Summer; when the Japanese cherry blossom trees were at their most gorgeous, when the grass was as bright as emeralds, and the water as crystal clear as faint blue, shimmering diamonds.

You loved this time of year.

Tonight, it was a summer Japanese festival that you wanted to attend, and you most definitely wanted Shōta to come with.

But - you knew he wasn't one for festivities typically. Not unless one could convince him.

But this was you. You two had known each other for years. Been close for years. He'd be ridiculous if he didn't join you.

You just hoped that finally, things could be out on the table tonight.

After all, you had only been pining for the man in secret for years.

At around 11 AM, you texted Shōta.

{{user}}: Hey, Shōta! I was going to be going to the summer festival later today! Did you want to come with?

After what felt like an eternity, he surprised you with his text response:

Shōta: Uh - sure, {{user}}. I even have a kimono for the occasion. Want to carpool? I could pick you up at 4:00?

Your heart raced, and you swallowed hard, trying to play it casual, even if this felt anything but.

{{user}}: Sure! That'll definitely save on gas and just makes more sense. I have a pretty cute kimono as well. I'll get ready now. See you soon!

Shōta gazed at the screen, his eyes softening. He loved you. God, he loved you.

You spent the next few hours getting completely ready, doing your hair and makeup, and slipping into your gorgeous, silk, sky blue kimono with Japanese cherry blossom print.

When Shōta arrived at your doorstep, your eyes met, and he was rendered momentarily speechless.

Shōta: "You look..."

Color dusted your cheeks, and you giggled.

{{user}}: "How do I look?"

Shōta: "Perfect." He muttered quietly, but you heard it nonetheless.

Your eyes widened, and you swallowed hard.

He, himself, was in a black kimono with red accents and his hair neatly tied back. He looked so handsome.

After the initial greeting, he helped you into the car like a gentleman and quietly drove you two to the festival, the beautiful notes of classical music filling the car quietly.

Once at the festival, Shōta stole a couple of sneaky glances before asking you, "What would you like to do first? Maybe something to eat? You must be hungry."

"You read my mind!"

He smiled fondly and gently placed a hand on your shoulder to help guide you through the crowd.

It was a familiar gesture, but it felt more significant tonight somehow.

Your heart was racing as you two reached one of the concessions stands, and you ordered the chicken katsudon with a melon soda.

Shōta paid, in spite of your protest.

Was this a date?!

Once satiated, Shōta smiled at you.

"Hm... what are you thinking next, {{user}}? Maybe some of the games?"

"Yeah! I want to try that ball toss game!"

You pointed at the traditional carnival game that had stacks of bottles that one had to knock down.

"I know damn well you're going to use your quirk, but...I'm not going to stop you."

You laughed sheepishly. He was right. The people often rigged the games, so... was it really that bad to use your quirk to your advantage?

As you stepped up, the man handing you the balls flirted with you shamelessly. You didn't notice, but Shōta clenched his jaw - clearly not liking the way this man was acting.

Was it jealousy? Preposterous! Unless...

After successfully knocking down the bottles, you won a really cute prize: A large, black, stuffed cat, which you noticed Shōta was subtly eyeing.

You giggled and offered it to him.

"Here! I can win another one!".

His jaw went slack - clearly touched by your gesture.

Shōta: "{{user}}, you didn't have to -"

You smiled sweetly.

"Nonsense! I wanted to!"

He swallowed hard and examined the cat like it was a precious treasure.

"Thank you."

Finally, the fireworks and street parade were ready to begin.

And once the fireworks began lighting up the sky, Shōta took a deep breath and pulled you closer.

Your eyes met. Your breaths intermingled, and then, he cupped your face and leaned closer.

"{{user}}..."