Horo looked down at the traditional white clothes that he was wearing for the ceremony and sighed to himself. He supposed it would only be a few minutes now before it all began. The music had already started – rhythmic drumbeats laced with gentle flute melodies. He could hear the small crowd, gathered outside, talking and whispering excitably. As a child, these kind of ceremonies had been a cause of great joy for him. There was always something new happening, everyone dressed in their finest garments and all in the village were filled with happiness.
Now, the ceremony seemed to have lost its flare. He found them now to be quite tedious.
Being in Funbari Onsen for so long, he had gained a new sense of fun. He loved to be with his friends, laughing and joking along with them, trash-talking, play-fighting and eating way much more than they could handle. He smiled to himself as he thought of the good old times.
But that night – two nights ago now – had been incredible to him, more amazing than any ceremony ever could be. He had finally gotten what he wanted – the person he longed for… he thought of Ren and his heart lightened. He could still taste the kiss he had placed on Ren's lips as he had left that morning. He remembered putting his hand-made Ikupasui down beside Ren's sleeping body, and taking one last glance over his peaceful face before leaving. He had begun to miss him before he had even left the Onsen.
Abruptly, the music came to a stop, and he heard the voice of one of the elders addressing the crowd. With one final sigh, he left the hut, knowing it was time.
Author's Note: Again, my apologies for such short chapters. I'll make sure to update again soon!