Chapter 14: Festival Sparks, Part II

The sun dipped low over Hoshikawa High, casting warm amber light across the festival grounds. The booths were bustling, laughter echoed through the air, and a soft breeze carried the scent of grilled meat and candied apples.

It felt like another world—far away from the usual tension of school, responsibilities, and reputations.

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Goldfish Games & Accidental Fun

"Why are we doing this again?" Naoto asked, holding a flimsy paper scoop.

"Because it's tradition," Rika said, crouching beside the small tank. "And you need to loosen up."

"I'm loose. I'm relaxed. I'm extremely not interested in catching fish."

"Too bad," she smirked. "You already paid."

Naoto sighed and dipped the scoop into the water. It tore instantly.

"Wow," Rika said, deadpan. "A record."

"Don't act like you can do better."

"Oh?" She took his place and, to his surprise, carefully fished out not one, but three goldfish. "I grew up around koi ponds. Get on my level."

"…You trained for this."

They both laughed.

It was small, but in that moment—kneeling by a fish tank surrounded by lanterns and strangers—Naoto forgot all the walls between them.

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Booth Visits and Unexpected Cheers

As they walked through the festival, they passed groups of students—some offering snacks, others yelling out game promos.

"Naoto!" someone called. "Join the ring toss!"

Rika nudged him. "Go."

"I'd rather—"

"You said I should loosen up. Now it's your turn."

He gave her a look, then stepped up to the booth. His first toss hit the pole.

The second—bullseye.

"Beginner's luck," Rika muttered.

"I'm just good at throwing things," Naoto replied, handing her the prize: a tiny plush cat.

She blinked. "You won that for me?"

"No," he smirked. "You're just holding it for now."

"Idiot," she said, but she didn't let go of it.

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Fireworks & Firsts

As night fully settled, the music softened. Students gathered across the field, sitting on blankets or standing in groups, faces turned toward the sky.

The first firework lit up the night.

Rika and Naoto stood side by side. Not too close, not too far.

She watched the sky for a moment, then glanced at him. "Thank you. For today."

He looked at her. "For what?"

"For making it feel… normal. Like I'm not just the rich girl with fake friends."

He didn't say anything right away.

Then, softly: "You're not fake. They just don't know the real you yet."

Another firework bloomed—bright and golden.

She didn't respond. But she didn't look away, either.

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Another Late Message

That night, Naoto sat on the balcony again.

> [Unknown]: "You smiled. Twice."

He stared at the message.

> Naoto: "It's nothing. It's just noise."

> [Unknown]: "Or maybe it's something you needed."

Naoto locked his phone.

But he didn't deny it.

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[End of Chapter 14]