Chapter 8: Summer Festival

The long-awaited day had arrived—the Summer Festival.

Lucas wore a simple black yukata with white stripes along the sleeves. Though he was initially reluctant to wear traditional clothing, he eventually gave in after realizing that almost everyone at the festival would be dressed similarly.

When he arrived at the meeting spot, he saw Takagi already waiting for him.

And he was momentarily speechless.

Takagi wore a light purple yukata adorned with cherry blossom patterns. Her usually free-flowing hair was now tied to the side with a small fan-shaped accessory.

Lucas approached her with a wide grin. "Whoa, who is this beautiful girl? Don't tell me I came to the wrong place and met someone else?"

Takagi scoffed, crossing her arms. "Ugh, stop acting like an idiot, Lucas."

Lucas chuckled. "I'm not joking. You look absolutely stunning tonight."

Takagi's face turned slightly red, but she quickly averted her gaze. "Tsk, whatever. Let's go before this festival ends."

Lucas smiled and walked beside her. This girl really had a hard time admitting she liked being complimented.

The festival was lively, filled with various food stalls, games, and lanterns illuminating the night. The sounds of traditional music mixed with the laughter and chatter of the visitors.

Lucas and Takagi walked side by side, though Takagi kept a small distance as if she didn't want to be seen too close to him.

"Do you often come to festivals like this?" Lucas asked as he glanced at the food stalls.

Takagi shrugged. "I used to, when I was a kid. But as I got busier with my studies, I rarely attended them."

Lucas nodded. "So you sacrificed fun for studying?"

"It's not like that." Takagi turned to him. "I just wasn't that interested in things like this. But…"

Lucas raised an eyebrow. "But?"

Takagi cleared her throat slightly. "But I was curious about how it would feel to attend with someone I could actually have a conversation with."

Lucas grinned. "And that person is me? I feel honored."

Takagi immediately turned her head away, her face looking slightly flushed. "Don't get a big head!"

Lucas chuckled and grabbed two takoyaki from a nearby stall. "Here, this one's for you," he said, offering one to Takagi.

Takagi hesitated for a moment before accepting it. "Thanks."

They continued strolling, enjoying their food, occasionally stopping to check out games like balloon shooting and goldfish scooping.

When Lucas tried his hand at the balloon shooting game, he missed several times, making Takagi burst into laughter.

"Hah! You always brag about your reflexes and strategy, but you can't even win a kids' game?" she teased.

Lucas squinted his eyes. "Alright, now I have to win, or my pride as a man will be ruined."

Takagi chuckled. "We'll see about that."

On his final attempt, Lucas finally hit the target and won a small cat-shaped plush toy.

Without thinking twice, he handed it to Takagi.

"This is for you," he said casually.

Takagi looked surprised for a moment before awkwardly taking the plushie. "I didn't ask for this."

Lucas smiled. "But you're not refusing it either."

Takagi just let out a small huff, but she kept the plushie firmly in her hands.

As the night deepened, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived—the fireworks show.

Lucas and Takagi stood on a small hill overlooking the festival, giving them the perfect view.

As the first firework burst into the sky, Lucas glanced to his side and saw Takagi watching with bright eyes.

For the first time, he saw her genuinely enjoying the moment without hiding behind her usual tough attitude.

Lucas smiled. "Takagi."

Takagi turned to him. "What?"

Lucas looked at her softly. "I'm glad I could come to this festival with you."

Takagi was silent for a moment before letting out a small sigh. "Me too…"

Lucas raised an eyebrow. "Hm? I didn't hear the last part."

Takagi glared at him. "I said me too, idiot!"

Lucas laughed. "Alright, alright. I heard you."

As the grandest firework exploded in the sky, Takagi suddenly spoke in a quiet voice.

"Lucas… have you ever thought about having someone who's always by your side?"

Lucas turned to her, slightly surprised. "What do you mean?"

Takagi bit her lip before finally saying, "Forget it. It was a stupid question."

Lucas gave her a small smile. "If it's a question from Saya Takagi, I'm sure it's not stupid."

Takagi didn't respond, only staring at the sky with an unreadable expression.

Lucas didn't push any further. He knew Takagi was the type who needed time to understand her own feelings.

And for now, that was enough.