Only three days remained before summer vacation ended. Mizuha had almost finished her drawing inspired by their beach vacation.
Going to the beach with everyone back then was really enjoyable for me. I hope we can do something like that again next year, thought Mizuha.
She continued with her drawing until ten minutes had passed.
It's done. I can't wait to show this drawing to the others at school later, she thought after adding the final touch.
She jumped on her bed. "Now, it's time to rest."
Just as she was about to relax, her phone rang, and someone was calling her.
Oh, it was Hikaru, she thought, looking at the phone.
She eagerly picked it up. "Hello, Hikaru?"
"Hey Mizuha, are you free this evening?"
"Yes, I'm free. What's up?"
"Good, then let's go watch the fireworks with our friends tonight."
"There's actually a festival happening tonight at the riverside bank nearest our school. They have fireworks too. Do you want to go?"
"That sounds incredible! Yes, count me in. When and where should we meet?"
"Great! Let's meet at the festival location. It starts at 7 p.m., so how about we gather around 6:45 p.m.? I will tell Zul and the others after this."
"Sounds perfect! I can't wait to go there with everyone and experience the fireworks. Thank you for inviting me, Hikaru."
Hikaru chuckled warmly. "No problem. It’s going to be a memorable night. See you there!"
As they said their goodbyes, Mizuha couldn't contain her excitement. She started envisioning the spectacle of fireworks illuminating the night sky.
She felt a rush of excitement thinking about the festival and the beautiful yukata she would wear.
Wait, first I need my yukata. Where is it actually? thought Mizuha as she searched inside her closet drawer. Hmm, it's not here. When was the last time I wore it? Was it last year? I don't remember where I put it. Better ask Mom about it.
Meanwhile, in the living room, her mother was watching the national weather forecast on television while folding the clothes.
"Here is the forecast for the upcoming week. As we move into the rainy season, let's take a closer look at what we can expect."
"It's finally here, huh? The rainy season," her mother remarked.
Mizuha came in and approached her. "Hey, Mom."
"Yes, my dear? What is it? Do you need something?" her mom asked, turning away from the television to face her.
"Do you know where my yukata is? I need to wear it this evening."
"Yes, it’s in the closet in the room next door. Are you going somewhere this evening?"
Mizuha excitedly told her mother that she wanted to go watch fireworks with her friends that evening at the festival.
"I see, then follow me to the room next door. I'll get it for you."
Mizuha followed her mother to the adjacent room. Her mother took out the yukata from the closet drawer.
Opening the drawer, her mother reached for a delicate, floral-patterned yukata and handed it to Mizuha.
Her mother gave the yukata to her. "Here's your yukata."
"Yes, there it is. Thanks, Mom."
As the meeting time drew near, Mizuha tried to put on her yukata by herself in the room next to the living room, but something felt off.
"So this goes like this..." she muttered, adjusting the garment while looking in the mirror. Suddenly, the obi belt slipped and fell.
"Huh? What the— I thought I tied it properly," she said with frustration. "I'll never get this done in time."
Her mother, hearing the complaints from the living room, smiled and shook her head. This girl never wants to rely on others, she thought, and walked into the adjacent room.
"Still not done yet?
Mizuha chuckled. "Haha, as you can see..."
Her mother approached her. "Here, let me help you. Lift your arms."
With gentle guidance, her mother carefully tied the obi around her waist and adjusted the sleeves. Mizuha admired herself in the mirror, joyfully.
"There, you're all set."
"Oh, there it is. Thanks, Mom."
"You're welcome."
As she was all set, she put on her geta and said, "Okay, Mom, I'm going now."
"Have a nice time and be careful on your way, okay?"
Mizuha left the house excitedly, heading to the fireworks festival.
As she arrived at the festival entrance, Mizuha breathed a sigh of relief. She found Hikaru and the others eagerly waiting for her.
Shimizu called out while waving her hands. "There she is! Mizuha, hey!"
Mizuha approached them. "Everyone!"
"Sorry I’m a bit late. I had some trouble with my yukata earlier, haha."
"Don't worry, we all just got here too. You're not late, Mizuha-chan."
Zul nodded and looked at her watch. "Yes, you're right on time."
Mizuha looked at her friends. "Wow, you guys look great in your yukatas!"
"You too, Mizuha-chan. That yukata looks nice on you."
Shimizu jumped and put her hands on Mizuha and Eri’s shoulders. "Hey, let's take a picture."
"Oh, that's a good idea, Shimizu." Shimizu then took a picture of the trio in their yukatas with her phone.
Zul turned to Hikaru beside him. "They’re sure having a good time."
"Yeah, it looks like that."
"Hey, how long do you guys plan to keep taking photos?"
"Just a little more, please wait a moment."
Shimizu grinned as she suddenly got an idea. "Hehe, I got an idea…"
She then held Mizuha's shoulder and turned her to face Hikaru.
"Oh, yes, Hikaru, don't you want to say something about Mizuha's yukata?"
Mizuha muttered, feeling embarrassed. "Geez, Shimizu... you..."
She then turned to Hikaru and said, "So, how do I look in my yukata, Hikaru?"
Hikaru scratched the back of his head. "You look great and cute in a yukata, Mizuha."
Mizuha's cheeks flushed. "Thank you, Hikaru. My mother helped me put it on. I'm glad you like it. You look great in a yukata too."
Hikaru smiled back. "Thank you for that. I'm glad to hear it."
"Alright, alright, that's enough of your romantic moment for now. How about we get going?" Shimizu interjected, her tone carrying a hint of annoyance.
"Shimizu... you're the one who started it earlier!"
Hikaru stopped them. "Wait, we are still waiting for one more person."
Zul turned to him. "Hmm, who are you waiting for, Hikaru?"
Suddenly, Takeru approached them, calling out, "Hikaru-kun, everyone!"
"Oh, there he is."
After Takeru arrived, Hikaru said to him, "There you are. You're late. I thought you didn't want to come."
"Sorry for that. I just finished my part-time work earlier."
Mizuha greeted him. "Oh, Takeru, you’re coming too?"
"Of course, Hikaru-kun invited me earlier."
"Thanks for inviting me, Hikaru-kun."
"That’s no big deal. I suddenly felt like inviting you today."
"By the way, did you bring the thing I asked you for earlier?"
Takeru threw the paper bag he held to Hikaru.
"Of course I brought it. Here, your usual."
"Thank you. I'll pay you after this."
"No need, consider this my treat for being invited."
Takeru touched Hikaru's shoulder, whispering and chuckling, "Don’t worry, I’ll let you have a nice time with Mizuha tonight."
Hikaru blushed. "Wait, what... you."
In the midst of their playful banter, Takeru had approached Mizuha and the girls, joining in on the compliments. "You look pretty in that, Mizuha. Your yukata suits you perfectly."
Mizuha smiled at him. "Really? Thanks."
Takeru then turned to Eri and Shimizu. "You both look good and pretty in your yukatas."
Shimizu grinned, pretending to ponder. "Am I pretty too, huh? Well, I guess I’ll take it as a compliment then!"
Takeru got excited. "Okay everyone, sorry I made you guys wait. Let's enjoy this festival."
Shimizu joined in Takeru's excitement. "Yeah, let's go!"
Both Shimizu and Takeru led the way, followed by the others as they entered the festival site.
Eri turned to Zul. "Haha, those two are really energetic."
"That's right, they really fit together."
The festival atmosphere enveloped the group as they ventured further into the array of food stalls and vibrant activities. The scent of delicious treats filled the air, making them hungry and adding to their excitement.
Mizuha’s eyes widened with wonder as she took in the festive scene before her. "Look at all these stalls, there's so much variety here."
Hikaru nodded. "Yeah, they really went all out this year. Look, takoyaki, yakisoba, and even some game stalls further ahead."
As they walked through the lively festival grounds, Eri suddenly stopped in her tracks. "Oh, look at those candy apples! They look so beautiful and delicious," she said, pointing at a nearby stall decorated with rows of gleaming red treats.
Zul turned to her. "Want to check it out?"
"Sure, let’s go."
They approached the candy apple stall together, where various apples glistened with their bright red coating under the festival lights. Zul stepped forward and bought one.
He offered it to Eri with a gentle smile. "Here."
Eri’s face showed surprise and joy. "Thank you, Zul!" she said, accepting the treat with a slight blush. Eri ate the candy apple and said, "Hmm, this is so sweet."
Mizuha watched their interaction with a warm smile before noticing the cotton candy stall nearby. "Both of them are so sweet."
She approached the vendor. "Oh, that looks good! I think I'll get one."
Mizuha ordered, reaching for her small purse. "Mister, one cotton candy, please."
But before she could take out her money, Hikaru stepped beside her and ordered one for himself.
"Mister, give me one cotton candy. Count the one for her too; I paid for it."
Mizuha stuttered, surprised by his gesture. "H-Hikaru?"
"My treat, okay. Here, your cotton candy," Hikaru said, taking the cotton candy from the vendor and handing it to her.
"Th... thanks."
"You're welcome."
Hikaru spotted a takoyaki stall next to the cotton candy shop, his eyes lighting up with anticipation.
The sizzling, golden-brown takoyaki looked delicious, and he quickly purchased a plastic tray of piping hot takoyaki.
With a grin, he bought another tray for Mizuha, knowing she would enjoy it too.
He handed her a tray of takoyaki. "Here, Mizuha. This is for you."
"Thanks, Hikaru... but you've already bought me cotton candy, and now this..."
"Don't worry, I'm doing this because I want you to enjoy this festival."
Shimizu looked at them and said, "Geez, you guys already started with the food. This is not fun. Let’s play a game."
She headed straight for the goldfish scooping stall, her eyes full of curiosity and enthusiasm.
"Oh, I have an idea."
"Hey, Takeru, how about we play this? Let's see who can catch the most goldfish by scooping."
"Hmm, I'm not sure if I can manage the scooping, because I've never managed to catch a single goldfish before. That's so hard, but I think I'll give it a try today."
Shimizu eagerly tugged him along to the stall. "Okay, then let's go."
"Hey, wait, don't drag me like that suddenly."
"Mister, give us the scooping nets for both of us."
"Oh, Shimizu-chan, you’re back this year, and you brought friends," the goldfish vendor said, handing the paper scooping nets to Shimizu and Takeru.
"Yes, I'm not coming alone again this time."
"I see, then enjoy yourself."
Shimizu grabbed the scooping net, her hand steady and skillful as she swiftly scooped up five goldfish in a single swoop into the bowl she held in her other hand.
"Oh, as expected, Shimizu, you managed to scoop up five already in a single swoop."
"Hehe, I’m great, right? This is nothing for me."
"How about you, Takeru?"
Takeru chuckled. "So bad, I got nothing. My paper scooping net is already broken."
Mizuha slowly approached them with Hikaru. "You're really great at something like this, Shimizu."
"You two are late. You didn’t see my great performance."
"Sorry, we took time tasting the food we bought."
"Just both of you? Where are Eri and Zul?"
Hikaru pointed at them. "They’re both over there trying another game stall, I guess."
"Hey Mizuha, how about you give it a try? It's so fun, you know," Shimizu suggested.
"I’m not sure I can do this, but I’ll give it a try."
Takeru and Hikaru cheered for her. "You can do it, Mizuha."
Encouraged by her friends' support, Mizuha decided to give goldfish scooping a try, despite her initial doubts.
Hikaru whispered, his voice filled with unwavering belief. "You can do it, Mizuha."
"Hiyeah..." Mizuha said as she tried to scoop the goldfish. But her attempt failed as the scooping net broke. "Ah, so bad, my scooping net is broken."
"You almost caught one."
Hikaru gave her another scooping net. "Don’t worry, here, try again."
Hikaru stepped in, positioning himself next to Mizuha, and gently held her hand. "Wait, Hikaru, what are you…?" Mizuha asked, blushing as Hikaru held her hand to guide her.
"Don't worry, I'll help you with this."
"Mizuha, now!" Hikaru said as the fish swam in front of her.
"Yes." But the goldfish quickly swam away from them.
"Geez…I almost had it."
"Thank goodness the net isn’t broken. Let’s try again."
Mizuha tried again, focused, with Hikaru beside her. As a fish swam in front of them, Hikaru gave the signal, and she quickly responded.
With precise timing, she successfully scooped her very first goldfish into the bowl in her other hand. "We did it, Hikaru!"
Hikaru smiled at her. "Yes, we did it."
Takeru and Shimizu looked at them with relieved faces. "Look at them, how happy they are together."
"Yes, you’re right. They really make a great couple."
Hikaru, suddenly turning back to face them. "Did both of you say something?"
"No, we didn’t say anything, right Takeru?"
Takeru chuckled and avoided Hikaru’s gaze. "Yes, you must have misheard, haha."
Meanwhile, Eri and Zul stopped at a shooting prize stall they noticed.
Contestants were shooting toy guns at target prizes, making Eri visibly excited. Zul watched her genuine enthusiasm with interest.
"Which prize catches your eye, Eri?"
"Huh, the prize I want? Please wait a moment, okay..."
Eri looked at the prizes on the racks. "Which one do I want..."
Her cheeks turned pink as she stared at the large teddy bear.
She pointed at it, speaking quietly, "That teddy bear... it's so adorable."
Before Zul could say "Then let me—" Eri whispered, "Um, Zul... would it be okay if I tried shooting for it first?"
Zul looked surprised. "Hmm, you want to try it? Then go ahead."
She struggled to handle her coins, almost dropping them as she handed them to the vendor.
"Oh, you think you can do it, little lady?"
"Umm, I'll try my best..."
Zul cheered for her. "Go for it, Eri."
With trembling hands, she picked up the toy gun, stealing quick glances at Zul. She aimed at the teddy bear target. Her first shot missed.
She adjusted her aim and tried again, but missed. After her final attempt also failed, her shoulders slumped in disappointment, her face flushing redder with embarrassment.
"Haha, maybe I’m not good at this," Eri said, chuckling to cover her disappointment.
The vendor chuckled. "This game might be a little too hard for a girl, haha."
Zul stepped forward and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Then let me try. I’ll get it for you," Zul said, giving the coin to the vendor.
The vendor grinned at him. "Oh, you better show your girlfriend what you can do, bro!"
Girlfriend…!? Zul and Eri thought simultaneously, blushing.
Ignoring the teasing, Zul took the toy gun with confidence, focusing intently on the targets.
He shot steadily. His first try missed, and his second almost hit but missed too.
"Tch, almost hit it. This is my last chance, I must hit it."
Zul focused intently on his target and launched his last shot at the teddy bear. It hit directly, and the teddy bear fell from the rack.
Yes, it hit, Zul thought, smiling.
"That’s amazing, Zul! You hit it!"
"Oh, you hit it, bro! Congratulations. Here’s your prize," the vendor said, giving the teddy bear to Zul.
"Thank you."
He turned to Eri, smiling, and handed her the teddy bear. "For you, Eri."
"Huh!? But you won it, Zul."
"It’s okay. You wanted it, right? I won it for you."
Eri took the prize with a warm smile, hugging the soft bear. "Wow, thanks, Zul."
Zul smiled. "You’re welcome." He suddenly remembered a moment from their childhood when bullies destroyed his toy and Eri gave him hers.
Suddenly I remember that time, he thought smiling.
Mizuha approached them with Hikaru and the others. "That’s a very cute teddy bear, Eri-chan."
"Mizuha-chan, everyone! Yes, Zul got it for me from the shooting game. It’s very cute, right?"
Hikaru grinned at Zul. "Oh, not bad, Zul. You’ve outdone us."
Zul lightly punched Hikaru’s shoulder. "Ah, shut up. You did the same thing."
"Ah, the shooting game looks nice. I’d better try it," Shimizu said, then headed towards it.
"Hey, Hikaru, join me. Let's see who can get the best prize."
Hikaru approached her. "Oh, you’re challenging me, huh? Okay, let’s do it."
Takeru turned to Mizuha and pointed at them. "Do they always challenge each other like this?"
Mizuha chuckled. "Yes, as you can see, Takeru-kun, they love to compete, haha."
"You guys are really close, huh? I envy you guys."
426Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj14v5pYgNN
After finishing the shooting game, the group ventured further among the food stalls and activities. Mizuha and the others enjoyed the sights and sounds. The smell of food filled the air, and the lights shone brightly.
As the festival continued, the crowd grew denser.
Takeru leaned in. "Oh, it looks like the crowd is getting bigger."
Shimizu nodded. "Yeah, it’s hard to walk."
Hikaru looked around curiously. "Wait, where are Zul and Eri? Mizuha is missing too."
"Looks like they got separated. Let’s get out of this crowd first."
Eri was confused and a bit panicked. "Where is everyone? Did I get separated?"
Someone bumped into Eri from behind, and she almost fell. Zul quickly grabbed her hand and said, "Eri!"
"Zul..."
"Found you. Are you okay?"
"Yes, I’m fine. Thanks for saving me, Zul."
"You’re welcome." They looked around but couldn’t see their group in the denser crowd.
"Looks like we got separated from them."
Eri nodded. "Yes."
"Anyway, let’s tell them we’re together."
Hikaru's phone rang. "Hmm, Zul calling."
Zul told him he had found Eri.
"I see, so you’re with Eri. Is Mizuha with you too?"
"No, just Eri. Mizuha isn’t with us."
"I see, thanks. We’re outside the crowd, by the riverside benches. I’ll send our location," Hikaru said, ending the call.
Hikaru turned to Shimizu, who was calling Mizuha. "Did you reach her?"
"No, she’s not answering. I called twice."
"I see. I’ll go find her. You guys stay here. Zul and Eri will come later." He headed back into the crowd.
"Wait, Hikaru…" Takeru said, wanting to follow him, but Hikaru had already disappeared from their sight.
"He really cares about Mizuha, huh? That guy," Takeru said, nodding as he sat on the bench beside Shimizu.
"Yeah, that’s him. He likes Mizuha, doesn’t he?"
"Haha, you’re right. I’m glad Mizuha has a friend like him."
After a pause, Shimizu glanced at Takeru. "Hey, don’t you feel jealous of them?"
Takeru tilted his head. "Jealous? What do you mean?"
"Well, Mizuha is your childhood friend, right? How do you feel about her spending so much time with Hikaru?"
Takeru shook his head with a chuckle. "No, I don’t feel that way. Mizuha’s just my childhood friend, nothing romantic. Besides, Hikaru is perfect for her—smart, handsome, and wealthy. Compared to him, I’m nothing special, haha."
Shimizu frowned. "Don’t talk like that. Everyone has strengths. I’m sure Mizuha and Hikaru would feel awful if they heard you."
Takeru scratched the back of his head. "Ah, you’re right. Sorry, I didn’t mean to sound down."
Shimizu smiled and turned to him. "By the way, want to be my boyfriend?"
Takeru looked surprised. "Eh, why bring that up suddenly, Shimizu? Why are you suddenly confessing to me?"
"Well, I sometimes feel envious looking at Hikaru and Mizuha, and Zul and Eri, so I planned to make you my boyfriend and do things like them. What do you think?"
"Thanks, Shimizu. I appreciate it, but I’m sorry—I can’t because there’s already someone I like. I’m truly sorry."
"I see, it’s okay. I’m not disappointed. That was just my plan, haha, no need to apologize."
I see, he already has someone he likes? Shimizu thought, sighing.
Shimizu grinned and nudged Takeru with her elbow. "So who is she?"
Takeru looked confused. "Huh, what do you mean?"
"The girl you like? Who is it? Is it Mizuha?"
Takeru blushed. "Don’t be ridiculous. Why must it be Mizuha? She has Hikaru, you know. Like I told you earlier, I don’t have romantic feelings for her."
"Besides, she’s not from your group or class. She’s my classmate."
Shimizu looked curious. "Your classmate? Oh… Who? Do I know her?"
"That’s a secret. Too embarrassing. Besides, she’s just my crush. I don’t think she likes me back. She seems to have liked someone else for a long time, always trying to get closer, but they never notice."
"I see, unrequited love, huh? Don’t worry, keep it up. I’m sure you’ll make that girl your girlfriend. Don’t give up yet."
"Haha, thanks, Shimizu. You understand. Also, please don’t tell anyone, okay?"
"Understood. I won’t tell anyone."
Eri and Zul approached them. "Shimizu-chan!" Eri called out as they neared.
"Oh, here they are! Eri, Zul, over here!" Shimizu called, waving. The four regrouped while Hikaru was still searching for Mizuha.
Meanwhile, Mizuha was alone somewhere in the crowd.
"I got separated from my friends… What should I do?"
She reached for her phone but found the battery dead. "Oh no, my phone’s dead."
She decided to search for her friends, moving through the crowd. "They should be nearby."
Hikaru, meanwhile, searched for Mizuha in the same area. He looked around but couldn’t find her. "Where could she be?"
Someone grabbed his arm. He turned to see Akemi smiling. "Found you, Hikaru-kun!"
"Akemi? What are you doing here?"
"Why ask? Can’t I come to the festival? It’s not just for you, you know."
"That’s not what I meant…"
"Since you’re here, let’s play a game!" Akemi said, clinging to his arm and pulling him toward a nearby shooting stall.
"Wait, Akemi, I need to—" Hikaru started, but she didn’t let him finish, pulling him along.
At the stall, Akemi asked, "What prize do you want? I’ll win it for you."
"Anything is fine," Hikaru said, still looking around for Mizuha.
"Then I’ll aim for that candy box," Akemi said, taking the toy gun. She focused while Hikaru scanned the area, concerned.
Mizuha finally spotted Hikaru at the shooting stall. "There he is!" she said, relieved. She called out, "Hikaru!" but the crowd noise drowned her voice. She tried to move closer but someone stepped on her foot.
"It hurts." She looked at her foot. Before she could recover, someone bumped into her, causing her to stumble. The strap of her geta broke, making it hard to walk. As she tried to stand, another person bumped into her, almost making her fall.
Just then, someone grabbed her hand, stopping her fall. "Got you, Mizuha," said a familiar voice.
She looked up to see Hikaru holding her hand. "Hikaru…?"
Hikaru helped her stand. "You’re okay." He then noticed the broken geta strap. "Your strap is broken. Can you walk?"
Mizuha leaned on him. "I think so."
"Don’t worry, I’ll help you," Hikaru said, then guided her out of the crowd.
Back at the shooting stall, Akemi missed her last shot and sighed in frustration. "This game is hard. Let’s try another one… Hikaru?" she said, turning around.
Realizing Hikaru was gone, she frowned. "Wait, Hikaru? Where are you?" she said, scanning the area. "You can’t just leave me like that!"
Confused and frustrated, Akemi began looking for Hikaru.
Hikaru guided Mizuha to a quieter spot, helping her to a nearby bench. As she sat, he knelt to examine her injured foot.
He observed her foot with concern. "It’s a bit swollen, and you’ve got a blister. That must hurt."
Mizuha nodded, wincing.
Hikaru pulled a small first-aid kit from his bag. "Don’t worry. Good thing I brought this."
He took out a bandage and carefully applied it to the blister.
"There, that should help. But don’t walk too much, okay."
"Thank you, Hikaru."
"I’ll let Shimizu and the others know," Hikaru said, typing a message to their group chat.
Shortly after, his phone buzzed with Shimizu's reply: Really? Thank goodness you found her!
Hikaru chuckled at the message before turning to Mizuha. She looked down, her expression heavy with guilt.
"Thanks for helping me, Hikaru. But… I’m sorry," Mizuha said, voice tinged with regret. "We were supposed to enjoy the festival and watch the fireworks with everyone, but because of me, everything got messed up."
Hikaru sat beside her, resting his hands on his knees.
"Situations like this are unavoidable," he said calmly, his voice steady. "Things happen unexpectedly, but it’s not your fault, Mizuha."
She looked up at him, eyes searching his face.
Hikaru then smiled at her. "Besides, the important thing is we're safe and together. That's what matters most, right?"
Mizuha felt her heart lighten, a small smile forming on her lips. "You’re right. Thank you, Hikaru."
Suddenly, the fireworks started.
"Oh," Hikaru and Mizuha said in unison, turning to the sky.
"The fireworks are starting."
Mizuha gazed at the colorful bursts. "Yeah, they’re so pretty."
They sat quietly, enjoying the fireworks, while Shimizu and Eri admired them from where the others had gathered.
"Woah, it’s so pretty!" Shimizu and Eri said in unison, voices filled with excitement.
"It's so pretty, right, Eri?" Zul said, standing beside her.
Eri’s eyes were fixed on the fireworks. "Yeah."
Hikaru glanced at Mizuha. "So, we can just watch from here too."
"Yeah, we don’t need to find another place."
Mizuha turned to him. "Thank you for inviting me today, Hikaru. I really enjoyed it."
Hikaru smiled at her. "You’re welcome."
Blushing, he offered his hand to Mizuha. Mizuha looked at his hand, smiled softly, and took it. Holding hands, they continued watching the fireworks, appreciating the peaceful moment.
As the final bursts lit up the sky, signaling the end, Hikaru said, "The fireworks are over."
"Yeah, it passed so quickly."
A voice called from afar: "Mizuha, Hikaru!" They turned to see Shimizu approaching with Eri and the others.
Mizuha waved her hand to them. "Oh, Shimizu! Eri-chan! Over here!"
As they arrived, Shimizu and Eri hugged her. "You really worried us."
"Sorry I worried you."
"Geez, I called your phone so many times! You didn't answer."
Mizuha chuckled. "Ah, sorry. My phone battery died."
"So that’s why," Zul said.
Shimizu sighed. "You’re hopeless, huh."
Eri noticed the bandage. "Mizuha-chan, your foot? What happened?"
"Well… someone stepped on my foot, and I fell. I got a blister."
"Poor you, Mizuha-chan."
"Umm, you guys... we were supposed to watch the fireworks together, but I messed up. I'm really sorry."
"Don’t worry, we understand."
"Yeah, it’s not your fault, Mizuha-chan. Even though we weren’t together, we still saw the fireworks."
"Everyone... thank you all."
Shimizu playfully pinched Mizuha’s cheek. "Ah, don’t be sad. Cheer up!"
"Hey, what are you doing? Shimizu, stop!" Mizuha protested, pinching Shimizu’s cheek in return.
Zul and Eri chuckled at their antics.
Takeru grinned at Hikaru. "So, Hikaru-kun, did things go well tonight?"
Hikaru blushed. "Huh!? What do you mean?"
"You got to spend time with Mizuha tonight, even watching fireworks alone with her. Did you enjoy it?"
"Geez, you..." Hikaru retorted, annoyed.
"Well, I admit it, I really enjoyed it, especially watching the fireworks with her. Satisfied now?"
"Haha, that’s the answer I wanted. Good for you, Hikaru-kun."
Shimizu turned to them. "Hey, what are you two talking about?"
"Oh, nothing special, right Hikaru-kun?"
"Yeah, just some guy talk, haha."
After the fireworks, Hikaru glanced at the group. "Alright, we’ve had our fun. It’s getting late. How about we head home now?"
The others nodded. "Yeah, good idea," Shimizu agreed.
As they prepared to leave, Hikaru turned to Mizuha. "How’s your foot? Does it still hurt?"
Mizuha tried to stand but winced as she put weight on her foot. "It's still painful."
"Hikaru crouched in front of her. "Hop on. I’ll give you a piggyback ride home."
Mizuha’s eyes widened, face turning red. "W-Wait, Hikaru, you don’t need to! I can call my family. Besides, this is embarrassing..."
Hikaru smiled gently but firmly. "Don’t worry. I want to help, and it’s better than waiting and burdening your family. Besides, your phone is dead, right?"
Mizuha hesitated, then sighed softly. "Well… alright."
She carefully climbed onto Hikaru’s back, her cheeks flushed, and murmured, "This is embarrassing."
Shimizu, standing nearby, teased, "Oh, look! The prince carrying his princess home. Good for you, Mizuha! Haha!"
Mizuha’s face turned bright red. "Shimizu, stop! Don’t say something so embarrassing!"
Hikaru chuckled. "Alright, you guys. We’re heading out. See you at school."
"See you later, guys!"
"Take care!" Takeru and the others called back.
After they left, Eri turned to Zul. "Okay, we should head home. Let’s go."
"Goodbye!" Eri called as they walked away.
"Bye!" Takeru and Shimizu replied.
Once they were gone, Takeru turned to Shimizu. "Just us now. Come on, Shimizu, I’ll walk you home."
Shimizu blinked in surprise, blushing slightly. "Huh? What’s with the sudden offer? We’re not a couple like them." She crossed her arms. "I’m fine on my own."
"Don’t worry. Consider it my way of saying thanks for listening me earlier."
Shimizu sighed, her cheeks still pink. "Well, if you say so… Thanks, I guess. Let’s go."
As they walked, Takeru smirked. "Hey, are you falling for me now?"
"Oh, shut up, idiot!" Shimizu snapped, punching his shoulder lightly though she couldn't hide her smile.
Meanwhile, Hikaru carried Mizuha piggyback along the quiet street. The familiar sight of her house came into view.
"We’re almost there, Mizuha. Your house is up ahead."
Mizuha hesitated, her voice soft. "Umm… Hikaru?"
He glanced back. "Huh, what is it?"
"Thank you for bringing me home. And… sorry for burdening you so much tonight."
Hikaru sighed, shaking his head. "Again with apologies? Stop, Mizuha. You’ve apologized enough tonight. Like I said, I’m okay. Don’t feel bad."
"But... I..." Mizuha began, words faltering. Gathering courage, she whispered into his ear, "Hikaru, I like you."
Before Hikaru could process her words, a car drove by, its engine drowning out her voice.
He tilted his head. "Umm, Mizuha, did you say something?"
"No, nothing. Maybe you misheard, haha," Mizuha said quickly, face flushing deep red as she avoided his gaze.
Hikaru didn't press further. "Mizuha, look," he said, pointing at the moon. "The moon is beautiful tonight, isn't it?"
"Yeah, it’s really beautiful," Mizuha replied, looking at it in amazement.
"Okay, Mizuha, we’re here," he said as they stopped at her house entrance. Carefully, he lowered her. "Walk slowly inside, okay?"
"Yes. Thank you again, Hikaru."
"You’re welcome. I’m glad I could help. Then I’ll head back now. See you at school."
"See you," Mizuha said, waving as she turned and slowly went inside.
Hikaru watched until she disappeared inside, then walked home.
"Hikaru, I like you," he repeated in his mind, his heart beating faster.
Mizuha... I heard you, he thought, smiling. That's why I said the moon is beautiful, as my reply.
Well, I like you too, Mizuha, he thought, blushing as he entered his house.
"Welcome back, Hikaru-sama," the family maid said, opening the door.
"Yes, I’m home."
His little sister, Shiori, approached as he entered. "Onii-chan, why are you so late? I’ve been waiting forever!"
"Oh, sorry. Here’s the donut you asked for," he said, opening the paper bag Takeru had given him.
"Oh, the golden chocolate one!" Shiori immediately started to eat it.
Hikaru turned to her. "Hey, leave some for me!"
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