As the night wore on, the crowd began to drift toward the open square by the river, where fireworks would soon light the sky. Min followed along with Kei, clutching the stuffed rabbit tightly while balancing the little bag with the goldfish. The chatter around them was filled with excitement, children squealing as they ran ahead with sparklers.
They found a spot beneath a tall willow tree, slightly away from the thickest crowd. The air buzzed with anticipation, and Min sat down on the grass, smoothing his clothes nervously. Kei sat beside him, as composed as ever, his gaze fixed on the dark sky.
"It feels like everyone's been waiting all year for this," Min murmured, tilting his head back. "I know I have."
"Mm," Kei replied quietly.
The first firework shot into the air with a sharp whistle, exploding in a shower of gold and red. Gasps rose from the crowd, and Min's eyes widened, reflecting the burst of light. He hugged the rabbit closer, lips parting slightly in awe.
"Beautiful," he whispered.
Kei didn't look at the fireworks. His eyes were on Min. The colors of the sky painted Min's face in shifting hues, soft and fleeting, like a painting that could vanish at any moment.
When Min finally noticed, his cheeks warmed. "Y-You're not watching the sky?"
"I am," Kei answered calmly, his gaze unwavering.
The words made Min's heart skip. He quickly turned back toward the fireworks, pretending to focus on the dazzling display above, but his ears betrayed him, glowing red in the lantern light.
Another firework burst, this one scattering into sparkling trails that slowly faded. The crowd cheered, but Min barely heard them. All he could feel was the quiet intensity of Kei sitting beside him.
As the final firework lit up the sky in a grand cascade of silver, Min let out a soft sigh. "I wish this moment could last longer."
Kei's voice was low, almost blending with the night. "Then let's make it last."
Min blinked, turning toward him—but before he could say anything, Kei stood, offering a hand to help him up. Min hesitated only for a heartbeat before slipping his hand into Kei's, warmth surging through his chest.
The fireworks ended, but for Min, the night still shimmered.
To be continued....