Episode 10 – Summer Fair / Silent Glances

Act II: Sunshine Between Us

The summer air buzzed with the excitement of the annual school festival. Stalls lined the streets with colorful lanterns, sweet aromas, and laughter spilling like music into the warm night.

Yuki, Ren, Mina, and Takeshi walked together, their footsteps weaving through the crowd.

Mina pulled Yuki toward a cotton candy stand. "Come on, it's tradition!"

Yuki smiled, brushing strands of hair from her face. Ren kept close beside her, eyes bright.

Takeshi trailed just a bit behind, watching quietly.

As they wandered past game booths and food stalls, Ren suddenly tugged Yuki gently to the side, away from the crowd noise.

"Wait here," he said softly.

Yuki looked up at him, surprised.

He led her to a quiet corner beneath a tree, where the festival's lanterns cast a warm glow.

For a moment, they just stood there, the sounds of the festival distant but alive.

Then the first fireworks bloomed in the sky—bright bursts of red and gold.

Yuki's eyes reflected the colors.

Ren smiled. "Beautiful, isn't it?"

She nodded, feeling her heart flutter.

"Thank you for tonight," she whispered.

Ren's hand brushed hers. "I'm glad I'm here with you."

Behind them, Takeshi watched, his jaw tightening.

He looked away quickly, swallowing his feelings.

Later, as the group reunited, his gaze lingered on Yuki and Ren's quiet moment.

A silent jealousy stirred—a longing he hadn't fully admitted even to himself.