Lucky Charm

Summer was finally here, and a massive festival was held to honor its return… So many were gathering at the Shrine this evening to celebrate and unwind. The festival was already illuminated with lanterns, which was a common staple for this festival. They were in honor of their deities- and the brilliance and light they offered. At the night's end, all those lanterns would be released, turning them into beautiful, bobbing lights in the dark sky.

Setsuna had managed to make it back to Papa Chika’s just to be able to go and celebrate this night with him. This was a particular event she always tried to make sure she celebrated with her dad, having been a tradition since kithood.

This time she had two reasons to party- the other having just finished her novel by its deadline. The crunch for this last book had been particularly taxing…

After they had finished playing some festival games, Setsuna slipped away in search of the booth that sold talismans and lucky charms. Before she had started on her last book, she had picked some up… and they had been a boon in her opinion!

“Okay her booth should be around here somewhere… Oh!” She gasped as she saw the lovely ringox, who was busy stocking her wares and tending to other customers. Setsuna hung back, admiring her, trying to compose herself for an encounter with Renata.

They hadn’t spoken much before, but, Setsuna knew she had a burgeoning crush on the purple and golden ringox. Now, hopefully, she could talk to her and not make a complete fool of herself!

“Good evening!” She chimed when a spot at the counter finally opened up. The gembound ringox wasn’t prepared for when Renata looked up, leveling her smug and intense gaze on her. Setsuna swore she saw a smirk there for a moment!

“Good evening, my pretty patron,” Renata hummed, “Is there something I can get you this evening?”

Keep your cool. Keep your head.

No matter the chant Setsuna repeated in her mind, it didn’t help!

“Haha, yes, the lucky charm you gave me last time?” She remarked with a bright smile, quickly brandishing the cute golden bell. “I was hoping I can get a new one, and a new talisman, please?”

“Oh, of course, I think I have just the one for you this time~” Renata purred, quickly shifting threw her stock. The vivacious saleswoman produced a pink and purple talisman, letting it dangle and swing from her fingertips. “I think this is just what you need.”

“Oh? What’s it for?” Setsuna asked, looking from Renata to the talisman that was teased just out of her reach.

“Good luck in love.” Renata retorted, with a wink.

She couldn’t help it. Watching the pink-haired ringox’s face turn bright red was too amusing, the girl herself was just adorable.

“T-Then, maybe, I should buy you a lucky charm?” Setsuna countered, reaching out, and managing to catch the talisman in Renata’s hand, letting the sensation of the physical contact set the tone for her words.

“M-Maybe you’ll get lucky…” The pink-haired ringox added, unable to look her in the eyes while she mustered the courage to tease back…

Oh, hohoho, maybe the little pinkie would be up to the challenge?