Everything has changed

Chapter 16: Wishes

The sky was an inky canvas brushed with stars as Yachi Hitoka hurried up the snow-dusted path leading to the shrine, her breath forming little white puffs in the crisp winter air. The chill seeped through her gloves, biting at her fingertips, but she didn’t mind; the sight of Karasuno’s volleyball team gathered at the foot of the shrine steps warmed her more than any scarf ever could. Their faces, flushed from the cold, were lit by the anticipation that came with this special night. This was a night steeped in tradition, a ritual that connected them all not just as teammates, but as friends on the cusp of something great.

The shrine stood majestic under the silver glow of the moon, its red torii gate framing the entrance like a silent sentinel. The gate was draped with shimenawa rope and white shide paper streamers that swayed gently in the breeze, whispering promises of blessings and protection. Lanterns, each carved with intricate symbols, flickered gently, their light casting a golden glow over the snow-laden ground. The soft murmur of visitors making their prayers, mingled with the occasional ring of the shrine bells, added to the reverent atmosphere.

“Yachi! Over here!” Hinata’s voice, loud and buoyant as ever, cut through the stillness. He stood with Kageyama, who scowled at the noise but didn’t move to stop him. The rest of the team clustered nearby, bundled up in winter coats and scarves, their breaths visible in the frosty air.

Yachi’s lips curled into a smile as she made her way over, her steps careful on the icy path. “Sorry I’m late,” she said, adjusting her knitted hat. “The bus was packed.”

“Typical city on New Year’s Eve,” Tsukishima remarked dryly, pushing up his glasses with gloved fingers. He stood slightly apart, as if uninterested, but his eyes flickered with a quiet anticipation that Yachi noticed.

“Let’s go up together!” Nishinoya suggested, his eyes sparkling with the same excitement that never seemed to leave him. He exchanged an enthusiastic glance with Tanaka, who nodded vigorously, their energy nearly palpable.

“Everyone ready?” Daichi’s steady voice broke through the chatter, the weight of leadership as clear in his tone as the smile on his face. The team responded with nods and muttered agreements, falling into step behind him as they began to ascend the steps.

The rhythmic crunch of their shoes on the snow and the distant hum of bells being rung by other shrine-goers were the only sounds for a moment. The cold air wrapped around them, sharp yet invigorating, carrying with it the crisp scent of pine mingled with the rich, earthy fragrance of incense wafting from the altars. Yachi felt a shiver run down her spine, though it had little to do with the biting wind. This was more than just a visit to the shrine; it was a tradition that carried the weight of hopes and unspoken wishes, a moment that marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Each step felt like a declaration: We are ready.

As they reached the top, the team paused, taking in the scene before them. The shrine’s courtyard was illuminated by rows of lanterns that cast warm, inviting light over the stone path, their golden glow fighting off the darkness that surrounded them. The light danced on the surface of the snow, creating shimmering patches that seemed to shift as the lanterns flickered. People moved around them, wrapped in thick coats and scarves, their breath visible in the cool air. Some were waiting their turn to pray, their faces solemn as they prepared their wishes for the new year. Others stood in small groups, exchanging laughter and stories, their voices blending into the symphony of the winter night.

Yachi's gaze swept over the scene, landing on the shrine itself. Its curved roof was dusted with snow, the dark wood almost black under the moonlight, yet softened by the warm hues of the lanterns. She could see the shimenawa rope strung across the entrance, adorned with strips of paper and small charms meant to ward off evil spirits. The sight filled her with a reverence she rarely experienced; this was a place where past and present met, where thousands of wishes had been whispered into the still air over generations.