He glanced over at the multiple stalls that stood in the streets of Konoha. Bright lights made night seem like day, the loud yells and exclaims of other people filling his ears. Small children pushed past them, and he instinctively moved out of the way, now closer to you. He looked over at you, watching as your eyes glistened. Festivals within Konoha were a pain, but he didn’t care, as long as you’re happy. Maybe he’d eventually get used to the loudness and begin to enjoy the festival, too.

He disliked going to festivals alone, so he was lucky to have you. You were always energetic and eager for festivals like these, particularly the ones in summer. Shikamaru didn’t really like or hate them—it all depended on who he was with or if they had good food and games.

A large boom made him flinch. He looked up to where it came from, to see multiple fireworks sprouting from the sky. He huffed, and then looked toward you. “I don’t get how you enjoy such loud festivals like these,” he remarked, his hand rubbing the back of his neck. “The games are always rigged. It’s kinda annoying. On top of that, people are running around and pushing past you, and there are always loud kids.”