Chapter XXI

* POV: Kojima -

The sun hadn't even risen yet, but I was wide awake. My body clock was trained from years of early mornings. The house was quiet, none of the neighbors had even gotten up yet. I padded into the kitchen, the cool tiles chilling my bare feet.

The very first thing I did was pour some water for the kitten.

He was the latest addition to the family. I've had him around for about three weeks now. At first I didn't have a name for him, but Kinoshita had a good idea - Smokey, due to his abundant grey streaks of fur.

Then, I cracked a few eggs into a bowl and whisked them with a fork, the soft yellow blending together. I heated a pan over the stove, melting a pat of butter until it sizzled. I poured in the eggs, letting them slowly cook into fluffy yellow curds. A sprinkle of salt and pepper, and the scrambled eggs were done.

Next, I sliced a tomato, the knife cleanly cutting through the plump red flesh. I laid the tomato slices on a plate next to the eggs. Finally, I toasted a couple slices of bread until they were golden brown and crispy.

Satisfied with my simple breakfast spread, I grabbed a mug of steaming coffee and headed outside. The cool morning air felt refreshing against my skin, sipping my coffee as the deep blue of night gave way to the soft pinks and oranges of dawn.

The neighborhood was peaceful at this early hour. A few birds chirped in the trees, their melodies the only sound breaking the silence. I watched as the sun peeked over the horizon, bathing the streets in a warm morning glow. These quiet moments before the day began were my favorite...

I went back inside. Smokey was sitting by his empty food bowl, meowing insistently for his breakfast. "Alright, alright, I'm coming," I said with a chuckle, scooping out some kibble for him.

As he happily munched away, I glanced up at the calendar hanging on the kitchen wall. There was a big red circle around today's date with the words "Fireworks Festival" scrawled in my messy handwriting. That's right, Sugahara, Kinoshita, Haruno and the others had made plans to go together tonight.

I remember Kinoshita hyping it up when Sato mentioned it. Her eyes had lit up like a kid's on their birthday. "It'll be so much fun! We can get yakisoba and candy apples, and watch the fireworks burst over the river!" she exclaimed.

* * *

* POV: Haruno -

I smoothed out the creases of the cotton yukata, a deep purple fabric adorned with delicate white and pink cherry blossom patterns.

"Kaori, how does this one look?" Aiya called out from behind the changing room curtain, her voice bubbling with excitement.

I turned to see her emerge, a vision in a vibrant red yukata covered in golden swirls and koi fish designs. It was a good color, and a good pick.

"Looks like that one was practically made for you." I told her.

She beamed, twirling in front of the mirror. "I can't wait for the Fireworks Festival! This is going to be so much fun."

I busied myself adjusting the obi sash around my waist, keeping my expression neutral. "Yeah, it'll be…okay."

Aiya caught my lackluster tone and tilted her head. "You don't sound too thrilled,"

"Fireworks just aren't the same as when we were kids, you know? The magic kind of fades after a while." I explained.

"Aww, Kaori!" She playfully nudged my arm. "Don't be such a downer. We're gonna have a blast with Sugahara, and the others." she replied.

"Hmph, never in my wildest dreams would I imagine going to a summer festival with that guy," I said.

"Aww, he's not so bad yanno, he's pretty cool," Aiya said.

"Eh, I guess," I replied unenthusiastically.

As we left the shop, Aiya looped her arm through mine as we strolled down the street.

"You know, your birthday is just a few days away," she said with a sly grin. "Got any fun plans?"

I shrugged. "Not really. You know I'm not big on making a fuss over birthdays."

"Aw, come on!" Aiya whined playfully. "You've gotta do something! It's a special day!"

"If by 'do something' you mean study and maybe read a book, then yeah, I've got plans," I deadpanned.

Aiya gasped in mock offense. "Kaori! That's no way to spend your birthday! We simply must do something to celebrate."

There was a glint in her eye, it was that genuine look of concern, that genuine care.

I let my mind drift back to the start of middle school, when Aiya first barreled her way into my life like a whirlwind of energy.

Back then, I was a loner by choice. Cold, isolated, content to keep to myself. I didn't need friends or idle chit-chat. I saw myself as better than the other kids, more focused and driven. Why waste time with meaningless social interactions?

That all changed when we were assigned reading partners in English class. Aiya plopped herself down next to me without a shred of hesitation.

"Hi there! I'm Kinoshita! Looks like we're gonna be reading buddies!" she announced cheerfully.

I simply grunted in response, hoping she'd take the hint. But Aiya was utterly undeterred by my frosty demeanor.

"Oookay, so do you wanna start reading first or should I go?" She opened up the book expectantly.

I stayed silent, refusing to make eye contact.

Aiya let out an exaggerated sigh. "Geez, you're really not much of a talker, huh? Well, that's alright, I can make up for both of us!"

True to her word, she launched into the reading assignment with gusto, not seeming to care whether I participated or not. I tried my best to tune her out, but her cheerful animated voice was inescapable.

When it was my turn, I mumbled through the pages as quickly as possible, just wanting the torturous experience to be over. But Aiya would interrupt me frequently.

"Woah woah, slow down there speedy! You gotta put a lil' life into it!"

I eventually just gave in and read normally and proper just to make things smoother since Aiya was so persistent.

One day, I was sitting alone at a table in the cafeteria, nose buried in a book as usual, when shrill voices carry across the room.

"Did you see Haruno in class today? Ugh, she's so full of herself, always acting like she's better than everyone."

"I know, right? She gives me the total creeps with her stuck-up attitude."

"Yeah, she needs to get off her high horse and realize nobody actually likes her."

My grip tightened on the book as I fought the urge to look up and meet their judgemental gazes. I told myself not to let it get to me, that their words were meaningless.

But then another familiar voice piped up, my reading partner, Kinoshita.

"Hey, that's not cool you guys. Kaori's actually really nice once you get to know her."

There were some scoffs of disbelief from the other girls. "Are you serious, Aiya? The only thing cool about that bitch is her icy attitude!" they said.

"I'm totally serious!" Aiya insisted. "We got paired up for that reading assignment, and at first I thought she was kinda weird too, but then I realized she's just really shy!" Aiya explained.

"I'm shy? What is she even talking about," I thought to myself.

At first I was irritated by Aiya's persistence in trying to be nice to me. Why was this bubbly, talkative girl so determined to break through my icy exterior? What were her true motives? Did she want to use me for something? I did a lot of stuff to prevent myself from coming in contact with her, including silent treatment and flat out ignoring her existence.

The weeks went by, and Aiya just wouldn't take the hint. She'd plop down next to me at lunch, chattering away about her day or asking me questions about the book we were reading. I would remain silent all lunch, maybe throwing a couple of words into the conversation, that was it.

Instead of backing off though, Aiya just seemed to double down on her efforts. She'd strike up conversations with me before class, during breaks, practically any chance she got. I was equal parts annoyed and...intrigued? Nobody had ever put in this much effort to get to know me before.

I noticed the other girls giving Aiya strange looks and whispering behind her back. Words like "weirdo" and "loser" would drift my way whenever she walked by. I could tell the popular clique was ostracizing her for daring to associate with the school's resident ice queen.

Yet Aiya never once complained or made a big deal out of it. She just kept seeking me out, trying to draw me out of my shell with her infectious warmth and positivity.

One day, I sat alone in the cafeteria reading a book. For some reason I overheard a little conversation from across the room.

"Why do you want to hang out with us, Aiya? You have your cool new friend over there, don't you?" A blonde vixen gestured dismissively in my direction.

The other girls snickered cruelly. "Yeah, Aiya probably thinks she's too good for us losers now that she's besties with the ice queen."

Aiya's eyes went wide, glistening with hurt. "Wh-what? No, that's not it at all! I still want to be friends with you guys..."

"Save it," the main girl snapped.

"It's okay, none of us ever liked you anyway, Aiya. We thought you were cool because you were athletic, but you're equally as stupid too!" she continued.

The insults kept coming, each one like a slap to Aiya's face. I could see her fighting back tears, lips trembling as she struggled to keep her usual bright smile.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

That's when something inside me...snapped. Seeing Aiya, the only person to ever put effort into trying to befriend me….

I…

I made my way over in front of Aiya, the vixen girl looked taken aback, her sneer faltering. Before I could rethink my actions, I raised my hand and slapped her hard across the face.

A hush fell over the entire cafeteria. You could hear a pin drop as all eyes turned towards the commotion. The blonde girl raised a trembling hand to her reddened cheek, staring at me in utter disbelief.

"Don't you ever talk to Aiya like that again," I growled through gritted teeth. "She's ten times the person none of you vicious witches will every be!" I yelled.

The aftermath of that day ended up being the first time i've ever gotten in trouble at school. But, I didn't feel bad, I would have done it over and over again.

I ended up being suspended for a week, which was fine because I was already learning the curriculum 2 months a head.

At lunch, everyone eyed me. I was not only known as the ice queen, but also the aggressive girl that beats her classmates as well.

I sat alone at the cafeteria table, poking at my food disinterestedly. The loud chatter of the other students washed over me, but I paid it no mind. That is, until a bright yellow lunch tray plopped down across from me.

"Kaori! You're back!" Aiya beamed at me, her eyes shining with genuine joy.

I blinked at her, surprised by her exuberant greeting after the incident that led to my suspension. "Uh, yeah. I'm back."

Aiya slid into the seat, leaning forward eagerly. "I'm so glad! Things just weren't the same without you here."

I studied her expression, searching for any hint of insincerity. But Aiya's eyes were wide and earnest as ever.

"After you...you know, stood up for me that day, the other girls made it pretty clear they wanted nothing to do with me anymore," she admitted, fiddling with her chopsticks.

A pang of guilt hit me. I had assumed once I left, Aiya would go right back to her usual social circle.

"Aiya, I...I didn't mean to ruin things for you with your friends," I said quietly.

She waved a dismissive hand. "Don't even worry about it! Those girls were never really my friends to begin with if they dropped me so easily."

I opened my mouth to respond, but Aiya barreled on, that brilliant smile returning full force.

"Besides, now I get you all to myself for the next three years! Just you and me, taking on junior high together as besties!"

For the first time ever, my heart skipped a beat. "You really want to be stuck with me for that long?" I asked her.

Aiya laughed, loud and bright. "Are you kidding? I wouldn't have it any other way!"

* * *

* POV: Sugahara -

I could hear the screams and yells of kids running around the stalls of the festival. The warm summer air carried the scent of fried foods and the sound of laughter. Kaede was by my side, her eyes scanning the various game booths.

"There it is," she said, pointing to the ring toss stall. Hanging among the stuffed animal prizes was a charm bracelet, its colorful beads glimmering under the lantern lights.

Kaede turned to me, a sly smile playing on her lips. "Whoever gets that charm first wins our little bet."

I chuckled, already feeling the competitive fire ignite within me.

"Remember, If I win, you buy me that fancy new camera I've been eyeing," she declared, her eyes narrowing playfully. "But if you win, I'll owe you a favor. A big one."

"Deal. Get ready to lose, Kaede." I announced.

We approached the ring toss booth, and the elderly vendor greeted us.

"The charm bracelet is the grand prize," the vendor said, gesturing to the shimmering beads dangling from the top shelf. "You'll need to land at least 3 rings on the bottles to win that."

I stared at the charm bracelet, its colorful beads seeming to taunt me from the top shelf. Kaede's eyes gleamed with mischief as she turned to face me.

"Rock, paper, scissors to see who goes first?" she suggested with a smirk.

I nodded, clenching my fist in determination.

We shook our hands three times before revealing our choices. Kaede's flat palm covered my balled up fist - paper over rock. She had won the right to throw first.

"Whatever," I said, trying to hide my disappointment.

Kaede winked at me before grabbing the first ring. She studied the bottles intently, then with a flick of her wrist, sent the ring sailing through the air. It landed squarely around the neck of one of the bottles.

My jaw dropped as she repeated the feat twice more, each ring finding its mark with surprising accuracy. The elderly vendor looked equally stunned as he gestured to the charm bracelet.

"W-would you like to claim your prize, young lady?" he stammered.

Kaede flashed me a triumphant grin. "Not just yet. I want to give my friend here a chance to tie it up."

I simply couldn't believe it! No way in hell did she already win the charm on her first try. What is she, the world's best ring toss player!?

"What's wrong Sugahara, you're looking a lil pale there," she teased.

I ended up throwing my rings.

The first one already missed the mark, which means I had lost the bet already.

Seriously, I thought this was going to be a battle, but was just a instant massacre.

Kaede sauntered over to the vendor, that infuriatingly smug look plastered across her cute face.

"I'll take that charm bracelet, please," she stated matter-of-factly.

The old man beamed as he carefully removed the shimmering prize from the shelf and handed it to Kaede. She wasted no time securing it around her dainty wrist, the colorful beads glistening under the lantern light.

"A prize well-earned," the vendor declared with an approving nod.

Kaede giggled, giving her new accessory an admiring glance before turning back to me. Those mischievous eyes bored into mine as she took a few steps closer.

"You know what this means, don't you Sugahara?" Her voice was low and teasing.

I sighed heavily. "Yeah, yeah, I have to buy you that camera," I replied, annoyed.

She clapped her hands together gleefully. "Exactly! I'll send you the link on Insta."

Her phone was out and she was rapidly tapping away. A few seconds later, my own phone buzzed with her message containing the camera details and an astronomical price tag.

"Seriously, Kaede? This is a professional camera!" I groaned.

She simply shrugged, not even attempting to hide her amusement at my suffering. "A deal's a deal, Sugahara. I expect you to be a man of your word."

Grumbling under my breath, I shoved my phone back into my pocket defeatedly. Kaede's grin widened as she took another step forward, now mere inches from me.

"Oh, but don't worry your pretty little head," she cooed, gently patting my cheek in an infuriatingly condescending way. "I'm sure your new role as my personal wallet will allow you to cover the cost in no time."

I felt my face flush with both embarrassment and frustration as she laughed at her own jab. Before I could retort, Kaede reached up and unclasped the charm bracelet from her wrist.

"Here, you can have this since I feel kind of bad absolutely demolishing you," she said with a merciful laugh, placing the prize in my open palm. "Maybe it'll bring you better luck next time, wallet-boy."

With a final wink and a flick of her silky hair, Kaede turned and sauntered off into the crowd, leaving me dumbfounded amid the bright lights and raucous cheers of the festival games.

I stood there, still reeling from Kaede's ruthless victory and taunting words, when I heard a familiar voice calling out.

"Sugahara! Over here!"

I turned to see Kinoshita waving enthusiastically, Kojima and Haruno right beside her. The three of them were making their way through the crowd toward me.

As they approached, I couldn't help but notice the nice yukata robes Kinoshita and Haruno were wearing. Especially Kinoshita's, she looked really good in it.

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image [https://i.imgur.com/QDfLguO.jpg]

"Hey guys," I greeted them, trying my best to recover from my earlier dejection. "Nice fits," I replied.

Kinoshita beamed at the compliment while Haruno simply nodded in acknowledgment. Kojima, however, seemed more interested in the charm bracelet dangling from my fingers.

"Whoa, did you win the bet with Sato?" he asked, pointing at the colorful beads.

I sighed heavily. "Not exactly..."

The three of them looked at me quizzically, so I launched into an explanation.

"She somehow managed to get all three rings around the bottles on her first try," I said, shaking my head in disbelief. "I didn't even come close."

"Dang, she must be some kind of ring toss savant or something." Kojima said shocked.

"More like a con artist," Haruno muttered.

"Getting three rings in a row first try just means she had to have cheated," she explained.

I couldn't help but agree, but I don't have any proof that Kaede somehow cheated.

"So if Kaede won, why do you have the charm bracelet?" Kinoshita asked, tilting her head curiously.

"Well, after demolishing me so completely, I guess she felt a little bad. She gave me the charm as a 'consolation prize' of sorts." I explained.

"Wow she really likes rubbing salt in wounds, huh," Kojima commented.

"Knowing Kaede, that was probably her intention," I admitted with a rueful chuckle.

Haruno shook her head disapprovingly. "I don't know why you even engage with her stupid games and bets. She's clearly just messing with you."

"You're probably right," I conceded.

The festival was in full swing, the air thick with the scents of grilled foods and the cheerful shouts of vendors trying to lure people to their game booths. I stuck close to Kinoshita, Kojima, and Haruno, not wanting our group to get separated in the teeming crowd.

"Hey guys, the fireworks are starting soon!" Kinoshita called out, pointing to the huge Ferris wheel looming in the distance. "We should try to get a good spot if we want the best view."

The others nodded in agreement, and we began making our way through the throngs of people, doing our best to stay together. Kojima took the lead, Haruno and I followed close behind him. Kinoshita was bringing up the rear.

I glanced back frequently to make sure she was still with us. The lively crowd seemed to swell with each passing minute as more festival-goers arrived in anticipation of the fireworks display. Pushing and shoving became inevitable as people clamored for position.

"This is getting crazy!" Haruno shouted over the din, voicing my own thoughts.

I turned once more to check on Kinoshita and felt my heart lurch - she was no longer behind us! My eyes darted wildly through the sea of bodies, desperately trying to locate that familiar red yukata she was wearing.

"Guys, I lost sight of Kinoshita!" I yelled in a panic.

Kojima and Haruno immediately stopped, whipping their heads around with equally alarmed expressions. The crowd continued to push and pull, making it nearly impossible to remain stationary.

"We have to find her before she gets swept away!" Haruno urged.

Just then I suddenly lost sight of Kojima and Haruno as well.

I finally spotted a flash of red fabric about twenty feet away. Relief washed over me as I saw Kinoshita's panicked face amid the jostling crowd.

Without a second thought, I launched myself into the throng of people, shoving my way through as gently but firmly as possible.

"Kinoshita! Over here!" I hollered, desperately waving my arm to catch her attention.

Her eyes finally met mine, and I could see the relief and fear intermingle on her delicate features. I gave one final push and broke through the crowd, quickly closing the distance between us.

"Grab my hand!" I commanded, extending my arm out to her.

Kinoshita's hand stretched out towards mine, her fingers straining to reach across the sea of bodies separating us. The raucous crowd seemed to surge and churn like a tempestuous ocean, threatening to pull her under its crashing waves.

"Almost there!" I called out encouragingly, leaning forward as far as I could without losing my footing.

Our fingertips brushed tantalizingly close, but the surging mass of people pushed between us, denying our grasp. Panic flashed across Kinoshita's face as she was momentarily swallowed up by the undulating crowd.

But then, like a beacon cutting through the chaos, her slender arm emerged once more. This time she lunged forward with all her might, her hand finding purchase in mine as our fingers interlocked tightly.

With a powerful tug, I yanked Kinoshita towards me, pulling her out of the maelstrom and into safety.

For a few moments, we squished together, I could feel her rapid heartbeat as the festival crowd ravaged around us. Kinoshita's face was buried against my shoulder, her soft hair tickling my neck.

After a while, suddenly, almost as quickly as the frenzy had erupted, an eerie hush fell over the masses. I peered over Kinoshita's head to see the first kaleidoscopic burst of the fireworks display blossom across the night sky, illuminating a thousand upturned faces in brilliant flashes of light.

The crowd seemed to collectively hold its breath, enraptured by the dazzling pyrotechnic show unfolding above us. I felt Kinoshita shift slightly in my arms, turning her head up towards the heavens just as another resounding boom echoed through the air, followed by a cascading waterfall of crimson and gold sparks.

In that fleeting moment of tranquility, surrounded by the explosive splendor, I became acutely aware of how tightly I was still clutching Kinoshita against me.

We ended up watching the first wave of fireworks in that position, completely unchanged.

I don't know how Kinoshita felt, but I wasn't that focused on the fireworks.

It was the fact that her body was directly in front of me, practically making contact while her hand still locked onto mine.

There was no reason to stay in this position because the crowd had spread out a little and there was room to stand now.

But for some reason, we did.

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image [https://i.imgur.com/V4YVP7H.jpg]