Chapter 8: New year

The next morning, I woke up with a heavy feeling in my eyes. I could barely hold my head up as my body sank into the mattress. Still exhausted from the night before, every muscle seemed to be screaming with fatigue. I turned over in bed, feeling the not-so-soft glow of the sun streaming into the room through the curtains, and with a lazy sigh, I reached for my phone on the nightstand.

The screen flashed, revealing several notifications. They were messages from Ruka. As usual, she had sent a flurry of cute, animated texts, filled with heart and flower emojis. As I've gotten used to, I just smiled slightly as I read the messages:

Ruka: "Good morning, Ryo! 🌸😊 I hope you slept well! What are you doing today? ❤️"

Further down, another message from her:

Ruka: "I was thinking about the two of us... maybe we can do something special together? 😳"

I shook my head, still processing everything slowly due to sleep. As I read the messages, I already imagined what she meant by "something special together", after all, it was almost New Year's Eve. I quickly typed:

Ryo: "Hey, Ruka, how about we watch the New Year's fireworks together?"

The reply came almost instantly, as if she had already been waiting:

Ruka: "Sure!! I'd love to!! 🎆✨ Can't wait! ❤️"

I couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. It was clear that she was excited, which made me feel a little more willing. However, before I could think about how to organize the details of the meeting, a familiar figure appeared in the corner of my window. It was Prelest. I jumped out of bed when I saw Prelest, the mischievous smile not so usual on the creature's face.

"Good morning, sleepyhead..." - Prelest teased, his words filled with subtle humor.

"What are you doing here so early?" - I asked, my heart still racing. Is something wrong today? - "Time didn't even stop this time..."

Prelest shrugged, looking casual. - "It's because we're on the threshold of the New Year. When the human and spiritual worlds come closer, the barriers weaken. I don't need to make much of an effort to show up, especially on a day like today."

I ran my hand over my face, still trying to get used to these unexpected visitors. I slowly got up from bed and headed towards the kitchen. - "This doesn't make things any easier, you know?"

Prelest laughed lightly. - "Nothing in your life is easy, Ryo."

I just sighed, grabbing a bucket and a rag. With my planned meeting with Ruka, I felt it was the perfect time to clean the house. After all, I didn't want her to see the chaotic state everything was in. Prelest floated around, watching with disdain as she swept and cleaned.

As I rummaged through an old closet, my eyes fell on something in the back: an old umbrella, with a bent handle and worn fabric, but which still seemed sturdy. There was something nostalgic about it, a vague reminder of days gone by, although I couldn't remember exactly where it came from.

"This umbrella…" - I murmured, pulling it out of the closet and holding it for a moment.

Prelest approached, curious. - "Ah, what a curious artifact. Anything special about this umbrella?"

I shook my head negatively. - "No... but it seems important, I can't remember why..."

I stood there for a moment, lost in my thoughts, before putting the umbrella aside and returning to my cleaning work. Something about the object seemed significant, but I knew it wasn't the time to delve into it. After all, I had a special date today.

But I glanced at the umbrella one more time before throwing it on a chair. For some reason, I couldn't get the strange feeling it gave me out of my head. The object seemed more than just an old umbrella forgotten in the back of the closet. However, I just picked it back up, pushing away any unsettling thoughts. After all, they said it would rain later, so the umbrella would have its uses anyway.

A few hours later...

The meeting with Hiroshi was scheduled for soon. We would pick out a kimono for the New Year's festival, something Hiroshi had enthusiastically suggested. I knew it would be a special event, so I didn't want to disappoint, especially with Ruka by my side.

As I was getting ready to leave, I received a message from my sister. She and Ruka were in a kimono shop, choosing their own outfits. I didn't know what Ruka would look like, but I was curious... the idea of seeing her in a traditional kimono made me a little nervous, although I wouldn't admit it to myself.

"I'll only see her dress when the festival starts..." - I muttered to myself, already imagining the scene.

The phone vibrated again. It was Hiroshi. - "I'm waiting for you at the shop, don't be long. Let's choose the coolest kimono for you!"

I quickly replied, confirming that I was already on my way. I picked up the umbrella, glancing at it before leaving. Something about it continued to give me a strange feeling, as if there was more than just a tool against the rain there.

Walking through the busy streets, I ran into Hiroshi. The weather was already changing, with dark clouds approaching, announcing the rain forecast for later. When I finally found

my friend, Hiroshi was leaning against the door of the kimono shop, smiling.

"Ready to get stylish, brother?" Hiroshi joked, patting Ryo on the shoulder.

I laughed lightly and we entered the shop, where a variety of traditional kimonos were on display. Hiroshi, always enthusiastic, was already analyzing the options while I just looked around, trying to choose something that suited me. In the distance, Aiko and Ruka were probably doing the same, and I couldn't wait to see how their choice would turn out, especially Ruka's.

"So, which one do you think will impress your girlfriend the most?" Hiroshi asked with a mischievous smile.

I shrugged, trying to hide any nervousness. - "I just hope the rain doesn't ruin everything..." - I said, raising the umbrella slightly, as if it were a shield against intrusive thoughts.

"Oh, relax, man. It's going to be an amazing night, rain or not!" - Hiroshi replied, already picking up a kimono for him to try on.

The afternoon was beginning to fall, and the orange sky was blending with the first lights of the city. I was completely nervous, but I tried to hide it. Eh and Hiroshi had already chosen our kimonos, both ready for the New Year's festival. Mine was a traditional kimono, with soft shades of blue and white.

"Are you ready?" - Hiroshi nudged me with a mischievous smile as they walked towards the meeting point. - "I bet Ruka will leave you speechless."

I snorted, trying to maintain my composure. - "She's just... well, she's just getting ready like everyone else. It's no big deal."

"Let's see if you'll keep that opinion when you see her in person," Hiroshi said teasingly.

Deep down, though, I knew it wasn't that simple. Ruka had always been spontaneous and full of energy, but the fact that she was making an effort to get ready especially for the festival affected me in a way I still didn't quite understand. The image of her, wearing the kimono I'd never seen before, made me wonder what it would be like.

When we arrived at the agreed-upon location, I spotted Aiko first, who was already chatting with Ruka animatedly. However, as soon as I got closer, it was as if time slowed down. There she was: Ruka Sarashina, wearing a vibrant kimono with blue and gold details that highlighted her radiant personality. Her hair was styled in a completely different way than usual, but loose in some parts, but tied with a delicate ornament that seemed tailor-made for her. The whole ensemble made her look surprisingly sophisticated, and even her expression, usually full of energy, was now slightly shy.

I felt my heart race for a second. I had never seen her like this, so... radiant. I swallowed hard, trying to formulate something to say, but it seemed like the words had been lost.

Ruka, on the other hand, was equally embarrassed. When her eyes met mine, she blushed slightly, lowering her head and nervously adjusting a strand of hair behind her ear. - "H-hi..." - her voice came out soft, very different from her normal, lively tone.

"H-hi..." - I replied, feeling the same shyness take over. I struggled to say something normal, but all I could do was nod, acknowledging how well she was dressed. - "You look... amazing." - I finally mumbled something, still trying to maintain my usual posture.

Ruka smiled, a small, genuine smile that made my heart race even more. - "Thank you... you look... very handsome too."

Hiroshi, who had been watching everything with a smile on his face, didn't miss the opportunity to tease. - "Hey, you two look like a couple in a romance drama! Come on, Ryo, say something nicer, come on!"

Aiko, who was next to Ruka, also approached, giving me a smile to tease me. - "It seems like Ruka is stealing your attention, huh? Thank me, your dear little sister." - Aiko joked, clearly pleased with the shy interaction between the two of us.

I looked at my sister with a look of slight irritation, but she just laughed, satisfied. Was it the first time I saw Ruka like this, so different and so... vulnerable? There was something in the way she looked at me that made my heart beat faster. I couldn't help it.

"Come on, let's not stand here all day..." - Aiko continued and led Hiroshi away, taking the lead. - "The festival should be starting already."

Ruka nodded, still a little shy. - "Yes, let's go..."

As they headed towards the festival, the group seemed immersed in a different energy. Excitement was in the air, but the weight of the encounter between the two of us was present. Hiroshi continued to joke, but I could barely pay attention. My thoughts were fixed on Ruka, who walked beside me, keeping a respectful distance, but her presence was undeniable.

The light wind blew, and Ruka's hair, so well arranged, danced gently. With each step, I felt more aware of her, and the small exchanges of glances they made. I wondered what she was thinking, if she was as nervous as I was, or if she was just enjoying the moment.

"Are you okay?" - Ruka asked suddenly, breaking the silence between us. She seemed a little more at ease now, as if her initial nervousness had passed.

I smiled at the corner of my mouth. - "Yeah... I'm just surprised. You really do look beautiful today, Ruka."

She blushed again, looking away for a moment before smiling shyly. - "You too... you look quite different. I like it."

We exchanged a few more glances, but before I could answer, Hiroshi interrupted once more, drawing our attention to a food stall selling traditional sweets. - "Hey, let's get something to eat before we get too hungry! The festival will last all night, but I'm already starving!"

The tension of the moment dissipated a little with Hiroshi's joke, and everyone agreed to take a quick break.

When we finally got away from the crowd and the hustle and bustle of the festival, the mood felt different. There was a natural silence between us, interrupted only by the soft sound of the leaves on the trees and the distant hubbub of the city. They were just walking side by side, but the tension in the air was palpable. I knew that night would be important in some way, but I still couldn't figure out exactly why.

I had noticed, almost accidentally, that Ruka wasn't wearing anything under her kimono. It was a detail that I tried to ignore, not wanting to let it affect the way I saw her. It was New Year's Eve and not just any celebration. To me, and apparently to Ruka as well, this meeting seemed to be something much more significant.

"Let's go this way, Ruka..." - I led her down a path that few knew about, a trail that led to a hill surrounded by trees, but with a stunning view of the city below. The city lights shone brightly, and soon, fireworks would fill the sky with vibrant colors, marking the arrival of the new year. - "It's an almost secret place, where no one will bother us."

As we walked towards the forested area, I saw some couples who were making out in some very specific corners. This made me nervous, as I wondered if someone had stolen our secret corner.

After that, we reached a point where the wind was stronger, but still pleasant, and where the view of the city seemed to stretch on forever. The city lights shone like stars, creating a perfect contrast with the night sky.

Luckily, no one had come this far. - "We're here..."

"It's beautiful here..." - Ruka commented, her voice soft, almost in a whisper. She looked around, amazed by the beauty of the landscape. The wind gently ruffled her kimono, and her hair, tied up delicately, seemed to shine under the moonlight.

I took a deep breath, trying to control the nervousness that seemed to be growing inside me. - "Yes, I used to come here when I wanted to think... or when I needed some time alone... It's the perfect place to watch the fireworks." - He glanced at her sideways, trying to gauge her reaction. - "I thought you'd like it."

Ruka smiled, but there was a certain shyness in her smile, something different from the confident and energetic girl I knew so well. - "I loved it... It's perfect for watching the fireworks." - She got a little closer to me, and I could feel the heat of her body even with the cold night wind.

Her eyes were glazed over on me. - "Ryo-chan... I know we're even, but... I feel like I went too far." - Ruka constantly looked down, as if she was trying to find a way to describe what she was feeling.

At this moment, I was confused, what exactly was she talking about? Doubt arose in my mind. - "What are you talking about, Ruka-chan?"

She looked back into my eyes. - "Do you remember the day we went to my house and I asked you to... Touch your chest?"

"Yes, I remember... Why?" - I ended up blushing as I remembered that day.

Ruka's gaze became determined. - "So.... I.... I ended up seeing your entire body almost naked. Well, for that, I want to return the favor."

It was then that Ruka suddenly turned to me, her expression changing to something more serious and, at the same time, hesitant. Before I could process what was happening, Ruka began to gently slide the kimono off her shoulders, until it was completely revealed, revealing her naked body under the dim light of the stars. Her face was flushed, but she didn't back down. There was a mix of vulnerability and determination in her eyes.

"R-Ruka... what are you...?" I stammered, my mind spinning with confusion and surprise. I turned away for a moment, trying not to look at her directly, but it was impossible to ignore what was happening.

"I... I wanted to pay you back, Ryo-chan." - she said, her voice shaking slightly, but without losing its firmness.

I didn't know what to say. I struggled to maintain my composure, feeling the heat rise in her face. The discomfort was palpable, but there was something more beyond that, it was a feeling that Ruka was exposing herself to me in a way that was not just physical. There was a heavy emotional charge in that gesture, something I didn't know if I was prepared to deal with at that moment.

"Ruka-chan... They're beautiful..." - I said without thinking.

Ruka blushed heavily and put her kimono back on.

"Ruka... I... I think..." I started, still not knowing exactly how to respond to that. She was still wearing panties, but her breasts were completely exposed. I took a deep breath, trying to gather the courage to say what I really felt. - "I just... I want you to know that..." - In the middle of the awkward moment between the two of us, a light drizzle began to fall.

The first drops touched our skin, surprising us while we were still under the weight of emotional tension. I reacted quickly, hugged and covered Ruka again, taking advantage by opening the old umbrella I had found earlier at home.

"J-Just in time, huh?" - Ruka smiled, trying to break the ice with a light laugh. I just nodded, still processing what had just happened. My mind was still spinning with the words I hadn't said, with the feelings I couldn't explain.

Suddenly, fireworks began to explode across the sky again, this time more intensely, marking the height of the New Year's celebration. The night sky, already covered by heavy rain clouds, lit up with vibrant and sparkling colors, while the explosions echoed in the distance.

"It seems we're definitely even now, don't we..." - I said with a fake smile on my face. I didn't want this fake relationship to end.

It was at that moment that I felt a change in the air. Something invisible, but palpable, seemed to manifest itself. Prelest, in his ethereal form, appeared beside me. He hadn't physically appeared to Ruka, who was distracted by the fireworks, but to me his presence was evident.

"Ryo..." - Prelest whispered, his voice sounding mysterious and deep. - "Toshigami is here."

I frowned. - "Toshigami?" - I repeated in my mind, without moving my lips, keeping calm so that Ruka wouldn't notice the strange conversation. I knew that Prelest always appeared at important moments, but this one seemed different.

"Toshigami, the god of harvests and protector of the New Year, is watching..." - Prelest continued. - "He won't appear, but his presence is strong tonight." As I looked out over the city, I was observing the hearts of all the people at the festival, evaluating their intentions, their desires, and their emotions.

I looked around. The rain was falling softly, and the people at the festival continued to celebrate, oblivious to what was happening in a deeper layer of reality. However, I knew that something was happening beyond what my eyes could see. Prelest looked at me intensely, and that was when I realized: he could feel the weight of the emotions of everyone around him.

It was as if the world had slowed down for a brief moment. Both I and he could see the hearts of all the people present at the festival, floating like small fragments of light in the air. Some shone with vibrant colors, full of hope, love, and excitement for the new year. Others, however, were dull, shrouded in shadows of uncertainty, fear, or regret.

"Everyone carries something… Some desire… Some emotion…" Prelest explained, pointing to the floating hearts. "This moment when Toshigami weighs the hearts before allowing the new year to fully begin. And yours… is still blocked."

My chest tightened at this. I glanced at Ruka, who was watching the fireworks, seemingly oblivious to the spiritual tension around her. She was smiling, as if everything was perfectly normal. Her heart, Ryo noticed, was glowing a vibrant blue, the same blue he had seen before.

"You must understand what it truly means to love…" Prelest continued, his voice penetrating deep into my mind. "This moment is crucial. Toshigami is watching us… and judging us."

I swallowed hard. The rain continued to fall softly on us, the umbrella barely supporting the weight of the drops that were increasing in intensity. I looked at the fireworks in the sky and at Ruka's heart, still not knowing how to process all of this.

We remained silent for a while, just watching the horizon. It was one of those moments that seemed eternal, but at the same time, fleeting. I felt that something was about to change between us, but I didn't know exactly how to deal with it.

Finally, Ruka broke the silence, her voice soft and hesitant. "Ryo... I wanted to thank you... for everything."

I looked at her in surprise. - "Thank you? For what?"

"For always being by my side. Even when I do stupid and idiotic things or put you in strange situations... Like this." - She laughed lightly, but there was a deep sincerity in her words. - "You've always been kind to me, even when I didn't deserve it."

I was silent for a moment, remembering when I first met her and the peculiar way we started 'dating', I was still processing her words. I knew that Ruka had a unique way of showing her feelings, and it often confused me. But, in that moment, I could see the vulnerability in her, something she rarely showed.

"Ruka... I..." - I started to speak, but was interrupted by the first sounds of bells ringing.

Ruka looked at the illuminated city, her eyes shining with the lights. - "It's beautiful..." - she whispered, and in that moment, I realized how much she meant to me.

The urge to do something more suddenly took over me. Without thinking much, I approached Ruka, standing next to her, our shoulders almost touching. My heart was beating faster than usual, as if it were synchronizing. I looked at her, her profile illuminated by the fireworks, and felt an urge to be honest with her feelings.

"Ruka..." - I whispered, and she turned her face to me, her eyes wide with surprise, but full of curiosity. Before she could say anything else, the world around her seemed to disappear, and there were only the two of them, there, on that hill. I reached out, hesitantly, and held her hand. Her skin was warm, despite the cold of the night, and I felt an electricity run through my body.

Ruka looked down, and then at me, a shy smile forming on her lips. - "What is it?"

While the fireworks still lit up the sky and the rain fell softly around us, I looked deeply into Ruka's eyes. Her heart was racing, as if she had finally found clarity amidst that confusion of feelings. She knew that this moment was special, more than any other.

"Ruka..." - I began, hesitating for a second while I gathered my courage. The sound of the fireworks in the background seemed to echo all my uncertainties. - "I... I think I finally get it. I want to be with you. I really do. I want to make our relationship official. Let's start dating for real!"

Ruka, who until then had been enchanted by the fireworks and the magical atmosphere of the New Year, turned to me with a surprised look. For a moment, time seemed to freeze, but not in the same literal sense that I was used to. This time, it was as if the gravity of that moment was what held the world together.

And then, she laughed. A soft, genuine laugh that brought an unexpected warmth to my heart.

"We've been dating for a while now, you idiot!" - Ruka said, with a mischievous smile on her face. She gave me a slight push, playing with my seriousness. - "It took you this long to realize?"

I was paralyzed for a second as I took in her words. And then, I smiled too, a genuine smile that I simply couldn't contain. All the tension, the mystery, the challenges we faced together... everything seemed to crumble before this simple truth.

Without saying anything else, I got closer, and our lips finally met in a soft and sweet kiss, which sealed that relationship once and for all. The rain continued to fall on us, but it seemed distant. The kiss lasted long enough for both of us to forget everything around us.

When we pulled away, I looked at Ruka fondly. - "Happy New Year, Ruka-chan..."

She smiled back, her eyes shining like the lights of the fireworks in the sky. - "I'm counting on you this year too, Ryo-chan..."

Even with the rain, the night seemed to be getting longer. The fireworks were already ending, but I looked at the horizon, seeing that the sky was starting to change color. An idea came to my mind, something I knew I wanted to do with Ruka by my side.

"Shall we watch the sun rise together?" - I asked, taking her hand gently.

Ruka looked at me for a moment, surprised by the suggestion, but then smiled with that mischievous glint in her eyes. - "Even with this rain?"

I just nodded, and we both stood up, still under the old umbrella, and walked to a spot where we had a clear view of the city and the skyline, the place where I had chosen to be special. We stood there, in silence, just enjoying each other's company, as the light rain fell and the darkness of the night began to give way to the soft glow of dawn.

I looked at myself and thought...

Today was a good day.

End of chapter 8