The last day of the festival arrived almost too quickly for Reina. Between wandering stalls, watching performances, and dealing with her unpredictable circle of friends, three days felt like one long dream.
And yet… she didn't hate it.
Today, the group walked together again—Ren cracking jokes, Arisa already holding a bag of cotton candy, Mei quietly observing, Sei pretending he wasn't enjoying himself, and Himari staying close to Reina as usual.
But then Reina's gaze caught something different.
Near the corner stall, where a crowd had gathered around a crepe stand, stood Shion Kurobane. Not on stage, not dressed in formal attire—just a student in his school uniform, casually helping his club's stall.
Reina slowed her steps. "I'll… be back in a moment."
Her friends blinked but didn't stop her.
The Encounter
Shion looked up from handing a crepe to a customer just as Reina approached. His eyes widened slightly.
Reina gave a polite nod. "Good afternoon. Yesterday, I was present at your performance."
For a second, Shion froze. His face lit up with color, ears reddening. "Y-You were…? Ah, I—I see… thank you."
His flustered reaction made Reina tilt her head. "...Cute."
The word slipped out before she could stop herself. Her eyes widened slightly, but her face remained calm. "…Apologies. That was unintentional."
Shion rubbed the back of his neck, clearly even more embarrassed now. But when Reina continued, her words steadied him.
"Your performance had… a nice sound. I enjoyed it."
That was enough. His posture straightened, and his usual composure returned. "I'm glad it reached you. Truly, thank you." He extended a hand. "Shion Kurobane. Pleased to meet you properly this time."
Reina regarded his hand for a moment, then took it firmly. "Reina Saeki. Saeki-san is fine."
[ANIER:Handshake detected. Palm temperature elevated. Probability of new social connection: 93%.]
"…Stop narrating," Reina muttered under her breath.
Shion blinked. "Huh?"
"Nothing," she replied smoothly.
It was then Shion's turn to blink again, his gaze landing on the faint glow of Reina's halo. "So… you're that Reina Saeki, then." A soft smile spread across his face, one not of awe but of warmth. "I've heard so much about you lately. I hope we can become friends."
Reina hesitated—usually, she would reject such forwardness. But this time… she didn't. "...I wouldn't mind listening to your music again."
That made Shion's smile brighten.
Joining the Group
Before Reina could say more, the rest of her group appeared.
"Ah, so you were here!" Arisa pointed dramatically at Reina, then at Shion. "Oho, caught in the act!"
Ren elbowed Sei. "Man, she works fast."
Mei gave a tiny nod of approval. Himari just looked relieved that Reina wasn't alone.
Shion chuckled awkwardly, bowing lightly to them all. "I was just introducing myself."
"Well then, no escape," Sei grinned. "You're with us now."
And just like that, Shion was pulled into the circle.
Festival Moments
The day unfolded in small but vivid moments.
They shared candied apples, with Arisa insisting it was a "festival must." Shion laughed when Ren nearly broke his teeth on the hardened sugar.
At the goldfish scooping booth, Himari managed to catch two, while Reina's attempt ended in shredded paper. [ANIER:Failure rate: 100%. Recommendation: do not pursue goldfish-related careers.] Reina sighed, but Shion quietly passed her the fish he caught. "Here, consider it shared victory."
At a haunted house stall, Mei pushed Sei into the lead, and his shrieks echoed louder than the actors inside. Reina, unfazed, walked through like it was a science exhibit. Shion followed, chuckling under his breath at the contrast.
Time blurred as they wandered from one stall to another, the festival music mixing with laughter. Reina found herself speaking more than usual, even if most of it was short replies or deadpan remarks. Shion, though, seemed to understand her rhythm quickly—never pushing, just listening, and answering with calm patience.
Evening Rooftop
By the time the festival lights flickered on, the sun had sunk into a violet horizon. Someone—no one remembered who—suggested heading to the school rooftop for the last view of the festival below.
The group spread out across the edge, watching the glow of stalls, the movement of students, and the soft hum of evening performances drifting upward.
Reina stood a little apart, halo glowing faintly against the darkening sky. Shion eventually stepped beside her.
"It's beautiful from up here," he said softly.
"…It is," Reina admitted. "Different from space, but… still beautiful."
[ANIER:Emotional state: contemplative. Possible cross-reference: 'a peaceful ending scene.']
Reina gave a small, tired laugh. "You really don't know when to stop."
Shion glanced at her but didn't ask. Instead, he held his violin case lightly. "Maybe next time… I could play up here. Just for you and your friends."
Reina turned to look at him, eyes reflecting the glow of festival lights. "…I'd like that."
Her group noticed the two of them but, for once, didn't interrupt. Instead, they all let the moment rest quietly, the rooftop filled with warm silence, the festival closing below like the last chapter of a fleeting story.