After parting with Nino, Eadlyn made his way home, tired but content. Inside, the warm scent of his grandmother's cooking greeted him like a blanket. He joined his grandparents at the table, recounting the camping trip, showing them photos—waterfalls, Ken's telescope, Rin's victory pose, Manami's subtle smiles.
Sakura chuckled. "You three look close already."
Reno nodded knowingly. "School life becomes real only when you build memories outside it."
After dinner, Eadlyn took a quick bath and sprawled across his bed, scrolling through messages.
His group chat was buzzing—Ken sending memes, Rin complaining about sunburn, Manami posting snippets of their trip. Another notification popped up.
Nino: Home safe. Don't sleep too late, Eddy.
He smiled—nostalgic warmth tugging at him—when another name appeared.
Sayaka: Two more days until the festival. Did you buy your yukata?
Right. The festival. The one she had promised.
He replied:
Eadlyn: Haven't yet. What time does it start?
Sayaka answered almost immediately. Evening. But… wear a yukata. It'll look good on you.
He typed a quick Okay, but before he could put the phone down—
By the way… the girl you were with earlier. Who was she?
He froze. How did she—?
Eadlyn: You saw us?
After a pause, her reply came. Yes.
Except… she hadn't been anywhere near the street. Realization dawned.
Only one person would tell her.
The Student Council President—her witty, too-observant best friend.
Ah. So information was moving behind the scenes.
Eadlyn: She's an old friend from the UK. Nino Foster. Our parents used to work together. Childhood stuff.
He pressed send. Sayaka didn't respond immediately. When she finally did, the message was short.
I see. Good night, Eadlyn.
He stared at the screen a moment longer. Something about her tone… tasted of quiet irritation.
And it made him chuckle.
Sayaka wasn't territorial. But she wasn't indifferent either.
The Quiet Days Before the Storm
The next two days drifted by with a subtle lull.
Eadlyn spent one day resting—something he rarely admitted needing—and another organizing things from the trip. His grandparents noticed the anticipation in his steps, the way he checked the clock whenever evening approached.
"Looking forward to the festival?" Sakura teased.
Eadlyn offered a small smile. "It'll be my first one."
Reno handed him a neatly folded yukata—deep navy with subtle patterns. "This was mine. Try it. I think it'll suit you."
To his surprise, it fit perfectly.
His grandmother taught him how to tie the obi properly, her hands gentle but strict.
"You're going with Sayaka, aren't you?" she asked with a knowing grin.
Eadlyn didn't deny it. "Yeah."
"Then stand straight," she said, patting his sleeve. "You represent our family too."
Her remark lingered longer than he expected.
He felt… proud.
Meanwhile, elsewhere—
Sayaka was busy preparing for the festival, scouting stalls, confirming volunteer shifts, making sure everything ran smoothly. She bought a new hair ribbon and practiced wearing her yukata. She would never admit it aloud, but she wanted this evening to be perfect.
On another side of the neighborhood, Nino stared at her phone, her fingers tapping rapidly.
He's going with someone?
Her eyes narrowed.
A challenge… nice. It's been a while.
Even the group chat reacted when he casually mentioned he was going with Sayaka. Ken sent 16 shocked emojis. Rin typed, You're brave. Manami just sent one cryptic: Good luck.
Everyone knew what it meant for a boy to walk beside Sayaka at a festival.
The Beginning of Something
Finally, the festival day arrived.
Lanterns lined the streets. The air smelled of grilled food and sweet syrup. Children ran around in yukatas, their laughter carrying through the golden evening.
Eadlyn stepped outside, adjusting his obi one last time. He took a deep breath.
Today wasn't about romance.
It was about connection. Ambience. Learning the rhythm of someone's world.
And Sayaka was already waiting at the meeting spot—her indigo yukata shimmering under lantern light, her ribbon fluttering softly in the breeze.
Eadlyn approached, heart steady but curious.
"Sorry for making you wait," he said.
Sayaka turned.
Her breath caught.
He looked… different. Calm, dignified, almost regal in traditional attire.
For a moment, words slipped away from her.
This was the real beginning.