The final act of Qingchen High's Cultural Festival was always the same.
Fireworks. Launched from the school's open field, they lit up the night sky, blooming over the rooftops like flowers made of fire. It was a tradition, a spectacle, and—unfortunately for Leo Shen—a perfect setting for romantic tension.
He knew this.
Everyone knew this.
Which was why, when the fireworks were announced over the PA system, the atmosphere on campus instantly shifted. The hallway lights dimmed. Students began whispering. Groups clustered, hands brushed, hearts pounded.
"Ten bucks says at least five people confess tonight," Kai said, munching popcorn from who-knows-where.
Leo stared at the fireworks poster taped to the bulletin board. "I'll be lucky if I survive the next hour."
Kai grinned. "Bro. You're the main character. You don't get to hide during the climax."
---
The fireworks were scheduled for 7:30 PM. At 7:00, Leo tried to sneak away to the rooftop.
He found someone was already there.
Rin.
She stood by the edge, watching the wind move the trees below. She had changed into a midnight blue yukata with a silver moon motif. The breeze gently pulled at her sleeves.
Leo hesitated.
Then stepped forward. "I didn't think anyone would be up here."
"I like quiet places," Rin said. "Especially before noise."
He joined her at the railing.
The campus below glowed with lanterns. Students milled about like fireflies.
"You did well today," Rin said after a pause.
Leo looked at her. "You've said that before."
"Because it keeps being true."
She turned, facing him more directly. "I used to think… emotions were distractions. That staying distant made everything simpler."
Leo stayed silent.
"But lately… I find myself wanting to say things anyway. Even if they complicate everything."
The sky darkened.
Rin's voice was quiet. "If I said I wanted you to stay by my side a little longer… would that make things harder for you?"
Leo swallowed. "Maybe. But not in a bad way."
Rin smiled. "Then… I'm glad."
The first firework exploded in the sky.
---
Below the rooftop, Yuki was frantically searching.
"Where is he?!" she muttered, weaving through crowds of students. Her festival dress was now paired with a hoodie she "borrowed" from the lost-and-found.
She finally spotted Kai, who was setting up a tripod for his phone.
"Yuki," he said. "You missed your window. Fireworks already started."
"I DON'T CARE," she barked. "Where's Leo?!"
Kai looked up at the rooftop.
"…Not sure you want to go there right now."
Yuki followed his gaze. "Oh no."
"Oh yes."
Yuki clenched her fists. "No way I'm letting moon princess get a free win."
She turned on her heel and started running.
---
Meanwhile, Hana stood near the edge of the soccer field, arms crossed, watching the fireworks.
She wasn't in costume anymore. Just her track jacket and jeans.
Beside her stood an empty spot.
She didn't say anything.
She didn't have to.
She just stood, watching colors bloom and fade, bloom and fade.
---
On the rooftop, Rin took a step closer to Leo.
Then the door slammed open.
"LEO!"
Yuki stood in the doorway, breathless, hair wind-tossed, eyes sharp.
Rin's expression didn't change.
Leo froze. "Yuki?"
She walked in, not breaking eye contact. "There you are. I thought we agreed to watch fireworks together."
"We didn't," Rin said, still calm.
Yuki looked at her. "Oh? So you just happened to find the highest, most romantic spot in the whole school?"
Leo tried to say something. "Guys—"
"Shut up, Leo," they both said.
He shut up.
Yuki took a step forward. "I'm not going to pretend. I like you, Leo. I've liked you since you nearly choked on your melon bun in week one. You're weird and shy and quietly brave. And I don't care if I'm too loud, too annoying, or too much. I want you to see me."
The fireworks flared again. Red. White. Gold.
Rin's eyes softened, just a little.
Leo looked between them.
And he didn't know what to say.
Not yet.
---
Down on the field, Hana watched the final firework explode.
Then she turned away from the crowd and walked into the dark.
Quiet. Alone.