The sake shop - Kamisama Kiss

Lonely Snake

Some time later, Mizuki reached the door of his shop. He was breathing heavily, since he ran all the way, as he opened the door and went in.

His friend- the white snake was resting on top of a table in the corner. It appeared to be smiling and happy for some reason.

As he scanned the other tables, he noticed large and colourful pieces of paper scattered around. There were also paint and stickers.

It lightened his mood for a moment. Then, he realised that he would have to move everything to make room for his customers. So, he set to work doing that. He put everything in a store room he had next to the kitchen.

As he waited for customers, he eventually remembered that he barely ever had any.

"Damn." He uttered, kicking a chair out of frustarion. "Being lonely is the worst!"

He grabbed his own hair and was about to have a breakdown.

Just then, an image of Ami appeared in his mind. She was smiling in an adorable way with her eyes closed. Her pink hair was stunning.

It was enough to paralyse him for a moment as he calmed down. He took slow breaths and shook his head. 'I bet it's only a matter of time before she falls for me. She'll be mine soon enough. I just... Can't wait! "

With that final thought, he focused on his job: improving the sake shop. He opened the front door and smiled at the nearby people. Then, he headed to the store room to begin working on the decorations.

What else did that mysterious boy tell him that night? He did his best to focus.

It took him some time, but he eventually remembered. He had to advertise his shop better than just shouting from the front door. He'd have to make posters and put them around town. That wouldn't be so difficult for him.

However, he also remembered being told to make adverts and put them on social media. Sadly, he had no experience with doing that and he had no idea what it even meant. He frowned at the thought of that.

Then he wondered, "What if Ami knows how to make adverts? She could help me if I ask her later!"

That hope transformed his frown into a sincere smile. He sat down on a nearby chair, put his elbow on the table and relaxed his chin on his hand. Closing his eyes for a moment, he reflected on his past.

For a quick moment, he saw someone very dear and special in his mind. A tear fell slowly from his eye as he recalled.

It was Lady Yonomori, his former mistress and the water goddess. All the memories flashed through his head. The years they spent together. The things they did together.

A very vivid memory then occurred to him. The plum tree. It was her favourite. As a result, it also became his favourite.

An idea occurred to him. He could decorate his shop in her theme. He could create plum blossoms out of card and paper. He could create water inspired decorations and use those to make his shop stand out.

"I may be a lonely snake, but you're still with me through our memories." Mizuki thought hopefully.

With his new inspiration, he went ahead with his new mission : to create decorations inspired by Lady Yonomori.