The courtyard was buzzing with color and sound. Stalls lined the walkways, filling the air with the aroma of fried food and sweet snacks. After stopping by the sushi stall Kiyoko had been looking forward to, Hayato felt satisfied just watching her eyes light up at the taste of fried shrimp sushi.
"Definitely worth making this our first stop," he thought, smiling.
From there, they wandered leisurely through the grounds, visiting each volleyball club member's class. Hinata's candied apple stand was their first stop, where Hinata tried to treat them—only for Hayato to politely refuse.
"If we all start treating each other, your class will be broke by the end of the day," Hayato said, pulling out his wallet. Hinata pouted but still chose the biggest candied apples for them.
By the time they'd picked up yakisoba from Kageyama, fruit juice from Tsukishima and Yamaguchi, and takoyaki from Hitoka, their arms were overflowing. Luckily, there was a courtyard rest area nearby.
"Phew… that was close. If I bumped into anyone, we'd have lost half our food," Hayato muttered, carefully setting things down.
Kiyoko chuckled softly. "Relax. The festival's supposed to be fun."
They settled at a small table, sharing bites from each stall. Kiyoko only ate a little before setting her chopsticks down, while Hayato happily polished off the rest. When he finished, she rested her chin on her hand and smiled.
"Did that actually fill you up?"
"Not even close," he laughed, wiping his mouth with a handkerchief.
"Here, you missed a spot." Kiyoko leaned across the table, gently dabbing the corner of his cheek. Her closeness carried a faint scent of fabric softener, and for a moment, the world around them blurred.
"Thanks, Kiyoko-nee."
"You're welcome."
The nearby students—single and not-so-single alike—let out groans of jealousy.
"Who's that guy with Shimizu?"
"Her childhood friend, I think… lucky bastard."
Realizing they'd drawn attention, Kiyoko stood quickly and smoothed her skirt. "Ahem… let's go."
On their way toward the stage, Nishinoya called them over to his shooting gallery. With his usual enthusiasm, he practically forced Kiyoko to try, and to his delight, she nailed two shots in a row, earning a plush cat. Hugging it close, she looked genuinely pleased, while Hayato just shook his head at Nishinoya's over-the-top praise.
Eventually, they reached the stage area, where two boys were performing a fast-paced manzai skit that had the crowd roaring with laughter. Afterward, the Light Music Club performed two covers, filling the courtyard with energy.
Just as they were about to leave, a familiar figure appeared on stage.
"…Wait, is that—?"
The host's voice boomed: "And now, a special secret performance by Takanori and the Cheer Club!"
Hayato blinked in surprise. Even Kiyoko, holding the program flyer, looked baffled. "It wasn't listed. No wonder they called it a 'secret' act."
On stage, Takanori and her friends, dressed in cheerleading uniforms, twirled pom-poms and danced with perfect rhythm. The crowd erupted with cheers. Hayato couldn't help but laugh softly at how sneaky Takanori had been.
"Heh, and you were on the committee too. Even you didn't know," Kiyoko teased, amused.
After the performance, they stopped backstage to say hello. Takanori greeted them with flushed cheeks and a bright grin.
"You came to watch! Thanks, Kiyoko-senpai, Hayato!"
Hayato handed over bottles of water he'd bought earlier. "Good job out there. You all must've practiced a lot."
Takanori accepted one gratefully, while her teammate Uki teased: "Oh? First names already? When did that happen?"
"Feels weird to stay formal when we've known each other this long," Uki shrugged.
"I want in too! Hayato, call me by my first name, okay?" Takanori added with a wink.
Hayato agreed with an easy smile, but when they finally parted ways, he couldn't resist sneaking a glance at Kiyoko.
Catching him, she playfully nudged his arm. "What? Think I'd get jealous?"
He chuckled. "Not at all. I was just looking at you… because you're beautiful."
Kiyoko rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile as they blended back into the festival crowd.
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