Chapter 3: A Festival of Unspoken Feelings

The festival preparations stretched late into the afternoon, and by the time Yuna and Riku were heading home, the sky was a dull gray, heavy with clouds. The first drops of rain began to fall as they reached the train station.

"Great," Yuna muttered, holding her bag over her head in a futile attempt to shield herself.

Riku sighed and pulled out an umbrella from his bag. "Here. You'll get soaked otherwise."

Yuna's face lit up with surprise and appreciation. "You're always prepared, huh?"

"Someone has to be," Riku replied with a faint smirk.

They walked together under the small umbrella, their shoulders brushing occasionally. The streets were quiet, the sound of raindrops filling the space between their conversation. Yuna began humming softly—a melody Riku instantly recognized from one of her favorite shows.

"You know," Yuna said, glancing up at him, "it's moments like these that make me think we're really lucky."

"Lucky?" Riku echoed, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah. To have each other. Not everyone has someone they can count on like this." Her voice softened, the sincerity in her tone catching him off guard.

Riku felt a warmth rise in his chest but kept his gaze ahead. "Yeah. I guess we are."

As the rain continued to fall, Riku realized that these quiet, ordinary moments with Yuna were the ones he cherished most. And maybe, just maybe, he wasn't ready to let Hiroki—or anyone else—take them away.

The morning of the school festival was a whirlwind of activity. The hallways buzzed with energy as students rushed to put the finishing touches on their booths. Yuna's class had transformed their classroom into a cozy café, complete with handmade decorations and an inviting menu.

Riku arrived early, carrying a box of supplies. He set it down on the counter and glanced around. Yuna was arranging flowers in small vases, her brow furrowed in concentration. Despite the chaos, she radiated her usual warmth and determination.

"Hey, Riku!" she called out, spotting him. "Can you help me hang this banner?"

"Sure," he replied, grabbing the other end of the colorful fabric. Together, they stretched it across the doorway, securing it with tape. Yuna stepped back to admire their work.

"Perfect! Thanks, Riku."

Ayaka and Kaito soon joined them, carrying trays of pastries for the display. "Everything's coming together nicely," Ayaka said, her voice tinged with pride. "This is going to be the best café at the festival."

Kaito grinned. "Especially with Yuna as the star attraction."

Yuna laughed, her cheeks turning a faint pink. "Stop exaggerating!"

Riku didn't say anything, but he couldn't help noticing how effortlessly Yuna brought the room to life.

As the festival officially began, a steady stream of visitors filled the classroom. Laughter and chatter blended with the clinking of cups and plates, creating a lively atmosphere.

By midday, the café was in full swing. Yuna moved gracefully between tables, her cheerful demeanor making every guest feel welcome. Riku stayed behind the counter, helping with orders and keeping things organized.

During a brief lull, Yuna joined him, leaning against the counter. "It's been so busy! I'm glad we've got a great team," she said, her smile as bright as ever.

Riku nodded. "You're the one keeping everyone motivated."

Yuna tilted her head, studying him. "You know, you're pretty amazing too, Riku. You always know how to keep things running smoothly."

He glanced at her, startled by the sincerity in her tone. Before he could respond, Hiroki appeared, holding two cups of iced tea.

"Thought you might need a break," Hiroki said, handing one to Yuna. His easy smile didn't quite reach Riku.

"Thanks, Hiroki!" Yuna said brightly. "That's really thoughtful."

Riku looked away, gripping the edge of the counter. The tension between him and Hiroki felt almost tangible, but Yuna seemed oblivious, her focus on enjoying the festival.

As the sun began to set, the festival's energy shifted. The crowds thinned, and the school grounds glowed softly under the warm light of lanterns. Yuna found Riku sitting on a bench near the courtyard, away from the bustling activity.

"There you are," she said, sitting beside him. "Tired?"

"A little," he admitted.

Yuna stretched her arms over her head, letting out a contented sigh. "Today was amazing. I'm so glad we got to do this together."

Riku hesitated, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "Yuna… about Hiroki…"

She blinked, surprised by his sudden seriousness. "What about him?"

"Do you… like him?" The words felt heavy, each one a struggle to voice.

Yuna's expression softened. "Hiroki's a great friend. But… I think you already know who's most important to me."

Riku's heart raced, but before he could respond, fireworks exploded overhead, painting the sky with vibrant colors. Yuna's face lit up with awe, her earlier words echoing in his mind.

The day after the festival, the atmosphere at school was subdued, the excitement having faded into fond memories. Riku and Yuna walked to the train station together, their steps in sync as usual.

"I had a great time yesterday," Yuna said, glancing at him. "Thanks for everything, Riku."

"Yeah," he replied. "It was… memorable."

Yuna stopped abruptly, turning to face him. "Riku, there's something I've been meaning to say."

He froze, his mind racing. Was this it? The moment he'd been both dreading and hoping for?

"You've always been there for me," Yuna continued, her voice steady. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Riku swallowed hard. "Yuna, I…"

But before he could finish, the train arrived, its doors sliding open with a soft hiss. Yuna smiled, taking his hand briefly. "Come on, we'll be late."

As they boarded, Riku realized that while the words remained unspoken, something had shifted between them. The morning felt brighter, filled with unspoken promises of what could be.