New Year's Eve - 9:00 pm
Shrine Hall
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Shizuku
Yes, and the more experienced shrine maidens will be teaching us proper etiquette...
Veteran Shrine Maiden
Thank you for being so patient.
We really appreciate you volunteering today in Enomoto's place.
We really appreciate you volunteering today in Enomoto's place.
Haruka
No, it's our pleasure. We feel like we owe her at least this, so thank you for having us.
Veteran Shrine Maiden
Hehe. I was told that you're all very polite, but ladylike may be more fitting. Anyway, shall we start discussing etiquette and what you'll be doing?
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Minori
Okay, so we welcome all the visitors by saying, “Thank you for visiting”... And when we're selling charms and stuff...
Airi
Exactly. Charms and talismans, as well as divine blessings by extension, can be received at the reception building or “Juyosho”.
Haruka
And we're supposed to treat money as “offerings”. It might take a while to get used to that.
Airi
I'll be at the reception with Minori, but helping with conferring charms and talismans instead.
Haruka
Okay, sounds like we're all set.
I'll be helping out as a guide for the visitors, so let me know if anything happens. That way, I'll be able to tell the shrine right away.
I'll be helping out as a guide for the visitors, so let me know if anything happens. That way, I'll be able to tell the shrine right away.
Haruka
Minori, Shizuku, your break starts at 4:00 am. Airi and I will take our break at 5:00 am. Also, it's already pretty cold out, so please make sure to stay warm. I wouldn't want us to come down with anything.
Shizuku
Yes, you seem so on top of everything. The other shrine maiden even said that you'd be perfect as a guide and go-between for us. Doesn't that make you our leader by default?
Haruka
Oh, sorry. I spaced out a little while thinking about what happened when I was little.
Haruka
Yes. I made my decision to become an idol in the third grade and started running every morning.
Airi
Whoa...! But you're Haruka Kiritani.
Everyone sees you as someone who can do anything all on their own. Not someone who prays for a gift from up above...
Everyone sees you as someone who can do anything all on their own. Not someone who prays for a gift from up above...
Haruka
I realized that I couldn't control any of that, so I started coming here to hope that things would tilt my way.
Minori
And you ended up becoming the lead for a huge idol group...! That's Haruka Kiritani for you!
Haruka
I wouldn't go quite that far.
I can think of plenty of times when I was worried about what would happen moving forward.
I can think of plenty of times when I was worried about what would happen moving forward.
Haruka
For example, I couldn't sleep at night after becoming the lead for ASRUN because I became so anxious.
Haruka
Yes. I was worried about whether or not I could fill those shoes and felt all this pressure to perform well...
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Haruka
(It's not working...
Coming here always put me at ease before, but I can't shake these feelings this time...)
Coming here always put me at ease before, but I can't shake these feelings this time...)
Haruka
(Our nationwide tour starts next week too... And I'm supposed to start appearing as a regular on that TV show...)
Shrine Maiden
E-Excuse me...
Did you drop this handkerchief by chance?
Did you drop this handkerchief by chance?
Haruka
I think I dropped it after washing my hands. This handkerchief means quite a bit to me, so I really appreciate it.
Shrine Maiden
You're welcome. I'm just glad I could reunite it with its owner.
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Shrine Maiden
I'm sure your wish will come true...
Shrine Maiden
I'm sorry.
It just seemed like you had a lot on your mind while praying just now.
It just seemed like you had a lot on your mind while praying just now.
Shrine Maiden
I believe that those who are humble and earnest will be blessed. So please, don't think that you're all alone...
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Shrine Maiden
I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to pry...
If you'll excuse me...
If you'll excuse me...
Shrine Maiden
Y-Yes...?
Haruka
Thank you very much...
You were right. I was putting far too much pressure on myself.
You were right. I was putting far too much pressure on myself.
Haruka
What she said made me see things in a different light. She taught me that I just have to keep doing everything that's in my own power.
Haruka
She really did.
She even mentioned how she enjoys seeing everyone trying to make their futures as bright as possible...
She even mentioned how she enjoys seeing everyone trying to make their futures as bright as possible...
Shizuku
Then, why don't we all do that together? Let's do everything we can to make everybody's wishes come true.
Next Chapter: Happy New Year!