"──Even on the second day, it's packed with people."
"But I think it's better than yesterday."
"Yeah, you're right... Well, let's go."
"Okay..."
Holding onto Jessica's gloved hand to avoid getting separated, we walked toward the torii gate. The place was bustling with people of all ages, men and women alike.
***
The shrine we were heading to was about a ten-minute walk from the station between my home and our high school. It wasn't particularly famous, but there were still plenty of visitors and a good number of food stalls lined up.
With this many people around, it was likely that some students from our school were here too. Since we were both hiding our faces with masks and hats, the chances of being recognized were low.
"This might take a while, huh?"
"Yeah. Maybe we should've gone to the shrine near the school instead?"
"Honestly, that one's probably full of people connected to the school."
There was a similarly sized shrine near our high school, but it was more likely to have teachers and other school-related folks around, since many of them lived nearby.
Thinking about what came next, that shrine might've been better, but avoiding detection took priority. At the very least, we had to keep our relationship a secret for another three months.
After standing in line for about fifteen minutes, we finally reached the main hall. Taking off our masks, we stood side by side, rang the bell, tossed in our offerings, and performed the standard two bows, two claps, and one final bow.
I prayed that my relationship with Jessica would last as long as possible. When I finished and opened my eyes, I glanced at her beside me—she was still praying.
Her serene profile was breathtakingly beautiful, and I couldn't help but be captivated by her divine appearance. After a while, she opened her eyes, lowered her hands, and smiled at me.
"Alright, let's go."
"Y-Yeah..."
We put our masks back on, made room for the worshippers behind us, and stepped away from the hall. Holding hands to avoid getting separated, Jessica made a suggestion as we walked.
"Hey, wanna draw an omikuji (fortune slip)?"
"...Sure. Let's do it."
We joined yet another long line, and I let go of her hand. For a brief moment, she looked a little displeased, but then she smiled in understanding—probably to reduce the risk of being noticed.
"Ethan, what did you pray for earlier?"
"You're really asking? ...It's kinda embarrassing to say here."
"Was it that embarrassing?"
"I'll tell you when we're alone. What about you, Jess?"
"Hmm... I'll keep it a secret too... I'll tell you if you tell me first."
Our conversation drew stares from the people around us, especially groups of guys. If Jessica hadn't been wearing a mask, someone might've even tried to hit on her.
The masks were for avoiding detection, but they had an unexpected benefit. Though, even if someone had tried anything, a few spells would've handled it easily.
***
"──Choukichi (middle fortune), huh? Pretty average, I guess?"
"Fufu... But the love part was good, right?"
"'Don't let this person get away'—well, it's not wrong."
"I got Daikichi (great fortune), but the love part said..."
"'Don't cross the line'... Oops, a little too late for that."
"Ugh, you perv..."
While reading the love advice on Jessica's omikuji, I couldn't help but think the gods here were spot-on. Too late now, but yeah, she really shouldn't have crossed the line with a guy like me.
"So, what should we do with these?"
"I'm keeping mine. It's a memento of our first time drawing one together..."
"O-Oh... Then I'll keep mine too, as a keepsake."
Watching her carefully tuck it into her pouch, I slipped mine into my wallet. Then, hand in hand, we slowly made our way back through the crowded approach.
"What do you wanna do now?"
"Hmm. Well, my ideal plan would be... this."
"...W-Wait, you mean—"
When Jessica asked, I pulled out the key to the "sex room" and showed it to her. Of course, she immediately understood what I was implying.
"..."
"Too much?"
"...N-Not... too much..."
"Really? That's great."
"Ugh..."
Embarrassed, she squeezed my hand tightly. Not that I had any intention of letting go.
"Then let's grab some food from the stalls for lunch first?"
"...O-Okay."
Leading her by the hand, we weaved through the crowd toward the row of stalls. As we walked, I imagined our second time together, and my pants grew a little tighter.
***
After paying the inflated New Year's prices for some street food, we took the train toward the station nearest our high school. Jessica, already nervous, barely spoke no matter what I said.
Eventually, I fell silent too, and we spent the rest of the ride in quiet. Thankfully, the trip was short, and we soon arrived at our destination.
Pulling her along (her feet dragging slightly), we exited toward the direction of the "sex room." We had to be extra careful not to get caught now, but before that, there was something I needed to ask.
"Jess... You're not uncomfortable, are you?"
"Huh...?"
"If you really don't want to... we can stop."
"...N-No. I'm not uncomfortable... Just nervous..."
"Really?"
"I-I'll be fine... C'mon, let's go."
This time, Jessica was the one pulling me forward. I quickly caught up and matched her pace.
We moved swiftly, scanning our surroundings for anyone we knew. Luckily, we didn't run into anyone connected to the school and made it to the apartment building without issue.
Once we passed through the shared entrance, she let go of my hand—only to immediately wrap both arms around mine instead.
"J-Jess!?"
"T-This feels more... like what couples do..."
Her shy, downward glance was so adorable I thought I might die. Arm in arm, we rode the elevator up to the "sex room."
Too embarrassed to speak, we arrived at the door in silence. With the soft press of her chest against my elbow, I set down our bags and unlocked the door.
"Here. After you, Jess."
"T-Thanks for having me."
"Let's head to the living room first, yeah?"
I called out to her as she took off her shoes, then followed suit. Watching her remove her coat in the living room, I set our street food purchases in the kitchen.
"Ethan... I'm gonna use the bathroom."
"Go ahead~"
After she left the living room, I took off my down jacket, washed my hands in the kitchen, and started preparing lunch.
While reheating the food and setting out plates, she returned. I took my turn in the bathroom, passing through the "playroom" on the way.
***
After finishing up in the bathroom and passing through the "playroom" on my way back to the dining area, I found lunch was already set out. First, we enjoyed the festival food together—something we didn't eat often.
I kept my portions moderate, thinking ahead to when we'd be undressed. Eating too much and bloating would be embarrassing.
Jessica seemed to share the same concern, as she didn't eat much either. We'd save the leftovers for post-"activity" recovery.
We relaxed for a while, sipping tea after the meal. Once our cups were empty, I figured it was about time and urged her onward.
"Jess. Should we head in soon?"
"...W-wait. Before that..."
"Hmm?"
Listening to her request, it turned out she wanted to freshen up first. After seeing her off to the washroom with her toothbrush set, I went to the playroom to grab mine.
Once Jessica finished brushing her teeth, we swapped places, and I cleaned my mouth too. After that, I went back to the living room to fetch her.
When I opened the door and prompted her, she slowly stood up. Glancing back as we left the living room, I caught sight of Jessica following shyly behind.
Our destination was that room—where we'd first become one. When we reached it, I opened the door to the playroom without checking her feelings first.