Chapter 12– Tension Under the Lantern Lights

[-Miya-]

The festival was alive with color and sound—paper lanterns swayed gently above us, casting a warm golden glow over the bustling crowd. The scent of grilled meat and sweet desserts filled the air, blending with the laughter and chatter of festival-goers.

Miku led the way, eagerly pointing out different food stalls, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Suzuka-Oneesan, let's get some takoyaki! Oh, and the candied apples look so good too!"

I smiled at her enthusiasm. "Alright, but let's not get too much at once."

"Then let's share everything!" Miku beamed. "That way, we can try more things!"

Beside me, Hayato chuckled. "That's not a bad idea. I'll cover the first round, Miya. What do you want?"

Before I could answer, Kei's voice cut in, calm but firm.

"I'll get it."

Hayato's easygoing expression didn't falter, but there was a subtle shift in the air between them.

"Oh?" He arched a brow. "That's nice of you, Kizaki. But I offered first."

Kei met his gaze evenly. "Doesn't matter."

The space between them suddenly felt charged, a silent exchange of unspoken words passing between them.

Miku, oblivious to the growing tension, tugged on my sleeve. "Suzuka-Oneesan, I think I'll get dango instead. Want to share with me?"

I forced a small smile. "Sure."

Kei and Hayato didn't break their silent stare-down, but after a long pause, Hayato exhaled with a low chuckle, stepping back slightly.

"Alright, alright. I'll let you take this one." He smirked. "But I'm paying for dessert later, Miya."

I blinked. "Huh?"

"It's only fair, right?" Hayato said smoothly. "Since Kizaki got the first round."

Kei's jaw tensed slightly. "You don't have to."

"I want to," Hayato said easily, but there was an edge beneath his tone.

Kei didn't respond right away, but his eyes darkened slightly before turning away.

"Do whatever you want."

The exchange was subtle, nearly undetectable. But I felt it.

A strange tension between the two of them.

A tension that seemed to center around me.

---

[-Kei-]

I could feel Hayato's gaze on me as I handed Miya the takoyaki.

She took it with a quiet "thank you," unaware of the silent war happening right beside her.

Hayato smiled at her, his expression easygoing as always. "You always liked festivals, didn't you, Miya? I remember you dragging me and Ryo to all the summer events back in high school."

Miya chuckled lightly. "I did, didn't I? You two always complained, but you still came along."

Hayato shrugged. "Well, it was hard to say no to you."

I exhaled quietly, watching the way Miya's eyes softened at the memory.

Is this jealousy that stirred in my chest.

No.

It is not, Trying to denied it to myself

Hayato turned to me suddenly, his smile never fading. "Kizaki, where did you and Miya meet?"

The question was casual, but there was a weight to it.

Miya glanced between us, sensing something but not quite understanding what.

I met Hayato's gaze, my expression unreadable. "At the beach."

His smirk deepened. "Really? That's interesting. Miya isn't the type to open up easily."

I shrugged. "Maybe she just needed someone to listen."

Miya looked away slightly, her fingers tightening around the wooden skewer in her hand.

Hayato hummed, his eyes flickering with something unreadable before he finally laughed. "Well, I guess she found the right person, then."

The unspoken challenge in his voice didn't go unnoticed.

Miku clapped her hands suddenly, breaking the tension. "Oniisan! Let's go see the fireworks! They're starting soon!"

Hayato smiled down at her. "Alright, alright. Let's get a good spot."

Miya looked up at me. "Should we go too?"

I nodded, falling into step beside her.

Even as we walked, the weight of Hayato's gaze lingered.

The unspoken rivalry was clear.

And I had no intention of backing down.

[-Hayato Higashi-]

The festival lights flickered, casting long shadows across the bustling streets. The warm glow of lanterns illuminated Miya's face as she walked beside me, a soft smile playing on her lips.

I had seen that smile countless times before.

Back in high school, when she'd excitedly drag Ryo and me to summer festivals, forcing us to wear yukatas and buy ridiculous amounts of festival food.

Back then, it had been easy—simple.

But tonight, something was different.

Because she wasn't just beside me.

She was beside *him* too.

Keizuke Kizaki.

I stole a glance at him, only to find his gaze already on Miya. His expression was unreadable, calm as ever, but the way his shoulders remained slightly tense told me enough.

He was watching her.

And she—whether she realized it or not—was attuned to him in a way that unsettled me.

I clicked my tongue, forcing a light chuckle. "Miya, you've got something on your face."

She blinked. "Huh?"

Without waiting, I reached out, swiping my thumb against the corner of her lips where a bit of takoyaki sauce lingered.

Her eyes widened slightly, startled by the gesture.

Kei, who had been walking silently beside us, immediately stiffened.

Perfect.

I smirked. "See? You'd be lost without me."

Miya flushed, quickly taking out a napkin to wipe her mouth herself. "You could've just told me."

"But that's no fun, is it?" I teased.

I didn't have to look at Kei to know he was irritated. The slight shift in his posture, the tightening of his jaw—it was all too easy to read.

Good.

If he was going to hover around Miya like some silent protector, then I was going to remind him that I wasn't just going to step aside.

At least, that was what I thought.

But then—

Miya's gaze flickered toward him, as if checking his reaction.

And Kizaki, rather than responding to my provocation, simply looked at her.

No irritation, no words—just quiet acknowledgment.

And Miya, despite her flustered expression, didn't seem uncomfortable.

I clenched my jaw.

What the hell was this?

---

As we moved deeper into the festival grounds, Miku was practically bouncing with excitement. "Oniisan, let's go play a festival game! Suzuki-Oneesan, come with us!"

Miya smiled. "Sure. What game do you want to play?"

Miku pointed ahead. "Goldfish scooping!"

I chuckled. "Still into that, huh? Alright, let's go."

As we approached the stall, Miku clapped her hands together. "Let's make it a competition!" She turned to Miya with an eager grin. "Suzuki-Oneesan, let's see who can catch more goldfish!"

Miya laughed lightly. "Alright, but I'm not very good at it."

Miku turned to Kei next. "Kizaki-Oniisan, are you joining?"

Kei shrugged. "I'll pass."

I smirked. "What's wrong? Afraid you'll lose?"

Kei glanced at me, unimpressed. "Not interested."

I rolled my eyes. "How boring."

We started the game, and as expected, Miku was doing the best, catching fish with ease while Miya struggled.

She let out a frustrated sigh. "I told you I wasn't good at this."

I grinned, leaning a little closer. "Want me to help?"

Before she could answer, a hand reached out.

Kei's.

Without a word, he took another scooping net, dipped it into the water, and skillfully caught a goldfish before silently placing it into Miya's bowl.

I frowned. "So now you're interested?"

Kei ignored me, his eyes only on Miya. "Try again. Your movements are too fast."

Miya hesitated, then followed his instructions, moving her hand slower this time.

To my annoyance, it worked.

She caught a goldfish.

Her eyes lit up with excitement. "I did it!"

Kei gave a small nod, his lips barely curving into something that could be called a smile.

And that's when it hit me.

He didn't need to do flashy things to get her attention.

Didn't need to tease her, didn't need to play childish games to irritate me.

Because Miya naturally gravitated toward him.

Like it was the most effortless thing in the world.

I clicked my tongue, looking away.

For the first time tonight, I admitted to myself—

This wasn't just about competition anymore.

Because deep down, I already knew.

She was slipping away from me.

And maybe, just maybe—

She was already his.

---