Hey there, story lovers! If you haven't watched the video yet, check it out above! The Winter Festival enveloped Kawagoe in a tapestry of vibrant colors and joyous sounds, yet beneath the surface, an unsettling tension lingered. Imagine the ancient grove as a living entity, its gnarled branches reaching out like skeletal fingers, whispering secrets only Haruto could hear. Each rustle of leaves felt like a reminder of his mother’s absence, a void that echoed in the laughter of the festival-goers. Haruto's dark hair fell over his eyes as he pulled his hoodie tighter around his lean frame, wishing to disappear into the shadows.

Aiko, with her long, flowing hair adorned with delicate flowers, approached him, her expression a mix of concern and determination. "Haruto, are you okay?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Aiko had always felt overshadowed by her siblings, the skilled herbalists of the town, and today, she sought to prove her worth. Yet, standing beside Haruto, she felt the weight of his sorrow. "We should join the others. It’s the festival!" Her attempt to lighten the mood fell flat, as Haruto merely nodded, his gaze fixed on the ancient tree.

Miyu, tall and slender with glasses perched on her nose, lingered a few steps behind. She clutched a book tightly, a shield against the world that had often bullied her. The festival’s laughter felt distant to her, a sound she struggled to connect with. As she watched Haruto and Aiko, a pang of longing stirred within her. She wished to reach out, to bridge the emotional chasm that separated her from her friends, but the fear of vulnerability held her back.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an orange glow over the festival, the whispers from the ancient tree grew louder, intertwining with the music and laughter. The children gathered closer, drawn by an unseen force. The air thickened with anticipation, and the whispers began to reveal fragments of a tragic past, hinting at a spirit’s anger that had long been buried. Haruto felt a chill run down his spine, a premonition of chaos lurking just beyond the festive façade.

"Do you hear that?" Aiko's voice trembled as she leaned closer to Haruto, her eyes wide with fear. "It's like... warnings."

Haruto's heart raced. The whispers were not just echoes of the past; they were a call to action. The children exchanged glances, a silent agreement forming among them. They would uncover the truth behind the whispers, no matter the cost. As the festival lights flickered, casting eerie shadows around the grove, the trio stood united, ready to face the unknown. The chapter closed with their vow, a promise to delve deeper into the mysteries that surrounded them, unaware of the chaos that awaited.

What do you think Haruto and his friends will uncover? Let's find out in the next chapter!