Himeko had not expected Nico to seriously consider the offer. Being a Shrine Maiden wasn't exactly synonymous with an illustrious life, and those who were interested, tended to quickly falter at the amount of work that actually went on behind-the-scenes. The miko watched her companion think hard upon it, finding herself wondering if it could work out. Obviously, she was oblivious to any hindrances Nico would face enlisting, but it was surprisingly appealing to think she could have a companion at the shrine. Himeko had no siblings, after all, so having someone close to her age to talk with (read: tease relentlessly)...

"Oh, no worries," Himeko responded when the other girl returned to this plane of existence, "come on now, unless you got no stamina, you're not a burden!" The bespectacled young woman had to note once more just how diligent Nico was, bowing to the torii once they passed. Even Himeko rarely bothered to remember such a thing, but it probably wouldn't do to have the city's most beloved and treasured shrine maiden - citation needed - skip out on that in the company of others. So she turned and offered a bow of her own, then continued on her way.

With Nico around, she couldn't exactly transform at a moment's notice, but that was fine. Himeko knew there were plenty of magical girls running around, so they could deal with any pressing issues. They'd be more suited to it, too, given the nature of Himeko's powers.
"Not to sway your decision or anything, but us shrine maidens have a guardian deity that only we can see!" Himeko claimed with a cheerful grin, devoid of a give-away playful tone, "this super-cute little fox that sleeps  on top of the to-ah!"

So absorbed with her conversation, Himeko hadn't seen the tiny girl they crossed paths with until they collided. She was barely knocked off-course, but the other girl may not be so fortunate.
"Gosh, I'm sorry! You okay?"

[@Ammokkx] [@Raineh Daze]