Chapter 283: Sacred Vows ( 283 )
Kyouko’s white shiromuku caught the light, shimmering like freshly fallen snow. Every movement she made was slow, elegant, and full of grace, each step full of dignity and femininity.
Beside her, Kitayama stood tall and serious in his montsuki haori and hakama. His face was calm and unreadable, but his arm was steady and supportive as he helped his daughter through the final steps.
Haruki watched her from under the great torii gate of the shrine. His heart was steady but deep, feeling both nervous and hopeful. He wore a simple, muted kimono in shades of gray and black, with the crest of the Nakagawa family embroidered on it.
His eyes were only for her.
A soft bell rang.
The shrine maiden stepped forward. She was dressed in pure white robes that seemed to flow like clouds with each step she took. In her hands, she held the ōnusa—the sacred wand made of white paper streamers used for purification. Behind her, the kannushi, dressed in garments full of tradition and purpose, followed.
As Kyouko and Haruki reached the front of the honden, the sacred inner shrine, the purification ceremony began.
The priest raised the ōnusa high and, with practiced grace, gently waved it over Haruki first, then over Kyouko, and finally over their parents standing just behind them. The sound of the streamers rustling was soft and rhythmic, like the wind passing through leaves. With each wave, the air seemed to grow still.
No words were spoken.
It was a silent act, purifying their hearts, bodies, and intentions.
Kyouko kept her eyes lowered. Her fingers were clasped in front of her waist, and the soft sleeves of her shiromuku brushed her sides like the wings of a crane.
Nearby, Hanako had tears shining in her eyes.