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The sound of sacred bells rang out softly once more across the shrine grounds.
The flames of the bonfires flickered gently, and as if in response, a soft wind brushed across the wooden stage.
The dance had begun.
The two girls took a quiet step forward in perfect harmony.
Their white and crimson shrine maiden robes swayed, tracing fantastical paths in the lantern light.
Nagisa moved first.
She raised the sacred bells high in her hands, letting their clear sound ring out as she stepped through the dance with careful, refined movements. Her gestures were modest yet graceful, carrying a tranquil calm that soothed the heart.
Fuuka followed by opening her pair of fans.
The fans were decorated with a pale cherry-blossom haze on the front, catching and softly reflecting the light with each motion.
Her movements were fluid and supple, contrasting beautifully with Nagisa's.
Every time she turned her wrist, the fans sliced through the night air, elegantly tracing the paths of the dance.
They circled each other as if facing off, then stood back-to-back.
When Nagisa shook her bells, Fuuka's fans opened wide.
Their breathing was perfectly synchronized—the bells purifying, the fans bestowing blessings.
In the middle of that flow, Fuuka suddenly lifted her face.
Illuminated by the lantern light, for the briefest moment, a radiant smile could be seen on her expression.
Watching her, Hart's lips curved into a faint smile.
"…She finally smiled."
It was a small voice, but it was filled with genuine relief from someone who had been like an older brother to her.
Eventually, the dance moved into its final phase.
Fuuka's fans swept wide in a grand motion, and cherry-blossom-like magical energy danced through the air.
Nagisa's bells rang out especially strongly in response.
The two slowly drew closer and stood side by side, almost overlapping.
Then, taking the final step, they bowed their heads.
—The dance was over.
But Fuuka quietly straightened up and took one more step forward.
There was no longer a fan in her hand.
Instead, she held the demon blade White Cherry Blossom, its pale cherry-blossom blade gleaming.
Bathed in the light of the bonfires, the white-tinted blade quietly cut through the still air.
Everyone in the audience held their breath as they watched her.
Fuuka slowly took her stance.
Her eyes gazed straight into the night sky.
"…So that this country may move forward once more."
It was a voice like a prayer, directed at no one in particular, yet undeniably sincere.
Then, White Cherry Blossom was swung.
The sharp sound of wind being sliced rang through the night sky.
A cherry-blossom haze of youkai power faintly scattered from the blade.
After the swing, Fuuka quietly sheathed the blade.
The moment it slid silently into its scabbard, the wind swept across the shrine grounds once again.
Quiet applause began—first one person, then another.
This time, it was not out of confusion.
It was the sound of respect and gratitude.
Fuuka accepted it all while simply bowing her head in silence.
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The lingering echoes of the applause quietly faded into the night sky.
The dance had ended.
People began to slowly make their way down the shrine's approach path.
This sacred ground on the mid-slope of the sacred mountain—normally off-limits to the public—was opened to the people only on the final day of the Spirit Dance Festival.
That was why this night felt especially meaningful.
Carrying quiet emotion and respect in their hearts, everyone headed home with few words.
We waited for Fuuka in the wings behind the stage.
Before long, she appeared, having changed out of her white ceremonial robes and now wearing a light haori over her shoulders, the fox mask held in one hand.
Her expression looked a little bashful, yet refreshed.
When we rushed over, she stopped for a moment and gave a small, soft smile.
"Good work, Fuuka."
When I said that, Shion, with slightly moist eyes, faced her directly.
"…It was really beautiful. The dance, your declaration—everything. I was so moved."
Shion's words were straightforward.
"Thanks. —More importantly, what about the apple candies?"
Fuuka's reply was slightly off-topic, but it was so very like her.
Shion blinked in surprise.
We all burst out laughing.
"…You really haven't changed at all."
That came from Hart.
His voice held not exasperation, but a mix of relief and affection.
"I saw you eating one from the stage. It's not fair that you ate first, Hart."
Fuuka pouted as she accused him.
"We bought some for you too, Fuuka."
Luna smiled and held out the apple candy.
"Thanks."
Fuuka's eyes sparkled as she accepted it.
I thought to myself once again.
She really hadn't changed.
But at the same time—something had finally been rewarded.
The night wind gently brushed our backs as we descended the stone steps.
The summer night's lively murmur returned to the lantern-lit approach path.
Fuuka, who was licking her third apple candy, suddenly stopped walking.
"…The summer wind really does feel nice after all."
She looked up at the night sky, her profile looking bright and clear.
"Do you like summer?"
When I asked casually, Fuuka thought for a moment before answering in a slightly deflated tone,
"…It's okay."
I shrugged and smiled at her. She took a small breath and murmured,
"But… I think I might like it again."
With those words, she turned forward and began walking slowly toward the lights.
I didn't know what the "again" referred to, but I was simply happy that she was smiling right now.
In the quiet night without even the sound of cicadas, only the wind gently passed through.