The shrine was crowded the minute the New Year started. At 12:00 AM exactly, crowds of excited people rolled in and within minutes, the second batch of sweet sake had run out. And like other people, Manami Okuda was out as well, seeing that it was that time of the year. She figured she'd go just for the fun of it.

The bespectacled girl wore her purple yukata as she scuffled around between people. Patterns of butterflies were in violet near the bottom and golden ones were printed on her yellow obi. Her black geta click-clacked on the stone paved stairs and her butterfly hair clip dangled in the lantern light, sparkling like the stars. Unbeknownst to her, a certain mischief making red head was slowly sneaking up behind her.

"Hey Okuda-san!" shouted an energetic Karma Akabane, shaking her shoulders a bit. Manami squealed.

"Can you not do that next time?" pouted the girl, violet orbs filled with pure innocence. Karma chuckled before taking note of her whole get-up. In contrast to her, he was wearing a loose and baggy red t-shirt and sweatpants. Over it, he wore a large brown parka and a plaid red scarf around his neck. He didn't really like being cold.

"You look nice," commented the boy, "Want to tag along with me?" Manami nodded, smiling. Unlike other girls in the E Class, she found Karma rather comforting to be around and vice versa.

The two walked up to where they made their wishes for the year. As they waited in line, Manami felt many people bump into her. Suddenly, a little kid, excited to be up past his bedtime, sped and pushed Manami aside. Her geta weren't very supportive and caused her to wobble and fall. She was surprised when the hard ground never reached her. Instead, she felt a warm strong hand grab her wrist and pulled her back up. "You ok?" asked Karma, letting her regain her balance. His larger hand completely covered her slim wrist. She slightly leaned on his shoulder to fix her geta.

"Yup!" replied Manami cheerfully, "Thanks Karma-kun!" Secretly, the red head wished he had brought his camera.

The two dropped 500 yen in and clapped their hands. "May Karma-kun have the best of luck this year," prayed Manami out loud. Karma stopped what he was saying and blushed slightly. The girl didn't seem to notice.

"Then," taunted Karma, "May Manami-chan have the best of luck this year as well~!" This time, it was Manami's turn to blush. She had gotten used to being called 'Okuda-san'.

"U-uh thank you," stuttered Manami as she tried to cover her face. The action was fruitless.

"Ah," smirked Karma, glad that he was having a front row view of the blushing girl, "I'll switch back to Okuda-san then if you want."

"U-um," stammered Manami waving her hands, "I…um…actually kinda like Manami-chan….so, um….if you could…" Karma nearly choked on his sweet sake. He hadn't expected her to like it. No one liked his teasing.

"Then Manami-chan~," smirked the mercury eyed boy, "Want a sip of my sweet sake?"

"EH?!" squealed Manami turning bright red, "Karma-kun, you already drank that! If I were to take a sip….it'd be an….indirect…k-k-k-kiss!" Karma only responded by laughing.

A new year certainly brought new things.