A Quiet Night

The walk back to the dormitory was filled with an unusual mix of silence and warmth. The night air was cool, the distant pops of fireworks still echoing faintly, but the real firework — the one in Isagi's heart — was still going off. He glanced at May, her face softly illuminated by the moonlight, the yukata she'd chosen flowing gently with each step. She was quiet, but there was a peacefulness in her demeanor.

Kaito and Akari walked a few steps ahead, teasing each other and laughing. Their energy was still high from the festival, but Isagi couldn't focus on them. His thoughts were all over the place — his failed attempt to confess, the way May had looked at him during the fireworks, and the fact that this night was ending without him saying the words he'd been holding onto.

"Hey," May's voice broke his thoughts.

He blinked and turned to her. "Yeah?"

She smiled softly. "Thanks… for today. I had a lot of fun."

Isagi felt his heart skip. "Me too," he managed to say, his voice barely above a whisper.

They reached the dormitory, and the four of them stood at the entrance for a moment.

"Well, I'm beat!" Kaito stretched dramatically. "That was a great festival. Let's do this again sometime."

"Definitely," Akari agreed, stifling a yawn.

"Good night, you two," May said with a gentle wave.

"Night!" Akari waved back, dragging Kaito inside.

That left Isagi and May alone in the hallway. For a second, there was only quiet.

"Um… good night, Isagi."

"Wait," he said quickly, and she paused, tilting her head.

He wanted to say it. Right there. But the words wouldn't come. Not yet.

"Uh… I just… I'm really glad we got to spend today together," he said instead.

She smiled again, that same warm, soft smile that made his chest tighten. "Me too. Good night."

As she disappeared into her room, Isagi let out a long breath, leaning against the doorframe.

"Coward," he muttered to himself.

But the night wasn't over yet — and tomorrow, maybe tomorrow, he'd finally find the courage to tell her.