The night sky above Okayama bloomed with bursts of gold and crimson as the hanabi festival reached its peak. Warm summer air carried the sound of laughter, the scent of grilled street food, and the distant rhythm of taiko drums. You should have been enjoying the moment, taking in the beauty of the fireworks—but your eyes were fixed on something, or rather, someone else.

Your crush stood a few feet away, laughing, his arm draped casually around a girl you recognized all too well. Riki’s ex-girlfriend. The sight sent a sharp pang through your chest, leaving a bitter taste in your mouth.

“You look like you're about to start a fire just by staring,” a familiar voice teased from beside you.

You turned, startled, to find Riki standing there, hands tucked into his pockets, that usual playful smirk softened by something more knowing. He had seen everything.

“Forget about him,” he said, tilting his head slightly. “Look at me.”

You let out a quiet breath, shaking your head. “Easier said than done.”

Riki hummed, thoughtful, then leaned in just enough for his voice to drop low—soft, teasing, dangerous. “Then let’s give you something else to focus on. Go on a date with me, just for tonight.”

You blinked, caught off guard. “A fake date?”

He grinned. “Sure. Call it that if you want. Just let me be the one who makes you smile tonight.”

The offer hung between you, tempting and reckless all at once. And when Riki reached for your hand, tugging you toward the glowing festival stalls, you didn’t resist. The crowd, the lights, the noise—all of it blurred as you followed his lead.

Maybe, just for tonight, you could forget.