Chapter 1 - Get it over with mizuki!

Mizuki would come up to Ena, her hair messed up looking like she just woke up. Ena would come to mizuki then reply "hey mizuki!" Ena would shout out happily that mizuki came. mizuki would see the rest of nightcord (kanade, and mafuyu!) "..I hope we can go through everything today.." Mizuki would say while nodding. Later while walking, Mizuki would glare at Ena when Ena isn't looking at her.Mizuki would glare for just a second before quickly looking away, pretending to focus on her phone. Ena, still chatting animatedly with Kanade about the new track they were working on, didn't notice. The group walked through the chatty school festival together, the faint sound of yelling in the distance mixing with their voices. Mizuki trailed a little behind, her hands stuffed into her pockets, occasionally glancing up at the others. When Ena turned back to check if Mizuki was keeping up, Mizuki quickly forced a small smile. "Yeah, I'm coming," she said, her tone casual but a little softer than usual. Ena grinned and slowed down so they could walk side by side, their footsteps falling into rhythm as the evening light dimmed around them.The festival grounds were alive with chatter and laughter, the scent of sweet crepes and grilled food drifting through the air. Mizuki tugged lightly at her hoodie, trying to ignore the growing noise around them. Ena walked beside her, eyes bright as she scanned the booths and decorations scattered across the courtyard. "It's so lively this year," Ena said, her tone filled with a mix of excitement and nostalgia. Mizuki gave a small shrug, pretending to look uninterested, though her gaze lingered on the colorful banners overhead. Kanade and Mafuyu followed a few steps behind, quietly discussing the upcoming performance they'd come to see. As they neared the auditorium, the faint sound of rehearsals echoed from inside, a mix of nervous voices and clattering props.Ena looked over her shoulder at Mizuki. "You sure you're okay with coming?" she asked, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. Mizuki gave a quick nod. "Yeah. Just don't expect me to sit in the front row or anything," she replied, her voice casual but steady. Ena laughed softly, her smile easy and genuine. "That's fine. You can sit wherever you want, as long as you don't disappear halfway through." Mizuki rolled her eyes but didn't respond, instead glancing toward the entrance doors as the crowd began to gather.They found seats near the middle, close enough to see the stage but far enough that Mizuki felt comfortable. The chatter of students filled the space, and the soft rustle of programs echoed as people settled in. Mizuki leaned back, crossing her legs and fiddling with the edge of her sleeve. Ena sat beside her, her attention fixed on the curtain as if trying to catch a glimpse of what was happening behind it. Kanade sat on Ena's other side, quiet as always, while Mafuyu scanned the stage with an unreadable expression.When the lights dimmed, Mizuki instinctively straightened in her seat. The crowd hushed, and the opening music began to play. A group of students appeared on stage, their voices shaky at first but growing steadier with each line. Ena's eyes lit up as she watched, a small smile tugging at her lips. Mizuki caught the look and felt an odd warmth in her chest, one she quickly pushed down. She turned her gaze back to the play, pretending to focus on the performance.As the story unfolded, laughter rippled through the audience at the comedic parts. Ena clapped quietly, her shoulders relaxed and her expression soft. Mizuki, meanwhile, kept sneaking glances at her, watching how genuinely she reacted to everything. It was rare to see Ena like that—unguarded and carefree. Mizuki bit the inside of her cheek and looked away again.Halfway through, a particularly emotional scene caught everyone's attention. The stage lighting dimmed, and the actors' voices softened into a near whisper. Ena leaned forward slightly, completely absorbed. Mizuki found herself watching her again instead of the play. There was something about the way Ena focused, her brows furrowed just a little, her lips parted like she was holding her breath. Mizuki frowned faintly, feeling something she couldn't quite name.When the curtains finally closed for intermission, the room filled with chatter once more. Ena turned to Mizuki, eyes sparkling. "That was so good! Did you see how well they timed the lighting?" she said eagerly. Mizuki blinked, caught off guard by her enthusiasm. "Uh, yeah. The lighting was… fine," she replied awkwardly. Ena laughed and nudged her shoulder. "You weren't even paying attention, were you?" Mizuki averted her gaze, muttering, "Maybe a little."Kanade stretched quietly, murmuring something about checking on the backstage setup. Mafuyu nodded, following after her without another word. That left Mizuki and Ena alone for the moment, the crowd slowly thinning as people left for snacks or fresh air. Ena turned back toward the stage, her voice softening. "You know, I kind of miss this. School festivals, crowded places… it's been a while since we all just hung out like this."Mizuki rested her chin in her hand. "Yeah, it's… different. Not bad, though." Ena smiled, her eyes crinkling slightly. "That's the closest thing to a compliment I've heard from you all day." Mizuki shot her a look, but the corner of her mouth twitched. "Don't get used to it."They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the buzz of the festival drifting faintly through the open doors. The sounds of laughter and distant music filled the pauses between their breaths. Mizuki caught herself tapping her fingers against her leg, an anxious rhythm she hadn't noticed before. Ena must have noticed, too, because she gently reached over and stilled Mizuki's hand without saying anything. The touch was brief, but it grounded her.The lights flickered, signaling the second half was about to start. Ena pulled her hand back and straightened up, excitement flickering in her eyes again. Mizuki glanced sideways at her, then looked back at the stage, her expression unreadable. The second act began, this time with more energy, more confidence from the performers. Mizuki found herself watching, not just for the story, but for the way the lights reflected in Ena's eyes.By the time the play ended, applause filled the room. Ena clapped enthusiastically, and Mizuki joined in, though a little slower. As the cast bowed, Ena turned to her again, cheeks flushed from cheering. "That was amazing! I didn't expect it to be that good." Mizuki smirked. "You're too easy to impress." "Maybe," Ena admitted, "but it's nice to be surprised once in a while."When they stepped back outside, the evening air had cooled, and the sky had turned a deep shade of blue. The lights from the festival booths glowed softly in the distance. Mizuki stuffed her hands in her pockets, walking a little slower than before. Ena looked over her shoulder, motioning for her to keep up. "Come on, they're selling taiyaki near the courtyard. I'm not letting you leave without trying some."Mizuki sighed dramatically but followed. "You just want an excuse to eat sweets," she teased. "Maybe," Ena said, grinning. "But you'll thank me later." They stopped by the stall, and Ena ordered two. The vendor handed them the warm pastries, steam rising from the crisp edges. Mizuki took a bite, blinking as the sweet red bean flavor hit her tongue. Ena watched her expectantly. "Well?" Mizuki paused, then nodded slightly. "Not bad." Ena laughed. "See? I told you."They wandered past the lantern-lit booths, the festival slowly winding down around them. Students were packing up decorations, and faint music played from the main stage. Mizuki walked beside Ena in silence, the rhythm of their steps matching again like before. For once, there was no teasing, no tension—just a quiet understanding between them.As they passed the now-empty courtyard, Mizuki looked up at the glowing string lights overhead. "Hey," she said softly, her voice barely audible over the hum of the night. Ena turned to her, curious. "Thanks for dragging me here." Ena smiled gently. "You say that like I forced you." Mizuki chuckled under her breath. "You kind of did."Ena brushed a strand of hair from her face, her expression warm. "Still, I'm glad you came." Mizuki nodded, looking away as a faint blush crept onto her cheeks. "Yeah… me too." They stood there for a moment, surrounded by the quiet remnants of laughter and fading music. The night air was cool, but the space between them felt just a little warmer.