Planning for the Holidays

Tokyo, morning.

Time flew like a weaver's shuttle, and as the days trickled away, the school semester drew to a close. Soon, schools across Japan reached the end of the term. After the final exams, the highly anticipated summer break would finally be within reach.

In the classroom of Class 1-B, a self-study period was in progress. Because it was so close to the end of the term, the room was much quieter than usual. Even the most carefree students were showing a bit of respect for the upcoming exams; after all, for many, their performance determined whether their vacation would be pleasant or miserable. For most, a poor grade meant facing the cold disapproval of their parents.

"Phew... finally finished!"

In a row of seats by the window, a girl with short chestnut hair, Hayakawa Rin, stretched deeply after finishing the last problem of the homework left by the teacher. Her gaze wandered around the room, settling on her many classmates buried in their books. Finally, she looked ahead, watching the back of a girl who was currently scribbling away furiously.

'Even Inaba is studying hard for the finals. It is the end of the term, after all... even the most sluggish and lazy students start feeling a sense of crisis around this time.'

'Hey, the book Inaba has open looks like the same assignment I was just doing. Perfect, I can use this chance to check my answers.' Thinking this, Hayakawa Rin reached out and tapped the shoulder of the girl in front of her.

"Inaba, how far have you gotten? Can I borrow your notebook to check my answers?"

Upon hearing the call from behind, Miketsu turned around. Rin took the exercise book and immediately placed it next to her own to compare. A moment later, her expression froze.

This was because the page in front of Rin wasn't an assignment at all. Instead, a cute, hand-drawn fox-eared girl in a miko outfit filled the entire page. The adorable expression of the character left Rin momentarily stunned.

"What do you think? I drew it pretty well, didn't I? I've been practicing lately," Miketsu said with a rather proud look.

Rin nodded slowly. "...It really is drawn well. Inaba, you actually have talent! Wait, no!"

Realizing her error, Rin slapped her forehead and looked at Miketsu with a touch of anxiety. "Inaba! This isn't the time for drawing! Aren't you going to review at all with exams right around the corner?"

"Exams?" Miketsu said dismissively. "It's fine. I'm pretty confident; I'll just breeze through them when the time comes."

"You're certainly full of confidence. Even if you're lucky, the questions won't all be multiple choice..."

"Don't worry, don't worry. My foundation is solid, so the exams won't be an issue. You don't need to worry about me," Miketsu said, waving her hand. Even if she failed, it wouldn't matter—who would dare to act as her parent and scold her?

Hearing Miketsu’s words, Rin breathed a sigh of relief and handed the drawing back. As Miketsu took her notebook, she glanced at the pages in front of Rin, which were covered in text.

"I didn't expect you to be so diligent, Rin. You're really taking this exam seriously," Miketsu remarked.

Rin nodded. "Pretty much. I really want to do well on the exams this time."

An unexpected look crossed Miketsu's face. In her original impression, although Rin wasn't a bottom-of-the-class underachiever, she wasn't exactly a high-achieving student who loved her studies either. She was a very ordinary girl—mediocre in both looks and ability, the type easily lost in a crowd. She was usually a bit playful, so seeing her this proactive was a first for Miketsu.

"Mm, you could say that. After all, my dad and mom made a deal with me. If I can get a score that satisfies them, there's a huge reward!"

"A reward?"

"Yeah! My parents said if I do well, they'll give me enough money for a solo trip during the holidays. Isn't that great, Inaba?" Rin said excitedly.

Miketsu nodded in understanding. "A solo trip... It sounds like you already have a place in mind."

"Of course! Let me tell you, Inaba, if I do well, I'm going to Kyoto! The Inari Festival is coming up soon. My plan is to take the money and go see it. I've always watched it on TV, but this time, I want to participate in person!"

Miketsu was momentarily stunned, then couldn't help but smile. "Oh? You want to go to Kyoto for the Inari Festival?"

"Mm-hmm! Definitely! It's the biggest festival in the country, after all. It’s a grand event that lasts for an entire week to celebrate the descent of Lady Uka-no-Mitama! People from all over the country and even the world gather in Kyoto on those days. There are so many fun things to do; I've wanted to see it with my own eyes for a long time, and now I finally have the chance!"

Rin's voice grew louder as she got excited, drawing the attention of many students who were reviewing. Noticing the stares, she immediately lowered her head and whispered, "So... I have to do well this time. I have to get that travel money and have a great time in Kyoto."

"I didn't realize you were so interested in the Inari Festival," Miketsu said with a laugh.

"How could I not be? It's such a lively festival! And you know I love yokai stories. Kyoto is the place with the most ancient legends of gods and demons. I've wanted to visit for the longest time." As Rin spoke, she looked at Miketsu, suddenly remembering something. "I almost forgot! Inaba, isn't your hometown in Kyoto? Are you going back for the holidays?"

"Huh... going back to Kyoto?" Miketsu paused, then began to ponder. After a moment, she said slowly, "Well... I haven't been back in a long time. This break might be a good opportunity. Going back for a look seems like a fine choice."

Rin's eyes lit up. "Are you going too, Inaba? That’s great! We can go to the Inari Festival together! Since it's your hometown, you must be very familiar with it. I'll have to count on you to be my guide!"

"Well... I do know Kyoto very well, but it has been a long time. The Kyoto of today must be quite different from when I left. I might not even recognize it."

"Oh, come on! Even if it's been 'a long time,' it can't have been more than a few years. How much can a city that large change in just a few years? Don't worry, I trust you'll show me a good time!" Rin said, patting Miketsu on the shoulder.

Seeing Rin's happy face, Miketsu asked, "You sound like it's already a done deal. Are you really that sure you'll do well on the exams?"

"Ha! Do you even have to ask? I'm... I'm..." Rin's voice trailed off as she tapped her fingers together nervously, eventually letting out a helpless sigh. "Ugh. Honestly, the standard my parents set is a bit high. It’s basically the kind only honors students can reach. And my grades... you know how I am, Inaba. Even with this last-minute cramming, I'm really not sure I can pass it. If only I hadn't spent so much time playing before..."

Rin clearly felt insecure about reaching her parents' expectations. Seeing her friend looking so dejected, Miketsu exhaled softly. Just as she was about to say something, she paused, her brow furrowing slightly as she stared at the space between Rin’s eyebrows, as if focusing on something.

"Eh... Inaba, what's wrong? Is there something on my face?" Rin asked curiously.

"No, it's nothing," Miketsu replied normally. "You just look a bit dim-witted. One look and it's clear you're definitely going to fail."

"Aaah! You can just keep that to yourself, Inaba! Don't say it out loud! You're ruining my confidence!" Rin cried out, pouting as if she were about to weep. Clearly, Miketsu's words had dealt a heavy blow to her spirit.

Miketsu laughed and continued, "Haha... My apologies. As an apology... well, let me see."

As she spoke, Miketsu picked up the eraser she usually used to roll for luck. She used a pencil to poke a hole through the eraser, then found a bit of thread on the bag inside her desk. She pulled a length of thread off, threaded it through the hole in the eraser, and tied it off.

"Here, this is for you."

"This... what is this?" Rin looked at the makeshift, incredibly simple eraser necklace and let out a confused sound.

"Well... you see how I usually have great luck? I can even get some points on exams just by relying on luck. So, for now, just consider this a tiny bit of luck I'm sharing with you. If you wear it, maybe some of your confidence will return," Miketsu said with a shrug.

Rin looked at the small eraser with a strange expression. "A bit of luck? It feels like those amulets you get at shrines... just a psychological comfort."

"Exactly. It's just for peace of mind. So, do you want it or not?"

"Yes, yes! Comfort is better than no comfort at all!" Rin said as she took the eraser amulet. She figured that if she could even catch a bit of 'lucky air' to get a few multiple-choice questions right, it would be worth it. At the very least, having it by her side offered some psychological comfort and helped her adjust her mindset for the exam.

Seeing Rin accept it, Miketsu smiled. "Alright then. Study hard and do your best on the exams. I'll be waiting for you in Kyoto."

The sun gradually sank in the west as twilight arrived.

An old Western-style mansion stood silently. Behind walls covered in climbing ivy, inside a luxuriously decorated room bathed in the glow of the setting sun, a tall woman sat behind a tea table.

She had pitch-black hair, black eyes, a black uniform, and black shoes. Wrapped in pure black, the woman possessed pale skin, looking like a beautiful lady who had stepped out of a black-and-white film. She sat in her seat, sipping coffee.

Not far in front of her sat an old television. The screen showed a government official being interviewed by reporters in front of an ancient five-story pagoda.

"...Therefore, as the Kyoto City Government, we will coordinate with the shrines this year as usual to carry out various preparations. Everything is currently proceeding in an orderly fashion. Everyone, please look forward to this year's Inari Festival—"

The woman in black picked up the remote and turned off the television. After taking another deep sip of coffee, she spoke slowly.

"Kyoto... It truly brings back memories."

"Just wait, Seimei. I will clear the obstacles ahead for you, as I always have."