The Excitement of the Fire Show Festival

The announcement spread through the school like wildfire — the annual Fire Show Festival was just around the corner. Students were abuzz with excitement, their conversations filled with talk of festival games, food stalls, and the grand fireworks display. But out of everyone, May was the most excited.

"It's finally here!" May beamed, her eyes sparkling as she practically bounced in her seat. "I've been waiting for this since the start of the semester! The festival's supposed to be so beautiful—fireworks, lanterns, food—everything's so romantic!"

Isagi couldn't help but smile. It was rare to see May this expressive and excited, and that enthusiasm was contagious. "You really love festivals, huh?"

"Of course! And the Fire Show Festival is special. It's said that if two people watch the final fireworks together, their bond will last forever!" she said, her face lighting up.

Isagi's heart skipped a beat. He knew this event from the anime — this was the festival where the romantic development really kicked off. In the original version, May had gone with someone else, but this time… maybe things could change.

Later that day, during lunch, Kaito and Akari approached their table.

"Yo! May, Isagi! Akari and I are going shopping for festival clothes this weekend. You guys should come with us!" Kaito said, grinning.

"Shopping?" May's eyes widened with delight. "For festival yukatas? I'm in!"

Isagi hesitated, but one look at May's eager face made the decision for him. "Sure, why not?"

The weekend came faster than expected. The four of them met at the shopping district, where the streets were already buzzing with preparations for the festival.

"Let's find the perfect yukata!" Akari declared, dragging May toward a row of clothing stores.

Isagi and Kaito exchanged amused looks and followed. While the girls tried on different outfits, Kaito nudged Isagi with his elbow.

"So… any plans to confess during the festival?" Kaito teased, a sly grin spreading across his face.

"What?! W-Where did that come from?" Isagi stammered, his face heating up.

"Come on, man. You two are practically a couple already," Kaito said. "The festival's the perfect chance. Romantic atmosphere, fireworks — it's textbook confession material."

Before Isagi could respond, May and Akari returned. May wore a light blue yukata adorned with delicate white sakura petals. Isagi's breath caught in his throat. She looked… stunning.

"Well?" May asked, twirling slightly. "What do you think?"

"You… You look amazing," Isagi said softly, his voice almost lost in the crowd's noise.

May's cheeks turned pink, and she looked away, playing with the edge of her sleeve. "Thank you…"

Akari grinned. "I think you just made her day."

As the sun dipped below the horizon and the shopping trip came to an end, Isagi found his thoughts drifting to the upcoming festival. The excitement in the air was undeniable, and with May by his side, maybe this festival really would be special.

And maybe… it was the perfect time for something more.