CH 12.2

On a hill a little away from the hustle and bustle of the festival, Yuki and I were waiting for the moment when the fireworks would finally go off.

Sitting on a bench, I stare at Yuki, who ate a bowl of pure white cotton candy.

“I had a lot of fun touring the food stalls. Also, I was surprised at how good you were at target shooting, Haru-kun.”

“Um, more or less. Maybe it’s because I played a lot of shooters before, but yeah, my aim’s nice.”

Laying beside the bench were the prizes from the shooting games, takoyaki and yakisoba that weren’t touched, and two bottled sodas. After we yo-yo fished, we continued visiting the food stalls, and we kept buying and playing with numerous items, just enjoying the festival to the fullest.

The sight of Yuki skipping around happily, having the time of her life, was etched into my memory.

“It’s a dream-come-true to be able to enjoy a summer festival with you, Haru-kun.”

“Hey, that’s my line! To be honest, I feel like I’m dreaming right now.”

“Yeah, since we’ve been apart for three years, I’ve always wanted to do this with you. I’m sooo glad it finally happened!”

“You’ve worked hard to get better overseas, Yuki, and I’ve been waiting for you all this time. Now, we can even do this and watch the fireworks together! Words can’t express my happiness…”

After I said these words, Yuki cuddled up to me.

“I’m happy, so, so happy, and my chest feels warm… I won’t go anywhere else ever again, so don’t worry.”

“You really say the cutest things, Yuki. I’m fine as long as you’re by my side. Just the fact you tell me these things make my heart skip with joy.”

“Haru-kun…” She looked up at me with her damp blue eyes.

My every day is filled to the brim with happiness because she’s with me.

The fact she cares about me more than anyone else makes me want to cherish and take care of her too.

These feelings have continued throughout the years, and because of that our bond deepened. I’m elated she’s the one who’s always by me, be it at home, at school, at the aquarium the other day, and at this very moment.

“Let’s continue to be good friends, Yuki. Even after the summer vacation is over and the second semester comes, even after the winter vacation arrives… Next year, the year after that, and all the years after that, we’ll be together like this, always.”

“Yes. Please let me stay by your side forever, and we’ll always keep being great friends!”

I placed my hand over hers, so small and fragile, as they sat on the bench. She was surprised for a moment but then smiled with a blush tinged on her cheeks, easing in and gently squeezing mine back.

As she finishes with her cotton candy, a large flower blooms amidst the darkness of the night sky, lighting up the horizon in a flurry of color.

Yuki’s profile, lit up by the near-endless array of colors of the fireworks, is more beautiful than any other thing I’ve ever witnessed in my life.

HARUUUUUUUU WHYYYYYY DON’T YOU JUST GO FOR IT AAAAAAAAAAAAAA

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