Fireworks

Festivals are the heartbeats of culture, where laughter, lights, and togetherness weave stories that linger forever.

Tonight, I'm going to the fireworks festival with Elaina. My heart races just thinking about it—I can't contain my excitement! 

Last night, I was so thrilled I couldn't sleep. I even resorted to taking sleeping pills, just so I wouldn't show up looking like a zombie. 

But let's put that aside for now... 

Right now, I'm standing near the entrance gate of the festival grounds, surrounded by a sea of people.

"Wow, it's really crowded," I mutter to myself, scanning the throng. 

As I wait, I spot families, couples, and groups of friends pouring into the venue, their faces alight with anticipation.

Meanwhile, I'm here, waiting for her—the one person I care about tonight. 

And then I see her. 

Elaina, weaving gracefully through the crowd, her ashen hair catching the glow of the festival lights.

For a moment, it feels like time slows down. Her sharp, yet elegant gaze scans the crowd, searching, until her eyes land on me. 

She walks closer, and I can't help but smirk. "Oh? You finally made it, Elaina," I say, my tone teasing but warm. 

She nods casually, lifting a hand in a small wave. "Yeah, I'm here," she replies, her voice as calm and composed as ever. 

As she approaches, she glances around, taking in the lively atmosphere.

"It's really crowded," she comments, her expression neutral, but there's a hint of curiosity in her eyes. 

"Let's head in," I suggest, gesturing toward the festival grounds. 

Elaina gives a slight nod and falls into step beside me. Together, we navigate through the bustling crowd, weaving past vendors calling out their wares and children tugging at their parents' sleeves. 

The festival is alive with energy. The scent of grilled skewers and sweet treats fills the air, mingling with the sound of laughter and animated chatter.

Lanterns and colorful lights from the stalls bathe everything in a warm, golden glow, casting playful shadows that dance on the ground. 

Elaina walks beside me in silence, Yeah, this is going to be a night to remember. 

"I hope no dragons attack this time," I joked, throwing a sly grin at Elaina. 

She turned her gaze toward me, her silver hair catching the faint glow of festival lights, and chuckled softly. "Let's hope not." 

"Don't worry, Elaina! I've got a good luck charm!" I proudly held up a small amulet adorned with a four-leaf clover emblem. 

Her lips curved into a faint smile. "Are you sure you weren't swindled?" 

I narrowed my eyes dramatically. "If that seller tricked me, I'll hang him upside down from the tallest tower..." 

She laughed lightly, shaking her head. "That's quite a drastic punishment for a charm, don't you think?" 

As we wandered through the bustling rows of stalls, the scent of caramel and sugar pulled us toward a stand selling sweets.

Colorful candies of all shapes and sizes filled the display, tempting passersby. 

I'd already tried most of the usual candies. So, leaning over the counter, I asked, "Do you have anything... unique, sir?" 

The vendor's face lit up as if he'd been waiting for this moment.

"Ah, of course, young man!" He reached beneath the counter and produced a lollipop so massive it could easily double as a shield. 

My jaw dropped. "Wha..." 

Even Elaina's calm demeanor faltered as her eyes widened in disbelief.

"That's... absurdly huge," she muttered, staring at the oversized candy. 

I turned to her with a grin. "Think you could handle this, Elaina?" 

She raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Not a chance. One bite, and I'd be scheduling a dentist appointment tomorrow." 

The vendor laughed, sensing my hesitation. "Ah, but you seem like a true sweets lover, young man."

"Surely someone like you wouldn't back down from a candy like this!" 

I felt a sudden, irrational need to prove myself. Slapping some money on the counter, I declared, "Sold!" 

With my new weapon—uh, I mean, candy—in hand, we continued strolling through the festival.

I licked the lollipop tentatively, realizing it would probably take me an entire week to finish. 

Elaina walked beside me, watching with thinly veiled amusement.

"You've essentially bought a whole day's worth of sugar," she remarked, the corner of her lips twitching in a barely restrained smile. 

"I'm already regretting it..." I muttered, taking another lick. 

Just then, something caught my eye. A brightly lit shooting game stall, complete with prizes hanging in neat rows. My mood shifted instantly. 

"Oh! Elaina, let's go there!" I pointed enthusiastically. 

"Shooting, huh?" She glanced at the stall and nodded, her expression softening. "Why not? It might be fun." 

In the midst of the crowd, two familiar figures caught my eye.

"Huh? Aren't they..." I murmured, squinting to confirm. Sure enough, it was Amnesia and her little sister, Avilia. 

Elaina followed my gaze, her expression softening when she noticed them.

A rare smile graced her lips.

"You're right. It's them." 

Without hesitation, we approached the stall where they stood.

"Good evening! Amnesia, Avilia—so you're here too, huh?" I called out cheerfully. 

Hearing our voices, the two turned around. Amnesia greeted us with her usual calm demeanor, a faint smile on her lips.

"Good evening, Arche, Elaina," she said, her gaze flickering to the massive lollipop in my hand.

A trace of amusement crossed her face. 

Meanwhile, Avilia's wide eyes fixated on the oversized candy.

"Why... do you have that lollipop?" she asked, her voice a mix of curiosity and disbelief. 

"Well..." I scratched the back of my neck, sheepishly mumbling, "I felt challenged." Trying to shift the topic, I glanced at the game stall they were playing at.

"So, have you two won any prizes yet?" 

Amnesia shook her head, a hint of frustration in her voice. "We're on our fourth attempt now." 

I looked at the prize display—stuffed animals of all sizes lined the shelves, ranging from tiny keychain-sized toys to massive teddy bears that looked bigger than Avilia herself. 

Amnesia took another turn with the toy rifle, but the ball it fired bounced off the hoop yet again. She frowned slightly, disappointment evident in her eyes. 

Beside her, Avilia stared longingly at the stuffed animals, her expression betraying how much she wanted one. 

"Alright, let me take a shot at this," I said confidently. Turning to Elaina, I handed her my lollipop. "Hold this, Elaina." 

She took it with a nod, holding the base of the oversized candy carefully.

"Just don't use a real gun, Arche," she muttered under her breath, though I caught the faintest smirk tugging at her lips. 

"Hey, don't tempt me," I teased, chuckling. "I left those in my room." 

The stall owner, who had been eavesdropping, looked at me in shock. "Y-you have real guns?!" he stammered. 

I laughed and waved him off. "Relax, old man. I'm just joking. Or am I?" I winked, leaving him visibly uneasy. 

Clearing his throat awkwardly, the seller handed me the toy rifle. "Ahem... Here you go. Let's see what you've got." 

I paid for my turn and took aim. One shot, one prize. Another shot, another prize. By the time I was done, three large stuffed animals were mine. 

"Too easy," I said, spinning the rifle in my hand with a cocky grin before handing it back. 

The seller was speechless, staring at the cleared prize rack in disbelief. 

"Whoa..." Avilia's eyes sparkled as she looked at the prizes, her excitement barely contained. 

Amnesia gave me an impressed smile. "You're really good at this, Arche." 

"Back in the academy, they actually banned me from playing these kinds of games," I said, laughing.

"Cleared out all the prizes in one go. The stall owners hated me." 

Elaina chuckled softly. "I can see why. If you keep winning like this, they'd go out of business." 

I handed the stuffed animals to Amnesia and Avilia. "Here. I don't need them, but I think you two might enjoy them." 

Amnesia's face lit up as she clutched a giant teddy bear. "Thank you!" 

Avilia nodded gratefully. "You didn't have to, but... thank you, Arche." 

With that, the four of us continued strolling through the festival, keeping an eye out for more interesting stalls.

"Try predicting my love life with Elaina!" A loud voice rang out from the fortune-telling stall, and I froze when I heard Elaina's name. 

Elaina, too, looked startled, her eyes darting toward the source. When we turned around, we saw her—Saya. 

Standing by the fortune-telling stall with her younger sister, Mina, Saya grinned like she had just won the lottery. 

"Ah... so it's her," I muttered under my breath. Somehow, I wasn't even surprised anymore. 

Elaina tilted her head slightly, her expression thoughtful. "A fortune teller, huh..." 

Before either of us could react, Amnesia perked up. "Let's check it out!" she said, already walking toward the stall with Avilia in tow. 

Elaina sighed, clearly reluctant, but started following Amnesia and Avilia. I had no choice but to follow suit, trailing behind her. 

When we reached the stall, Saya's face lit up the moment she saw Elaina.

"Ah! Elaina! So this fortune teller was right!" she exclaimed, practically bouncing with excitement. 

Elaina blinked, confused.

"Right? About what?" 

Saya puffed out her chest proudly. "She said I'd have a partner who loves me very much!" 

I couldn't help but snicker. "Shouldn't every couple love each other? Kind of a basic requirement, don't you think?" 

Saya's excitement vanished as she turned to glare at me. "Why are you here, Arche?" she muttered, clearly annoyed by my presence. 

I smirked arrogantly, crossing my arms. "Just so you know, Elaina invited me to this festival. I'm her special guest tonight!" 

Saya's eyes widened in disbelief. "Huh?! No way!" She immediately turned to Elaina, pointing an accusatory finger. "Is that true, Elaina?!" 

Elaina stiffened, clearly uncomfortable with Saya's sudden intensity.

"Well, uh... yeah, that's true..." she admitted, her voice soft. 

Saya's jaw dropped, and her dramatic whining began. "Huh?! Why didn't you invite me, Elaina?! That's not fair!" 

"Sis, stop being so childish," Mina interrupted, pulling lightly on Saya's arm to calm her down. 

Elaina let out a tired sigh, trying to maintain her composure.

"Well, we didn't exactly run into each other in the last country," she explained patiently. 

Saya pouted, clearly unsatisfied with the explanation but unable to argue further. 

Ignoring the drama between Saya and Elaina, I turned my attention to Amnesia and Avilia, who had just finished their fortune readings.

"So, what's your fate?" I asked casually. 

Amnesia grinned, her excitement contagious. "We got good luck! The fortune teller did say something bad might happen, but we'll be able to overcome it." 

Avilia, standing beside her sister, looked less convinced. "Well... I don't really believe in fortune tellers," she muttered, crossing her arms. 

"Oh? Well, congratulations on your good luck," I said, giving them a nod. 

Amnesia's expression brightened even more as she glanced between me and Elaina.

"That leaves only you two. You're the only ones who haven't had your fortunes told yet." 

The fortune teller, overhearing, gave us a knowing smile. "That's right. You two are next." Her gaze shifted expectantly between Elaina and me. "So, which one of you will go first?" 

Without hesitation, I grabbed Elaina by the shoulders and pushed her forward. "Elaina first!" 

Caught off guard, Elaina stumbled slightly. "H-Hey!" she protested, her cheeks puffing out in mild annoyance.

Regaining her balance, she straightened up, brushing off her clothes. 

With a resigned sigh, she moved to the chair and sat across from the fortune teller. "Fine, fine... What do I need to do?" 

The fortune teller smiled warmly. "Simply tell me what you wish to know." 

Elaina hesitated, glancing away as she thought about her answer.

"Uh... I guess... my love life?" she finally said, her voice tinged with awkwardness. 

"Very well." The fortune teller's hands moved over the crystal ball as it began to glow faintly. "Let's see..." 

The atmosphere grew quiet as everyone leaned in slightly, curious about what she would say. 

"You will have a wonderful partner," the fortune teller began, her voice soft and mysterious. "He will make you happy every single day." 

"He will be able to protect you—even before danger strikes. You are a very lucky woman." 

The fortune teller's voice grew more intense, her words carrying a strange weight.

"He will love you so deeply that he would risk his very life to shield you from harm."

"He would do anything for you... even if it meant standing against the entire world." 

Elaian's face looked clearly shocked. The idea of someone loving her so deeply was both touching and a bit overwhelming. 

I, on the other hand, couldn't hold back a skeptical scoff. "Okay, that sounds way too exaggerated," I muttered, crossing my arms. 

The fortune teller's gaze snapped to me, her eyes piercing. "No, young man," she said firmly. "It's not exaggerated—it's the truth." 

Her words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. I scratched the back of my neck, unsure how to respond. "Well... if you say so." 

Elaina rose from her seat,

"Your turn, Arche," she said. 

After Elaina's turn, it was mine. I stepped forward, the fortune teller's gaze locking onto me.

"So, young man, what would you like me to predict?" she asked, her voice calm yet oddly foreboding. 

I scratched my head, glancing at the others who were still watching with curiosity.

"I'm not interested in love predictions—I've asked enough fortune tellers about that," I said, waving dismissively. 

"Then... what will happen to me in the future?" I asked, leaning forward slightly. 

"About my future" I said.

The fortune teller paused for a moment, her fingers lightly tapping the surface of her crystal ball. "Hmm..." 

Her expression grew serious as she began fiddling with the glowing orb.

The room seemed to grow quieter, as if even the air was holding its breath. 

"You will die," she finally said, her voice low and deliberate. 

I froze, blinking in shock. "Huh?" 

Elaina's eyes widened, her hand flying to her mouth. "W-What...?" 

Saya, Amnesia, Mina, and Avilia all fell silent. The playful atmosphere from before vanished in an instant, replaced by tension so thick it was suffocating. 

The fortune teller continued, her voice calm but heavy. "I cannot see the details clearly, but you will face immense challenges ahead."

"Trials that will test your strength, your resolve." 

She paused, her gaze hardening as she spoke her next words. "But one thing is certain: you will die, Ace." 

The name she spoke sent a chill down my spine. It wasn't a name I used openly—it was the pseudonym I wrote in my personal diary. 

Amnesia's voice broke through the tense silence, trembling. "You're wrong!" she shouted. "Arche isn't going to die, right...?" 

The fortune teller didn't respond, her expression unreadable. 

Then, to everyone's surprise, I chuckled softly. "Oh, I see?" 

Standing up, I stretched casually, as if she'd just told me I'd lose my wallet tomorrow.

"Honestly, I've always thought my recklessness would get me killed someday. So, thanks for confirming it, old woman." 

Elaina looked at me, her expression conflicted, but I just flashed her a grin.

"Relax, Elaina. I don't believe in fortune-telling anyway." 

The fortune teller remained silent as I stood up, her expression unreadable. 

Elaina quickly stepped to my side, her anxious eyes darting toward me.

She opened her mouth as if to say something but hesitated, unsure of the right words. 

Amnesia and Avilia exchanged glances, their concern evident. "Arche..." Amnesia began but trailed off, unsure how to continue. 

Saya and Mina, walking ahead, had grown unusually quiet, their usual chatter replaced by an awkward silence. 

We continued moving through the festival, the vibrant atmosphere around us contrasting with the heavy mood hanging over our small group. 

After a while, Amnesia broke the silence, stepping closer to me. "Arche," she said softly, her tone laced with worry. "Why did you seem so calm earlier?" 

I glanced at her, offering a faint, tired smile. "I've lost so many people in my life, Amnesia. Maybe someday, it'll be my turn to leave." 

Her brows furrowed, concern etched on her face. "Doesn't that scare you?" she asked, her voice almost a whisper. "The fortune teller said you would die..." 

Elaina and Avilia, walking just behind us, both turned their attention to the conversation.

Even Saya and Mina, a few steps ahead, slowed their pace, clearly eavesdropping. 

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared," I admitted with a shrug. "But everyone dies eventually, right? It's just a matter of when." 

Amnesia frowned, shaking her head. "You're impossible," she murmured. 

"Alright, enough of this grim talk!" I said, clapping my hands together and forcing a grin.

"Why is the atmosphere so tense? This is a festival—let's enjoy it!" 

Elaina finally stepped closer, eyeing the lollipop still in my hand. "Arche, you still can't finish that candy?" 

I sighed dramatically, holding up the oversized sweet. "This damn candy... It's endless! My tongue feels like it's run a marathon." 

"Then stop eating it," she retorted with a sigh, though a faint smile tugged at her lips. 

"Hey, I earned this candy. It's a trophy now," I said, clutching it protectively. 

"Why did you even buy it in the first place?" Mina chimed in, tilting her head in curiosity. 

"Yeah, you could've gotten something much better," Avilia added, her arms crossed. 

I threw my hands up in mock frustration. "The seller challenged me, okay? What was I supposed to do, back down?" 

Amnesia chuckled softly, her expression softening. "You're ridiculous, Arche," she said, though there was a hint of relief in her tone. 

Saya turned to face us, a playful grin breaking through her earlier quiet. "Come on, everyone! Let's just enjoy the festival" 

Amnesia nodded, her smile returning. "You're right. Let's find another stall." 

The festival's crowd surged like an unstoppable tide, separating us in the chaos.

I found myself turning in circles, calling out over the deafening noise. "Elaina! Amnesia! Saya! Mina! Avilia!" 

The overlapping chatter, laughter, and festive music drowned out my voice.

I glanced around, desperately scanning for a familiar face. 

Elaina, somewhere in the same crowd, had the same idea. She cupped her hands around her mouth, shouting,

"Amnesia! Saya!" But her voice barely carried, swallowed by the festival's noise. 

Then, through the shifting masses, I caught a glimpse of her silvery hair.

"Elaina! Hey! Witchie!" I yelled, waving a hand to grab her attention. 

Her head snapped toward the sound, her sharp gaze locking onto me. She frowned, immediately recognizing my voice.

"Can you stop calling me that?!" she shouted back, her irritation cutting through the noise. 

I grinned, despite the chaos, and started pushing through the crowd toward her.

When I finally got close, I grabbed her hand and pulled her toward me. "Gotcha!" 

The force of my pull made her stumble, and she fell forward into my arms. 

"H-hey!" she exclaimed, her cheeks tinged with pink as she quickly regained her footing. "Don't just yank me around like that!" 

"Sorry, sorry," I replied, raising my hands in mock surrender. "But hey, I found you, didn't I?" 

Before she could retort, I spotted another familiar figure in the distance. "Ah, there's Avilia!" 

Elaina followed my gaze, her eyes lighting up with relief. "Oh, you're right. That's her!" 

I waved enthusiastically as we approached. "Yo, Avilia! Miss us?" 

Avilia turned at the sound of my voice, her eyes widening slightly in recognition.

"Arche, Elaina..." She gave a small wave before walking toward us, her usual calm demeanor intact, though her worry was evident. 

I reached out and patted her head lightly, earning a surprised look from her.

"Don't worry, kid. We'll find your sister and the others soon enough." 

She brushed my hand off with a sigh. "Of course we should," she said, her tone slightly irritated, though there was a hint of gratitude in her eyes. 

Elaina chuckled softly, her earlier annoyance forgotten.

"Alright, that's three of us. Now we just need to find the others." 

The three of us pressed onward, weaving through the thinning crowd.

As the festival started to quiet down, the open spaces gave us room to breathe. 

"Finally... It's not so stuffy anymore," I muttered, taking a deep breath. 

"Yeah, much better," Elaina agreed, her shoulders relaxing a little. "But where could the others have gone?" 

I glanced at Avilia, noticing the faint crease of worry on her face.

I crouched slightly to meet her gaze. "Don't worry. We'll find them." 

She nodded, though she still seemed uneasy. "Yeah," I said, straightening up and giving her a confident smile. "It's just a game of hide-and-seek at this point." 

We continued walking through the festival, weaving past bustling stalls.

The atmosphere was still lively, but the initial chaos of the crowd had died down a little. 

As we rounded a corner, I noticed a stall that caught my attention.

Children and young people were excitedly scooping goldfish from a shallow pool with delicate paper nets.

The sight made me pause, an amused grin spreading across my face. 

"Heh," I muttered, stepping forward toward the stall. 

Elaina, Avilia, and the others followed, curiosity piqued by my sudden interest. 

"Arche! We should be looking for my sister and the others!" Avilia's voice was tinged with frustration, her hands slightly clenched at her sides. 

I waved her off with a casual shrug, "Don't worry, they'll be fine. We'll catch up with them later." 

I reached into my pocket, pulled out some coins, and handed them to the stall keeper before grabbing a paper net. 

"Arche..." Elaina's voice had a skeptical tone.

She was clearly questioning my decision to stop here, but I could tell she wasn't completely indifferent to the quirky sight either. 

I bent over the pool, scooping the net through the water.

The goldfish swam in delicate spirals, their scales gleaming in the light.

After a few moments, I had managed to catch a decent handful. 

"Elaina, question," I called out, turning to face her as I admired my haul of goldfish. 

She took a few steps closer, her curiosity piqued. "Hm? What is it?" 

"Can goldfish be eaten?" I asked, holding up one of the shimmering fish, as if presenting a peculiar culinary challenge. 

Her face scrunched up in immediate disapproval. "No," she answered firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument. 

I sighed, my shoulders slumping in mock disappointment. "Ah, well. Worth asking." 

Avilia, still visibly annoyed about the delay in finding her sister, crossed her arms, tapping her foot impatiently. 

"By the way, Arche," she said suddenly, glancing around. "Where's your giant lollipop?" 

I blinked, surprised by the sudden question. It took a moment for the realization to hit me.

My hand instinctively reached for where the candy should have been. 

"Hm?!" I was taken aback.

"Wait, you're right!" 

"What? You lost it?" Elaina asked, a look of disbelief on her face.

Her brow furrowed as she recalled just how ridiculously large the candy had been. 

I was flustered, glancing around in a panic. "Damn it! I was supposed to be the first to finish it at the festival!" 

Elaina raised an eyebrow, a small, amused smile playing on her lips.

"Well, look on the bright side,"

she teased lightly.

"You wouldn't have been able to finish that anyway, right?" 

I scowled playfully, muttering, "Maybe it got lost in the crowd, huh?" 

She shrugged, her smile widening slightly. "Yeah, most likely." 

With a resigned sigh, I put the paper net down, still holding onto the goldfish. "Alright, let's keep moving. We'll find the others soon enough." 

As we resumed walking, the remaining crowds were a little thinner, though the festival still buzzed with life around us.

I noticed Avilia's gaze lingering on a stall further down the path, a large sign overhead advertising cotton candy.

Her eyes were fixed on the swirling pink clouds of sugar with an almost childlike wonder. 

"Hm? Want to buy that?" I asked, noticing how transfixed she was. 

"Huh?" Avilia blinked, a little surprised by my offer. She hadn't expected me to suggest it. 

I stepped over to the stall, my hand rummaging through my pockets for some change.

The vendor, a grinning old man, handed me a large fluffy pink cotton candy with a generous smile.

I turned back to Avilia, offering it to her. 

"For you," I said with a grin, holding it out. 

She hesitated for a moment, her eyes flicking between me and the cotton candy, but finally, she took it.

"Thank you..." Her voice was soft, and her expression was one I rarely saw—genuinely touched. 

Elaina, walking beside us, caught the exchange and smiled faintly. It was a small, quiet smile, but there was warmth in it. 

I glanced over at her. "You want some too?" I asked, holding the cotton candy between us. 

Elaina blinked in surprise. "Me? It's fine, you don't have to," she replied, waving her hand as if to brush off the offer.

Her usual cool demeanor was evident, but there was a hint of appreciation in her eyes. 

"Well, if you change your mind..." I said, stepping back. 

We continued walking, our footsteps slow as we wandered through the festival, passing by various game stalls.

The colorful lights and laughter filled the air, adding to the atmosphere of joy and excitement. 

We stopped at a stall where players had to knock over stacked cans with a ball. Elaina and I gave it a try, laughing when we missed a few shots. 

"Let me have a go," I said, and with a few more attempts, I managed to knock the cans down, winning a small prize. 

Avilia, still holding the cotton candy, watched with a quiet smile before I invited her to join in the fun.

"Come on, it's your turn,"

I urged, tossing her the ball. 

She took the ball with a reluctant but amused expression. "Fine, I'll give it a shot." 

We moved to another stall where the challenge was fishing for water balloon yoyos using a hook.

Elaina and Avilia, both enjoying the playful atmosphere, tried their hands at it, laughing as they struggled to hook the balloons. 

It was one of those rare moments where the usual tension and responsibilities I carried felt distant.

The world, for once, didn't feel like it was on my shoulders. 

We continued hopping from stall to stall, trying games, winning prizes, and laughing together.

There was no rush, no danger looming over us, no problems to solve. 

For the first time in a long time, I felt at peace. 

A kind of peace I hadn't experienced in years. Every country I visited, every place I wandered, there was always something to fix or a challenge to face.

But now, here and now, I could just... be. 

I glanced at Elaina and Avilia, both of them caught up in the light-hearted joy of the festival. 

"Let's make this last," I thought quietly to myself, as the soft sounds of the festival surrounded us. "I don't want this peace to end." 

Elsewhere, Amnesia, Saya, and Mina walked through the festival grounds, the lively chatter and music blending with the occasional laughter of passing festival-goers.

"Amnesia, have you seen Elaina?" Saya asked, her voice laced with a hint of concern.

Amnesia shook her head, her usual calm expression betraying a flicker of uncertainty.

"Hmm, not yet," she replied, her gaze scanning the crowd.

Saya let out a disappointed breath, her steps slowing as the reality of being separated from her sister set in.

She continued walking, trying to keep her pace upbeat but still visibly bothered.

As they passed a stall where children and young adults were scooping goldfish with delicate paper nets, Amnesia's eyes lit up with sudden excitement.

"Wow! I want to play this!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with enthusiasm.

"Eh?! We have to look for Elaina and the others, you know!" Saya protested, the urgency clear in her tone.

Amnesia waved her hand dismissively, not even looking back at Saya.

"Don't worry, I'm sure they're fine." She paused for a moment before continuing, a small, reassuring smile forming on her lips. "I'm sure Avilia is with Elaina and Arche."

Saya, though still a bit worried, couldn't help but soften at Amnesia's calm demeanor.

"If she's with those two, I wouldn't worry." With that, Amnesia moved closer to the stall, her fingers already brushing the paper net as she got ready to try her luck.

Mina, walking quietly beside them, looked up at her older sister.

"She's right, sis, don't worry," she said gently, her tone calming.

Amnesia smiled at her younger sister, trying her best to reassure her.

But as she tried to scoop the goldfish, she found herself struggling.

The net slipped through her fingers, and the fish darted out of her reach with incredible speed.

"Huff... it's so difficult, huh?" she muttered under her breath, letting out a tired sigh.

She kept trying, her brow furrowed in concentration, but her attempts proved fruitless.

As she struggled, the old man running the stall watched her with amusement.

"Is it difficult?" he asked, his voice raspy from years of experience.

"Previously, a man managed to catch a bag of goldfish, you know? He finished the fish in the pond in no time."

Amnesia's head snapped up at the mention of someone else being able to catch so many. "Really?" she asked, intrigued.

"Well, but he returned all the goldfish he managed to catch," the old man continued with a knowing grin.

"Oh, and he was with a girl who looked like you."

"Huh?" Amnesia blinked, processing his words. Her mind immediately raced to the possibility that it could be Avilia and the others.

Saya stepped forward, her curiosity piqued. "Is he with the ashen-haired woman, sir?" she asked, her eyes narrowing as she tried to connect the dots.

The old man thought for a moment, scratching his chin. "Hm, yeah. I'm pretty sure."

Mina's eyes brightened, and she grabbed her sister's arm. "It must be them!"

Amnesia smiled, relief flooding her.

"Sir, do you know where they went?" she asked eagerly, her fingers gripping the edge of the stall, waiting for the answer.

The old man, amused by their excitement, pointed toward the right with a slight nod. "They went that way, just follow the path."

"Okay, thank you very much, sir!" Amnesia said, bowing her head in gratitude before turning to lead the way. 

With renewed energy, the trio set off toward the direction the old man had indicated, the search for their companions now back on track. 

I, Elaina, and Avilia had taken a break, away from the bustle of the stalls, and now we sat together, just resting, enjoying a peaceful moment.

As I leaned back, letting the cool evening air wash over me, Elaina suddenly spoke, breaking the silence.

"Arche, there's something I want to ask you."

I glanced at her, giving her a teasing grin. "Hm? I don't have a girlfriend yet, and I open my heart wide for you!" I said in a dramatic tone, striking a mock-heroic pose.

Elaina blinked, looking both amused and mildly exasperated. "Not that," she replied quickly, her expression softening as she gathered her thoughts.

She hesitated for a moment before continuing, her voice lowering slightly. "Have you ever felt fake...?"

I tilted my head, trying to catch the meaning behind her words.

Avilia, sensing a shift in the air, stood up from her seat without a word.

"I want to buy the grilled corn over there," she said, her voice casual but with an undertone of wanting to give us space.

With that, she wandered off, leaving us in a quieter, more intimate setting.

I turned back to Elaina, unsure of where this conversation was going.

"Huh? Fake?" I repeated, trying to wrap my mind around the question. "I don't understand what you mean."

She paused, her gaze locking onto mine with an intensity I hadn't expected.

There was a seriousness in her eyes, a depth that seemed to reach far beyond the festival's bright lights.

She took a slow breath before continuing, the words coming a bit more carefully now.

"I mean like..." she trailed off, a slight hesitation in her voice. "As if you're pretending to be something you're not."

I blinked, caught off guard by the weight of her question.

Pretending? I had never thought of myself that way, but then again, maybe there was something in the way I acted, the mask I wore, that Elaina could see.

I leaned back a little, trying to ease the tension. "Hm... no, I've always been like this," I said with a shrug, offering a confident smile.

"And also, I'm too handsome to pretend, Elaina."

I watched her face as she took in my words, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips.

But it didn't quite reach her eyes, and I could tell she was still thinking deeply about her question.

She let the topic slide, her voice lighter now as she spoke. "Alright..." She exhaled, clearly not wanting to press further. "Avilia must be waiting, let's go."

I stayed seated, watching her movements carefully. "You can go first," I said, my tone softer than usual. "I want to stay here for a while, okay?"

Elaina paused, her gaze flicking over to me. She seemed to understand what I meant without needing to say more.

There was something in her eyes, a quiet acknowledgment of the space I needed.

"Oh," she said quietly, her voice gentle.

"Okay... If that's what you want. I'll leave you to rest." She gave me a soft, almost hesitant smile before standing up, her footsteps light as she moved toward Avilia.

I watched her go, feeling a strange mix of peace and longing.

And now, here I am, trying to figure out why those words unsettled me so much. I don't feel fake.

At least, I don't think I do. Everything I do—my sarcasm, humor, stupid jokes—that's me. Isn't it? 

I… I've just been living as I did when I was a kid. A cheerful boy who laughed for no reason, who loved making people around him smile.

But now, as I look at myself in this shadowy reflection... I feel strange. 

Something doesn't sit right. Am I really like this, or did I create a version of myself that's easier for others to accept? Am I just wearing another mask to hide the scars beneath? 

My hand unconsciously traced one of the scars on my arm, memories still too fresh despite the passing time.

I want to believe I'm not pretending. That I'm real. But why do Elaina's words make me doubt that? 

I looked up, staring at the night sky I've always relied on to calm my thoughts.

The stars twinkled faintly, almost mocking my uncertainty.

Am I overthinking this? Maybe. But it feels like something is missing between the laughter and the jokes. 

"Arche," I murmured to myself, my voice barely audible, "when was the last time you were honest... even with yourself?" 

I trying to fend off the sudden headache that struck as memories of my past flooded back.

Faces, voices, and events I didn't want to remember kept forcing their way in.

It felt like being hit by something heavy, but this pain wasn't physical. 

And then it hit me—I began to understand something.

All this time, I thought what I've been doing—my humor, my jokes, my cheerful demeanor—was who I really was.

But… I realize now that I've been clinging to my childhood personality.

I've been using it, dragging it into my adult life like a crutch. 

But I'm not a child anymore. I've grown up. And people's personalities evolve as they age, don't they? Isn't that normal? 

So why am I only realizing this now? 

I looked at my clenched hand, my nails digging into my palm. So all this time… this might not have been my real self.

I've just been pretending to be that child. I've taken that comfortable, familiar version of myself and worn it like an old shirt that no longer fits. 

But if this isn't me, then… who am I, really? 

That question feels like a black hole in my mind, swallowing all reason and leaving emptiness in its wake. I don't know the answer.

Maybe I don't even want to know. Because for the first time, I feel afraid—afraid that underneath all of this… maybe I'm just nothing. 

I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. But the cold night air only felt sharper, cutting deeper. I bit my lip.

"Elaina, do you realize how messed up your question was?" I muttered, half blaming her.

But deep down, I know this isn't her fault. This is on me. 

The headache grew worse, like nails being hammered into my temples, but I didn't care.

I had to know. I had to find the answer. 

What is my true self? 

I forced my memories to resurface, digging deeper and deeper.

But every time I got close to something that felt real, the image blurred, leaving behind only emptiness and an even sharper pain in my head. 

Maybe I joke around too much. Maybe I laugh too often when I should be serious.

But if I stop laughing, then who am I? Someone quiet? Cynical? Or maybe… someone I wouldn't even want to know? 

I bit my lip, frustration bubbling to the surface. No answers came, only more questions.

But I kept pushing, desperately searching for the missing pieces, even though my head felt like it was about to explode. 

And just when I was about to lose myself in this labyrinth of thoughts, I felt something.

A touch on my shoulder. Gentle, yet firm enough to pull me out of the chaos in my mind. 

I looked up, startled. Standing there was Elaina, her usual cold expression on her face, but with a flicker of concern hidden in her eyes. 

"Arche," she said, her voice as calm and sharp as ever, though softer this time. "Are you alright?"

I stayed silent, still trying to process her sudden presence.

Her touch broke through the storm in my head, and for a moment, everything felt still. 

"Elaina…" I murmured, my voice weak. I wanted to explain, but the words wouldn't come.

Instead, I let out a long, tired sigh, as if it could release the weight pressing on my chest. 

She studied me carefully, her gaze piercing yet oddly comforting.

"You look like a mess," 

I forced a small smile, though it felt heavy. "I… I'm just trying to figure something out." 

I took a deep breath, trying to calm the whirlwind in my mind.

After a brief moment of silence, I turned to Elaina and asked, "Elaina, what do you think it means to be yourself?"

I tried to sound casual, as usual, even though inside I was unsettled.

I didn't want to show her that I was confused about who I really was, so I tried to shift the conversation to something more general.

But deep down, I knew this question was more for myself than for her.

Elaina looked at me for a few seconds with an unreadable expression, then she answered calmly, "Being yourself isn't about staying the same version of you forever."

"It's about accepting who you are, even as you change."

"Sometimes, we don't know what we really want, but that doesn't mean we have to keep pretending."

"Sometimes, you just have to stop and let yourself feel—without being afraid of that change."

Her words hit me like a hammer. For the first time, it felt like her answer cleared a path through the fog in my mind.

I thought back to the past, to my time at the academy, which hadn't been easy.

I remembered Luna—someone who had once meant so much to me.

At the end of her life, Luna had asked me to stay cheerful, to keep bringing laughter, even when the world around me fell apart.

I paused, realizing this for the first time. The cheerful, joking, and goofy side of me that I'd been wearing all these years wasn't entirely mine.

It was Luna's last request. A promise I held onto after she was gone.

A way to keep the spirit alive, even though so many things had been lost.

Luna had asked me to keep living—not with sorrow, but with laughter.

And I, foolishly, had thought that this was the only personality I should wear forever.

I'd forgotten that I had the right to change—to be a fuller version of myself, without being trapped by a facade I created to fulfill someone else's hopes.

I looked at Elaina, feeling, for the first time, a little lighter.

"Thank you," I said quietly, though I knew those words didn't fully express how much her words meant.

Elaina simply nodded, her gaze much softer than usual. Maybe she understood that I was trying to understand myself.

And now, for the first time, I felt like I could step forward without being weighed down by the past.

I stood up, brushing off the grass from my pants, and turned to Elaina with a grin. "Let's go, Elaina."

She nodded, her eyes still holding a glint of curiosity from our earlier conversation.

Together, we walked toward Avilia, who was chatting with Amnesia, while Mina stood off to the side, her arms crossed in a thoughtful pose.

As we approached, Saya's eyes lit up, and she quickly ran over to Elaina. "Elaina! I finally found you!"

Elaina blinked in surprise, clearly not expecting to be found so soon. "Oh," she said, a bit taken aback but pleased to see them all.

I could see Avilia and Amnesia deep in conversation, and Mina, as usual, was standing just a little apart from the group, her expression unreadable but tinged with something like envy.

I strolled over to Mina, deciding to strike up a conversation with her.

"How did you find us in a crowd like this?" I asked casually, eyeing the thick sea of people around us.

"It was quite easy," she said with a small, satisfied smile. "You're not exactly good at blending in, Arche."

I chuckled softly at her observation. "Guess I'm too handsome to be unnoticed." I winked at her, but she rolled her eyes, not bothered by my usual antics.

Saya leaned in a little closer, lowering her voice in mock secrecy. "You're an expert at catching goldfish, aren't you?"

I blinked, a bit surprised by the shift in topic, before answering.

"I suppose," I said, not one to easily boast. "But it's not as hard as you think."

"I was really bad when I first tried it," Mina admitted, scratching the back of her head sheepishly.

"If you want, I'll teach you," I offered with a teasing smile.

Mina gave me a flat look, her voice tinged with amusement. "That's nice of you, but no thanks."

Before I could retort, Amnesia's voice rang out from a little further ahead.

"Hey guys! I heard there's going to be fireworks!" Her face brightened as she looked back at us.

"Let's find a place to watch together!"

Elaina, ever thoughtful, nodded softly at the suggestion. "So a viewing spot… Then we need to get moving," she said, her mind already mapping out the logistics.

Actually, I'd already thought ahead. "I've found a good place to watch," I said, looking back at them with a grin.

"We only have a little time, so we better hurry." Without another word, I pulled out my broomstick, and held it up in front of me.

Elaina raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised, but she didn't question it.

"Yeah, let's go then," she said, giving me a small, trusting nod.

I mounted the broomstick, and they followed closely behind, making their way toward me.

With a flick of my wrist, I took off, soaring high above the crowd.

The wind rushed past us, and I felt a sense of freedom I hadn't experienced in a while.

We flew toward a nearby hill, and as we reached the top, I gently descended, landing softly on the grass.

I hopped off and made myself comfortable, lying back on the cool earth, watching the night sky.

The others followed, their eyes wide with awe at the view.

The hill offered the perfect vantage point, overlooking the bustling festival below, with the distant lights twinkling like stars, and the sky slowly darkening in anticipation of the fireworks.

"Isn't it beautiful?" I asked, my voice a little softer as I took in the scene.

Elaina's gaze followed mine, and a soft, contented smile spread across her lips. "Yeah," she replied quietly, her voice filled with warmth. "It really is."

But Amnesia, ever the practical one, had other thoughts. "But how did you find this place?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.

She and Avilia had sat next to each other, clearly trying to process how I could have found such a secluded spot in the midst of all the chaos.

I smirked, feeling a little playful. "I'm looking for a romantic place to watch the fireworks with Elaina." I let the words hang in the air, but of course, I wouldn't admit the truth—not out loud.

Instead, I shrugged nonchalantly. "Well, you could say I'm just filling my free time."

Avilia, who had been quiet until now, gave me a knowing glance. "So... you found it by chance then?"

I leaned back, looking up at the stars as if it had all been part of my grand plan. "Well, I'm a lucky guy," I said with a confident smirk.

Elaina shook her head, amused by my antics but clearly in a good mood.

"You're incorrigible," she murmured, her voice filled with affection.

Before I could respond, Saya, who had been staring at the sky in excitement, broke the silence.

"When will it start?" she asked eagerly, her eyes shining with anticipation.

Mina, standing next to her, was the one to answer. "In a moment," she said, her voice steady, though there was a glint of excitement in her eyes as well.

The night sky was so dark, like a blank canvas waiting to be painted.

Then, the first explosion echoed across the field. A loud boom that made all of us look up in unison.

In an instant, the dark sky transformed into a sea of colors—red, gold, green, and blue, all bursting in beautiful patterns that left me speechless. 

I glanced around. Elaina was staring at the sky with an expression I rarely saw—her eyes softened, filled with awe.

Mina and Saya sat side by side, their eyes equally captivated by the fireworks lighting up the night.

Amnesia and Avilia? They exchanged small smiles, enjoying the moment without needing to say much. 

And me? I just stayed quiet, letting the colors and sounds wash over me. For once, I didn't crack a joke or make a witty comment.

The fireworks continued to explode in the sky, creating patterns that never ceased to captivate the eyes.

I couldn't stop watching them, but when I glanced to the side, my eyes met Elaina's, who was sitting calmly next to me.

Without thinking, I nodded toward the sky and said, "These fireworks are beautiful, but Elaina is still more beautiful."

Elaina turned to look at me, her usual stern expression not showing much change.

"You really never change, do you?" she said, her voice flat, though I could tell she was already used to all my jokes.

But this time, she continued, "I'm used to your goofy, silly, and childish nature."

"But when you were more mature and calm, like in the country we were in before… I felt something different."

"There was another side of you that showed, and honestly… I like that side of you."

I went silent, and suddenly, the night sky felt much darker. Those words hit me hard, swirling in my mind.

My head started to spin, and my heart beat faster. I didn't know how to respond. I just felt happy, but also so embarrassed—too embarrassed.

I looked at Elaina, wanting to say something, but it felt like the words got stuck in my throat.

Instead, I just felt a warmth rising on my cheeks. I couldn't hold it in any longer. My head felt like it was going to explode.

Without thinking, I fell back onto the grass, lying flat on my back, trying to calm myself down.

"W-Wait… that... that really confuses me!" I stammered, unable to process the emotions flooding over me.



Elaina stared at me, surprised. "You… really feel like that just from a few words?"

I turned my face away a little, my face probably turning bright red. "Why did you suddenly say that to me?!"

She paused for a moment, then, with a smile that slowly spread across her face, she said, "I'm just testing it out."

I lay there on the grass, trying to hide the goofy smile I couldn't stop.

It felt so strange—happy, embarrassed, confused—all mixed into one.

Elaina just looked down at me from above, clearly enjoying my reaction. I could tell she was savoring it.

After the fireworks display, we all made our way back, the energy of the night beginning to fade as the streets grew quieter.

The laughter and chatter of the festival were still lingering in the air, but it was clear that the night was drawing to a close.

As we walked, Amnesia turned to us with a wide grin, her eyes still sparkling with excitement.

"Today was so much fun!" she said, her enthusiasm infectious.

I stretched my arms, feeling the weariness creeping into my bones.

"Yeah, it was a good time," I agreed, a small smile tugging at my lips.

"Though I'm getting a little tired, to be honest." Avilia, who had been quietly walking beside me, nodded in agreement.

"Me too," she said softly, her voice carrying a hint of exhaustion, though it was clear she'd enjoyed herself.

After we dropped Amnesia and Avilia off at their hotel, Elaina and I continued on our way to take Saya and Mina to their hotel.

The streets were quieter now, the usual hustle and bustle replaced by the occasional distant murmur of late-night travelers.

Saya, who had been unusually quiet for the past few minutes, broke the silence as she looked over at Elaina.

"Elaina, where is your hotel?" she asked, her voice curious.

Elaina gave a small, knowing smile. "Hm? Near the restaurant in the city center," she replied casually, though I could sense she was being a little evasive, probably not wanting to reveal too much.

I couldn't help but feel a bit of a tug in my chest.

I was staying at the same hotel as Elaina, but if I were to say that out loud, Saya would definitely have something to say about it.

The thought of her teasing me all the way back made me wince internally.

Mina, who had been walking silently next to Saya, glanced over at me with a raised eyebrow.

"Arche, it seems like you have something to say," she said, her tone sharp, but playful.

She was good at reading people—something I had always admired, though I didn't want to admit it.

I gave her a firm, almost defensive look. "Not at all!" I said, a little too quickly, and I could feel my face flushing despite my attempt to sound casual.

We both started walking to our hotel.

"This festival was really different, huh?" I said, breaking the silence between us. "The fireworks... were amazing." 

Elaina glanced at me briefly, her usually serious face looking more relaxed now. "Yeah, fireworks always have a way of mesmerizing me."

"But I actually prefer the other parts—the scenery, the atmosphere, the people enjoying the night." 

I nodded, agreeing. "Right, the people around, they all seemed so happy. That's what makes it feel special, right?" 

Elaina gave a small, almost imperceptible smile.

"Exactly. Sometimes, when you see others smiling, it feels like you're part of their happiness. It's nice." 

I fell silent for a moment, realizing how rare it was for us to have this kind of conversation.

Without tension, without jokes, just talking about simple things that made this night feel so comfortable.

"Elaina," I said quietly, a little hesitant, "thanks for… what you said earlier." 

She looked at me, her gaze sharp as always, but this time there was something softer behind it.

"About what?" she asked, her voice light and calm. 

About what you said regarding how my personality changed. How you said you liked me being more calm and different.

I felt strange saying it, but I wanted to thank you, even though I knew I was confused by the feeling.

"It's nothing," I finally replied with a small smile. "It's just… it felt a little different. But in a good way." 

Elaina nodded slowly, as if she understood without needing further explanation.

"Sometimes change feels strange. But if it makes us feel more comfortable with who we are, it's not a bad thing." 

I nodded, feeling relieved by her words. Maybe I had overthought things last night. "You're right," I said.

I turned to the moon, trying to calm myself down. Without thinking, the words just slipped out.

"The moon is beautiful, isn't it?"

Elaina, who had been looking around, suddenly looked at me, startled. She paused for a moment, as if processing my words.

Her eyes were sharp, a little surprised, but there was something else there—something hard to read.

I smiled lightly, trying to mask the embarrassment.

"The moon always looks beautiful, right? I've always felt there's something peaceful about it, like it's always there for us even when everything else changes."

Elaina looked at the moon for a while, then back at me. "Hm, you're right"

I let out a sigh of relief, feeling a sense of joy that I couldn't suppress. I felt so lucky.

Lucky to be here, walking beside her, feeling her presence without needing to say anything.

Lucky to have met someone like Elaina—someone strong, determined, yet with a soft side that not many people get to see.

I could feel it, even though she didn't always show it.

We kept walking, our steps in sync, steady and calm.

But for some reason, that feeling—the one that had been buried deep down inside me—pushed me to say something.

I glanced at her, a bit hesitant, but still determined. "Elaina," I said, my voice softer than usual, "You know, I'm pretty glad to be here, with you."

"I mean... after everything that's happened, it just feels nice walking like this, with someone who's... well, like you."

Elaina looked at me for a moment, her expression unchanged, though I could see her gaze soften a bit.

"Why did you suddenly say something like that?" she asked, her voice casual but with a hint of curiosity.

I shrugged, trying to sound casual. "I just feel like life's better with people like you around."

"I mean, even though we argue and I'm always messing with you, there are things more important than jokes and games."

I paused, trying to steady myself. "You know... I can't really imagine life without someone... like you."

"Someone who makes my days feel a little more colorful."

I stopped for a moment, trying to calm the quiet tension between us.

"That's all. Nothing special. Just feeling like this, that's all."

Elaina looked at me, but she didn't say anything. She just smiled faintly, a smile that didn't show surprise, only a quiet understanding.

Sometimes, you don't need grand words to show how you feel.

Just being there, in silence, is enough to understand that some connections don't need to be spoken—they just are.