The warmth of Christmas lingers in the town air. Decorations are still hanging, but the streets have quieted down.
The snow feels fresher, untouched again, The days that followed seemed to blur ,Streets once bustling with holiday cheer had grown calmer, as if the world was gently exhaling the year's last breath.
Emi and Axel found themselves spending time together more often, though never in ways they'd planned. A chance meeting at the bakery. A quiet walk home beneath the glowing lanterns. Not quite dates, but not quite accidents, either.
Kiyomi and Ito, too, seemed to circle each other with a little less pretense, their usual banter softening into something warmer.
Meanwhile, whispers of the New Year's sunrise pilgrimage floated through their conversations, becoming the unspoken plan that tethered them all.
Each snow-dusted morning brought them closer not just to the new year, but to something quietly changing between them.
By the time December 29th arrived, the air was different. Not just colder, but expectant as the group prepares for the New Year mountain trip.
Emi wakes early, feeling that strange aftertaste of Christmas joy mixed with the excitement for the next tradition.
Axel, as usual, shows up with his hands in his pockets, yawning like it's any other day except even he's carrying a thermos this time, offering hot cocoa to Emi without saying much.
Kiyomi is unusually energetic, dragging Ito with her as they gather at the station. She talks about how the mountain shrine is special because her grandparents used to take her there when she was little.
Ito listens quietly, pretending he's bored, but he secretly checked the shrine history the night before.
Kenji, Nanako, and Among the group was Nanako's cousin sister Kirika-san are already at the station, waving like excited kids as Emi's dad and mom Yuika-San as well and Ito and kyomi's parents patiently waiting for them .Kirika-San was two years younger than Axel, yet already making herself at home. Though they hadn't met before, she attended the same school, always finding ways to sneak into conversations with her cheeky grin. With a habit of teasing Axel and Emi just enough to get them flustered, she quickly became a lively little presence in their circle.
Kenji grins to Axel:
"You kids sure you're ready for the mountain? Sunrise over there isn't something city folks get to see every day."
Kirika-san laughs:
"Axel, better not forget your wish this year. They say those who forget their wishes on New Year get teased by the mountain spirits."
Axel rolls his eyes, but Emi chuckles at the idea.
They board the early train, heading towards the mountains.
The scenery changes from gray towns to snowy villages. Conversations soften as the train rocks gently.
Kiyomi and Ito sit side by side, sharing a quiet moment by the window, their breath fogging the glass as they draw silly pictures.
Axel and Emi share snacks Emi brought, with Emi poking fun at his 'boring' taste in plain rice crackers.
Kenji and Nako fall asleep, leaning on each other, while Kirika-san hums an old tune, watching over the group like a mother bird.
They reach the village by noon. The sky is bright but feels closer, and the mountain looms over them like a giant waiting for them.
The locals greet them warmly, handing them New Year lanterns, rice cakes, and charm ribbons for the shrine.
The group spends the afternoon cleaning the shrine, hanging decorations, and preparing the bonfire spot for the New Year's Eve night.
Snowball fights break out between Emi and Axel, with Kiyomi jumping in and Ito sighing before joining too.
They sit around the bonfire, the village glowing softly behind them. The cold bites, but their laughter fills the night.
Kirika-san tells local ghost stories, Kenji brings out snacks and tea, and the younger ones huddle together watching the fire.
Emi ends up beside Axel, and they share Axel's scarf silently.
Kiyomi throws snow into Ito's hair, and instead of getting mad, Ito calmly dusts it off and flicks some back—earning an awkward but cute moment between them.
The stars feel heavy tonight, almost as if watching them.
The shrine bell echoes through the cold mountain air.
They share soft smiles, no need for words.
The world is hushed under a heavy blanket of snow. Breath turns to mist as the group climbs the final steps to the shrine.
The sky is still a deep indigo, but there's a faint silver glow at the edge of the horizon.
Emi clutches her scarf tighter, glancing sideways at Axel. His hands are shoved in his coat pockets, but his pace slows slightly to match hers.
Kiyomi's cheeks are flushed, partly from the cold, partly from Ito walking just a step too close, their gloved hands occasionally brushing but never quite holding.
Kenji and Nanako lead the way, their silhouettes comfortable and close, while Kirika-san carries the small lanterns, their warm light guiding the path.
When they finally reach the shrine, it's as if time slows.
The world below them stretches in endless shades of blue and white.
The village is asleep, but up here, they're the only ones waiting to greet the year's first light.
They stand in quiet anticipation. No noise. No chatter. Just the crunch of snow beneath their feet.
And then
The sunrise begins.
The dark sky melts into soft gold and pink, spilling light over the mountains and forests.
The shrine's torii gate casts a long, sharp shadow, framing the group in a picture-perfect moment.
Axel murmurs without looking:
"It's… brighter than I thought."
Emi smiles softly, her voice barely above a whisper:
"That's because we made it together."
Kiyomi, trying to hide her excitement, blurts out:
"It's good luck, you know! Watching the first sunrise with… with people important to you."
She stumbles on the words, and Ito, for once, doesn't tease her. He just replies with a small, rare smile:
"Yeah. Guess I'm lucky then."
Kiyomi's ears turn redder than the sunrise.
Kenji and Nanako share a quiet toast with their thermos, while Kirika-san ties small paper fortunes to the shrine tree, whispering wishes for everyone.
Before leaving, they all clap their hands together at the shrine, making their silent wishes.
For Axel and Emi, something has shifted. No grand confession. Just a quiet certainty that this year… might be different.
Before descending, they gather for a group photo with the shrine and the sunrise behind them.
Emi and Axel stand closer than before, almost brushing shoulders.
Kiyomi, bold in her own way, throws a peace sign but sneaks a glance at Ito, who, for once, doesn't look away.
The shutter clicks. A memory sealed.