The night carried a gentle breeze, rustling through blooming trees as lanterns flickered softly along quiet streets. Petals danced in the wind, scattering like whispers of spring's promise. Crickets sang their lullabies while the moon watched over tiled rooftops. A sense of calm blanketed the air, warm yet touched by a hint of lingering chill. It was a night meant for memories—silent and serene under a sky full of stars.
Asuka glanced at the wall clock—8:37 PM. A quiet smile tugged at her lips.
"Perfect time for a walk," she whispered to herself.
She rose from her bed, tying her hair loosely before slipping into her shoes. The door clicked softly as she stepped out of her apartment and made her way downstairs, her steps light, almost dreamy.
As she reached the ground floor, her eyes widened slightly in surprise. Manjiro was leaning casually against the apartment wall, hands tucked in his pockets, his eyes seemingly lost in thought.
"What happened?" she asked, her voice gentle yet laced with curiosity.
"Ah, nothing," he stammered, scratching the back of his head, avoiding her eyes. "I was just passing by... so I stopped."
Asuka raised an eyebrow but smiled. "Oh? I came downstairs for a walk."
"That's good then. Let's walk together," Manjiro offered, his voice quieter than usual.
"Fine, why not," she replied, her tone playfully casual.
They walked side by side beneath the moonlight, their steps in sync. After a moment of silence, Asuka broke it.
"You know what people call you these days?" she said, glancing sideways at him.
Manjiro blinked. "What do they call me?"
"Invincible Mikey," she replied with a grin.
He chuckled softly. "But… didn't they always call me that?"
"Oh really?" she blinked innocently. "I didn't know."
The wind picked up gently, and a few cool droplets landed on Asuka's cheek.
"Oh, it's starting to rain," she said, tilting her head to the sky.
Manjiro looked up. "Let's take shelter."
She nodded, and the two dashed under a nearby bus stop, their laughter trailing behind like windchimes. Beneath the dim light, the metal roof clattered as the rain intensified. Water dripped from the edges, the air damp and cool.
They stood close, shoulders nearly brushing. Their breaths mingled, forming soft clouds in the misty air.
"It was hot inside my room," Asuka murmured, rubbing her arms. "The weather sure is unpredictable."
Manjiro only nodded, his gaze soft and unreadable.
"We're all soaked," she sighed. "Oka-san will definitely scold me for this."
He looked at her quietly, then smiled faintly. "Sometimes… getting scolded for enjoying your life is a good thing, you know."
She turned to him. "What do you mean? What's so good about being soaked?"
He didn't reply right away. Then, almost hesitantly, he looked at her.
"Hey… Asuka. Are you free on 3rd August?"
She blinked at the sudden question. "3rd August? I think I am. Why?"
Manjiro scratched his neck, voice softer now. "It's… the start of the summer festival. I thought maybe we could go…"
A teasing glint sparked in her eyes. "Are you asking me out?"
Manjiro's face turned a light shade of pink. "Shut up. It's not like that—it's just that Emma wants to go with Ken-chin, and Ken-chin's always stuck with me. So, if I have plans, he'll be free to go with her."
"Ooooh, so it's for Emma, huh?" she said with a smirk.
"Yeah, for Emma," he mumbled, looking away.
"Then wear a kimono on 3rd August," Asuka added playfully.
"Why?"
"No reason. I just wanna see how you'd look."
Manjiro gave her an incredulous look. "Why would I dress up for you? Stop teasing me."
"Fine, then take someone else," she said, pretending to pout.
He frowned. "Ugh, fine! I'll wear the kimono—just come with me, Asuka."
She grinned, "So… you're taking me on a date? I've never been on one before."
His cheeks flushed again. "A-ah… fine! It's a date. Just don't tell anyone."
She nodded, trying not to laugh. "My lips are sealed."
Manjiro sighed in defeat but couldn't hide the smile tugging at his lips.
"7 PM, 3rd August," he said.
"Sure," she replied, stepping out into the rain once more.
Manjiro reached out. "Hey, you'll get soaked like that."
"I know," she said, her smile soft and warm as the rain soaked her hair. "Let's go home."
He followed her, silently watching her. There was something in his gaze—something deeper, something only he understood.
They reached her apartment building. Asuka turned to him, eyes sparkling despite the rain.
"Don't be late, Manjiro. I'll wait for you at the festival."
He nodded silently as she climbed the stairs, disappearing into the building. He stood there for a few seconds, staring at the empty steps before walking away.
---
Asuka slipped into her apartment, drenched.
"Where were you?!" her mother's voice rose in alarm. "And why are you soaked? You'll catch a cold!"
"Sorry, I'll be fine," Asuka said quickly, bowing her head slightly as she rushed to change and take a warm shower.
---
At the Sano residence—
Manjiro entered quietly. Shinichiro looked up from the couch.
"Oh, you're back."
"Yeah," Manjiro muttered, brushing his hair back. "Just got caught up with something."
He went straight to his room to change, his mind still swirling.
From outside the washroom, Emma called out, "Should I warm dinner for you?"
"Yeah, I'll eat," he answered back, his voice muffled.
Later, at the table, Emma placed the food in front of him.
"Emma, Ken-chin asked if you're free on 3rd August. He wants to take you to the festival," Manjiro said casually between bites.
Emma blinked. "Me?"
Then, trying to stay calm, she nodded. "I think I'm free… if Ken-chin wants to go."
She retreated to her room, but as soon as the door shut, her calm broke into an excited squeal. Her hands clutched the edge of her dresser.
Ken-chin wants to go out with me…!
She quickly pulled open her closet, flipping through her kimonos, her cheeks red, heart racing.