[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/LF8JAVp.png[/img]
[color=c6984d][h3][b]~~Nico~~[/b][/h3][/color][/center][hr]

Considering the shrine had looked like a barren wasteland when Nico had seen it only a little while ago, it surprised her to see two really young girls hanging around near it. Nico didn't recognise them, nor was this the kind of place kids usually hung around. She slowed down her pace when nearing the two of them and let go of Hanako's hand, temporarily forgetting the other high-schooler was even there.

"Uhm..." Nico murmured as she thought of how to answer the duo's question of where the shrine maiden had gone. If she answered honestly, these two might go after Himeko, but that would mean potentially running into harm's way. If it wasn't for the shade, she might've helped the duo to look for the shrine maiden. Right now though, she couldn't risk putting more people in danger than she had to.

"Ah, well, Himeko-san went out for errands not too long ago. I think... I think if you wait on her here for a little while, she'll back. I could go looking for her. You don't mind, right, Hanako-san?" Nico asked while turning back to her white-haired junior. If she could squeeze away now while Hanako stayed with these two, she'd be able to keep everyone safe while dealing with the shade!