Nezu Sendagi Shitamachi Festival

Sana held up the folded fabric of the kimono Satoru had handed her, a mixture of curiosity and hesitation in her gaze. "We're wearing these?"

Shoko, adjusting her obi sash with practiced ease, shot her a knowing look. "It's Nezu Sendagi Shitamachi Festival, Sana. We should dress for the occasion."

Suguru smirked, arms crossed as he leaned against the wall. "Besides, it'll suit you."

Sana hesitated, excitement bubbling beneath her uncertainty. She had never worn a kimono before, and the thought of it felt both foreign and exhilarating. Eventually, she relented, allowing Shoko to help her into the elegant garment. The silk felt unfamiliar against her skin, the intricate floral designs delicate yet regal. When she finally turned to the mirror, she barely recognized herself.

Her lips parted, but no words came out. The reflection staring back at her wasn't just different—it was breathtaking.

"…"

A flush crept up her cheeks.

"Told you," Satoru's voice came from behind, smooth and self-assured. He stood at the doorway, arms casually crossed. "You look gorgeous."

Sana's face warmed instantly, and she busied herself adjusting her sleeves. "You're saying weird things again."

Satoru only grinned, his eyes holding an amused glint.

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The festival was a sensory feast—bright lanterns swayed above them, casting a warm glow over the lively streets. The scent of sizzling street food filled the air, mixing with the sound of laughter and chatter. Children dashed around with festival masks, and vendors called out, beckoning customers to their colorful stalls.

The energy was infectious.

Sana walked alongside Shoko and Suguru, while Satoru flanked the other side of Suguru. As expected, the two boys had turned even the simplest activities into an all-out competition. The goldfish scooping contest had ended in dramatic complaints about faulty paper scoops, and the ring toss had been just as heated. But the highlight of the night was the mask-painting booth, where Shoko and Sana doubled over in laughter at the ridiculous designs the boys had created.

"Are you seriously painting that?" Sana asked, peering over Satoru's shoulder.

"It's a modern masterpiece," he replied, gesturing proudly at his creation—a mask with exaggerated, uneven eyes and a comically large mouth. "I call it 'Genius at Work.'"

Suguru snorted. "More like 'Disaster in Progress.'"

Shoko lifted her mask, revealing an elegant fox design with intricate golden patterns. "At least someone here has artistic talent."

They wandered further, indulging in festival treats—takoyaki, taiyaki, and candied apples. The night was a rare break from their usual lives, a glimpse into something simple, something precious.

As the evening reached its peak, fireworks erupted in the sky, vibrant streaks of red, blue, and gold painting the night. The crowd gasped, their faces illuminated by the dazzling bursts.

Sana stood frozen, eyes wide, completely lost in the moment.

A gentle nudge at her side pulled her from her trance. "Fireworks are cool and all," Satoru mused, "but you should see how your eyes light up watching them."

Her heart stuttered. She turned away, crossing her arms. "Stop saying weird things and enjoy the fireworks."

"Not weird, just facts," he said with a lazy grin, but instead of looking at the sky, he kept his gaze on her—watching, without even realizing it.

On a whim, they decided to extend the night, renting paddle boats at a nearby lake. The lanterns reflected on the water's surface, and the distant festival music hummed in the background, creating a surreal atmosphere.

Satoru immediately insisted on pairing up with Sana.

Shoko raised an eyebrow. "Gojo, you sure you're not ill?"

Satoru flashed a grin. "Don't mind me, Shoko. I just have an important strategy to discuss with Sana-san. Or maybe you just pay too much attention to what I do, hmm?"

Shoko scoffed. "Shut up, Gojo."

Suguru chuckled, nudging Shoko toward another boat. "Let him do what he wants."

As their boats drifted, the water lapped gently against the sides. Shoko let her hand trail through the cool surface. "This is nice."

"Yeah," Suguru agreed. "A peaceful way to end the night."

Meanwhile, on the other boat—

"You're not paddling properly, Satoru," Sana huffed, gripping the edge.

"I'm enjoying the view," he replied lazily, reclining with one arm behind his head.

She shot him a glare. "Just paddle, Satoru."

"Yes, ma'am," he chuckled but finally started paddling in sync with her.

"Try not to capsize, you two," Suguru called out.

"Look who's talking. Wanna race?" Satoru smirked.

As they drifted, the air between them settled into something quieter, something more thoughtful. The night breeze carried a crisp chill, and the distant city lights flickered like stars.

Sana sighed, staring at the water. "It's been a while since we did something… normal."

Satoru tilted his head. "Yeah. But normal isn't really our thing, huh?"

She let out a soft laugh. "No, I guess not."

A beat passed before Satoru spoke again. "How's your training going?"

"It's fine," she said, but there was hesitation in her voice. "I just… I don't know if I'll ever be able to go back to track and field with this curse."

Satoru's usual teasing smirk faded. "You just focus on what matters to you. Leave the curse to me—I'll find a way to fix it, I promise."

Sana blinked, surprised by the weight in his words. His eyes, usually filled with mischief, held something deeper. Something resolute.

She smiled, soft and sincere. "Idiot. You don't have to shoulder everything alone. We'll share everything, okay? That's what friends are for. And don't ever lie to me—I can see through your smiles."

Satoru faltered, caught off guard. He had always thought himself unreadable, untouchable. But here she was, seeing right through him.

Silence stretched between them, not awkward, but understanding. The boat ride ended, and neither spoke as they made their way back.

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As they walked toward the school, Sana shivered slightly, pulling her kimono tighter.

"Cold?" Satoru asked, before casually draping his haori over her shoulders.

She blinked up at him. "Won't you need this?"

He shrugged. "I can handle a little chill."

Shoko and Suguru walked ahead, whispering, casting glances at the two behind them.

As they reached the dorms, Satoru slowed his steps. "Walk you to your room?"

Sana rolled her eyes. "We live in the same building, Satoru."

"Doesn't mean I can't make sure you get there safely," he grinned.

She sighed but allowed a small smile. As they reached her door, she turned to him. "Thanks. For tonight. And everything else."

Satoru leaned against the doorframe, his voice softer. "You should thank me by agreeing to another festival next year."

She scoffed. "We'll see."

"Goodnight, Sana-san," he murmured.

She hesitated at the honorific before replying, "Goodnight, Satoru."

As she closed the door, her heart still fluttered. The night wasn't over in her mind just yet.