A Walk Under the Lanterns

The town's summer festival had arrived, transforming the quiet streets into something out of a dream.

Soft music drifted through the air, blending with the hum of laughter and the cheerful chatter of families and friends. Colorful stalls lined the roads, selling everything from handmade trinkets to sizzling street food, their bright banners swaying gently in the evening breeze. Above it all, lanterns of every shape and size floated like tiny stars, their warm glow casting a golden hue over the cobbled streets.

Gemini and Fourth strolled through it all, their steps slow, unhurried.

Fourth carried a small bag of sweet snacks, occasionally taking a bite. His expression remained calm, but Gemini could tell—there was a quiet fondness in his eyes, a familiarity that came from having experienced this festival year after year.

Gemini, on the other hand, was distracted.

Not by the lights, nor the music, nor even the scent of grilled skewers and fresh pastries filling the air.

But by Fourth.

The way the warm glow of the lanterns reflected in his dark eyes. The way his shoulders relaxed ever so slightly in the comfort of a place that felt like home. The way, in the middle of all the movement, all the noise, he still seemed steady.

"You come here every year?" Gemini asked, glancing over.

Fourth nodded, chewing thoughtfully. "Yeah. It's tradition."

Gemini hummed, watching the way Fourth absentmindedly flicked a piece of snack between his fingers before popping it into his mouth.

"You like it?"

Fourth glanced at him. "Of course. Why else would I come back every year?"

Gemini tilted his head, thoughtful. "Maybe because it reminds you of something. Or maybe because it makes you feel…" He paused, searching for the right word. "Safe."

Fourth didn't answer right away. Instead, his gaze lifted toward the lanterns swaying above them.

Then, in a quieter voice, he admitted, "Maybe."

Gemini smiled, looking up as well. The sky was a deep indigo, the first few stars peeking through. Yet somehow, the lanterns felt brighter, as if they had stolen bits of the starlight for themselves.

"It's nice," Gemini murmured after a moment. "Feels like a dream."

Fourth turned to him, an eyebrow raised. "Do you always talk like this?"

Gemini grinned. "Only when I'm in a good mood."

Fourth hummed, unimpressed, but there was a flicker of amusement in his eyes.

They continued walking, weaving through the festival stalls, the sound of lively drums echoing somewhere in the distance. Children ran past them, holding sticks of glowing cotton candy, while couples stood by the game booths, laughing as they tried (and mostly failed) to win prizes.

The air was warm, but not uncomfortably so. The kind of warmth that wrapped around you like a soft embrace.

Fourth suddenly stopped at one of the stalls, his gaze settling on something behind the glass.

Gemini followed his eyes.

Keychains. Small, delicate ones in the shape of seashells, waves, and tiny fish.

"You want one?" Gemini asked.

Fourth shook his head. "No." But he didn't look away.

Gemini smirked. "I'll get you one."

"I just said I don't want one."

Gemini ignored him, handing a few coins to the vendor. He picked out a simple seashell-shaped keychain—pale blue with a tiny pearl embedded in the center.

Turning back, he held it out. "Here. A souvenir."

Fourth eyed him. "You're annoying."

"Wow, and here I was, thinking this was a romantic gesture."

Fourth sighed but took the keychain anyway, slipping it into his pocket without another word.

Gemini chuckled to himself, satisfied.

As they walked on, the festival's sounds and lights seemed to blend into something softer, something quieter.

"Hey," Fourth said suddenly.

Gemini turned to him, eyebrows raised. "Hmm?"

Fourth didn't look at him. Instead, his fingers fiddled with the strap of his bag, his gaze still fixed on the path ahead.

Then, just barely above the noise of the festival, he muttered, "You like it here?"

Gemini didn't hesitate. "I do."

Fourth nodded once, as if that answer was enough.

And strangely, it was.

Because standing here, under the lanterns, in the middle of a festival he had never been to before, Gemini realized—

For the first time, he didn't feel like an outsider.

He felt like he belonged.

* * * * * * *