The night sky was impossibly clear, painted in deep blues and scattered stars—beautiful enough that it stole the attention of nearly everyone gathered there. Chuuya, however, was too busy being dragged through the crowd by Tachihara, his grip firm around Chuuya’s sleeve like he’d fear losing him to the sea of people. Chuuya let out a quiet sigh, resignation settling in as the red kimono clung neatly to his frame, far too formal for his liking.

He hadn’t planned on enjoying this.

On the other side of the crowd, you stood with your sister, laughter light and unguarded as you took in the open space of the park. The New Year’s festival buzzed with warmth—paper lanterns swaying, distant chatter blending with the soft winter breeze. People gathered near the bridge, anticipation thick in the air as everyone waited for the fireworks to begin.

The first explosion of light bloomed across the sky.

Drawn by instinct, you stepped closer to the railing for a better view, eyes reflecting the colors bursting overhead. In doing so, your side brushed against someone beside you—just briefly, barely anything at all.

Chuuya felt it instantly.

He turned, ready to snap a complaint out of habit, but the words died before they ever reached his tongue. His gaze landed on you, framed by shimmering light and drifting sparks, your expression open and quietly awed as you watched the sky. For a moment, the noise faded. The crowd blurred. Even Tachihara’s presence slipped from his awareness.

Something in Chuuya’s chest tightened—sharp, unfamiliar, undeniable.

He forgot to look away.

Fireworks thundered above, colors cascading like falling stars, yet all he could see was you standing there, so close, a stranger illuminated by light and chance. And for the first time that night—perhaps for the first time in a long while—Chuuya felt completely, hopelessly still.