Happy New Year. Honoka looks great too."
Tatsuya wasn't just offering empty flattery. He honestly believed that
Honoka's kimono was exquisite.
Tatsuya smiled slightly at the ecstatic Honoka and lowered his gaze to
his own clothes.
"Since you mentioned this was unexpected, do I really look that out of
place?"
"What are you talking about, Tatsuya, it fits you quite well. You look
like a boss."
"So I'm the mafia now."
The one who interjected with this comment that was unknown to be
whether in earnest or jest happened to be the jacket-clad Leo.
The three who joined them at the shrine were Mizuki, Honoka, and
Leo. Erika and Mikihiko were unable to spare themselves due to the
high number of disciples at their respective families, and Shizuku was
about to study abroad and was unable to attend due to her father's
business.
"Although you don't look like the mafia, but it's definitely a rare sight
to see a high school student wear a haori hakama so well."
"Rather than being from the mafia, you look more like a police chief."
Just as the slightly tardy Haruka and Yakumo said, today Tatsuya wore
the traditional Japanese hakama and bamboo clogs. Much like what
Honoka and Leo said afterward, he really did look the part. The only
thing missing was a pair of swords and a police baton.
"Ho, Haruka-san. Happy New Year."
"Happy New Year, Ono-sensei. ......Tatsuya-kun, and this is?"
Immediately on the heels of Leo's well wishes, Honoka also followed
up with her customary greeting towards a teacher as she kept one eye
on Yakumo and the other eye carefully watching Tatsuya.
Upon hearing Tatsuya's introduction, both Honoka and Mizuki
widened their eyes in shock. Honoka was aware of Yakumo's name,
but even Tatsuya was amazed to learn that Mizuki had heard of
Yakumo as well.
"I see, so that's why we're at the shrine."
Tatsuya was amazed by Leo's display of hitherto unknown