The next morning, Ayane woke up feeling unusually excited for the day ahead. As soon as she stepped outside her room, she noticed a bag lying on the floor with a note attached: "For Ayane."
Curious, she picked up the bag and opened it. Inside was a beautiful yukata. Her eyes widened with delight. Without wasting a moment, she hurried toward the kitchen.
Arashi was already there, preparing breakfast.
"Arashi… what's this?" she asked, holding up the yukata.
With a gentle smile, Arashi replied, "It's for you. I thought that since everyone will be wearing yukatas tomorrow and you didn't have one, I'd secretly get one for you."
Hearing that, Ayane's happiness multiplied. She couldn't help but smile widely. "Wow, Arashi… you really think of everything," she said warmly. Then, a little curious, she asked, "So… when are we leaving?"
Arashi glanced at her and answered calmly, "The fireworks start at nine, so we'll leave at six in the evening."
"Okay," she said, then turned around, her cheeks flushing slightly as she whispered softly, "Thank you, Arashi."
With that, she took the yukata back to her room, holding it carefully as if it were a precious treasure.
She carefully opened the yukata, and her eyes immediately lit up at the sight of it. She thought to herself, "It's so lovely… exactly my taste. I can't imagine how long it must have taken Arashi to find this."
The thought made her heart race with happiness, her chest tightening with excitement.
Just then, she heard Arashi's voice calling from the kitchen, "Come on, breakfast is ready."
She smiled and hurried toward the kitchen. While having breakfast, she made sure to properly thank him, her words sincere and full of warmth.
After breakfast, they both returned to their respective tasks, each getting busy with their own day, the morning calm and peaceful around them.
As the day went on, evening finally arrived. Arashi put on his yukata, carefully adjusting it, while Ayane dressed in hers, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.
Just then, Arashi received a call from Mizuki. She was asking where they were supposed to meet. Arashi, setting his hair in place, told her, "Just wait at the entrance."
Miyu replied, "It'll be hard to find you in the crowd. Send me your location."
Arashi quickly sent her his location.
Some time later, everyone arrived. Miyu, Hina, Takumi, and Satoru were all standing outside the house, waiting.
From behind, Ayane also appeared. The moment Miyu saw her, she grabbed Ayane's hand excitedly. "Ayaneeeeee! You look so cute!"
Hina stepped closer, inspecting Ayane's outfit. "Wow, it really suits you!"
Ayane blushed slightly. "Okay, okay… let's go now," she said, smiling softly.
Arashi, standing beside them, held up a hand. "Wait… Mizuki's still on her way."
The moment she heard that, Ayane's face went completely dull. All the happiness that had been lighting up her features vanished in an instant.
Miyu and Hina exchanged whispers beside her.
"As expected," Miyu murmured.
Hina nodded, sighing softly. "Honestly, there's nothing we can do now. If Arashi likes Mizuki, we should just let her know so she can move on."
Ayane's heart sank further, her thoughts spinning. "I was actually at the same shop where Arashi bought the yukata. The lady asked him if it was for someone special, and he said, 'No, nothing in particular. It's for my sister.' He really sees her just like he sees her as a sister."
Then, Arashi heard Mizuki's voice, and he saw her running toward him. The moment their eyes met, he froze in shock. His heart started pounding rapidly, and for a brief instant, it felt as if everyone around him had vanished—except for Mizuki.
He thought to himself, Why did I end up liking a girl like her… and fall for her?
She looked so lovely, so radiant that his eyes couldn't seem to look away. He wanted to keep staring at her, unable to tear his gaze from her.
Mizuki approached him casually and said, "Arashi… hello."
Arashi didn't respond, completely stunned.
"Arashi… wake up!" she called again. Only then did he come back to himself when she gently tapped the top of his head.
"What… what's wrong? Lost in your thoughts again?" she asked with a teasing smile.
"Huh? No… no, nothing," he replied, still trying to regain his composure.
Mizuki tilted her head slightly and asked, "Okay… tell me, how do I look?"
Arashi turned his face away slightly, rubbing the back of his head, and said, "You… look fine."
She leaned closer to his ear and whispered playfully, "Then why were you so stunned?"
With that, she smiled and walked off to meet Miyu, Hina, and Ayane.
Mizuki approached the group with a bright smile, her energy as lively as ever. "Hi! I'm Mizuki," she said cheerfully, extending her hand toward each of them. "Sorry for rushing last time so early. I didn't mean to surprise anyone."
Miyu giggled, shaking her head. "No worries! I'm Miyu, and this is Hina. And…" she nodded toward Ayane, who offered a small, polite wave.
Hina stepped forward with a soft smile. "I'm Hina. Nice to meet you properly this time."
The conversation was light at first—small talk about school and the upcoming fireworks festival. Mizuki asked casually about their favorite stalls and foods, and the group answered, laughter mingling with the soft evening breeze.
Then Mizuki's gaze fell on Ayane. She noticed the quietness, the way Ayane's smile seemed a little too controlled, like she was holding something back. Mizuki leaned slightly closer, tilting her head and speaking in a softer tone. "Hey… Ayane what's the matter? Is something wrong?"
Ayane met her gaze for a brief moment and gave a polite, gentle smile, but her eyes didn't quite light up. She tilted her head slightly, hiding the flutter of nerves in her chest, and remained silent. Her calm exterior was a careful shield, a quiet way of keeping her feelings in check.
Mizuki, sensing the subtle distance but refusing to let it go unnoticed, tried again. "You know… you look really cute, Ayane. Don't be shy, okay? I mean it!"
Ayane's cheeks warmed slightly, but she only smiled politely, her voice soft. "Thank you," she said quietly, keeping it brief. She didn't offer more, turning her attention elsewhere and focusing on something in the distance, as if to protect herself from the rush of emotions Mizuki's words stirred.
Meanwhile, as they walked toward the festival, Takumi leaned toward Arashi with a teasing grin.
"Yo, bro! I can't believe this. I always thought you'd be alone forever, like some lonely bird… and now you've got a girl this beautiful! I'm jealous, man."
Arashi raised an eyebrow, amused. "Wait a sec. I'll tell Hina about this," he said with a smirk.
Takumi quickly waved his hands. "Bro, I didn't finish! I meant… she's the second most beautiful girl—after Hina, okay?"
Arashi blinked at him. "Then why were you jealous?"
Takumi's face turned red as he waved his hands frantically. "Bro, my tongue slipped! You don't get me… what kind of friend are you?"
Arashi chuckled softly. "Alright, you're safe this time. If I had told Hina what you just said, you'd be dead by now."
Satoru nodded quickly. "Yeah… you're right."
Takumi breathed a sigh of relief. "Oh, thank you, my friend! May you be blessed!"
"No need," Arashi replied with a small smile, shaking his head.
With the teasing and laughter fading into light chatter, the group continued walking, the festival lights growing brighter in the distance.