The morning of the festival dawned crisp and clear, with blue skies stretching endlessly over the school. The typhoon had vanished without a trace, leaving everything smelling of earth and renewal. Streamers fluttered from windows. Booths lined the courtyard. Students bustled everywhere, laughter and excitement filling the air.
Leo adjusted his uniform jacket, standing just outside Class 2-B's booth—a shooting game they'd thrown together with cardboard, rubber bands, and way too much enthusiasm.
"Leo!"
He turned to see Yuki jogging toward him. She wore the standard festival yukata—navy with little clouds stitched along the hem—and carried two bottles of melon soda in a small bag.
"Hey," she said, slightly breathless. "You look nice."
Leo blinked. "I'm wearing the same thing I wear every day."
"Exactly," she said with a wink, handing him a soda. "Consistency is charm."
He smiled. "Thanks. You… really look good too."
She gave him a small, pleased grin, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
As they walked toward the central plaza, several heads turned. Whispers floated through the air.
"Is that the new guy?"
"Wait, that's Yuki with him?"
"They're together?"
Kai passed them on his way to the haunted house attraction, holding a bag of skewers.
He gave Leo a two-finger salute. "Lookin' sharp, Romeo."
"Don't start," Leo muttered.
Kai just grinned.
---
In the main courtyard, Class 3-A had set up a small stage for performances. Banners and lanterns swayed in the breeze. The scent of grilled food drifted everywhere.
Yuki tugged Leo toward a ring toss stand. "Come on. One round. Winner gets to pick the next activity."
Leo raised an eyebrow. "You're on."
Minutes later, Yuki stood victorious with a lopsided grin and three plastic keychains clutched triumphantly in her hand.
Leo shook his head. "You cheated."
"I have excellent aim."
"You bribed the guy with melon bread."
"It's called strategy."
They laughed.
As they walked past the goldfish scooping stall, someone called out, "Yuki!"
It was Hana, dressed in a deep red yukata with a tiger pattern near the waist. She looked both surprised and cautious as she approached.
Her eyes flicked to Leo.
"You two came together?"
Yuki nodded. "We did."
Hana studied them for a beat longer, then gave a small smile. "That's good."
Leo opened his mouth, but she added, "You two look happy. I'm glad."
Then she turned and walked away toward her class's taiyaki stand.
Leo exhaled slowly.
Yuki glanced at him. "You okay?"
"…Yeah. Just processing."
She nudged him lightly. "We'll talk later. Right now, enjoy the day."
He nodded.
---
By mid-afternoon, Leo had somehow been roped into helping MC the karaoke contest. Yuki sat front row, cheering obnoxiously loud.
Afterward, as he descended the stage, someone else caught his eye—Rin, standing in the crowd, arms folded, wearing a soft green yukata. Her expression was unreadable.
She didn't wave.
Didn't smile.
Just watched.
Leo's steps faltered.
Yuki followed his gaze, and something flickered across her face.
But she didn't say anything.
Not yet.
---
As evening fell, lights flickered on across the school. The lanterns glowed orange and gold. Couples wandered the paths with candy apples. Music played softly from hidden speakers.
Leo found himself walking near the riverbank with Yuki.
They said nothing for a long while.
Then Yuki finally asked, "Do you think she hates me now?"
"…No," Leo said. "I think she's hurting."
Yuki nodded. "Me too."
They stood in silence again.
Then she reached for his hand.
And Leo held on tightly.
---
Fireworks began to light the sky.
Bursts of color, echoing through the night.
But under the beauty, the fractures still remained.
Waiting.