The festival smelled like fried food and sweetness. Takoyaki steam curled through the night air, mingling with the sharp tang of grilled corn. Paper lanterns swayed over the crowded street, painting everything in soft gold and orange.
Ren tugged at my sleeve. "Come on! Try the ring toss with us!"
"I don't… really play games," I muttered.
"Boring," Yuna said, sprinting ahead with her usual energy. "You'll have fun!"
Mio laughed and looped her arm through mine. "Aoi, you're just scared of losing."
I didn't reply. I followed quietly, taking in the chaos and warmth—the way the light reflected in everyone's eyes, how the laughter wrapped itself around me.
We found a small clearing near the riverbank where families and friends had gathered. The fireworks weren't starting yet, but the air was already buzzing, like a held breath before a storm.
"Look at that," Mio whispered, pointing to a cluster of lanterns floating up into the sky.
I nodded, unable to stop staring. Something about it felt… fragile, fleeting.
Ren nudged me. "You writing that down in your notebook?"
I shook my head. "Not yet."
He grinned. "Figures. You'd probably miss everything if you did."
I almost said he was right.
The first firework erupted suddenly, a crackling bloom of red and gold. The crowd gasped. The second followed, then the third. Each one seemed louder than the last, each one brighter, as if racing to reach the clouds.
Yuna jumped in excitement. "They're beautiful!"
I glanced at her—her smile was wide, but her eyes weren't fully shining.
Mio noticed too. "You okay?" she asked gently.
Yuna shook her head quickly. "Yeah! Yeah, I'm fine!"
I didn't press. Some things she didn't want to say yet.
The fireworks continued, lighting up the night sky, reflecting in the river like spilled paint. I felt my chest tighten. Not with fear—something heavier, quieter, like the weight of time slipping through my fingers.
Mio leaned on my shoulder. "Aoi… you're quiet tonight."
"I'm just watching," I said. "It's… easier that way."
She nodded, letting it pass. We stayed like that for a while, shoulder to shoulder, listening to the pops and whistles of the fireworks.
Ren and Yuna ran around in circles, cheering at every burst, while Mio and I stayed still. I wished I could capture this feeling—how warm, how fleeting, how perfect it felt in the midst of all the chaos.
The finale started, a wave of color that made the sky look like it was burning. The crowd clapped, cheered, and some cried quietly. Mio squeezed my hand without looking, her fingers warm against mine.
For a moment, I imagined telling her something. Anything. But the words caught in my throat. The moment ended too quickly, as all moments did.
When the smoke cleared, Ren and Yuna ran back to us, laughing and sweaty. "Best summer ever!" Ren declared.
"Yeah," I whispered, staring at the last glowing sparks fading into the night.
Mio looked at me, a soft smile lingering. "It's not over yet," she said.
I nodded silently. Somehow, I knew she was right. Summer was just beginning.