Phew...

That shrine was totally packed.

Yes. I suppose that was to be expected, since it's such a famous shrine.

But I'm glad that we were both able to draw great blessings. It's an excellent way to start off the new year.

Yeah, true.

We're gonna need all the luck we can get.

Still, this place is also packed with people...

There might be a huge line to get into that cafe.

We may want to head there early, since you mentioned that they'd be serving only a few plates of those New Year's pancakes...

We should probably head to the cafe before visiting the sporting goods store at the mall.

You sound weirdly excited about this for some reason.

But you're right about not wasting time waiting in line. Let's head over there now.

Oh, I've been meaning to ask...

Hm?

Could you tell me more about these New Year's pancakes? I've been having a hard time figuring out how they managed to tie a Western dish to this holiday...

Oh, they gave it a Japanese twist by making it look like kagami mochi.

Apparently, it's a stack of three pancakes coated in white chocolate and a mandarin on top.

White chocolate...?!

That's quite bold of them...

It is pretty strange, but a lot of people who had it last year gave good reviews.

Oh, there. It's that cafe...

Yikes, there's a huge line...

I had a feeling, but this place must be just that popular.

That being said, I don't mind waiting.

We're not doing anything else other than visiting that sporting goods store, so let's get in line.

I feel kinda bad, but I agree. Let's find the end of this line...

Huh? Akito?

Huh?

Wait, what are you doing here?

That's my line.

What are you doing here?

Alright, Ena, call off your dogs. It's New Year's, remember?

Happy New Year, Akito, Toya!

I'm surprised to see you two here!

Grabbing a bite?

Happy New Year, Momoi.

One of their menu items caught our attention, so we came to try it.

One of their menu items...?

Are you two here to try their New Year's pancakes?

Wait, don't tell me you're also here for them.

That's right... More importantly, what's with the attitude? You got here after us.

When we got here doesn't matter.

Again, you two!

Quit bickering!

Look, us running into each other like this can't just be a coincidence, so let's all wait together, shall we?

So, I asked Ena this a second ago, but how do you two plan on spending New Year's?

New Year's?

Well, we're going to practice singing like usual...

With the exception of tomorrow.

We're actually going to play competitive Hanetsuki with some friends.

Competitive Hanetsuki?

Yes, it's Hanetsuki with rules that mirror similar sports. As you can probably see from this image, they use larger paddles and shuttlecocks.

Cool...! That's really cute, and this looks really fun!

Wait a second...

We could play this during our stream...

Your stream?

Yeah! We're planning on playing a few New Year's games during our stream tomorrow...

But we had trouble coming up with ones that would be entertaining on a stream. Ena and I are actually gonna head over to the mall to see if they have anything good.

Then, why don't we all go together?

We were also planning to head over to the mall after checking out this cafe.

Really? If you two are okay with it, then I'd love to have you guys there with us.

Does that sound okay, Ena?

I'm not in love with the idea of going with Akito, but I guess it would make sense for us to go together.

Hey, I heard that.

Hehe. Thanks, Ena. I really appreciate it.

And I really need to thank you two!

You guys are lifesavers!

I tried searching for New Year's games we could play during our stream, but I ended up with way too many choices. It was hard to pick just one.

Yeah, I know what you mean.

You can fly kites, play Kendama...

My sisters and I used to play Karuta a lot when we were little. I also remember crying a lot since I could never beat my big sis.

New Year's, huh...?

We usually played that one board game about life.

Yeah...

I remember a certain someone always placing a big bet that invariably put them deep in debt.

Wait, are you talking about me?

I mean, you never did anything interesting.

You always ended up leading a boring life with no detours.

Stable is the word I'd use.

Which is better than being underwater in my opinion.

I see. Playing games with your family certainly sounds quite fun.

My family never really did any of those things, so this is all a bit new to me.

Oh, really?

Was everyone usually busy?

Yes, my dad usually performed in New Year's concerts overseas. We'd go as a family to watch him play.

Concerts?

Your family really is all about music, huh?

Thank you for your patience. I can show you three to your table now.

Oh, we've been talking for so long that we're pretty close to the front now.

Hehe. Time sure does fly when you're having an enjoyable conversation.

Are you our next group? I'm terribly sorry, but do you have a moment...?

Are you referring to us?

Yes, I regret to inform you all that...