Part 17: Episode 17: New Love for the New Year

After finals came winter break. It was nice to be able to take a break from school. I still woke up early, just to see this beautiful view every morning. And today was an extra special day.
It’s the first day of the new year. Looks like I’m still alive to enjoy it!
It’s a little cold out, but it’s calm and the sun is warm. I think I’ll go visit the shrine.




I think I’ll buy an amulet and go home.

Goon!
!?

In front of me stood Ryouta, dressed in a traditional miko. I guess he’s working here, but I didn’t think they would make him dress up for it…

What are you doing, Ryouta?
Exactly what it looks like! I’m working here today and tomorrow.
O-oh… It looks good on you…!
You came here to buy an amulet, right? Which would you like?


It’s always important to stay vigilant in your studies. I may have passed my finals, but school can only get harder from here.

I’d like that first one, please!
Here you go!
Thanks, Ryouta! Are you here all day today?
Yep! The first day’s always busy.
Oh, well. I was going to ask if you wanted to get lunch together, but…
Sorry, Goon. Maybe some other time?
Since you’re here, why not go get a fortune? They’re next to the main building, over there.
Okay! Thanks. See you, Ryouta!

On my way to receive a fortune, I found Mr. Nanaki looking at his own fortune.

Hmm…
Mr. Nanaki! Happy new year!

Did you get a fortune, sir?
Yes. Unfortunately, I seem to have drawn the chicken of ill omen… Why don’t you take one?
I will!
Hmm, which should I take…?
…This one!

Good, you got a better one than I did. I think this will be a good year for you, Lourde.
Thank you, sir!

After that, I had finished all of my business at the shrine, so I headed home to enjoy the day.





As quickly as the break had started, so too did it end. Thankfully, all the testing was done for the year.

I hope you all had good vacations? I hibernated.
What a shocker.
…Zzz…
You’re still hibernatING! Sir, wake up!
Oh!
Umm, I’ve said this before, but your junior year will be over before you know it.

There’s nothing special this semester… Nothing to worry about!










With nothing to look forward to this semester, time flew by until February hit.

Oh! Tomorrow’s Legumentine’s! I think I’ll buy some beans.
Today, Legumentine’s is a holiday where you give beans to the boy you like, but apparently it used to involve throwing them at pigeons. Disgraceful!
I packed up my school stuff and headed for the closest seed store.


Thankfully, the store was close to campus, and there was no one in here at this time of day.

Yes. Is there a kind that you think is particularly good?

Clerk: This year’s trend is towards these bean medleys for racers, but they are a little pricey. It’s hard to say without knowing the bird in question, really.

Hmm… That’s true. And sometimes the cheap ramen tastes better than the expensive stuff.

I wanted to get some seeds for Mr. Nanaki, but I have no idea what his tastes are. Something like a race blend seems like it might be a bit too much for him.
I think I’ll play it safe with him and just get country millet. That’s a pretty simple seed.
I’ll take these!

Clerk: Thank you, miss. Here you are.

I took my bag back home in eager anticipation for the next day.






I saw Mr. Nanaki head towards the staff room just a moment ago. I should still be able to catch up to him.

Sir! Mister Nanaki!

Umm… Today is Legumentine’s! So I wanted to give you beans…
You want to give them to me? Are you sure that’s okay? You don’t have someone else?
No, sir! I want to give them to you, sir!
I don’t know what kind of things you like to eat, so I wasn’t sure which to get, but…

I’ve enjoyed them for a long time. They bring back good memories… Mmm, such a nice, gentle smell…
…Zzz.
S-sir! They do smell nice, but please don’t fall asleep!
Oh! Umm… Are you really sure you want to give these to me?
Yes, sir! A hunter-gatherer never goes back on her word!
Thank you, then. Mmm…

And so he wandered off towards the staff room, a gentle smile on his face.
I’m glad he liked them!