Fire Lantern Festival (Part 1)

 Tetsuji-sensei sighs, rubbing his temples as he surveys the pile of reports.

“A simple accident,” they all claim—yet somehow, that “simple accident” managed to set a sacred hill on fire, land three students in the infirmary, and cause a priestess to threaten divine punishment. He isn’t paid enough for this.

Setting the reports down with a heavy hand, he lifts his gaze to the trio standing before him.

“Care to explain yourselves?” His voice rumbles across the classroom, sharp as ever.

Rei bows deeply, guilt clear on her face. "Sensei, I take full responsibility for the failure of the festival's cultural elements," she says, her voice soft but firm.

Sakura scratches the back of her head, a nervous smile on her lips.. "Oops... I guess I kinda went a little too far with the whole... thing?" Her laugh rings out—awkward, innocent, trying to defuse the moment with her usual charm.

Takumi steps forward, his expression troubled. He feels the need to defend them. "It was all my fault. I wasn’t watching her closely enough. I should’ve—"

Tetsuji’s sharp gaze silences him instantly. “Not buying it, Hoshikawa,” he says, his voice steely with authority. “You’re all involved, whether you like it or not.”

The classroom goes silent as Tetsuji-sensei waits for an explanation.

Sakura shifts uncomfortably, scratching the back of her neck, her mind drifts back to yesterday’s events—when everything felt so much simpler...

Standing by the camellia garden, her heart is beating with a mix of excitement and relief.

"When I kissed Takumi, it felt... different. There’s no pretense, just warmth. I want to feel this way more. Maybe... maybe this is what it means to be part of this place."

As promised, Takumi and she meet daily during his chores, like today’s broom sweeping.

“Morning, Sakura.”

“Good morning!” she says, her eyes sparkling.

Takumi places a gentle kiss on her forehead— Sakura smile widens, her cheeks tinting a delicate pink. The gesture has become more natural for both of them.

“Look! I’ve brought cinnamon rolls for you and for Rei! I made them myself.”.

She reveals a small basket, the pastries hidden under a checkered towel.

“She will love them.”

A few moments later, Rei enjoys them. She ponders aloud as they eat before class starts.

“I’ve been thinking about the festival. Where do you think I could find a kimono?”

Rei’s face lights up, glowing with excitement.

At lunch break, Rei guides them to a traditional booth. One of her ‘highly-esteemed cultural recommendations’ as she calls them. The booth may be small, but it’s of high quality.

“No boys allowed!” Rei scolds Takumi, who’s trying to follow them inside. A few moments later, she springs out of the shop door, wearing a light blue yukata. The attire is undeniably beautiful.

“Takumi! How do I look?”, she asks with delight.

“It suits you.” Takumi replies.

“Come back inside! We’re not finished!” Rei calls out from inside.

They buy the yukata, but Takumi checks the time.

“At this rate, we might be late for afternoon classes. Let’s go now.”

“Let me stay a little longer.”, she says, her eyes dreamily gazing at the store extensive selection.

“Fine” replies Rei, “we’ll start walking. Don’t take too long, okay?”

She strolls a little more around the shop.

“Young girl, are you still there?” an elderly woman asks.

Sakura blinks. “Ah—yes! Sorry, I got lost in thought.”

The woman chuckles. “You remind me of my granddaughter.”

“You remind me of my sweet grandma!”, Sakura replies, her eyes sparkling.

“Oh my, I don’t know what to say, esteemed customer. Are you visiting?”

“Actually, I go to school here.” Sakura gestures vaguely—clearly in the wrong direction. “But, I want to make tons of friends and learn about the culture!”

The woman hums thoughtfully.

“Is it for that boy? he’s from a traditional family, yes?”

“Wait, wha—?” Sakura blushes. “I-I guess?”

The woman’s knowing smile deepens. “He would appreciate a miko outfit.” She places one in Sakura’s hands. “Take it, free of charge.”

Sakura hesitates. “But I wasn’t—”

“I thought you wanted to immerse yourself?” The woman’s eyes twinkle. “Go explore the sacred shrines.”

Sakura looks at the outfit, a slow smile forming. Maybe she really can make this place feel like home.

As evening falls, the festival grounds come alive with laughter and music. Rei walks through the festivities, her red kimono pristine, her fan a symbol of quiet authority. Students stop to ask for guidance, some even bowing—bordering on awkward. She nods, composed as ever.

Then, she spots Aoi-senpai, in her teal yukata. The tiny senpai is strolling through the festival without a care in the world—cotton candy in one hand, a fox mask perched playfully atop her head, and a goldfish pouch dangling from the other.

There’s no rush, no duty—just pure enjoyment.

Rei watches, envious.

Aoi catches her stare and grins. “You look way too serious for a festival.”

Rei lifts her fan slightly, the movement as controlled as her voice.

“Ensuring everything goes well.”

Aoi squints at her.

“Wait a minute… Have you even tried one game?”

Before Rei can protest, Aoi grabs her wrist. “Break time!”

Rei stumbles as Aoi drags her forward. “Wait—Aoi!”

Nearby students glance over in surprise.

“She’s on break!” Aoi calls back to the stunned students.

Before Rei can regain her balance, Aoi thrusts a candy apple into her hands.

“First up, food!”

Rei frowns at the glossy red apple.

“I… don’t usually eat so much sugar.”

Aoi puffs her cheeks. “One bite.”

Rei hesitates, then takes a small bite. The crisp sweetness surprises her.

“See? Not bad.” Aoi grins, already leading her to another stall.

Ring Toss.

Aoi shoves a few rings into Rei’s hands. “Alright, now let’s test your aim!”

Rei raises a delicate eyebrow. “This is a children’s game.”

“We are children tonight!”

Rei throws a ring with careful precision. It lands perfectly.

“Damn. You’re good.”

They move on—goldfish scooping, a mask shop, okonomiyaki stall…

Slowly, Rei relaxes. The stiffness in her shoulders fades. The laughter around her doesn’t feel so distant anymore.

After a while, they reach a quiet spot, far from the festival chaos.

Rei leans gracefully against a railing, while Aoi swings her legs playfully.

“So? Feeling more alive now?”

Rei exhales, a rare smile forming. “...Perhaps.”

Aoi smirks. “Knew it.”

Silence lingers, comfortable, until Rei speaks again, softer. “You enjoy things so easily. I admire that.”

Aoi leans back. “Life’s too short to be serious all the time. You should enjoy what’s in front of you, you know?”

Rei watches the lanterns flicker.

‘Enjoy what’s in front of her…’

Her mind drifts—to Takumi. His smile, his rare compliment from earlier.

Aoi smirks. “You’re thinking about him, aren’t you?”

Rei blinks. “I—”

“I knew it.”

Rei looks away. “I should return. There’s still work to be done.”

Aoi stretches her arms lazily.

“Alright, alright, back to your throne, Festival Queen. But hey, at least now you’re not just thinking about work.”

Rei walks away, a thought lingering.

‘This festival could burn down. It has no meaning without Takumi.’