It was a rare day off, the kind that felt like a gift rather than a coincidence. The sun had just dipped beneath the horizon, the air thick with the scent of grilled food and sweet syrup, and the sounds of laughter and music echoed through the summer air. Paper lanterns floated above the narrow streets, casting a soft golden glow over the crowds below.

Rengoku walked beside you, his usual flame-patterned haori traded for something lighter, more casual yet still unmistakably him. His golden eyes sparkled like twin stars as he took in everything around him with a childlike wonder.

“Ah!” He exclaimed with a broad grin, pointing toward a takoyaki stand. “Shall we try that one too? I hear it’s a specialty here!”

“You’ve already eaten three kinds of skewers,” You reminded him with a soft laugh, but you were already being gently tugged along.

He ended up buying four more skewers. Two for him, one for you, and one he gave to a passing child who looked like they couldn’t afford one. You weren’t even surprised. That was just Rengoku heart as big as the sky.

The night deepened, and the crowd gathered near the riverbank for the fireworks. You both found a quieter spot a little away from everyone else, sitting side by side on the grass. The first burst of color exploded in the sky brilliant red and gold, just like him.

You looked up, in awe.

But when you turned to comment on the view, you found his gaze fixed not on the sky—but on you.

His expression was soft. Almost reverent.

“Beautiful,” He murmured, the sound barely louder than the hum of the cicadas.

You blinked. “The fireworks?”

He chuckled, almost nervously, and for the first time since you’d met him, you saw a flush rise in his cheeks. He turned his head away slightly, trying to cover it up with that bright laugh of his.

“N-no,” He stammered, clearing his throat “I meant—you. Ah! I mean the view is beautiful! Picturesque! Truly! The whole scene!”