Louder Than the Sky

The festival lay muted in the night, celebration muffled by distance. Lanterns and stalls twinkled, mimicking the stars that shined in the clear sky above.

But none of that was of any concern to the couple sitting together in silence.

"…"

"…"

Despite nothing being said, tears began to leak from Miyami's eyes, trailing down her cheek to drip off her chin. They fell onto Hinoka's hair, dampening it slightly as the droplets rolled through her strands.

The shorter girl shifted in response, stirring from her closeness.

"…Did you want to talk?"

The last word punctuated Miyami, chest cramping painfully. Her lungs swiped shaky breaths from the air, but there wasn't enough to fill them. All her body wanted to do was break. Cry, scream, and sob until all of it was gone.

"…"

She didn't though—not completely. Instead, she buried her face into her partner's scalp and let the tears flow freely.

*sniffle*

Heartbeats echoed into one another, waltzing in rhythm despite the harshness of the ambience. They stayed like that for a few minutes.

"…Miyami?"

Her name was a wisp in the eventual prod, but the other woman caught it, desperately pressing it against her heart.

"Y-yes?

"…I'm sorry you went through that."

She could feel the pain soaked in Hinoka's voice.

A pair of arms reached out and encircled her in an embrace, drawing her even closer until their bodies were melded in trembles and heat.

"I'm so sorry."

"…" Miyami didn't respond. She didn't know how to respond. It wasn't Hinoka's fault that those two jerks were there, nor was it her fault that this had happened in the first place.

All she knew were two things: she hurt, static wrapping its tendrils around her heart and grasping her limbs, and she needed comfort from her partner, to feel the warmth of her skin against hers and to be reassured it would be fine.

That she still loved her.

More wetness flowed down her cheeks, turning from trickle to river.

The voice that had escaped back there—the voice that'd driven away the two men—had been a male one. A deep, masculine roar that'd erupted from her throat without warning, a sound she hadn't even realized she could still produce.

And now the world had heard it—Hinoka had heard it.

░░▓▓░▒▓░▒▓▒▒░▒░░

Sure, her girlfriend had heard her raw voice before—deeper, 'smoother'. She had accepted it, praised it even.

But that was different.

Her cadence had been low, but it'd carried a softness still. Her tone had been darker, but not devoid of warmth. Her pitch had been deep, but not enough to lose yourself in.

Her smooth voice still sounded like 'her', as weird as it was.

What had just escaped her though?

░░▓▓░▒▓░▓▒░░

Miyami hugged back, desperate to keep Hinoka close as she sobbed through the static.

"Y-you still love me, r-right?"

Embrace turned to iron at the question.

"Of course. Why wouldn't I?"

"B-because I-I sounded like—"

A hand caressed her back. "Shh… don't say it."

*sniffle*

"But it was—"

Lips silenced her then pulled back. "It doesn't change how I feel about you. That voice wasn't soft or pretty, but it was you in intent. You were protecting me—loving me. There's nothing wrong with that."

*ba-dump*

Lips met hers again, this time longer. They stayed connected, breathing into each other until the taller girl's sobs lessened and the static receded.

The couple separated after a few moments, both panting lightly, river down to a trickle.

"Thank you, Miyami." Forehead rested against hers. "My beautiful penguin princess."

She gulped down any doubt at the title, tears turning sweeter.

*sniff*

Her vision became clear once more as she wiped the wetness away. Hinoka's face was still there, smiling, loving.

"ATTENTION: FIREWORKS ARE BEGINNING SOON. WE HOPE EVERYBODY FINDS SOMEONE SPECIAL TO ENJOY THE SHOW WITH!"

The announcement rang out over the distant music and chatter, echoing throughout the park. Both girls looked up, faces still damp.

That was right. The festival's main attraction. They were supposed to go and enjoy it.

"…" Miyami reluctantly pulled away from the caress, rising to her feet. Her legs were shaky, and her body was heavy, weighed down by fatigue, but she managed to stand upright.

"Come on, let's get moving." She offered her hand to Hinoka, her voice hoarse and scratchy. The other woman didn't seem to mind, accepting it and allowing herself to be led towards the crowd.

…Although not before snatching the food and drinks from the bench.

"Don't forget these!" She balanced them in her arms. "We still need to munch on the takoyaki, and I haven't even sipped my tea yet! What would've happened had I not grabbed them?"

A smile cracked Miyami's face, giggling a little.

***

The park was alive, pulsing with excitement as people gathered in the vast field. Lanterns lined the perimeter, casting a gentle glow across the area. Families sat on blankets, friends huddled together in groups, and lovers held one another close.

The two of them fell into the latter category, obviously.

Hinoka had already unfolded a small blanket from the kinchaku bag she'd brought, letting them settle in on the grass. Both of their drinks were nearly empty now after having indulged, but there was still just enough liquid to weigh them down and not tip over.

Miyami scanned around as she took another sip.

Thankfully, there were no eyes on them besides passing glances. It seemed the sea of people had lost the memories of their scene at the bench. The only stares left were likely from those noting the slightly formal wear that adorned them.

She couldn't blame them though. The kimonos were rather pretty.

Miyami let out air into the night sky, trying to relax as she leaned back on her elbows. The show would begin any moment now, and people were already beginning to set up to record.

A nudge prodded her side.

"Pst, hey. Do you mind feeding me? I sorta lost my chopsticks on the walk here, but I still have yours."

Miyami glanced down at her girlfriend, presenting both the paper dish and chopsticks to her.

"…Are you trying to copy our confession date?" Her cheeks rose upward, amused at the attempt.

Hinoka grinned. "So what if I am?"

"…"

"…" Miyami took a piece and blew on it, although the steam had long since faded. She ferried it over to her girlfriend's waiting mouth, watching it disappear into the void.

A hum reverberated from the girl before swallowing and licking her lips in an almost sensual fashion.

"Delicious~!"

"It probably helps you're not scalding your tongue this time."

Another nudge, although this time more pointed. "Here, let me try this time."

"But I already have—"

The chopsticks were swiped from her grasp, and a takoyaki was shoved in her face.

"Eat."

"…" Miyami rolled her eyes before obliging, partaking in the barely-warm taste of octopus and dough. It was tasty, but the rather intimate brushing of the utensils against her lips was even sweeter. She swallowed it down after chewing, a small sigh escaping her.

"Is it delicious~?"

"…" The dark-haired girl nodded with a blush.

"Good! Now open up again—"

*KA-BOOM!* *crackle-crackle*

Their attention was suddenly stolen by a thunderous explosion, painting the sky in brilliant red and gold. The crowd cheered as the first firework shot off into the night, bursting into vibrant orange and blue sparks that rained down on the city below.

Food was swiftly forgotten as the couple scrambled to look upward at the spectacle.

*BOOM-BOOM-BOOM-KA-BOOM!!!*

Flashes of color brightened their faces. Green and red, purple and gold, white and yellow—all the colors of the rainbow bloomed overhead like flowers of fire, lighting up the world in an array of brilliant hues. Each burst sent a light shockwave across the field, enough to feel, but not enough to rattle.

*BOOM-BOOM-BOOM*

*crack-crack-crackle*

Miyami looked over to her girlfriend to see her reaction, only to find herself captivated by another sight in the night. Hinoka's eyes sparkled, the lights dancing across her skin and kimono like a kaleidoscope.

She was breathtaking.

The fireworks continued to explode in dazzling arrays, each one more spectacular than the last. But Miyami's gaze remained fixed on the girl who'd stolen her heart so many months ago.

Then, the goal of the night resurfaced in her mind, gently nudging her thoughts.

'Kiss Under Fireworks.'

"…"

Her hand crawled across the blanket and rested on Hinoka's own. The woman looked at her, confused for a moment, before realizing what she was trying to do.

"Really? Now?!"

Miyami nodded and blushed, scooting over to where they were side-to-side.

"R-really?" Hinoka's voice was incredulous, and she glanced around to see if anyone was watching before looking back at her partner.

"I-I know it was your goal, but isn't this too public? The show goes for 30 minutes, so we can just escape somewhere if you want later. Plus, I'm pretty sure I'd taste like takoyaki—"

"Hinoka."

"…!"

The shorter girl fell silent at the call. Miyami grew closer, whispering in her ear between explosions.

"The night's already had an outburst. With everything going on, what's one kiss?"

"…"

Hinoka's breath hitched as the taller girl puller her closer, arm around her back. The two came eye to eye, noses nearly millimeters apart. Both were panting lightly, bodies heated to the situation.

Gazes flickered over one another, then a smile and nod each. Miyami closed her eyes, leaning the rest of the way forward to make contact.

*KABOOM!!!*

She smelled her partner's scent: a hint of perfume mixed with sweat. Warmth spread from lips to core. And more sparks than the sky flew in connection, lightning surging through her being.

*CRACKLE-CRACKLE!!!*

The kiss deepened for a moment more. Lips parted as tongues danced, stopping just shy to maintain modesty. Fireworks continued above, illuminating the world below.

*KABOOM-KABOOM-BOOM!*

Miyami pulled back after a few seconds, catching her breath as Hinoka did hers.

No words needed to be spoken as they flushed and smiled.

*crackle-crackle-crackle*

Hinoka rested her head against her shoulder, settling in and merging their warmth. One last kiss was given, this time on the cheek.

Giddiness ran through Miyami's soul, and she wrapped her arms around her partner, holding her close once again as the crisp autumn breeze swept across them both.

*KA-BOOM!*

Hinoka had tasted like takoyaki.

Not that Miyami minded though.

She was rather fond of the taste.