The Proposal Plan

The sun dipped low over the horizon, casting a golden glow over the dormitory grounds. The excitement for the upcoming fire show festival was in the air, and preparations were in full swing. Even the usually calm and composed May was practically radiating enthusiasm.

Isagi had never seen her so animated. Every little thing about the festival seemed to delight her — from the lantern decorations to the food stalls they had passed earlier during their shopping trip. Watching her light up like this made something stir inside him, and that feeling only grew stronger the more time they spent together.

After finishing their preparations for the day, Isagi sat on the dormitory's common room couch, flipping through a book, though his focus was anything but the words on the page. His mind kept drifting back to May and the festival. He was so distracted that he didn't even notice Kaito plopping down next to him with a wide grin.

"So," Kaito began, elbowing Isagi playfully. "You're finally gonna do it, huh?"

Isagi blinked, startled. "Do what?"

Kaito's grin grew wider. "Don't play dumb. You're planning to confess to May at the fire show festival, right?"

Isagi's face heated up instantly. "Wh-What? Where did you even get that idea?!"

"Oh, come on," Kaito laughed. "It's written all over your face. Besides, the fire show is the perfect time for a romantic confession. The fireworks, the atmosphere… it's like the universe is rooting for you."

Isagi looked away, embarrassed. "It's… not that simple."

"Why not?" Kaito asked, his voice turning serious. "You like her, right? You've had so many chances to get closer, and she's obviously comfortable with you. What's holding you back?"

Isagi sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's just… what if she doesn't feel the same way? What if I ruin everything between us?"

Kaito shook his head. "You'll never know unless you try. And from what I've seen, you've got a pretty good chance."

Before Isagi could respond, Akari and May walked into the room, giggling about something. May's eyes lit up when she spotted him, and she immediately made her way over.

"Isagi!" she called cheerfully. "We're going to start making decorations for the festival tomorrow. Do you want to help?"

Isagi felt his heart skip a beat at her smile. "Y-Yeah, sure."

As May chatted excitedly about their plans, Kaito leaned in close and whispered, "See? Perfect chance. Don't mess it up."

Isagi's face burned, and as the evening wore on, one thought became clear — maybe Kaito was right. Maybe the fire show festival really was the perfect time.

He just had to find the courage.

And so, the plan began to take shape in his mind.