An Empty Shell

Chapter 22: Confusion

The next morning, they went to school together. They were about to get in their class when Hayami was dragged from Shuichi.
"Excuse us Shuichi, I need to borrow Hayami for a bit. We have an emergency meeting for the cultural festival. I will bring her back I promise. TTThhhaaannnkkk yyyooouu...!!!" It was Ayako who was in a hurry, asking permission to Shuichi as she dragged Hayami away.
"O-okay.." Before Shuichi could give them his approval they were already out of sight. He just gave a sigh then chortled a little as he looked their way where they ran.

"So, what was that meeting all about? I'm guessing it's really urgent having been scheduled first thing in an early morning." Shuichi needed to asked Hayami during their lunch break. They were on the roof deck  where they usually have their lunch together and Hayami and Ayako came back to class late.
"Oh, uhm.. well. We have to find a replacement. One of our members got injured during practice and couldn't seem to get to her recovery on time to perform."
Answered Hayami, getting a little anxious.
"So, did you find a replacement?" Added Shuichi. Hayami gave a slight nod with an awkward look on her face.
"I see.. so what kind of performance is it?" Shuichi didn't have to ask who was that person in particular but instead based the answer from her reaction and he easily figured it out.
"A Kagura Dance at the Inari Shrine..." Hayami had a blush and almost didn't made an audible sound when she answered.
"I'm sure you will perform just as perfect." Commented Shuichi with a grin while he tapped her shoulder.
"Thank you... but you don't know how nervous I am. I've never danced that routine for several years now. And I am not sure if I can still properly execute it." Hayami's not so confident response.
"If you put all your heart in it, you will do just fine. So, don't worry too much about it. I promise, I will be there to give support to you and your team."
Hayami was somehow relieved from those words from Shuichi. His encouragement made her feel motivated especially of what he promised.
He will come and see our performance. I should do my best and make him proud of me. She pondered, making a fist with her hands showing determination.
Shuichi saw her gesture and he chuckled a little. Then he offered his fist for a fist-bump but Hayami doesn't have a clue what that was, instead she held his fist with both of her hands. Shuichi flinched and was surprised from that touch for a moment. Then he opened his hand to hold hers back.
"Let's go back now, class will be starting soon." Shuichi stood up while still holding her hands to help her up. Then they gathered their stuffs and went back to their classroom.

Hayami had to stay behind after school for their rehearsal. They will be performing at the Hitaki-sai (Fire Festival) which is one of the most famous event in Kyoto during fall season at the Inari Shrine. For some reason, Hayami felt unnerving when she heard about the shrine and she couldn't understand why. She just thought that this was all because of her anxiousness about their performance knowing that hundreds of people would be visiting from different parts of the country to join the said festival and it would be the biggest stage yet that she'd ever going to set her foot too.

"Shuichi?" Hayami noticed him by the school's entrance seemingly waiting for her. Then she hurriedly approached him. Shuichi looked her way and smiled.
"Well done. You were amazing at your practice today." He greeted her.
"Thank you..(pants)You stayed back after school?" She was catching her breath when she got to him wearing a big smile.
"Yes, I did. Didn't I tell you before, I will be here to support you and your team remember?"
"Yes, you did!" She happily answered. Shuichi offered his hand again and Hayami gladly took it as they proceeded to go home.
"By the way, this is for you.." Shuichi reached out a box in his pocket and handed it to Hayami.
"Hm? What is—" before she could even continue, she saw a clear box being handed by Shuichi. Inside was a beautiful hanakanzashi, it's a special floral hair piece that may be worn by mikos during rites or certain events such as the Hitaki-sai. Its floral motif contained group of small Japanese maple leaves depicting the hues of the fall season with strings of dangling blossoms.
"Shuichi, this is so beautiful..." Hayami took the box and admire the hair piece.
"I thought of getting you one to complete your attire at your performance. It is also believed that if a miko wears one that represents the season will increase their spiritual power. So, it might help you call the deity to grant wishes." Added Shuichi with a smile as he helped her opened the box. He took the hair piece and went closer to her. Then he gently tucked a locket of her hair behind her ear and secured it with that hair piece. Meanwhile, Hayami was in deep flush from that closeness of him, especially when her ear was brushed with his fingers so softly that sent fluttering sensations in her tummy.
"There, you look—" Shuichi paused and his eyes grew when he noticed Hayami's silence and that she's only looking at her feet.
"What's wrong? Are you okay? Your face is so red. Do you feel hot?" He attempted to touch her forehead when Hayami flinched and deflected his hand.
"No no no! I'm okay! It's just that— oh no, it's nothing! I'm fine I promise." Hayami was rattled and just covered her face with her arm. Shuichi was surprised by her reaction. He chortled a little thinking what could've been his own reaction when he still could sense her emotions. Then suddenly, he felt a small ache in his chest realizing somehow he missed those times when she still could connect her feelings to his heart.

Once again, they were walking in the alleyway going to there apartment. The moon was bright but it wasn't full yet.
"Waxing Gibbous..." Hayami muttered to herself while looking up the moon but Shuichi heard her.
"Ah, yes. That's the fourth phase of the moon before it will reach the full moon." Added Shuichi who also looked up while Hayami was amazed by his intelligence.
"Right, it will be full in approximately 7 days." She also added, sharing her knowledge as well.
"7.38 days to be exact." Smirked Shuichi with a wink as Hayami rolled her eyes.
"Show off.." Then they both laughed.
"It suits you by the way." declared Shuichi out of the blue that made Hayami didn't quiet catch.
"Huh? What's that?"
"The hair piece, you look more beautiful with it on you."
"Oh, uhm, thank you, and thank you for this by the way." She touched her hair pin as she blushed to thank him.
Moments later they became silent as they were about to get to their block.
"Hayami there's something you must know.." Shuichi finally broke the silence.
"Does it have something to do with the moon?" Hayami gave her wise guess that made his eyes agape. He was confused as to how did Hayami know something about it.
"So, I'm right... I know the time is already nearing.. Do you have a plan in mind that you wanted me to know about?" She added, trying to paint a smile over her worries. There was a long pause from Shuichi. As they got to their front door, Shuichi held onto the door knob and Hayami was just behind him, waiting.
"I'm no longer connected to you.. I'm not your spirit guide anymore.."