The next morning was still touched by a lingering chill, remnants of the heavy rain from the night before. The comforting aroma of warm breakfast drifted through the house, curling around the corners like a gentle invitation.
Oka-san's sudden call echoed through the rooms, jolting both twins awake. They sat up groggily before realizing it was time to get ready for school.
Asuka, while eating breakfast, found her thoughts drifting again. Her mind lingered on the kimono she'd wear to the festival tonight — a soft, shy excitement blooming in her chest like morning light.
After finishing their meal, she and Keisuke headed to school. The familiar streets felt quieter today, yet the anticipation of the evening stirred something new in her.
Stepping into the classroom, Asuka noticed Haruka already seated. Chika hadn't arrived yet.
She made her way to her seat, and Haruka glanced at her with a bright smile before walking over.
"You know, Asuka," Haruka said, eyes twinkling, "Naoki-san asked me out on a date! We're going to the summer festival together!"
"Oh? That's great! Good luck, Haruka," Asuka replied warmly, her voice gentle with sincerity.
Just then, Chika burst into the room, her energy trailing behind her like a gust of wind.
"What happened?" she asked, curiosity clear in her tone.
Haruka quickly filled her in, and Chika's face lit up.
"Ahh, I wish I could go on a date too," she sighed dreamily.
Then she turned, eyes gleaming. "What about you, Asuka? Are you going?"
"Me? Yeah… I am," Asuka answered, trying to keep her voice steady.
Both girls froze in surprise.
"Wait—WHAT?! You're going out? With who? Tell us!" they said in unison.
Asuka only gave them a mysterious smile. "That's a secret. I promised him I wouldn't say."
They pouted in protest, but Asuka only laughed. "I'll tell you after I come back, promise."
As the class filled, Asuka found her gaze drifting toward Manjiro more than once. He looked the same — careless, calm. But her heart beat faster each time their eyes almost met. Did he still remember what he promised me? she wondered.
By the time school ended, the sun had started its slow descent. Asuka returned home. It was 4:05 PM.
Still enough time, she thought, and headed to eat lunch before taking a long shower. The cool water did little to calm her fluttering nerves.
Later, she stepped into her room, holding the kimono gently in her hands.
"Oka-san, can you help me wear this?" she called softly.
Oka-san peeked in and raised an eyebrow. "Kimono? So you're really going to the festival?"
"Yes," Asuka replied, unable to hide her little smile.
Together they worked on tying the obi and arranging the delicate sleeves. When she looked into the mirror, her breath caught. It felt real now.
The clock read 6:48 PM.
"Oh no, I'll be late!" she gasped, slipping into her zori sandals and hurrying out.
---
The shrine path glowed, bathed in the golden light of countless lanterns that swayed gently with the breeze. Each torii gate stood proud, like a guardian watching over centuries of footsteps and whispered prayers. The silence of the forest was sacred — heavy, but comforting — wrapping everything in a hushed stillness that made even the heartbeats feel reverent.
Asuka stood near the gate, her eyes scanning the flow of festivalgoers. She spotted Emma and Draken approaching.
Emma wore a pink kimono adorned with cherry blossoms, light dancing on the golden threads of her obi. She looked like spring wrapped in silk.
"Oh, you're waiting too?" Emma smiled.
"Yeah, I am. You look beautiful, Emma-chan," Asuka said, her voice soft with admiration.
"Thank you. You're glowing too, Asuka," Emma replied before disappearing into the crowd.
More people came. Kokonoi and Akane passed by, laughter between them like bells in the air. Asuka watched quietly.
Thirty minutes passed.
Still no Manjiro.
She shifted on her feet, her smile slowly fading. Her hands clenched the sleeves of her kimono.
Maybe he forgot...
Just then, she saw Haruka with Naoki — smiling, talking, laughing. The sight made her heart ache, not out of envy, but loneliness.
Time stretched. The lights began to blur.
He forgot, she thought. Her feet moved on their own, one step after another, away from the gate.
But then—
"Oye! Asuka!"
She stopped. Her eyes widened.
Manjiro stood there, a dark blue kimono brushing against his ankles, waving as he jogged toward her. The sight of him — the voice she knew so well — pulled her back.
"Oh… you came," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, trying not to let her emotion show.
Manjiro looked at her and, without a word, pulled her into a tight hug.
"Sorry if I made you sad," he murmured against her shoulder. "I promise… I won't let this happen again."
Asuka clutched him tighter. "It's okay… just don't do it again," she whispered.
They pulled apart, and Manjiro grinned, taking her hand and pulling her along.
Inside, the festival buzzed with color, noise, and scent — grilled snacks, sweet mochi, laughter echoing through stalls.
"You look beautiful," Manjiro said suddenly.
Her kimono shimmered under the lights — soft ivory, adorned with pale blue and white peonies outlined in delicate gold, a sky-blue obi glinting like silver moonlight.
Asuka looked at him, her cheeks warming. "Thank you…"
They wandered, playing games, trying treats, making memories in fragments — laughter between bites, teasing over spilled yakisoba, and the warmth of being beside someone who mattered.
When the fireworks began, Manjiro grabbed her hand again.
"Come. I'll take you somewhere better."
They arrived at a quiet riverbank. Not a single soul around. Just them and the sky.
"It's all ours," he said, his voice proud and childlike at once.
Asuka looked around, awestruck. The fireworks reflected perfectly on the water, multiplying their magic.
"It's beautiful…"
"I know," he said, looking only at her.
As the sky bloomed with light, he reached for her hand and held it gently.
"Do you like this?" he asked softly.
She nodded, heart racing.
"Close your eyes, Asuka."
A little hesitant, she looked at him, then did as he said.
She felt a delicate touch in her hair.
"You can open now," he whispered.
She opened her eyes, then touched her hair — and felt something unfamiliar.
A hairpin.
The silver glistened with tiny violet flowers, pearl-like buds, and a slender chain ending in dark beads that shimmered in the light.
"I was late 'cause… I didn't know what kind of gift you'd like," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "I… I hope you like it."
Asuka's eyes softened as she stepped forward and hugged him tightly.
"I love it… thank you," she said, voice full of emotion.
Manjiro looked at her, smiling, before slowly leaning in. Her breath caught. Her eyes widened. His face was inches from hers — she could feel his warmth.
Then, he stopped.
He looked away and stepped back.
"It's getting late… The festival's over. Let's go home," he said, his voice quieter now.
Asuka didn't say anything. Just nodded. The night was still beautiful.
They walked home together in silence, fingers brushing occasionally, hearts full.
---
Back in her room, Asuka removed the hairpin and stared at it, her fingers tracing the delicate details.
What was I doing…?
She placed it carefully on her table and laid down.
Meanwhile, in the Sano household…
Manjiro stared at the ceiling, arms behind his head.
What was I even about to do? I'm so stupid. What if she thinks I…
His mind spiraled.
The night ended for some with games and laughter and a new spark of love.
But for them… it quietly marked the beginning of something more. Something neither could yet name — but both had started to feel.