After some time, the group finally reached the area where the fireworks would be held. The lights, the noise, and the festive atmosphere surrounded them.
Takumi stretched his arms lazily. "There's still plenty of time before the fireworks start… so how about we eat something?"
Arashi turned to him with an unimpressed expression. "Do you know anything besides eating?"
Takumi gasped dramatically. "Take that back! In this world, if anything is truly important, it's food. Don't you dare insult food again, or—"
Arashi sighed. "Yeah, yeah… whatever you say."
With that, they all started searching for a food stall, the aroma of festival snacks pulling them deeper into the lively crowd.
As they walked further into the festival grounds, the atmosphere grew even livelier. Bright lanterns hung above the stalls, casting a warm glow over the crowded pathways. The soft sounds of laughter, chattering, and distant taiko drums drifted through the warm summer breeze.
They stopped first at food stall that sold taiyaki with simple custard filling and freshly made mochi. The vendor poured batter into the fish-shaped mold, steam rising around him. Takumi leaned in dramatically.
"Arashi… look at that. Pure art."
Arashi sighed but still bought a few taiyaki. Ayane took a small bite, holding it carefully. "It's warm… and really light."
Next, Hina spotted a stall selling fruit skewers—grapes, oranges, and strawberries coated with a thin, glossy sugar layer. "Ayane, let's get one!" she said, pulling Ayane along. Ayane picked a strawberry skewer, the surface sparkling under the lantern lights.
Nearby, the group noticed a shaved ice stall. Hina gasped. "Let's get kakigori! The lemon flavor is the best!" They each got light, refreshing shaved ice—lemon, melon, and blue soda.
Now reenergized, Miyu pointed toward a ring toss game. "Let's try this!"
Satoru muttered, "These games are scams." But when Miyu tilted her head, he immediately corrected himself. "But! Uhh… playing is fun too!"
They took turns. Ayane's rings landed neatly but just missed scoring. Takumi threw his so wildly that Miyu had to dodge. Arashi, however, landed one perfectly, earning cheers from Hina.
A little ahead, Mizuki paused at a traditional mask stand. She lifted a fox mask to her face. "Arashi, does this look good on me?" she asked teasingly.
Arashi looked away instantly. "It's fine… I guess."
Miyu whispered, "He glitched again."
The group continued exploring. They passed by:
Goldfish scooping (they played but released the fish back gently, not harming any)
Yoyo balloon fishing, where Ayane actually won a pink balloon
Wind chime stalls where Ayane paused, eyes softening at the gentle ringing
Handmade charm stands selling simple cloth charms
Mizuki stepped beside Ayane. "You like wind chimes?"
Ayane nodded. "They're… calming."
Meanwhile, Takumi and Satoru were arguing at a shooting gallery that used soft cork bullets.
"Bro! You didn't hit the target!" Takumi shouted.
"It moved. That means I hit it," Satoru insisted confidently.
Arashi rubbed his forehead. "Hopeless."
They wandered between the stalls—laughing, teasing each other, and trying out small activities. The gentle festival lights above and the peaceful halal-friendly treats made the evening feel warm and wholesome.
Each small moment, surrounded by friends and soft lantern glow, became a memory worth keeping.
After a while, Arashi glanced at the time and realized they should move toward the fireworks spot before it became too crowded. He turned to the group. "Come on, everyone. Let's go now, or we won't find a place to sit."
The others groaned in surprise. "Wow… how did time pass so quickly?" Hina exclaimed.
Hina naturally walked beside Takumi, their playful arguments sprinkled with quiet affection. Satoru and Miyu stayed close together as well, their teasing whispers revealing a comfortable closeness. Arashi and Mizuki often drifted toward each other without realizing it, their tension soft but unmistakably romantic.
They all made their way to the fireworks area and found seats a little apart from the main crowd, giving them privacy. As soon as they sat down, Arashi had an idea. "I should grab some snacks for everyone."
Mizuki immediately stood. "Wait, I'll come with you!"
Arashi shook his head firmly. "No, you stay here. I'll bring them."
Mizuki pouted but insisted, "No, I want to go too."
After a moment, they both stood and walked off together to get snacks, leaving the rest of the group waiting for them.
As they walked toward the snack stalls, the warm summer lights reflected in Mizuki's eyes. Arashi accidentally brushed his hand against hers while reaching for the same bottle of soda. Both froze for a moment, the air between them charged.
A gentle gust of wind made her hair flutter, and Arashi reached out instinctively to tuck a stray strand behind her ear. Mizuki's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly looked away, trying to hide her smile.
They bought the snacks and walked back toward their seats, joking and nudging each other.
Suddenly, Mizuki coughed violently, clutching her chest with a sharp pang of pain. Her face paled.
Arashi immediately stepped closer, worry flashing in his eyes. "Mizuki! Are you okay? What's happening?"
She forced a small, reassuring smile despite the pain. "Oh… it's nothing. Don't worry."
Arashi's gaze was full of concern. "If you're not feeling well, I can take you home."
Mizuki shook her head gently. "No, I'm fine… really. It's nothing."
Arashi hesitated, then nodded slowly. "If you say so…"
As they sat back down, Mizuki thought quietly to herself. "I can't tell him. I don't want to make him worry." Her heart ached, but she kept it hidden behind a small, forced smile.
The night sky was alive with colors. As the first fireworks exploded, brilliant reds and golds illuminated the area, casting fleeting shadows across the ground. The group, seated away from the main crowd, stared upwards in awe, their faces glowing in the reflections of each burst.
The world seemed to fall away around them. The laughter, the chatter, even the distant taiko drums—all faded into the background. Each explosion of light and sound pulled them into a trance-like state, a mixture of wonder and serenity that left them completely absorbed.
Ayane, watching from the edge of the group, felt a gentle shiver run down her spine. Her eyes reflected the fireworks, wide with fascination. She realized she hadn't felt so entranced in a long time, the spectacle making her forget even the heat of the summer night. The light rippled across her face, highlighting a serene smile that had been absent all day.
Arashi's gaze kept returning to Mizuki. The way the light painted her features, the sparkle in her eyes, the way her hair caught the gentle summer breeze—it was mesmerizing. He felt a strange, almost heavy calm settle over him. For a moment, it was as if they were the only two people in the world, isolated in their own private universe.
Mizuki, sensing the intensity of the moment, took a deep breath. She reached for Arashi's hand.
"Arashi… can you come with me for a minute after the fireworks?" she asked softly, her eyes serious.
He nodded, letting her lead him after fireworks. As soon as they were alone in the quiet corner, she held his hands in hers, looking intently into his eyes.
"Listen… I need to talk to you about something important," she said.
Arashi tilted his head, curious. "What is it?"
Mizuki took a deep breath, her voice a mixture of vulnerability and strength. "Do you… like someone else?"
Arashi blinked, caught off guard. "Where is this coming from all of a sudden?"
She held his gaze firmly. "Tell me. Do you like anyone else?"
He shook his head, a small but confident smile forming. "No… no one. I told you before, didn't I?"
Mizuki's lips curved slightly. "Yes… but if ever someone else comes along, if you like them… then you should go with them. Leave me. Don't hesitate."
Arashi's eyes widened slightly, a teasing grin spreading across his face. "Your mind is set, huh?"
Mizuki nodded solemnly. "Yes… I just needed you to know. Be honest with me… always."
Arashi squeezed her hands gently, a mix of warmth and reassurance in his gaze. "No… I won't leave you. And tell me, why did you bring this up now?"
Mizuki hesitated for a moment, then spoke softly. "I have a feeling… Ayane might like you."
Arashi's expression changed to one of surprise. "What? No way! I don't know what you're thinking. There's nothing like that at all. You have no idea where this idea came from."
Mizuki shook her head, her eyes serious. "No… it's true. I just don't want anyone's heart to break because of me. If someone's feelings get hurt… I might not be able to forgive myself."
Arashi scratched his head, slightly exasperated but concerned. "Ah, come on… if she likes me, what can I even do? I can't possibly think about liking her back. She is my cousin's crush, and I don't want her to like me. What am I supposed to do?"
"Arashi… I have an idea," Mizuki said softly, her voice steady but carrying a hint of mischief. "You should play a little game with Ayane."
Arashi frowned slightly, curious. "A game? What kind of game?"
Mizuki smiled faintly. "Go on a swing together. Whoever's shoes fly the farthest wins, and the loser has to reveal a secret—the biggest one they've kept from the other. This way, we can see if she really likes you. And most likely… she might even confess, or ask if you like her."
Arashi blinked, trying to process the plan. "Wait… you really think this will work?"
Mizuki nodded confidently. "It's playful, harmless, and it could give you the answers you're looking for. And if she confesses, you'll have some time to think before answering. I want you to be honest with her, Arashi. If you like her, go with her. I'll be happy to see both of you together. I'll support you guys. Don't worry about me. We've only a few times so it won't affect me."
Arashi exhaled, a small smile forming on his face. "Alright… I'll do it. And maybe I'll record it too, just in case you don't trust me."
Mizuki chuckled softly. "That's fine. I trust you."
As they started walking back toward the main area, Mizuki noticed Hina standing on the other side of a wall. She realized Hina might have overheard them, and worried that Arashi would be upset with Hina for listening in, Mizuki raised her voice deliberately. "Where would everyone be right now?"
Her loud voice alerted Hina without embarrassing her, giving her a chance to quietly retreat. Understanding Mizuki's intention, Hina quickly ran a short distance and rejoined the group without making a scene.