Chapter 09 : Summer Festival

(Kaoru sits on his bed, scrolling through his phone when it suddenly rings. He sees Hiroyuki's name on the caller ID and eagerly answers.)

KAORU:

(excitedly)

"Hiroyuki! Hey, what's up?"

HIROYUKI:

(enthusiastically)

"Hey, Kaoru-chan! I have something exciting to tell you. Are you free tonight?"

KAORU:

(interested)

"Yeah, I don't have any plans. What's going on?"

HIROYUKI:

(cheerfully)

"Well, there's a summer festival happening downtown tonight, and I was wondering if you'd like to go with me?"

KAORU:

(surprised)

"A summer festival? That sounds amazing! I'd love to go with you, Hiroyuki."

HIROYUKI:

(happily)

"Great! I'll come pick you up in about an hour, okay? Wear something comfortable and be ready to have some fun!"

KAORU:

(enthusiastically)

"Got it! I'll be waiting. Thanks for inviting me, Hiroyuki."

HIROYUKI:

(warmly)

"Of course, Kaoru-chan. I'll see you soon!"

(Kaoru ends the call, a smile spreading across his face as he quickly starts to get ready for the evening ahead. He can't wait to spend time with Hiroyuki at the summer festival.)

(Kaoru stands in his bedroom, dressed in a simple t-shirt and jeans, as he waits for Hiroyuki to arrive for their summer festival outing. Suddenly, his sister Ran bursts into the room, a determined look on her face.)

RAN:

(excitedly)

"Kaoru, what are you wearing? You can't go to the summer festival dressed like that!"

KAORU:

(surprised)

"What do you mean, Ran? I thought this was fine."

(Ran shakes her head disapprovingly, a mischievous glint in her eyes.)

RAN:

(grabbing Kaoru's hand)

"No, no, no. We need to fix this. Come with me."

(She pulls Kaoru out of the room and into her own, where she rummages through her closet until she finds a pink female yukata.)

KAORU:

(embarrassed)

"Ran, I can't wear that! It's too... girly."

RAN:

(seriously)

"Nonsense, Kaoru. Trust me on this. Hiroyuki will love it."

(Despite his initial reluctance, Kaoru reluctantly agrees to try on the yukata. As Ran helps him into it, he can't help but feel self-conscious.)

KAORU:

(uncertain)

"I don't know about this, Ran. What if Hiroyuki thinks I look silly?"

RAN:

(reassuringly)

"Don't worry, Kaoru. You look absolutely adorable. Hiroyuki will appreciate the effort you made for her."

(With a final adjustment to his hair, Ran steps back to admire her handiwork.)

RAN:

(satisfied)

"There, all done. Now go out there and knock Hiroyuki off her feet!"

(Kaoru takes a deep breath, feeling a mixture of nerves and excitement as he heads back to his room to wait for Hiroyuki. Despite his initial embarrassment, he can't help but feel grateful for his sister's support and encouragement.)

(Kaoru stands outside the festival gates, nervously shifting from foot to foot as he waits for Hiroyuki to arrive. Suddenly, he spots her approaching, a smile lighting up her face. But as Hiroyuki draws closer, her smile fades into a blush as she takes in Kaoru's pink yukata.) (Hiroyuki was just wearing a simple t-shirt and jeans)

HIROYUKI:

(softly)

"Kaoru-chan, you look... amazing."

KAORU:

(shyly)

"Th-thanks, Hiroyuki. You look great too."

(They share a shy smile before Hiroyuki extends her hand towards Kaoru, her cheeks still tinged with pink.)

HIROYUKI:

(nervously)

"Um, would you like to... hold hands? I mean, if that's okay with you."

KAORU:

(heart fluttering)

"Yeah, I'd love to."

(Kaoru gently takes Hiroyuki's hand in his own, feeling a rush of warmth and excitement at the contact. With their fingers intertwined, they enter the festival grounds together, the sounds of laughter and music surrounding them.)

HIROYUKI:

(excitedly)

"I heard there's a takoyaki stand over there. Do you want to get some?"

KAORU:

(enthusiastically)

"Definitely! Takoyaki sounds delicious."

(Hand in hand, they make their way through the bustling festival, their laughter and conversation filling the air as they sample various snacks and enjoy the festive atmosphere.)

HIROYUKI:

(leaning closer to Kaoru)

"I'm really glad we came here together, Kaoru-chan. It's been so much fun."

KAORU:

(softly)

"Yeah, me too, Hiroyuki. I couldn't imagine spending tonight with anyone else."

(Kaoru stands in front of a booth, eyeing the goldfish swimming in bowls with determination. He takes a deep breath and picks up the paper scoop, ready to try his luck at the goldfish catching game. But despite his best efforts, the slippery fish elude him, slipping through the holes in the scoop every time.)

KAORU:

(frustrated)

"Ugh, this is impossible!"

(Hiroyuki approaches, her eyes twinkling with amusement as she watches Kaoru's unsuccessful attempts.)

HIROYUKI:

(teasingly)

"Having some trouble, Kaoru-chan?"

KAORU:

(sighing)

"Yeah, it's harder than it looks."

(Without a word, Hiroyuki steps up to the booth and confidently takes the scoop from Kaoru's hand. With practiced ease, she scoops up several goldfish in quick succession, much to Kaoru's amazement.)

KAORU:

(awe-struck)

"Wow, Hiroyuki! You're amazing at this!"

HIROYUKI:

(smiling)

"It's all about technique. Here, take all."

(She hands a small goldfish to Kaoru, who accepts it with a grateful smile.)

HIROYUKI:

(cheerfully)

"Consider it a gift for trying so hard, Kaoru-chan."

(The booth owner, who has been watching the exchange, smiles warmly at the pair.)

BOOTH OWNER:

(affectionately)

"You two make a nice couple."

(Kaoru blushes at the unexpected comment, but Hiroyuki simply laughs and squeezes his hand reassuringly.)

HIROYUKI:

(grateful)

"Thank you, sir. That's very kind of you to say."

BOOTH OWNER:

(nodding)

"I can see the love between you two. Kaoru, you're lucky to have such a talented boyfriend."

(Kaoru's heart skips a beat at the words, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. But as he looks at Hiroyuki, who returns his gaze with a soft smile, he knows that the booth owner's words ring true. With Hiroyuki by his side, he feels luckier than he ever thought possible.)

KAORU:

(softly)

"Yeah, I really am."

(Hand in hand, they continue to explore the festival, their bond stronger than ever as they enjoy each other's company under the twinkling lights of the summer night.)