1981:ch-9

Take Me Back

To The Year

1981

Chapter Nine:

"Lost and Found"

The festival had been nothing short of magical, and for a while, everything felt perfect.

The two of them walked side by side, chatting about anything and everything. Souta animatedly talked about the different food stalls, the fireworks that would come later, and how much she was enjoying the night.

Haruto listened, nodding along, his eyes occasionally drifting toward her rather than the festival around them.

But then—

She was gone.

At first, he hadn't noticed. He had still been focused on her voice, his mind half-distracted by the warmth of her presence. But suddenly, there was nothing beside him.

His heart clenched.

He turned sharply, eyes scanning the crowded festival grounds. People moved in every direction—laughing, talking, enjoying themselves—but Souta was nowhere to be seen.

His stomach twisted.

"Souta?!" He called out, his voice urgent.

No response.

He pushed past a group of festival-goers, his heart pounding harder with every second that passed.

She had just been here. How could she have disappeared so quickly?

Haruto didn't care if he was shoving through people rudely now. He needed to find her.

His mind raced with thoughts he didn't want to entertain. What if she's scared? What if someone is bothering her? What if she's hurt?

His fists clenched, and his movements became more desperate. "Souta!"

Then—

He saw her.

She stood near the edge of the crowd, her small figure barely visible among the passing festival-goers. Her eyes were wide, her expression anxious as she nervously looked around, clearly overwhelmed by the sea of people moving around her.

Haruto didn't waste a second.

He rushed toward her, weaving through the crowd until he finally reached her side.

Before she could even register his presence, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her close—so close that she stumbled forward, her body nearly colliding against his.

Haruto didn't let go.

His grip was firm, protective, as he guided her away from the chaotic crowd, finding a quieter space near one of the stalls.

Once they stopped, he finally exhaled, his breath heavy. His heart was still racing, but this time, it wasn't because of excitement—it was fear.

"Souta," he muttered, still gripping her wrist. He turned to her, his expression unreadable, though his eyes—filled with concern—gave away everything he was feeling.

Souta looked up at him, still slightly shaken. "Haruto…"

His hands moved on their own.

He reached out, cupping her face gently between his palms.

His thumbs brushed against her skin as he tilted her face up, scanning her for any sign of distress.

"Are you okay?" His voice was softer now, breathless. "I—I didn't mean to lose you there. One second, I was listening to you talk, and then you were gone."

Souta blinked, seemingly caught off guard by the intensity of his gaze.

Her lips parted slightly, and for a moment, neither of them said anything.

The sounds of the festival became distant, as if the world around them had faded.

"I-I'm okay," she finally whispered, her voice softer than usual.

Haruto let out a shaky breath, his hands still on her cheeks. "You sure? You looked pretty shaken up."

She hesitated, then nodded. "I was… for a moment. It was just so crowded, and I didn't know where you went. I tried calling your name, but it was too loud."

He cursed under his breath. "Damn it."

She smiled weakly. "But you found me."

Haruto let out a short, breathy chuckle, but it lacked his usual teasing tone. "Of course, I did. Where else would I be looking?"

Souta stared up at him, her eyes soft.

His hands were still cradling her face, and for a moment, neither of them moved.

Then, Souta reached up, her small fingers wrapping around his wrist.

"I knew you'd come," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I wasn't scared because I knew you'd find me."

Haruto inhaled sharply.

Her trust in him—her unwavering belief that he would always be there—hit him harder than he expected.

A slow warmth spread through his chest, and he swallowed, trying to ignore the sudden tightness in his throat.

He lowered his hands from her face, but instead of pulling away completely, he let one hand linger, resting lightly against her shoulder.

"Next time, hold on to me, idiot," he muttered, looking away to hide the emotions swirling in his eyes.

Souta let out a small laugh, the tension easing. "Alright, alright. I'll hold on tighter next time."

She reached for his sleeve, playfully tugging at it.

Haruto glanced down at her hand, then sighed before ruffling her hair. "Come on, let's get away from the crowds for a bit. You need a breather."

Souta nodded, and without another word, Haruto gently guided her away from the crowded area, his hand lingering near her arm—just in case.

Neither of them spoke about what had just happened.

But something between them had changed.

And they both knew it.

————

Fireworks and Unspoken Words

As they reached a quieter area away from the heavy crowd, Haruto let out a sigh of relief. The noise was still present—the festival was still in full swing—but here, it was calmer. Fewer people rushed by, and the lanterns cast a warm glow against the evening sky.

He glanced down at Souta, his heart still not completely steady from earlier.

She looked up at him as well, tilting her head slightly. "What?"

Haruto exhaled through his nose and shook his head. "Nothing."

They continued walking, and after a few moments of silence, he murmured, "Luckily, we're matching our yukata."

Souta blinked, caught off guard. "Huh?"

Haruto smirked slightly, tilting his head toward her outfit. "I mean, it made my life easier. I just had to look for someone in a light blue yukata with white flowers."

Souta let out a small laugh. "Oh? So you were paying attention when I told you about it?"

Haruto scoffed, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Of course, I was. What kind of friend would I be if I didn't remember?"

Souta grinned. "A bad one."

"Tch." Haruto rolled his eyes but couldn't help the small smile that tugged at his lips.

They slowed their pace, walking side by side without any real destination.

After a few moments, Souta sighed happily. "It's nice, though."

Haruto glanced at her. "What is?"

She spread her arms slightly, motioning around them. "The festival. The atmosphere. Walking around like this."

Haruto hummed in agreement. "Yeah, it's not bad."

Souta pouted. "Not bad? Come on, Haruto, show some enthusiasm!"

Haruto chuckled. "Alright, alright. It's… nice."

Souta beamed, satisfied. "That's more like it."

They continued walking, occasionally stopping by different stalls. Haruto bought them both drinks, and they sat on a nearby bench, sipping quietly.

At some point, Souta leaned back, stretching her arms with a sigh. "I'm really glad we came together."

Haruto watched her for a second before looking away. "Yeah. Me too."

She turned to him, her eyes warm. "You don't regret it?"

Haruto scoffed. "Why would I regret spending time with you?"

Souta blinked, caught off guard by his straightforwardness.

He noticed and quickly added, "I mean, as long as you don't get lost again."

She playfully nudged his arm. "Hey! That wasn't my fault!"

He smirked. "You sure?"

She huffed, crossing her arms. "Yes! It was the crowd!"

Haruto chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright, alright. Just… stay close next time."

Souta smiled. "I will."

A comfortable silence settled between them.

Then—

A loud boom echoed in the night sky.

Both of them looked up just in time to see the first firework explode, painting the darkness with brilliant streaks of gold and red.

Another one followed. Then another.

Souta gasped softly, eyes wide with wonder.

Haruto watched the fireworks too, but after a moment, his gaze drifted downward—toward her.

The light of the fireworks reflected in her eyes, making them sparkle. The gentle breeze made a few strands of her tied-up hair sway. Her lips were slightly parted as she stared at the sky, completely mesmerized.

Haruto swallowed hard.

He quickly looked away, shoving his hands deeper into his pockets.

They weren't speaking anymore.

They didn't need to.

They just stood there—side by side—watching the night sky explode with color.

And for Haruto, in that moment, nothing else existed.