The Anticipation Builds

The shopping trip had been a long and exhausting one, but as they finally returned to the dormitory, there was a distinct air of excitement. Over the past two days, they had spent hours choosing the perfect yukatas, and the results were well worth it.

May's yukata was a soft, sky-blue color with delicate pink and white cherry blossom patterns dancing across the fabric. It was elegant and graceful, matching her gentle personality perfectly. Isagi couldn't help but be captivated when she first tried it on — it felt as though she had stepped out of a painting.

Isagi's yukata was a deep navy blue, adorned with subtle silver streaks that resembled falling stars. It was simple yet stylish, and when they stood together, their colors complemented each other beautifully. Akari had teased them mercilessly, saying they looked like a perfect couple from an old summer festival tale.

On their way back to the dormitory, they stopped by several stores to pick up the necessary items for the festival — fans, small accessories, and even a few traditional snacks they couldn't resist. The shopping bags piled up, and with every item they bought, the excitement for the upcoming fire show festival grew stronger.

"Can you believe it's finally happening?" May said, her eyes sparkling. "The fire show festival! I've been waiting for this since we first heard about it!"

"I can tell," Isagi said with a chuckle, watching her skip ahead with a bag of snacks in hand. "You've been more excited than anyone else."

"Of course! It's going to be magical!" she replied, twirling around to face him. "The fireworks, the food stalls, the games… everything!"

Akari and Kaito walked a few steps behind them, grinning at their friends' dynamic.

"You know," Akari whispered to Kaito, "it's kind of cute how into this she is."

"Yeah, and Isagi's definitely getting pulled along for the ride," Kaito replied with a smirk.

As they finally reached the dormitory, they collapsed onto the couches in the common room, exhausted but happy.

"I can't wait to see how everything turns out," May said softly, hugging one of the shopping bags close. "It's going to be perfect."

And for a fleeting moment, as Isagi watched her glowing with happiness, he hoped it really would be.