To my Dearest Tomodachi.

CH. 12 The Wish I Promised

    It was your ordinary Saturday morning, a few days past Christmas. Aiko is getting ready for a trip to the shrine before New Years. However, she's not going alone-her friends are coming along as well. Aiko's father is willing to drive her to the shrine to meet up with her friends.

   "Are you ready?" Aiko's father asked her.

   Aiko slipped on her boots, and wrapped her neck with a quilted scarf.

   "Yes, I'm ready to go meet them." Aiko looked over at her father.

   It was a surprisingly a semi-warm day, despite after having a white Christmas this year. There was still the leftover snow from the night before, slowly being melted by the uncovered sun. Aiko sat in the passenger seat, while her father turned on the heat in the car. The Kibitsu-Jinja Shrine is only miles away from her area, it'll be a long trip to get there.

   *Tweet*-a notification on Aiko's phone. A message from Kasumi.

   [Hey Aiko! Me and Chinatsu are at the shrine, we will stay here waiting for you! Even in the cold just like this ٩(^ᴗ^)۶]

   Aiko gave off a sigh of relief.

   [That's good to hear (＾＾)ｂ, it'll take a while for me to get there though] Aiko texted back.

   A few minutes later, Aiko received another text.

   [I have another surprise for you Aiko, I invited another friend over. I think it would be fun with us four--no wait five!]

   Aiko wondered for a moment, wondering who Kasumi invited to the shrine visit.

   [Alright, tell them I said hi for me]

   [Roger that! (＾ω＾)]

15 minutes later, Aiko arrived at the shrine.

   "Aiko-senpai!" cried out her underclassmen.

   "Aiko! Glad you came just in time before we get too cold!" Kasumi walked towards Aiko.

   Aiko glanced up to her friends, suddenly she noticed someone else with them. She was wearing a purple kimono with her hair tied up with a red ribbon. It's non-other than Misaki herself.

   "Misaki—!"

   Kasumi and the others walked towards Aiko. Chinatsu gave Aiko a grand hug for coming just in time.

   "Well—shall we get goin--?"

   "I want to head to the food tents now!"

   Kasumi was interrupted by Misaki's younger brother.

   "We will do that after we visit the shrine, Shou." Misaki patted Shou on the shoulder.

   "Like-wise, we should get going to the shrine." said Kasumi.

   Aiko was released from Chinatsu, and was guided to the shrine by her friends. Aiko payed more attention at Misaki's purple kimono,  it's as if she was made to be worn that color.

"I brought my camera with me to the shrine. I would like to take some group photos!" Chinatsu asked the group.

   "Sure thing! Just find a place somewhere to take the picture." Kasumi replied.

   While the group is still together, Aiko couldn't get her eyes off of Misaki. She felt blank and listless, but the vibrant color of purple just kept her mesmerized.

   "Aiko, is something wrong?" Misaki asked curiously.

   Aiko immediately snapped into reality once again.