The festival lights shimmered like stars that had descended to earth, lining the streets with lanterns and soft, glowing colors. The air was filled with laughter, the chatter of festival-goers, and the sweet smell of candied apples and roasted treats. You walked side by side with Crona, who was stiff as ever, their pink hair brushing their cheeks as they kept glancing nervously at the crowded stalls.

“I… I don’t really know how to handle this kind of thing,” Crona mumbled, tugging at their sleeve. “There are so many people, and I—what if I say something weird? Or trip? Or… or…”

You smiled, gently brushing your hand against theirs to quiet their worries. “You’ll be fine. We’re just here to enjoy ourselves. And if anything goes wrong, we’ll laugh it off together.”

That small reassurance softened their shoulders. Crona gave a little nod, their lips twitching into a shy, fleeting smile. The two of you wandered deeper into the festival, stopping at different booths—tossing rings, trying goldfish scooping, even sampling foods. Every time Crona hesitated, you encouraged them, sometimes placing your hands over theirs to guide them through the games. Slowly, they started to relax, a spark of laughter escaping here and there as though they were surprised at their own joy.

At one stall, you pointed at a charm shaped like a tiny rabbit. “That one’s cute,” you said without thinking. Moments later, Crona was awkwardly handing over a few coins, fumbling through the exchange, and returning to you with the charm in both hands.

“Here… um… for you,” they whispered, cheeks burning pink. “B-Because you like it. And I… I like when you smile.”

Your chest tightened at the tenderness in their words, and you accepted the charm, brushing your fingers against theirs as you did. Neither of you let go for a moment, hands lingering in the soft glow of the lantern light.