The after-party was in the gym again—louder, brighter, victorious.
Everyone wanted to talk to them.
"You two were incredible!"
"That almost-kiss? Iconic!"
Sora laughed—exhausted, glowing.
Akira stayed close—hand on her lower back when no one was looking.
Ren approached once—smile genuine.
"You killed it. Both of you."
Sora smiled. "Thanks, Ren."
Ren looked at Akira. "Take care of her."
Akira nodded. "Always."
Ren left—peacefully.
Mai dragged them to the center of the dance floor.
"One dance. For the victors."
Sora pulled Akira with her.
He protested—half-hearted.
They swayed—slow, close.
Sora rested her head on his shoulder.
Akira's arms circled her waist.
The song ended.
They didn't move.
Sora whispered, "Can we leave?"
Akira nodded.
They slipped out the side door.
Walked to the courtyard—same bench from the after-party.
Sat.
Sora leaned against him.
Akira's arm went around her shoulders.
They watched the stars.
Sora spoke first. "I'm staying. For good. No Tokyo. No escape."
Akira's voice was soft. "I'm glad."
Sora turned to face him. "But I'm scared. This—us—it's new. And I don't want to mess it up."
Akira cupped her face. "We'll mess it up. A lot. But we'll fix it. Together."
Sora smiled—teary.
Akira leaned in—slow—gave her time to pull away.
She didn't.
Their lips met—soft, tentative, sweet.
First real kiss.
Gentle.
Lingering.
When they pulled back—foreheads touching—Sora laughed shakily.
"That was… nice."
Akira's voice was rough. "More than nice."
She kissed him again—quicker, playful.
He smiled—real, unguarded.
They sat there—kissing softly, hands clasped—until the cold drove them inside.
At her gate, Sora stopped.
"Tomorrow… school. Everyone will know."
Akira nodded. "Let them."
She rose on tiptoes—kissed him once more.
"Goodnight, Takahashi."
"Goodnight, Sora."
She went inside.
Akira walked home—smiling.
The festival was over.
But they were just beginning.