---
**[Scene - Outside the Girls' Dormitory - Early Morning]**
The third and final day of the festival had begun.
Unlike previous mornings, Kuro was already standing near the garden path, just outside the girls' dormitory. He wore a beautiful midnight blue coat, studded like stars. His hair was neat, and he gazed into the distance, seemingly attentive.
A moment later, the dormitory door opened, and Rei emerged.
She was adorned in a brilliant purple festival gown, accented with silver ribbons, and wore the delicate rings and the small sapphire pendant Kuro had once given her for protection. Her hair was neatly tied half-up with a silver clip.
She blinked in surprise upon seeing Kuro standing there—waiting for *her*.
> Rei (softly):
> "Is Kuro-sama really waiting... for me?"
> Kuro (calmly):
> "You're always waiting for me. Now it's my turn."
> Rei (smiling, a faint blush on her cheeks):
> "How unusual today is."
> Kuro (looking at her outfit):
> "...You look nice. The color suits you."
> Rei (face turning bright red):
> "!—? ...Thank you."
She looked away, smiling like a candle flickering in the air.
> Kuro:
> "Shall we go?"
> Rei (nodding quickly):
> "Of course."
---
**[Scene - Festival Streets - Morning to Afternoon]**
They walked together through the city's cobblestone streets and the academy's festival grounds. This time, the townsfolk themselves had joined the celebration. Nobles, students, merchants, and even knights mingled peacefully.
🔮 **The Mirror Garden**
A courtyard filled with magical mirrors that reflected not one's appearance, but their emotions. One mirror showed Kuro's face, but the reflection had a veil of sadness behind his eyes. Rei's silhouette in the mirror smiled softly at him.
> Rei:
> "Funny mirrors, hmm?"
> Kuro (quietly):
> "...Not so funny."
---
🎨 **Elemental Art Gallery**
Here, they created ephemeral art on water using threads of light and elements.
> Rei (laughing):
> "Kuro-sama's painting looks like a ghost!"
> Kuro (glancing up):
> "It must be you, then."
> Rei (feigning offense):
> "What?!"
---
🕯️ **Memory Candle Stand**
Guests lit special candles and whispered their cherished memories to them.
Kuro lit a small black candle, and its flame shifted to a soft violet.
> Kuro (thinking quietly):
> "I..."
> He stopped.
Rei watched him from behind, quietly lighting her own candle.
---
**[Scene - Hilltop - Evening, Before the Fireworks]**
As the sky shifted to a fading plum-colored twilight, Rei gently took Kuro's hand and led him to a quiet hill overlooking the entire city.
The last light of sunset gilded the rooftops and spires below, while festival lights twinkled like scattered stars across the land. They sat on a small bench there.
> Rei:
> "I found this place last month. I saved it for Kuro-sama for today."
> Kuro (softly):
> "It's peaceful. Too peaceful for what's to come."
> Rei:
> "That's why... Rei wanted to give Kuro-sama something. A hope that something good might come."
They sat side-by-side, the wind tugging at their sleeves.
> Rei (softly):
> "Does Kuro-sama think we can always be like this...?"
Kuro didn't answer immediately.
Then, the first firework burst in the sky, blooming into violet and gold.
> Kuro (quietly):
> "...Nothing lasts forever. But I will remember this moment."
More fireworks followed in rapid succession. The sky blazed with dragons, swords, roses, and starbursts.
Rei looked at Kuro.
She saw it.
Just for a moment… a smile at the corner of his lips.
> Rei (whispering to herself, eyes sparkling):
> "That's... Kuro-sama's first real smile."
Pretending not to have seen, she turned away, her heart beating faster than the fireworks.
> Rei (thinking):
> "Even if the world turns against Kuro-sama, Rei will protect this side of him."
Side by side, they gazed up at the vast sky.
---
**[Final Scene - Narration: From Kuro's Thoughts]**
> "The world does not wait.
> The Goddess whispers.
> Demons gather.
> But tonight, beneath the fireworks, standing here with her...
> For once—
> I feel like I am still human."
---
The Festival Arc has ended, but what will happen next??
---
✦ **To Be Continued...**