୧ ׄ 𓂃 flashback 🪭'

since childhood, you had the dream of seeing a lantern festival in person – to be beneath the glow of countless lights, to feel the night come alive with color and sound. but, with parents who were always busy with work and tight schedules, the dream remained what it was: a dream, tucked away in the corners of your mind. every summer passed, every festival came and went, and still, with your hopes up, you've waited.

until your 20th birthday. a trip to japan, where you were going to spend a long, comfortable week in the countryside where your grandparents lived, who offered to finally fulfill your dreams of being embraced by the luminous glow of the lanterns.

on that afternoon, you saw everything you imagined in person – the hot, lingering of summer temperature, the smell of incense and the sweet treats of the festival. stone trails leading up to the temple gates, each one lined with glowing paper lanterns swaying in the evening breeze – their lights soft, not harsh as streetlamps you are used to seeing. as you were wandering around along the lantern-lit streets with your grandparents, taking in the slow taiko drumbeats that echoed deep and steady, you suddenly paused.

by the riverbank, crouched low near the water, was a boy. yuta's sleeves brushed against the grass as he carefully set a delicate paper lantern onto the wavy ripples. its flame flickered as the light floated away, joining the dozens of others, drifting lazily downstream. around you, the hubbub of the festival continued, but for some reason, you froze, not knowing where to look. the way the glow reflected his dark eyes, a calm, yet distant feeling – until your thoughts were paused by unknown vocal cords.

"is staring at strangers a habit of yours?" yuta suddenly blurted out to you, his voice distant, thoughtful – as if sensing your presence without even looking up to meet your gaze. ".. you're not really discreet, though."