The festival lights glowed like distant fireflies against the darkening sky, their flickering warmth contrasting the crisp autumn air. The scent of grilled food and roasted chestnuts drifted through the park, mingling with the distant murmur of laughter and the soft hum of festival music.
Aika had seen the posters for the Annual Stargazing Festival for weeks now, scattered across the school's bulletin boards and hallways. She hadn't paid them much attention—until Riku suddenly brought it up.
"Come with me."
His words had been casual, almost too casual, as if he were inviting her to something insignificant. But Aika knew better.
Riku never liked crowds. He never voluntarily attended festivals unless someone dragged him there.
So why now?
"To what?" she had asked, arching an eyebrow.
He had pointed at the flyer pinned to the board. "The festival. You know, stars, telescopes, a cool night breeze. Thought you might like it."
Aika had frowned. "You hate crowded places."
"Yeah, but you like them," Riku had said with a small, lopsided smile. "Figured I'd put up with it for one night."
Something in his voice had made her pause.
It wasn't just about the festival, was it?
---
Friday Night – The Festival Grounds
The park was alive. Lanterns lined the pathways, their golden glow illuminating the faces of families, couples, and students wandering between food stalls and game booths. Laughter echoed, blending with the occasional ringing of bells from successful game winners.
Aika adjusted the strap of her bag, sneaking a glance at Riku beside her.
He looked… normal. Hands stuffed into his pockets, his usual lazy grin in place. But there was something in the way his shoulders held the slightest tension, something in the way his gaze occasionally flickered toward the sky.
Was it nerves? Or something else?
"Alright, let's make a deal," Riku said suddenly, nudging her elbow. "For tonight, no brooding. No deep thoughts. Just enjoy the festival."
Aika scoffed. "You're the one who brought up existential time talk last time, not me."
He laughed. "Fair point. But still. Let's just have fun."
She studied him for a moment before sighing. "Fine."
The relief in his expression was so subtle that most people wouldn't have noticed.
But Aika did.
And it made her stomach twist.
---
Games, Food, and Almost-Lost Prizes
She hadn't expected to actually enjoy herself.
But somehow, Riku made sure she did.
He challenged her to a ring toss game—and failed miserably, missing every single throw.
"Are you even trying?" Aika asked, unimpressed.
"I swear this game is rigged," Riku muttered, squinting at the pegs like they had personally offended him.
Then, at the shooting gallery, he tried (and failed) to win her a stuffed rabbit.
"Alright, this one I definitely got."
Aika crossed her arms, watching as he took careful aim.
He fired.
The bullet barely even hit the target.
"...You suck," she stated flatly.
Riku let out a dramatic sigh. "Guess I'll never be the hero in an action movie."
She rolled her eyes, but despite herself, she was smiling.
Later, he bought them festival food—taiyaki, yakisoba, candied apples. Too much of it.
"You're going to regret this," Aika warned as he bit into his fourth taiyaki.
"Regret is for the weak," Riku mumbled through a mouthful of red bean paste.
Aika shook her head, exasperated.
For a little while, everything felt normal.
Like nothing had changed.
Like he wasn't hiding something.
Like she wasn't afraid of losing him.
---
The Main Event – The Meteor Shower
As the night deepened, people began gathering at the open field where telescopes had been set up. Families spread out picnic blankets, students clustered in small groups, excited whispers filling the air.
Aika and Riku found a spot on the grass, a little away from the crowd.
The night air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of damp earth and pine. Above them, the sky stretched endlessly, its deep indigo expanse speckled with stars.
Aika pulled her knees to her chest, tilting her head back.
For a moment, she forgot about everything else.
Forgot about the nagging feeling in her gut. Forgot about the questions she was too scared to ask.
There was just the sky.
And then—
The first meteor streaked across the darkness, leaving a shimmering trail in its wake.
Aika inhaled sharply as more followed, scattered like golden brushstrokes across a vast canvas.
Beside her, Riku was quiet.
She turned, about to say something—only to find him watching her, not the sky.
Her breath caught.
"What?" she asked, her voice softer than she intended.
He hesitated for a fraction of a second before shaking his head with a small chuckle. "Nothing. Just… you look really peaceful right now."
Aika blinked. "Are you saying I normally don't?"
"Well," he mused, smirking slightly, "you do have a habit of glaring at people like they stole your lunch."
She huffed, lightly elbowing him. "Maybe because certain people actually do try to steal my lunch."
Riku laughed, leaning back on his elbows. "Fair enough."
They fell into a comfortable silence.
Then, barely above a whisper, Riku murmured:
"I wish this moment could last forever."
Something in his voice made Aika freeze.
It was soft.
Wistful.
And laced with something else.
Something final.
Her fingers curled into the fabric of her sleeves.
"It doesn't have to end," she said before she could stop herself.
Riku exhaled a quiet laugh, tilting his head back toward the stars.
"It does," he said simply.
Aika turned to him, her chest tightening.
He wasn't just talking about tonight, was he?
She wanted to press him, to demand what he meant. But deep down, she already knew she wouldn't get an answer.
Not tonight.
So instead, she looked back up at the sky, watching the stars fall.
Pretending—just for a little longer—that everything was okay.