Chapter 129: A Fireworks Festival Without Someone

The day of the fireworks festival had finally arrived—something Kaguya Shinomiya had been eagerly awaiting.

Due to her past personality, she didn't have many friends. It wasn't until she was invited into the student council by Miyuki Shirogane that she started forming real connections.

An hour before the fireworks began, Kaguya had already changed into her yukata and stood in front of the mirror, her face beaming with joy.

'No matter how much Fujiwara messes around today, I won't get angry. No matter how sharp-tongued Takamine is, I'll forgive him—because for the first time during this dull summer, I get to go out with friends… and with the person I care about.'

Hayasaka Ai helped Kaguya tie her hair ribbon. After reminding her to be careful on the road, she prepared to leave.

"Hayasaka, aren't you coming? Takamine Rinji will be there too."

"I'll pass."

Hayasaka smiled for once.

"It'd only make things awkward. I'm not even sure if he'd want to see me."

"You need to have more confidence in yourself, Hayasaka."

"Thanks, Kaguya-sama."

Hayasaka could tell that Kaguya was in an exceptionally good mood because of tonight's event.

Once everything was ready, Kaguya put on her wooden sandals and prepared to head out.

"I'm leaving now, Hayasaka."

"Alright, stay safe."

Kaguya happily headed for the door.

She could finally go out with everyone. She could finally see the fireworks she longed for—not just from her window, but up close.

She could finally see the president again.

She could finally…

"No."

…finally…

When Kaguya opened the door, the same woman from the day before—the sunglasses-wearing housekeeper—stood there once again.

With her same emotionless tone, she said, "Young lady, your recent behavior is simply unacceptable. Going to a crowded place like that could cause you to become separated from your attendants. If you get lost, how are we supposed to explain it to the head of the family?"

"…Yes."

And so… everything went back to how it was.

…

After the housekeeper left, Kaguya lay face down on the bed.

Hayasaka looked at her with concern, but Kaguya hadn't said a word since that moment.

Even the last bit of hope she had during summer break had been taken from her.

She just wanted to see the fireworks with everyone.

But… this was normal. She was used to it. So it was fine.

It was fine.

"It's fine."

Kaguya lifted her head. Though she was smiling, her face was already stained with tears.

"I really… wanted to see the fireworks with everyone."

But the fate of a caged bird was not something she could decide for herself.

Just as Kaguya picked up her phone to send a message straight from the heart, there was a knock at the door.

It was the same housekeeper who had just blocked her earlier.

She walked over to Kaguya's bed and bowed.

"Young lady, you may attend the fireworks festival. The head of the family has given his approval."

"Huh?"

Not only was Kaguya stunned—even Hayasaka was taken aback.

Shinomiya Gan'an had never cared about Kaguya's feelings before. Why this sudden change?

While Hayasaka was puzzling over it, a thought came to her, and she gently patted Kaguya on the shoulder.

"That's great, Kaguya-sama. Now you can go to the fireworks festival with your beloved president."

"Y-yeah… I guess so."

Kaguya was still so shocked she didn't even notice Hayasaka teasing her.

---

"Kaguya-san! Over here!"

The best viewing spot for the fireworks was by the shrine festival, so everyone had agreed to meet there.

Wearing her wooden sandals, Kaguya jogged over, finding the area already packed with people. The student council members, along with Kei Shirogane and Moeha Fujiwara, were all waiting for her.

"Sorry I'm late."

"No worries~," Chika Fujiwara smiled. "Let's walk around the festival before the fireworks start~!"

"Mm, okay."

Kaguya nodded happily. She didn't know why she was suddenly allowed to come, but she was overjoyed regardless.

She looked around. Besides Kei and Moeha, the other student council members were all here…

"Huh?"

Kaguya looked surprised.

"Where's Takamine-kun? He didn't come?"

"Oh, he said something came up last minute and couldn't make it," Miyuki Shirogane explained.

"I see… That's too bad."

"Yeah… real shame."

The fireworks wouldn't start until evening, so there was still some free time.

Kaguya, having narrowly escaped being shut in again, returned to her usual state of mind. Her thoughts began to wander.

'Well, it's a rare outing with the president. If we could sneak off alone… no, what am I thinking? Everyone's here, we should all enjoy it together.'

She shook her head, brushing away those thoughts.

Just being able to come was already a blessing. How could she be greedy for more?

"Kei, Moeha, let's go over there! Looks like there's good food!"

Chika called out to Moeha and Kei, grabbing their hands and dragging them toward some food stalls.

"You three know the meeting spot, right?" Miyuki shouted after them.

"We know!" x3

With that, the three girls vanished from view.

Ishigami checked the time on his phone and said to Miyuki, "President, I'll just wander around here for a bit. I'll meet up at the designated spot later."

"Alright, don't lose track of time."

"Got it."

With that, Ishigami walked off in the opposite direction.

Now only Miyuki and Kaguya, both in yukata, remained.

Miyuki smiled and said, "Shall we walk around together?"

"Sure…"

'What's going on? My luck's amazing today!'

The two strolled through the festival together, buying snacks and playing games like goldfish scooping and shooting targets.

Kaguya wore a smile the entire time. The whole thing felt like a dream.

Walking through the festival together with Miyuki—this was something she only dared imagine in her sleep.

She blushed and looked at him, only to see a trace of regret on his face.

"What's wrong, President?"

"Ah, nothing…"

Miyuki smiled and looked up at the sky.

"I was just thinking, if Rinji had come too, it probably would've been even more fun."

---

Meanwhile, in Kyoto, inside the Shinomiya family estate—

Dozens of bodyguards and servants lay unconscious across the courtyard. Inside the main hall, Shinomiya Gan'an's expression was dark, and his two sons were visibly trembling.

Before them sat Takamine Rinji, calmly sipping tea.

He placed the cup down on the table. A blood-red glow flickered in his pupils.