The deeper they wandered into the festival, the livelier it became. Music from a shamisen drifted through the air, mixing with the cheerful shouts of stall owners calling customers. Min's eyes sparkled as he scanned the colorful booths—some selling masks, others with games of chance.
"Look, Kei!" Min pointed to a goldfish scooping stall where children crowded around with tiny paper nets. "That looks fun."
Kei glanced at it briefly. "You'll break the net in seconds."
Min pouted, not willing to let him win so easily. "Then I'll prove you wrong."
The stall owner handed Min a fragile scoop, and he knelt by the tank, concentrating on the darting flashes of orange and white. His first attempt tore instantly, and Kei's quiet "hm" was enough to make Min's ears turn red.
"I-I was just warming up!" Min muttered, grabbing another scoop. This time, he moved slower, carefully sliding the net beneath a small goldfish. Just as he lifted it, the paper broke again.
From above him came a soft chuckle. Min froze, stunned. Kei rarely laughed, but the sound was unmistakable.
"Not funny," Min grumbled, though his lips tugged upward despite himself.
When they left the stall, Kei surprised him by handing over a small bag with a goldfish swimming inside.
"Wha—when did you…?" Min stared at him wide-eyed.
Kei's expression remained calm. "You wanted one, didn't you?"
Min clutched the bag gently, warmth spreading in his chest. "…Thank you."
They continued walking until another stall caught Min's eye—a ring toss game with prizes lined up on shelves. "Let's try this one!"
Kei didn't argue, letting Min drag him over. Min's aim was terrible; every ring bounced off the target. Kei, however, tossed once and landed perfectly, earning a small stuffed rabbit.
"Here," Kei said, holding it out.
"For me?" Min blinked, hugging the rabbit close when Kei nodded. "You're… unexpectedly good at these things."
Kei tilted his head slightly. "I don't aim to lose."
As the night deepened, the lanterns above glowed brighter, and the sound of fireworks being prepared echoed faintly in the distance. Min glanced at Kei walking beside him, the bag with the goldfish in one hand, the stuffed rabbit in the other.
Festivals were supposed to be full of noise and color, yet somehow, Min felt the quiet moments beside Kei shone the brightest.
To be continued...