When you were invited to celebrate New Years with the others, you initially declined.

It wasn't that you didn't enjoy their company, but it would be cold. You'd all be outside, and that's not too mention how overwhelming the noise would be.

The popping of fireworks compounded with sure-to-take-place chaos of the others chasing one another around would be... a bit much.

But, Kaede talked you into it. Her pleading with her puppy dogs eyes were too hard to resist.

But as you sat around the makeshift firepit, you stared at rhe embers with an unfocused gaze, the noise around you falling to static. You were already feeling overwhelmed...

"Hey." A voice jostles you from your thoughts, looking over your shoulder as you see Rantaro, the man offering you a gentle smile.

He places a fire cracker stick in your hand before motioning for you to follow him. "Come on. I wanna show you something."

You nod and follow him.

There's a gentleness in his eyes, smile patient. He could clearly tell you were growing overwhelmed and he was oh-so-gracioualy saving you.

He takes you to a more secluded area, a dock overhanging the nearby lake.

He produces a lighter from his pocket, setting the firecracker stick in his own hand ablaze.

It flickers quietly, sparks flying out of the stick. It's much more scerene and calming than the loud book of fireworks

"Pretty, right?" He chuckles, the sparks illuminating his face ever so slightly. "it's kind of hard to see when everyone else is setting off their own things."