman."

　My mother said in surprise,

"Yes, Soujiro-san is now a great craftsman. He's very popular in Gion, and even geisha and entertainers come to buy his products. He seems to have trained hard under strict craftsmen in Asakusa."

　For some reason Koharu became proud of herself and said this with her head held high.

　My father nodded and said, "I see."

"Soujiro, you see, you've found your own path."

　He muttered to himself as he ate the sweets.

　His face looked very happy and pleased.

"It feels like I could eat as much as I want."

"Yeah, I can't help but reach out for it."

　As Koharu ate Sojiro's cool sweets, she felt her heart grow warm.

　I had shared the table with my parents like this many times before, but the food had never tasted as good or felt as happy as it did on that occasion.

　There is no doubt that there is magic in the sweets that Sojiro makes.

　My heart is sparkling just like this refreshing sweet right now.

　It's very scary to confess your true feelings and true self. When you do confess, it's not likely that someone will accept it right away, and you often end up getting hurt.

　Still, it was good to say it.

　With tears welling up in her eyes, Koharu slowly brought the delicious sweets to her mouth.

　　　　seven

"Koharu, be careful. And give my best regards to your mother."

"Listen carefully to what Grandma and Soujiro say."

　Koharu was once again seen off by her parents as she headed to Kyoto from Shinagawa Station.

　What's different from before is that everyone is smiling brightly now.

　Holding a carry bag full of Tokyo souvenirs, she nodded and said, "Yes."

"I'm off," Koharu said, waving her hand vigorously.

　Once the Shinkansen starts moving, the journey from Shinagawa to Kyoto is over in no time.

　It takes about two hours to arrive.

　Koharu is excited and runs through the station, through the central north-south corridor, and gets off the escalator.

　When I exited the station, the bus terminal was right in front of me.

　Feeling a sense of relief as I gazed upon the tall, slender Kyoto Tower, I hurried to the bus stop.

　Since it is summer vacation, there were a lot of people at the bus terminal, but buses arrived one after another, so I didn't have to wait too long and was able to get on the bus.

　As I sat in the car, holding onto the handrail and looking out at the city of Kyoto, I felt my heart pounding.

　Many people get off at the Gion stop.

　Koharu was also pushed off the bus and looked up at Yayasaka Shrine, with its striking vermilion tower gate.

　Welcome back, ujigami.

　I'm carrying a lot of luggage at the moment, so I'll be back to greet you again very soon.

　Koharu gave a gentle bow and headed west along Shishijo-dori Street.

　We walked for a while down the bright and bustling Shijo Street and then headed north.

　Soon the Japanese goods store "Sakuraan" came into view.

　Koharu blinked widely when she saw Yoshino, Soujirou, and Mioto in front of the store.

　I told him I'd be coming back today, but I didn't say exactly when.

　...As expected of a Gion shrine priest, he thought, and smiled.

　As everyone welcomes her with big smiles, Koharu nods vigorously and takes off running.

　Suddenly, from somewhere she heard the sound of a cat meowing, and Koharu stopped in her tracks.

　The cat is nowhere to be seen.

　I quickly looked up at the sky and saw a single contrail stretching toward the west.

　It looks just like the shape of a dragon.

　As I thought this, at the same time a gentle voice reached my heart.

　--Koharu-san, I'm glad for you. I told you so, right?

　You should have more faith in the people who love you.

　Koharu's lips lit up at the voice of Wakamiya, the young dragon god she had met long ago.

　Wakamiya-kun...you were watching over me.

　Koharu's chest began to feel warm.

　He walked towards the others with firm steps.

"Welcome back, Koharu. You did well."

"Yeah, good job."

"Koharu-chan, you really did your best."

　Yoshino, Soujirou, and Mioto greeted him warmly with gentle smiles.

"I-I'm back. Once again, thank you for your continued support."

　Koharu bowed deeply with tears in her eyes.

"That's not fair. Come on in. I'll be the sushi chef tonight."

　Yoshino gently places her hand on Koharu's back, and Sojiro's eyes light up.

"Oh, that's nice."

"It's not for your sake. Oh, Mioto-chan, you'll have some too."

"Thank you."

　Koharu gently tilted her head, feeling happy that the interaction had not changed at all.

"Conger eel?"

"What, you don't know how to harmonize?"

"Ah, I'm just not familiar with it, but I do know the name."

　Koharu said in a panic, and Mioto chuckled.

"Hamo is a kind of eel. Because hamo has a strong life force, people in Kyoto often eat parboiled hamo in the summer. This is another seasonal feature of summer."

　Koharu responds with an "I see" as she listens to Mioto's explanation, and they all enter the store together, chattering away in excitement.

　Just as she entered the store, a gentle breeze rustled Koharu's hair.

　--Welcome back, Koharu.

　The town of Gion has been waiting for your return.

　When Wakamiya's gentle voice reached her again, Koharu placed her hand on her chest and gently closed her eyes.

　It was the end of summer, when Koharu's new life began.