"IT'S KOGANE!!! UTA RIN!!"
The deafening shriek echoed like a thunderclap.
Shion yelped and slipped, crashing down through the branches. He landed with a thud and groaned, clutching his ears.
"Agh—what was that scream?! My poor, sensitive ears… And my back… I think I heard something crack."
Before he could recover, a blur of pale green rushed toward him.
"Uta Rin! Are you okay?" Maihime's sweet, melodic voice rang out as she dropped beside him in concern.
Astra rolled her eyes so hard it was a miracle they stayed in their sockets.
Shion flinched backward on all fours, staring at Maihime in disbelief. "You?! I thought you left earlier!"
Maihime clasped her hands and tilted her head with a soft smile. "No, I didn't. How could I leave… when you're still here?" She said it with such gentle warmth that Astra audibly choked.
Shion blinked, then stood up slowly, brushing dust from his robes. "Okay, okay, wait—what's the actual reason?"
Maihime's cheeks flushed a soft pink. She clasped her hands over her heart and looked straight at him. "Because… your presence keeps my heart from wandering. It stays close—"
"Stay far," Shion cut in sharply. "Lady Mo—whatever you are. I don't like clingy people."
Maihime tilted her head sweetly. "Oh? You don't?"
Shion cleared his throat and took three deliberate steps back. "Y-yeah, no offense, I need breathing space. Just… air."
Before Maihime could answer, Astra stepped forward, blocking her path.
"Maihime," she said flatly. "Don't stir up trouble again. The guards already said we're to keep our distance, remember?"
Maihime gave her a sugary smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Oh, I remember. Just like I remember you lunging at me first."
"Because you insulted my family."
The air practically sparked between them as they stood nose to nose. Ryoma shifted his weight like he was ready to step in, but Kaen held up a finger, whispering, "Wait…"
Finally, Maihime stomped her foot with delicate force, letting out a huff. "Fine! I'll go. But you'll see me again. I've already reported everything to my father. He'll be making arrangements for my entry soon." She flicked imaginary dust off her sleeve, turning away with an elegant spin. "And you all… should start heading back. You still have unfinished dreams, don't you?" Then she turned her eyes to Shion and smiled sweetly. "And you, Uta Rin—I've specially requested your name as well. Don't worry. You'll be allowed in easily."
"No need," Shion said instantly.
Maihime paused, raising an eyebrow. "Uh-huh. Uta Rin, I guess you shouldn't—"
"I said no," Shion repeated, firmer this time.
Maihime stared at him for a moment, then turned with a little toss of her hair and walked off down the path, her silks fluttering behind her like petals in retreat.
Astra clicked her tongue and crossed her arms. "Unbelievable."
Seiya muttered, "…I told you all we should've left at sunrise."
From behind, Seirou quietly fanned Astra with the end of his sleeve. "Still hot?"
Astra leaned back slightly, her face deadpan. "Yeah… I'm burning now." She took a step to the side and stumbled right into Ryoma. "Ah—" she jolted, pressing a hand against his arm. "So cold."
Ryoma raised a brow. "Cold?"
She touched his arm again, then looked up at him, puzzled. "Yeah. It's… really cold."
Kaen was beside them in an instant, pressing his palm lightly to Ryoma's forehead, then to his own for comparison. "Your temperature's way too low."
Ryoma blinked, "I didn't even notice…"
Astra tilted her head, concern flickering in her eyes. "Are you okay?"
Ryoma stepped back a little too quickly. "Yeah. I'm fine. I'll go ask the guards again. Maybe if we keep trying, they'll finally let us in."
"Wait—Ryoma," Astra started, but he was already turning away.
She let out a long sigh, watching his back as he walked. "Let's just head back already…" Then she trudged over to the base of a tree and flopped down beneath its shade, arms flopping to her sides like a wilted flower. "I'm hungry."
Without missing a beat, Kaen appeared at her side and wordlessly handed her a rice cake. Astra took a bite, her cheeks puffed slightly as she chewed. "Hey, Kaen… tomorrow's the next Bloom, right?"
Kaen shook his head. "No. It's today. That's why security's even tighter than usual. This Bloom is dedicated to one of the Supreme Gods, after all."
Astra blinked. "Wait—today?" Then she perked up. "That means the celebrations will be even grander, right? More music, more food, more lights?"
Kaen gave a small smile and ruffled her hair. "Of course."
Astra grinned, brushing his hand off playfully. She looked over at the little boy nestled in Kaen's arm. "Then we'll enjoy a lot, Xue! You've never seen a festival like this one. Uh even I." Xue blinked up at her, drowsy but curious.
Nearby, Seirou leaned back against the tree trunk, eyes half-lidded. He muttered, more to himself than anyone else, "Yeah… it'll be a lot of fun." But there was a strange edge to his voice. One that didn't quite match the smile on his lips.