Fireworks

“Mahiru?”

Kousei was just on his way to the bathroom, intending to ask the girls how much longer they would take since they were running short on time. But as Mahiru suddenly stumbled out of the bathroom, her face flushing a bright red, he froze in place.

“Wh-what are you doing here?” Mahiru stammered, her ears overheating.

“Uh? I mean, I live here,” Kousei jokingly tried to resolve the situation. But when Mahiru puffed out her cheeks, clearly angry (and somehow even cuter), he realised he might have accidentally walked into a misunderstanding. “N-no, I swear I wasn’t standing here to peek inside! I would never do something like that!”

“You idiot! I hadn’t even considered that, but now that you mention it, you actually make it sound more plausible. Hmpf.”

Mahiru placed her hands firmly on her hips and turned her head away with an exaggerated air of pride. She knew she’d somehow twisted the situation in her favour.

“Hey, don’t act like I’m the one at fault here. Why did you even bolt out of the bathroom like you saw some sort of giant spider?”

“I– I was just panicking, okay? I didn’t know what to wear, and… Oh, whatever,” Mahiru replied, still avoiding his gaze.

“Ohh, so that’s what this is about.”

“Huh?”

In that moment, Kousei’s gaze softened as he began to fully admire Mahiru’s outfit. The light-blue fabric clung to her frame with an innocent elegance, complementing the depth of her sparkling, deep blue Kousei couldn’t seem to get enough of. The subtle patterns scattered across the yukata seemed to form exploding stars – or perhaps even fireworks, depending on who you asked – making the design itself feel alive. Mahiru wore her hair in the same half-up style as the day they met in the café, as though she wanted to remind Kousei of their first intimate, unforgettable moments together.

“I’m not sure if you believe me, but wow, you’re really beautiful. The light colour suits your skin really well, and the patterns look like exploding fireworks. But, to be honest…” Kousei paused for a moment, his cheeks tinged with embarrassment as his thoughts wandered. “I think you’d look beautiful in anything.”

Mahiru’s heart rate increased at the sound of his heartfelt compliment, and she reflexively burst out cackling.

“Hey, what’s so funny now?”

“Oh, it’s just that Yuuna was right after all.”

“That’s the first time anyone has said that. Like, ever.”

They both started to laugh at the silliness of their conversation. These types of exchanges had been the norm over the past few weeks. While Mahiru could temporarily act a little offended when she didn’t get what she wanted, they were always able to make up with genuine laughter.

“But seriously, thank you, Kousei,” Mahiru said, her laugh turning into the prettiest of smiles. “I was so insecure about my outfit, but you managed to make it all better. You look really good as well.”

The outfit Kousei had chosen for himself was a dark Chesterfield coat over a white shirt. He liked the elegance in its simplicity, but of course, he didn’t think he could compare with Mahiru’s shining beauty.

“Well, I can’t let my gorgeous girlfriend steal the entire spotlight later, don’t you think?”

“Mhm, you really are a jealous one.”

Closing the distance between them, they brought their faces closer to each other until their lips connected with a satisfying smooch.

As their lips parted after some seconds, Kousei felt her warm breath brushing against his cheek, and her alluring face came into view.

Mahiru laid her head on his chest, and the sweet fragrance of her hair reached Kousei’s nose. Then, she looked up with her blue eyes dazzling in the light.

“Again,” she whispered.

“Mhm.”

With their lips touching again, their bodies pulled closer, finding solace in each other’s warmth.

It had only been two weeks since their first timid kiss, yet not a hint of their initial shyness remained. Their kisses lasted longer and longer each time they did it, leaving each other with a desire to never let go.

Just as they were about to lose all track of time, the bathroom door was flung open.

Of course, it was by the only person in the house who couldn’t quite read the atmosphere.

“Can you two take your lovey-dovey moments somewhere else?! I’m trying to change!”

⸻⸻⸻⸻❊❊❊⸻⸻⸻⸻

Mahiru and Kousei watched the fireworks explode way above their heads. Bright lights and saturating colours filled the clear, dazzling night sky in a fascinating view they would only get to see again in precisely one year.

As his head turned to Mahiru, their hands tightly clasped into each other, Kousei realised something. While he had grown accustomed to this amazing scenery, this was Mahiru’s first time spectating the firework festival. The sky they currently looked at was the same for both of them, yet the respective meanings they each assigned to it must have been worlds apart.

For himself, it was a pretty view he could enjoy together with the person he loved as well as his sister, whom – despite their differences – he still deeply cared about. It was a moment to be shared, a fleeting experience he could cherish with those who mattered most.

But for Mahiru…

What did this sight mean to Mahiru?

This was the first time she was in direct contact with the West’s concept of freedom, one that was so entirely different from where she came from. So what emotions did she currently hide behind those glittering eyes?

“Do you like it?” Kousei asked, his voice coming out slightly hoarse.

“I… I love it. Thank you, Kousei.”

“Thank you for what? I’m not the one launching them,” he replied with a sarcastic laugh.

“No, thank you for everything. Learn how to take a compliment, dummy.” Mahiru smiled, then followed her teasing remark up with words that came from the bottom of her heart. “I’m so glad I can be here with you, Kousei.”

Returning her smile, Kousei couldn’t help but think of the miracle it took for them to meet. The war had ended 32 years ago to this day, and the wall was built only shortly after. Under normal circumstances, they should never have met.

And yet, they somehow did.

In the division of their countries, they had been united against all odds.

Kousei didn’t know whether it was luck or some sort of higher power that made it happen, but he didn’t care about such an insignificant detail. All that mattered to him was that Mahiru was now by his side.

Looking into her eyes, he couldn’t help but be infinitely grateful for that fact alone.

“Thank you for being by my side as well,” he whispered.

The last few fireworks burst into the night, different colours illuminating the sky one final time.

A bright yellow one racing towards the heavens, as if it couldn’t afford to waste a single second. It reminded him of Yuuna – always rushing forward, never waiting.

Then a blue one soared elegantly, forcing its path through the air with sophisticated motions. That could only be Mahiru – her movements always so composed, yet powerful in their quiet confidence.

And finally, there was a plain white firework, trailing behind the others like it wanted to go unnoticed. Of course, that was himself – always a little out of place, lingering in the background.

No matter their colours, brightness, or origin, all of them were headed for the same destination, disappearing with a spectacular bang.

For some reason, that sight left a bitter feeling in his chest, a quiet ache he couldn’t shake. Reflexively, he pulled Mahiru closer, seeking the warmth of her body.

“Please stay with me, Mahiru. I love you.”

The words slipped out of his mouth before he could think about their meaning. But even after realising what he’d just said, he didn’t come to regret it. How could he?

After all, that was how he truly felt.

Mahiru appeared startled for a second, but then leaned into him, resting her head on his chest.

“Mhm, I don’t want to stay away from you, Kousei. I’ll even follow you to school from now on. I don’t want to stay away from you for even a second.”

“You can’t do that, dummy. People will realise you’re not actually a student.”

“Then think of something.”

Kousei could only laugh at her sudden request, wrapping his arms around her tender body.

“Alright, I will. But you’ll have to spoil me even more in return.”

Yuuna remained behind them the entire time, not saying a word as she was too focused on taking in the beauty of the fireworks.

Or perhaps, even she knew there were occasions where it was best not to interrupt.