Floating Lanterns II: Wanabe Ririku

The dazzling man, accompanied by the two most beautiful ladies in Seihei High School, didn't just walk — they seemed to glide effortlessly like a group of angels soaring through the air. Their magnetic charm turned heads as they passed, drawing admiration and awe from onlookers. Shouichi, Misaki, and Ayane strolled side by side, their casual banter weaving a warm camaraderie. They shared thoughts on their daily lives, interests, and even indulged in a mutual grumble about a certain teacher they all disliked. 

Along the way, they stopped at small shops, sampling snacks and grabbing food to satisfy their hunger. With the bonfire fading into the backdrop, their attention turned upward, to the final spectacle of the festival — the floating lanterns. Guided by the anticipation of witnessing the glowing orbs ascend into the night sky, they made their way toward the launching platform, eager to end the evening on a magical note.

"Rey-kun, can you hold it properly?" A familiar voice drifted over from a few metres away, catching Shouichi's attention. He turned instinctively, spotting a bubbly girl with striking pink hair, eagerly snapping selfies with a large, cheerful boy.

"Sorry, sorry! It keeps pulling up. Hahaha!" The boy, clearly struggling to steady the paper lanterns, replied with a sheepish laugh.

The pink-haired girl shuffled around, adjusting her angle for the perfect shot. In her excitement, she accidentally backed into Shouichi.

"Oh!" She exclaimed, her wide, pink-hued eyes sparkling with surprise and apology. "Sorry, mister! I didn't see you there!"

As Shouichi took a better look at her, he noticed her unique hair — vivid pink with soft, curly tips that cascaded gracefully down her chest. She was slightly shorter than him, just a few centimetres shy, with adorably round cheeks that gave her face a sweet, doll-like characteristic.

"Wanabe-san!" Ayane's voice broke through the moment, filled with a mixture of recognition and surprise.

"Wanabe Ririku? The Journalism and Broadcasting Rep?" Shouichi exclaimed, mystified. Though he had never met the representative before, he recognised her distinct voice and tone from the school's daily announcements.

"Her voice matches her image pretty well," He thought to himself, mildly impressed.

"Huh?... So you guys are my underclassmen?" Ririku asked, squinting slightly as she focused on the group.

"Yes! I'm Morimura Ayane, second year! Pleased to meet you, Wanabe-san," Ayane introduced herself cheerfully, bowing as a sign of respect. Her neatly braided hair flowed gracefully with the motion, resembling a silken rope swaying in the breeze.

"Strange, Ayane is less cold and more friendly with people today or... did she simply have a great time of her life?" Shouichi asked internally.

"Oh! Morimura-chan! Then you must be Seito-kun and his girlfriend, Misaki-chan, right?" Ririku guessed with uncanny accuracy. It was no wonder she held the reputation of being Seihei's intelligence centre — nothing escaped her state-of-the-air radar.

"Pleased to meet you, Wanabe-san," Shouichi and Misaki replied in unison, nodding politely.

"Ah, sorry I didn't recognise you guys at first glance. I forgot my contacts at home. Hahaha," Ririku said casually, laughing as she flashed her perfectly aligned white teeth.

"Wow! The reputation of Wanabe Ririku-senpai isn't exaggerated at all — she really is the ears of Seihei!" Misaki remarked with a cheerful tone, her admiration clear. 

"Hehehe! Of course! News and information are power, you know!" Ririku said, abundance in excitement, puffing her chest out with pride.

Just then, Rey, the large boy accompanying her, tapped her shoulder gently. "Umm... Ririku-chan," He muttered, clearly growing impatient.

"Oh! Sorry, sorry! I got carried away," Ririku said, giving the trio an apologetic smile. "It's nice meeting you guys, but I need to float this lantern now! Hehe!"

"Would you like me to help take a picture of you and your boyfriend?" Misaki offered kindly, extending her palms toward Ririku.

"Really? Would you do that for us?" Ririku asked, her pink eyes lighting up as she glanced between Misaki and Rey.

"Don't worry, Wanabe-san. I've got you covered. I'm particularly skilled at taking photos. Fufu," Misaki assured her with a confident grin. She then took charge, helping the couple capture amazing pictures before they released a lantern into the night sky.

"Thank you so much, Misaki-chan," Ririku said, flashing a wide smile that revealed a tiny fang, a subtle quirk that added to her charm. She leaned closer to Misaki, whispering in appreciation, "Let me know if you ever need any gossip or insider tips, alright?" And then she signed her promise with a cunning wink at Misaki.

"See ya!" Ririku called out, leaving with Rey in tow.

"Who knew she was so chill? It's hard to imagine her looking like that while giving the morning announcements all professionally, right?" Misaki said, turning to Shouichi and Ayane.

Both nodded in agreement, sharing a chuckle as they watched Ririku and Rey disappear into the crowd.

Once Shouichi purchased a lantern from a nearby stand, the trio gathered around to prepare it for flight. Shouichi crouched slightly, flicking the lighter repeatedly until the fire ignited the fuel ring beneath the lantern. The ring combusted, burning steadily as it began to generate thick, warm smoke.

As the smoke filled the lantern, its delicate paper shell expanded and bloated, gradually taking shape. It became buoyant, tugging gently upward, but the trio kept it firmly grounded, holding it down with both hands. The glow of the fire illuminated their faces, casting warm hues that flickered with the rhythm of the flames.

They exchanged glances, their excitement palpable as they waited for the perfect moment to release it into the night sky.

"It's so cool, senpai!" Misaki exclaimed, her voice brimming with excitement. Her lips curled into a radiant smile, and her eyes, half-closed in delight, reflected the warm glow of the lantern.

"Let's make a wish?" Ayane suggested, stealing glances at the couple, her tone calm yet filled with a hint of curiosity.

"Let's!" Shouichi agreed with a slight nod, closing his eyes as he focused on his silent, heartfelt wish. Misaki and Ayane followed suit, each holding their hopes tightly within.

"One! Two! Go!" Misaki counted enthusiastically, her voice cutting through the hushed murmurs around them. Together, they released the lantern. It floated upward, carried gently by the warm air, its soft glow contrasting against the deep darkness of the night.

The sky above was a mesmerising canvas of floating lanterns, their lights weaving trails that shimmered like a constellation in slow motion. The trio stood there, gazing in awe, their breaths momentarily stolen by the inspiring beauty of it all. Each lantern carried the dreams and wishes of its maker, small glimmers of hope rising together in silent harmony.

"Who knows," Shouichi thought as his gaze followed their lantern's ascent, "Maybe one day, these wishes will come true."

***

For a good solid hour, the trio went on a shopping spree, visiting various game shops and food stalls. They enjoyed wonderful crepes at an old man's food stand, Misaki was so fond of her strawberry flavour, Shouichi nibbled on his citrus flavour, while Ayane picked a plain vanilla one to enjoy. It was a simple thing yet a fun and memorable experience for teens like them. Toward the end, the group found themselves strolling along the entrance corridor, lined with rows of tall maple trees on both sides. 

"Thanks for today, Shou-senpai, Morimura-san. It's really awesome!" Misaki turned to them, and her smile never faltered. 

"Well, that's alright, I have fun too," Shouichi said, running his palm gently on top of Misaki's fluffy head. The girl blushed a little as she purred contentedly in response.

"Yeah. It's pretty terrific," Ayane interjected and smiled as she was catching up to the couple. 

"Oh!" Misaka gasped after checking her smartphone, "Woah, it's this late already?! ... Wendy~I mean, my driver will be arriving any second now," Misaki grumbled and reluctantly swept her eyes around.

"Misa-chan, do you, um, have a curfew or something?" Shouichi asked, frowning, fingers scratching his neck.

"Mm, mm!" She nodded twice before leaning in and smooched on his cheek, her motions lightning fast that his brain hadn't yet registered.

"Sorry, I gotta go now! See you, Shou-senpai..." The girlfriend frantically waved at him and then at Ayane, "Goodbye, Morimura-san!" 

Shouichi's fingers lightly brushed against his cheek, lingering where her lips had graced him moments ago. A soft warmth spread beneath his touch, as if her kiss had etched itself into his skin, leaving behind an everlasting aftertaste.

"See you, Misa-chan," Shouichi and Ayane called out, their hands raised in a small wave toward the beautiful junior. Standing in front of the main gate, they watched as Misaki climbed into a sleek black European sedan amidst the bustle of other cars coming and going from the pickup spot. 

A few minutes later, Misaki's car disappeared into the busy street, swallowed by the flow of traffic. Suddenly, an eerie voice whispered from just beside Shouichi, sending a chill down his spine.

"Just you and me now..." Ayane said, her tone deliberately slow and laced with an unsettling playfulness.