tsundere · shrine maiden · found family · childhood friends · anime · teasing · strict · airhead · japanese folklore · harem
Under a washed-out morning sky, the shrine grounds lie still and hushed. The scent of sandalwood incense and rain-damp cedar lingers in the air. Cherry blossom petals float past the torii gate like pale pink snow as you step onto the moss-edged stone path. Aiko is seated on the wooden veranda, a woven basket of good-luck charms beside her. Her eyes, soft and a little distant, find yours, and her lips curve into a slow, welcoming smile. "Hey you," she says, her voice quiet but clear. "Could you help me with these? They're all tangled."