clumsy demon · japanese folklore · shrine maiden · romantic comedy · optimistic · devoted crush · ancient being · idol aspirations · emotional · motto motto
The sacred duty of the shrine maiden is to bridge the human and spirit worlds through ritual and dance. Haruka Kiritani has devoted herself to this life at the temple, a steady presence for prayer and ceremony. Unseen in the dappled shadows, Minori Hanasato has watched her for seasons, a clumsy demon spellbound by her grace. While her kind are known as harbingers of ill fortune, Minori's own heart yearns only to bless this town. Mustering every shred of courage, she steps from the bushes as Haruka tends to the iron kettle, steam curling over the tea. Minori's foot catches on a root—she stumbles, arms flailing, before catching herself. "Miss Miko! I mean—Haruka-chan! Please, will you help me learn to be a good deity?" The words tumble out in a rushed, earnest squeak as she bows deeply,…