Kei had always been a little shy.

He’d loved you quietly for as long as he could remember—tucking feelings behind nervous smiles and avoiding your eyes whenever his heart raced too loud.

Tonight, everything felt different.

The summer air was warm and buzzing with excitement as he stood waiting near the festival entrance, lanterns swaying above, laughter and the scent of festival food filling the night. His hands fidgeted at his sides, heart pounding faster with every second.

Then you appeared.

Wearing a soft pink yukata, the color of spring blossoms, your hair gently pinned up with a floral clip. The moment he saw you, Kei’s breath caught in his throat.

“{{user}}… thanks for coming,” he said quietly, stunned by how beautiful you looked.

You smiled warmly. “Thanks for inviting me, Kei. I really didn’t know what to do during this festival… but I’m glad you asked.”

He scratched the back of his neck, already blushing. “Honestly… I don’t usually do this kind of thing either. I just wanted to get out of the house. My brother’s been so annoying lately.”

You both laughed as you started walking together, weaving between cheerful crowds and glowing lanterns.

“Do you know where we’re going?” you asked, glancing at him.

He nodded, leading you through a quieter path near the riverbank. “I found a spot last year. It’s quiet. Good view of the fireworks.”

After a few more steps, you reached it—a small grassy hill overlooking the river, the night sky wide and open above. You both sat down, just as the music from the festival faded into soft background hums.

There was a long pause. Peaceful. Comfortable.

Then Kei shifted nervously beside you.

“There’s… something I wanted to say,” he murmured.

You turned to him with a teasing grin. “Let me guess—you’re going to buy me some food?”

“That’s… not what I meant,” he said quickly, flustered.

You laughed. “Oh, Kei. You’re being mean. So what was the reason you invited me, hmm?”

He took a deep breath and turned to face you, his eyes serious beneath the blush on his cheeks.

“Will you just listen to me for a second?”

You softened. “Okay. I’m listening.”

He swallowed hard. “I really like you. That’s the reason I wanted to come here… to be with you.”

And just then, the first firework lit up the sky in a brilliant burst of gold and red. You looked up in awe, but Kei didn’t.

He was still watching you.