The evening air was crisp, with the faint smell of Roasted Chestnuts and Soy Sauce wafting through the festival grounds. String lights crisscrossed the sky, their warm glow complementing the paper lanterns swaying lazily in the breeze. The soft hum of festival chatter, laughter, and traditional music filled the air. It felt like a scene straight out of a drama.

Y/n pov

I adjusted the Yukata that my friend had convinced me to wear, the fabric unfamiliar but not unwelcome. Its soft floral pattern made me feel festive, though I couldn't quite shake the awkwardness of dressing up. My friend had already darted off, lured by the Goldfish Scooping Booth, leaving me standing by the food stalls alone.

As I scanned the crowd, I spotted a familiar figure just a few feet away. There he was, Koga Yudai. He stood out effortlessly, even in the midst of the bustling festival. His dark hair was slightly tousled, and his casual attire, a light jacket over a plain shirt, looked just as polished as if he had stepped out of a photoshoot.

In his hands was a small paper bag, steam rising faintly from it. He was holding freshly Fried Taiyaki, but the serene expression on his face made it look like he belonged in a painting.

I froze for a second, unsure whether I should approach him or not. I have never expected to see him here out of all places. The two of us had talked a handful of times before, it was pleasant, and casual exchanges that always left me smiling longer than I cared to admit. But here, amidst the vibrant lantern lights and festival buzz, seeing him felt different.

Before I could even make a decision yet, he spotted me. His sharp gaze softened, and the faint smile he wore transformed into something warmer, something that felt personal. He walked towards me, weaving through the crowd with practiced ease.

K: Hey. Didn't think I'd see you here.

He greeted, his voice cutting through the noise like a gentle melody. And I replied, trying to sound calm, even though my heart was already racing.

Y/n: Same here. What brings you to the festival?

He tilted his head, his lips curving into a small smirk.

K: What? You don't think I'm the festival type?

Y/n: Honestly? No.

I teased, and laughing softly.

Y/n: You seem more like the quiet café or late-night stroll kind of guy.

Yudai chuckled, and rubbing the back of his neck.

K: Fair enough. But festivals have their charm too. The food, the lights... the company.

And he held up the bag in his hand to me.

K: Want one? They're still warm.

Y/n: Taiyaki?

I asked, surprised by the offer. And he replied me while pulling one out.

K: Yeah, it's red bean flavor. And don't worry, I already tried it, it's good.

So I reached out to take it, and for a brief moment, his fingers brushed against mine. It was such a simple touch, but it sent a spark through me. I bit into the Taiyaki, savoring the warmth and sweetness.

Y/n: Not bad.

I admitted, and smiling at him.

K: Told you

He said, while leaning against a nearby stall.

K: You should trust me more, you know?

The two of us wandered through the festival together, stopping at various stalls and games. And Yudai has surprised me with his skill at the ring toss, effortlessly landing the rings around the bottles. He even managed to win a small, fluffy stuffed animal, which he handed to me right afterwards without a hesitation.

K: Here.

He said, and handed me the fluffy toy animal, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. And I blinked and looked at the toy in my hands.

Y/n: You're just gonna giving this to me?

K: Of course, I think it suits you better than me.

He replied, his tone is light but his eyes are sincere. And I couldn't help but laugh.

Y/n: Thanks. It's a little cheesy, but I'll take it.

As the night wore on, the crowd began to thin out, and the festival grounds took on a quieter, more intimate atmosphere. The two of us found ourselves on a small bridge overlooking a Koi pond. The lanterns hanging from the bridge cast soft reflections on the water, creating an almost magical scene.

Yudai leaned on the railing, gazing at the rippling water below. His expression was calm, but thoughtful. And he said softly.

K: It's nice, isn't it? Nights like this... they remind me to slow down a bit."

And I nodded, resting my hands on the cool wooden railing beside him.

Y/n: Yeah. It's peaceful.

And a comfortable silence settled between us, and was broken only by the faint sound of a Shamisen being played somewhere in the distance. Then, Yudai turned to me, and his expression shifting into something more serious, more vulnerable.

K: I'm glad I ran into you tonight.

He said, his voice low but steady. And my breath got caught in my throat by his words.

Y/n: You are?

He nodded, and his gaze was unwavering.

K: Yeah. I've been wanting to spend time with you like this for a while now.

The confession was so simple, yet it made my heart flutter in a way nothing no one else could ever had.

Y/n: Really?

I asked, and my voice was barely above a whisper. And he smiled, a small but genuine one curved on his lips.

K: You're easy to talk to. Easy to be around. I don't know how to describe it... But to make it simple, I feel like I can be myself when I'm with you.

The sincerity in his voice made my chest ache in the best way possible. And I looked down at my hands, and gripping the stuffed animal he had won for me.

Y/n: I feel the same way.

I admitted, with my cheeks burning up to a deep shade of red.

For a moment, neither of us said anything. Then, slowly, Yudai reached out, his fingers brushing against mine's before gently taking my hand in his. His touch was warm, steady, reassuring.

K: Let's stay like this for a little bit longer.

He said softly, his thumb brushing against my knuckles.

K: I like this. Just... being here and with you.

And I looked up at him, and my heart swelling as I took in the soft glow of the lanterns reflected in his dark eyes. There was something so gentle, so real about him in this moment.

Y/n: Okay.

I whispered, and smiling at him.

And as we stood there together under the lantern glow, hand in hand, it felt like the rest of the world had faded away, leaving just the two of us. It wasn't just a festival night anymore, it was turning into something special, something that feels more warm and sweeter than the Taiyaki that we have shared. A new beginning and a new chapter of our story.

Japanese Words Dictionary

Yukata: It is a lightweight, casual, unlined cotton robe that is a traditional Japanese summer garment.

Fried Taiyaki: It is a Japanese street food, it is fish-shaped pancake that's been deep fried, traditionally filled with sweet red bean paste.