---
[Scene - Kuro's Bedroom – Morning]
Sunlight filters through the blinds, painting amber hues on Kuro's walls.
Today, Kuro is already awake—his hair neat, his clothes changed into a lighter festival outfit: a dark suit with a silvery sheen.
He stands silently before the mirror, adjusting his collar. A strange feeling stirs in his chest, one he doesn't understand.
> Kuro (to himself)
> "If I'm late, she'll probably yell at me again..."
Just as he's about to leave, a knock sounds at the door.
> Rei (from behind the door, muttering)
> "Is he asleep again...?"
Kuro opens it immediately.
Rei blinks, surprised. She is wearing a soft beige festival dress with matching ribbons in her hair, her expression one of open astonishment.
> Rei:
> "Wha—Kuro-sama, you're ready already?!"
> Kuro (calmly)
> "It's the second day. I assumed you'd arrive excessively early... so I adjusted."
> Rei (eyes scrunched closed, smiling)
> "Hmm. Is Master finally taking our Date seriously?"
> Kuro (with a slight shrug)
> "I'm merely being punctual."
Rei giggles, her heart rate picking up slightly at his rare cooperation.
---
[Scene - Academy Grounds – Festival Second Day]
The campus is even more lively than yesterday. New stalls have opened, displaying rare magical creatures, exotic crafts, fortune-telling, and dance troupes powered by alchemy.
---
🎠 Elemental Beast Taming Show
Students gather before a bright arena, watching as handlers guide fire wolves, wind serpents, and earth tortoises through an obstacle course.
> Rei (excitedly):
> "This is new! Look at that wind serpent—it's like a ribbon in the sky!"
> Kuro- "They keep the tamed creatures on a very tight leash. One wrong move from the handler, and they'd retaliate."
> Rei:
> "Kuro-sama... can't you just watch it like a normal person?"
> Kuro (deadpan):
> "I'm trying."
---
🌀 Fortune Telling Booth
Rei pulls Kuro into a tent where a masked figure sits surrounded by glowing orbs.
> Fortune Teller (in a deep voice):
> "I see shadows... I see light. A boy hiding himself, and a girl trying to pull him out."
Kuro's eyebrow twitches slightly.
> Rei (teasing):
> "Hey. That sounds about right, doesn't it?"
> Kuro:
> "That's the most common fortune of all."
> Fortune Teller:
> "And yet... you're listening, aren't you, boy?"
Kuro falls silent first—but he isn't unaffected.
---
🎇 Festival Game Stall
They stop at a stall glittering with stars. The prize? A small, magical dragon plush that breathes sparks when squeezed.
> Rei:
> "I want this one, Kuro-sama!"
> Kuro (glancing at it):
> "Then I'll just have to win it."
> Rei (smiling):
> "I'll be counting on Master to win it for me."
Kuro sighs and steps up.
He throws a perfect energy ball on his first try.
> Rei (softly):
> "You could have done that yesterday too..."
> Kuro (handing her the plush):
> "You didn't ask yesterday."
Rei holds the given plushie, beaming.
> Rei:
> "Thank you, Kuro-sama."
---
[Scene - Ryuto - Watching from Afar]
From a balcony above the plaza, Ryuto leans on the railing, watching the pair at the stall.
> Ryuto (smiling):
> "Another Date, huh? Ahem, he's just on time this time..."
He laughs to himself.
> Ryuto (to himself):
> "You're strange, Kuro. Cold as ice, yet... warmer than you let on. It reminds me of..."
"But I don't think *he* would Date someone like you."
Ryuto continues to watch with a faint smile.
He stops mid-thought, his eyes narrowing as if a realization is about to hit him, and he shudders.
---
[Scene - River Bridge - Sunset]
As the second day nears its end, Kuro and Rei find themselves on a small, illuminated bridge overlooking the river, where spirit lights float on the water.
> Rei (gazing at the water):
> "Kuro-sama... did you enjoy today as well?"
> Kuro:
> "I suppose it was more... engaging than I anticipated."
> Rei:
> "That's not an answer."
> Kuro (after a brief pause):
> "...Yes. It was peaceful."
Rei turns to him with a gentle, serious look.
> Rei:
> "Someday... I want to see you smile. Not for Rei, not for the world, but for yourself."
Kuro doesn't reply. But his eyes soften, reflecting the lights from the river below.
> Kuro (quietly):
> "We'll see..."
---
[Scene - Dormitory Hall - Night]
Walking back towards the dorms-
> Rei:
> "Don't forget tomorrow is the final day. I have a surprise for after the festival ends."
> Kuro :
> "Are you scheming something again?"
> Rei (knowingly):
> "Perhaps."
She gives a wave and disappears into the girls' dormitory.
Kuro pauses for a moment, staring at the dragon plush still hooked on her arm.
> Kuro (muttering):
> "She's far too persistent..."
And yet... he didn't let go of the feelings.
---
✦ To Be Continued...