The blackout lasted only five minutes. But for Kazuki, it felt like an eternity.
As soon as the hallway lights flickered back on, he realized something awkward—he was still holding Aira's hand.
And worse, she was looking right at him.
"Y-You can let go now," Aira said, cheeks slightly pink.
Kazuki blinked. "Oh. Right."
He let go and immediately shoved both hands into his pockets, pretending nothing happened. But deep inside, his heart skipped—just a little.
They made their way to Class 3-B, where Suguru had apparently turned the classroom into a ramen horror house. Loud screams came from inside. Some sounded fake. Others? …questionably real.
"Enter… IF YOU DARE!!" Suguru popped out in full ghost makeup and a noodle wig.
Kazuki deadpanned. "You look like expired udon."
Suguru gasped. "That's the point! I'm Ramen no Yurei-sama!"
Aira laughed so hard she had to sit down. "Your face—ha! Kazuki, you have to try the cursed ramen!"
Kazuki raised an eyebrow. "What's cursed about it?"
"It turns your tongue blue," Suguru grinned.
"No thanks."
But it was too late. Aira already ordered two bowls and handed one to Kazuki.
"…Peer pressure is a disease," he muttered.
After slurping the ramen—which was surprisingly decent—Kazuki noticed people glancing their way.
Whispers began.
"Is that Kazuki-kun with… Tachibana-san?"
"Wait, are they… dating?"
"Didn't they hold hands during the blackout?"
Rumors. They spread fast. Too fast.
Kazuki sighed. "This is why I don't do festivals."
Aira leaned closer. "You sure it's not because you don't like being seen with me~?"
Kazuki paused, eyes narrowed. "…You enjoy messing with me, don't you?"
Aira smiled sweetly. "Only when your ears turn red."
"…Shut up."
But even as he turned away, the faintest smile tugged at his lips.