By the time evening arrived, the town streets glowed with lanterns hung from one side to the other. The air carried the scent of roasted chestnuts and sweet pastries, mingling with the sound of laughter and distant festival music.
Min walked beside Kei, his steps a little slower than usual as his eyes darted to every colorful stall. Children darted past holding candied apples, while shopkeepers called out to passing crowds. The atmosphere was alive, buzzing with warmth and joy.
"It's beautiful," Min murmured, almost to himself.
Kei glanced sideways. "It's the same as last year."
"That doesn't make it any less beautiful," Min replied, lips curving into a soft smile.
Kei didn't argue, but his gaze lingered on Min for a moment before turning forward again.
They stopped at a stall selling small wind chimes, each one painted with delicate patterns. Min reached out to touch one with tiny blue flowers, the glass cool beneath his fingertips. "This one is so pretty… Don't you think so, Kei?"
"It suits you," Kei said simply, as if the matter was obvious.
Min blinked, caught off guard, then quickly let go of the chime. "Y-You say things so casually sometimes…"
Before Kei could reply, Airi popped up from the crowd, her hands full of festival snacks. "Min! Kei! I've been looking everywhere for you!" she exclaimed, thrusting a paper bag into Min's hands. "Here, try this! They're sweet rice cakes—my treat!"
Min laughed, accepting them. "You didn't have to, Airi."
"I wanted to! Festivals are better when you share," she said cheerfully, before spotting another friend and dashing off again as quickly as she came.
Kei picked one of the rice cakes from the bag and held it up near Min's lips. "Eat."
Min froze, eyes widening. "I can eat it myself!"
"I know." Kei's tone was calm, but he didn't lower his hand.
Heat rose to Min's face, but after a hesitant pause, he leaned forward and took a small bite. The sweetness spread across his tongue, but it was nothing compared to the warmth that settled in his chest when he saw the faintest trace of a smile tug at Kei's lips.
"Good," Kei said, as if satisfied, before turning to lead the way deeper into the festival.
Min followed, his cheeks still burning. Under the glow of the lanterns, the night felt more dazzling than ever.
To be continued....