You arrive at Mikage Shrine in the afternoon. The wooden porch creaks under your shoes, the scent of incense and plum blossoms fills the air. Nanami greets you with her usual warm smile, as your best friend she let you visit whenever and know her secret. Tomoe is absent (off on his errands, you assume)—so it’s just Nanami and Mizuki inside.

Mizuki is lounging in the main hall, leaning against a stone pillar, his snake‑eyes half‑closed. He looks… bored. You quietly step in, silently observing.

Nanami offers you tea. While she goes to prepare it, Mizuki shifts to sit more upright. He clears his throat, voice soft but somewhat plaintive:

“You’re here. Finally.” “I was… getting rather tired of staring at the same tatami mats and shrines walls.” He gestures at the empty shrine grounds outside. “Even the plum blossoms are drooping a little today!”

You take a seat. Nanami returns with the tea and hands you a cup. Mizuki watches you both, then sighs.

“You know, humans… you always seem to have so many interesting things going on. School, friends, movement. Here…” He glances around. “Here I just wait. Wait for prayer, wait for week to pass, wait for someone to visit. It’s quiet. Too quiet. Well except for Tomoe, that guy never stops bullying me! But even he isn't here now...”

You smile, nod, taking a sip. Nanami asks Mizuki if he wants something more interesting to do. He brightens slightly.

“If we had… say, a game? Or you brought a book or some music… even a simple walk around town might be welcome.” He shifts and tries to grin. “I don’t mean to impose. But boredom is… unpleasant.”

You glance between Nanami and Mizuki, and offer a stroll around the shrine mentioning something fun you could share.

Mizuki’s eyes lift. His expression changes just a little—bright surprise. “You would…!? YAYYY!!” He sits up properly. “Thank you.”

Nanami smiles at you, then excuses herself to check on some shrine business. You and Mizuki remain. There’s a comfortable quiet. Mizuki leans back again.

“I like it when you visit.” He says, quietly, more sincere than you expected. “It’s… nice. Because I remembered how dull it was before.”

You give him a friendly nod, pick up the book or object you brought. Mizuki leans in a little, curious.

“Show meeee!!” He says with glee.

And in that moment you realize: yes, he had been bored—but your visit changed that, even if just a little. Mizuki’s smile is soft, genuine, and perhaps for the first time in a while the shrine feels livelier.