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| Original Title | 湯島の境内 |
|---|---|
| Author | 泉 鏡花 |
| Genre | Popular Fiction |
| Author Type | Male Author |
| Summary | In the frost-laden precincts of a snow-dusted shrine, two figures meet beneath a veiled moon—bound by love yet severed by duty. Hayase, a man haunted by shadows of obligation, and Otsuta, his spirited yet devoted companion, navigate icy paths and whispered confessions, their clandestine rendezvous tinged with foreboding. As winter’s bite deepens, so does their anguish: Hayase bears a cruel ultimatum from a merciless mentor, demanding he forsake Otsuta or face ruin. She clings to fragile hope, weaving plans of humble futures as a hairdresser, while he grapples with guilt-stricken resolve. Their dialogue—a tapestry of tender reproaches and stifled despair—hints at sacrifices made and vows unraveling. Moonlight glimmers on unshed tears as they trace final steps together, hands trembling between embrace and farewell. Will duty extinguish their flame, or can love defy even the weight of honor? Amidst falling snow and tolling temple bells, their fate lingers—unwritten, yet achingly inevitable. |