Everyone watched as the two lovely couples stood together at the altar. They bowed to each other in perfect synchrony, a mirror of respect and affection. The monk's voice rang out softly, telling them to sit. The crowd held its breath as the couple shared a drink from the same cup, the gesture both simple and profound. A warm feeling spread through the watchers, the kind that made hearts flutter just to witness it. Clapping started slowly, a gentle ripple, and then grew louder until the echoes of celebration bounced off every wall and stall. The couples sealed the moment with a tender kiss, marking themselves officially as newlyweds.
Time moved on after the ceremony, yet the market refused to sleep. Lanterns swayed gently in the soft night breeze, casting a golden glow across the cobblestones. Strings of flowers hung between stalls, their petals catching the light and tossing hints of color everywhere. Music floated through the air, mingling with laughter, the clinking of cups, and the occasional cheer from those who had begun to dance. Shadows stretched across the market walls as couples twirled together, their movements light and carefree.
Rei and Akari had just finished a graceful spin, laughing and breathless, their hair slightly messy from the movement. Rin, however, was behaving strangely. Her eyes kept darting to Selene, her steps faltering and small hands reaching out as though trying to grasp something just beyond reach. Her demeanor had shifted entirely, childish and almost desperate, and Selene's calm expression betrayed confusion as she tried to keep her distance.
"What happened to her, Queen Selene?" Rei asked, her voice tinged with concern as she studied Rin. Her brow was furrowed, her instincts alerting her that something was wrong.
Selene shook her head slightly. "I have no idea. She just… started behaving like this," she said quietly, though the slight tension in her shoulders betrayed her unease. Rin clung and reached again, persistence written all over her small frame.
"Cousin Rin, are you okay?" Akari's voice was soft, full of worry. Rin's behavior was completely unlike her usual composed self.
From the refreshments table, a loud exclamation rang out. "Oh my goodness! Someone took all the special candies!" The voice carried a mixture of shock and amusement.
Rin's eyes lit up immediately as she saw the empty jar. Her expression softened into something almost childlike. "Oh! That candy was so sweet. It tasted just like the lollipops my mom used to give me whenever I did something good!" She giggled softly, a sound that tugged at the hearts of everyone around. She turned her gaze to Selene, cupping her cheeks with both small hands. "But I want to kiss you like the lollipop too, my sweet Selene!"
Rin leaned forward, her lips aiming for Selene's. Selene, calm but firm, covered Rin's face with her hands and gently pushed her back, keeping her safe.
"Whoa! You ate so many of those special candies," Rei said, her grin spreading wide. She already understood what had caused Rin's strange behavior.
"So, she ate candies, and that's why she's acting like this?" Selene asked, raising an eyebrow. She pulled Rin gently back to her side as Rin wriggled again, unwilling to be restrained.
"They are just candies," Akari said, frowning slightly, confused. "Why would candies make her behave like this?"
Selene crouched down slightly, bringing her face closer to Rin's and her tone softening. "They are called special candy for a reason. They are not ordinary sweets. Taking more than one… well," she said, pointing to Rin, who was bouncing slightly on her heels, "this is what happens."
Rei's mouth opened, then closed again, unsure what to say. She glanced at Akari and back at Rin, realizing the full effect of what Selene was saying.
"Watch yourself," Selene added, a slight edge to her voice, offended by the teasing tone in Rei's words.
"I'm sorry," Rei said quickly, clasping Akari's hand. "Come on. Let's go check if there's an antidote or something to bring her back to herself."
With that, the two girls hurried away, their footsteps light but hurried, leaving Rin still clinging to Selene. Rin's small hands grabbed Selene's arms, tugging gently. Her eyes were wide, pleading, and filled with a strange mix of innocence and determination. Selene's expression was a blend of exasperation and gentle amusement.
"You're going to make me dizzy if you keep holding on like that," Selene murmured softly, tilting her head to one side. Rin only pouted, refusing to let go. Her stubbornness made her look impossibly small yet unyielding.
Selene sighed and rested a hand on Rin's shoulder, her touch light and steady. "Fine. But you have to promise me one thing. No more running off on your own. Okay?"
Rin's eyes sparkled, the gleam of excitement and mischief lighting her face. She nodded vigorously. "Okay! I promise! But first… kiss!"
Selene froze for a moment. Then she shook her head gently, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Not yet. I told you I took a vow."
Rin's bottom lip trembled, her voice rising with a childish frustration that tugged at Selene's heart. "Which one is more important, kissing me or your stupid vow?"
Selene's gaze softened, but her tone remained steady. "That vow… it is the only way for me to be with you forever. It is more important than just a one-time kiss."
Rin's eyes glistened with unshed tears, and her small fists clenched at her sides. "Fine. Don't kiss me then. I'll find someone else to kiss me!"
Before Selene could react, Rin darted forward, her small feet pounding lightly against the ground. "Kisaragi, wait!" Selene called after her, trying to reach her with telekinesis. But her power faltered, unable to grasp Rin. Her chest tightened with worry as she gasped, sprinting forward with quick, uneven steps.
But Rin had vanished.
Selene's heart skipped a beat. Her eyes widened as she looked around, realization dawning. Rin had gone invisible. A nervous shiver ran down her spine, her breath catching in her throat. She whispered to herself, almost in disbelief, "How… how is that possible?"
From somewhere unseen, Rin's giggle echoed faintly, playful and teasing, carrying a lightness that contrasted with the growing tension. Selene's gaze swept the crowd, but Rin was nowhere to be found. She took a deep breath, steadying herself, frustration and admiration battling inside her.
Around them, the celebration continued, lanterns swinging gently, shadows dancing, music floating through the night air. Couples twirled on the cobblestones, laughter mingled with the clinking of cups, and yet Selene remained rooted in place, her eyes searching for the invisible girl who had stolen her attention completely.
Selene whispered again, almost to herself, "Kisaragi… come back here." Her voice was softer now, calm but filled with an undercurrent of urgency. The night seemed quieter for her, the sound of the crowd dimming, leaving only the soft wind, the faint music, and Rin's playful giggle somewhere in the darkness.
Selene clenched her fists lightly at her sides, her breathing steadying as she reminded herself that Rin was safe. But a flicker of concern passed over her eyes. Rin had never disappeared like this before, and the suddenness of it made her realize just how unpredictable the girl could be.
The invisible giggle echoed again, closer this time, teasing, as if Rin knew Selene's thoughts. Selene's lips curved into a faint, exasperated smile. Despite the worry, she felt a strange warmth. Rin had a way of making her heart race, of making her feel alive, even when she was exasperated or confused.
The night stretched on around them, the lanterns swaying, the laughter of the market-goers drifting in soft waves. Yet all Selene could focus on was Rin. She took a deep breath, steadying her racing heart, and whispered, "I will find you, Kisaragi. No matter what."
And somewhere unseen, Rin's playful giggle carried on, leaving the night air shimmering with the promise of more mischief, more laughter, and the unspoken bond between them.