Chapter 9 - The Fire Festival

Kenji rummaged through the cluttered box beside the couch, tossing aside an empty bottle, a crumpled magazine, and a pair of tangled earphones."Hey, where's the scent bottle?" he called out.

"Somewhere in that mess. Just dig a little," Koji replied from the kitchen, his voice muffled by the sound of the kettle.

Kenji sighed and kept digging. His fingers brushed against a worn envelope, yellowed at the edges. It was sealed but slightly open — the handwriting on the cover was faded but still readable:

To Koji, from Hana.

He froze.

His thumb traced the edge of the letter. Part of him wanted to ask. To open it. To say something.

But he didn’t.

He knew better.

Koji didn’t like talking about Hana. He never had.

Kenji gently set the envelope back and grabbed the scent bottle beside it.

 As Koji stepped into the room, Kenji popped the cap and sprayed it onto his shirt without a second thought.

The scent hit him instantly — rancid, sharp, like mildew in an old trash can."Ugh—what the hell is this?!" Kenji gagged, flailing his arms. "Koji! What is this garbage?!"

Koji's eyes widened. "Hey! Don’t use too much, that’s all I’ve got!"

Kenji took off across the apartment to throw it out, dramatically fanning his shirt as Koji lunged after him. "Come back here, you idiot—"

The door creaked open.

Both boys froze mid-chase, nearly crashing into each other.

Yumi stood at the doorway, blinking in confusion.

She wore a soft, pale dress that clung gently to her figure, her hair tied back in a simple braid. There was something warm and unassuming about the way she looked — effortless and calm, like a breeze off the coast.

Koji and Kenji both stared, wide-eyed and still.

Yumi’s cheeks flushed instantly. “W-What?” she stammered, glancing away.

Kenji broke the silence. “You look nice,” he said, grinning sheepishly.

“Th-thank you,” Yumi muttered, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

Koji said nothing. But the red on his face said enough.

Yumi’s eyes briefly met his, and he quickly turned away. So did she.

Kenji, watching them both, smirked. “Anyway... should we just go to the park before Koji chokes me to death with that rotten perfume?"

Koji sighed and took the perfume away. "You don't know what a good perfume smells like."

They stepped out together, three shadows against the fading light — hearts burdened, laughter echoing softly behind them.

The sun dipped lower as the three of them walked side by side, the narrow sidewalk barely wide enough to hold them. Their shoulders brushed now and then, forcing small, awkward steps to keep pace.

Yumi shifted slightly, slowing down as if to walk behind them and give the boys space. But Kenji caught the movement.

He shot a sly glance at Koji.

Koji noticed it instantly.

Their eyes met.

Don’t you dare, Koji’s glare said.

Kenji’s grin only widened.“Ah, crap!" Kenji suddenly exclaimed. "I just remembered—I forgot to buy the tickets! You know, for the park and… other places.”

Koji’s eyes narrowed.

Kenji stepped back a few paces, already turning around. “You guys go ahead! I’ll grab the tickets before they sell out. Be quick!”

And just like that, he took off down the street in exaggerated jogging strides.

Yumi blinked, then let out a small laugh. “He really does run a lot, doesn’t he?”

Koji muttered under his breath, “Yeah… bastard.”

“Hmm?” Yumi tilted her head. “Did you say something?”

Koji glanced away. “Nah. Nothing.”

They continued walking.

The world grew quieter around them — just the rustle of trees and the occasional car passing by. The golden hour softened everything, casting long shadows and a warm hue across the sidewalk.

After a few moments, Yumi stopped and opened her handbag. She rummaged through it for a second before pulling out a small bundle of bills.“Here,” she said, holding it out to him.

Koji looked at her, puzzled. “What’s this?”

“I got paid yesterday,” she said softly. “And… thank you. For everything.”

Koji hesitated. He stared at the money in her hand, then at her expression — quiet, sincere.

“I didn’t do much,” he said.

“You did more than enough,” Yumi said with a sense of gratitude.

The light breeze tugged at her hair, and for a second, Koji thought he saw something else in her eyes. Something distant. Familiar.

He took the money slowly, unsure what to say.

They kept walking.

And even though they said nothing more, the silence felt... warm.

As they walked under the amber sky, Koji glanced at the folded bills in his hand.

“…This is more than what I gave you ,” he said quietly.

Yumi smiled, her voice soft. “A way of saying thank you... from me. I know I’m broke, but—back then, in that moment—I felt truly alone. Like no one was ever going to hear me. No one to ask for help. And then you showed up.”

She paused.

“That day… it felt like maybe someone out there cared. Maybe I just wasn’t looking. I was too busy hiding, pushing everyone away. So... thank you. For giving me hope.”

Koji walked in silence for a moment, then asked, “Did you pay the monster?”

She blinked. “The what?”

“The landlord,” he said flatly.

“Oh.” She nodded. “Yeah. I paid him. But I’m moving out. I’m tired of that place. I don’t want to live under that creep’s roof anymore.”

Koji stopped walking.

Without a word, he held the money back out to her.

Yumi looked at him, stunned.

“Moving out takes a lot of money,” he said. “And I don’t want you stuck with that guy. I told you already, there’s no rush to pay me back.”

She stared at the money, hesitant.

Koji added, “Take your time. Pay me back whenever it feels right. No pressure. Seriously.”

“It feels like I'm using you,” she whispered.

Koji shook his head. “You’re not. Don’t even worry about that. You needed help. I did what I could. That’s it. No debts, no guilt. So take it.”

Yumi’s hands trembled slightly as she reached out, her fingers brushing his. Her cheeks had turned the faintest shade of pink.

Koji looked away, scratching the back of his head. “Kenji’s gonna kill me for giving the money back.”

Yumi looked up, surprised. “He knows?”

“Yeah,” Koji said with a small grin. “He might look dumb, but he’s good at reading people. Figured everything out before I even said anything.”

Yumi bit her lip, her eyes lowering.

“He even said I was only doing this to get you to like me or something,” Koji added with a scoff. “But it’s not like that. He just... fantasizes too much.”

Yumi didn’t answer right away. Her gaze lingered on the sidewalk, and there was a faint sadness in her eyes—as if part of her didn’t mind if that fantasy had been true.

But Koji did notice Yumi but he does not wanna acknowledge it fearing for something, something deep he still has not opened up about, something he hides or run away from.

“Speaking of that idiot…” he said, turning his head.

In the distance, a figure was sprinting toward them, waving frantically.

“There he is.”

Kenji barreled down the street, panting, with a stack of papers half-folded in his hand and an exaggerated heroic pose ready to go.

Koji sighed. “Just in time to ruin the moment.”

Yumi chuckled quietly, and for a second, Koji thought he saw her smile in a way he hadn’t seen before.

Kenji slowed his jog as he reached them, holding up the tickets with a triumphant grin.

“Good news!” he announced. “I barely managed to get the tickets for the park.”

Koji raised a brow. “You didn’t have to run off like that. We could’ve gone somewhere else if it was closed.”

Kenji shrugged. “Yeah, but… I like the park more. It’s scenic, don’t you think, Yumi?”

She looked up, startled for a second. “Ah… sure. I’m up for anywhere.”

But her voice was distant, her thoughts still circling something deeper. She hadn’t moved on from what Koji had said earlier.

Koji noticed but didn’t push. He simply gave a nod. “Then let’s go.”

What followed was a string of quiet, sun-drenched memories.

The three of them explored the park, strolling beneath trees that swayed in the breeze. Kenji’s plan to get Koji and Yumi alone on the lake boat backfired—badly. When Yumi insisted the two of them go first, Koji hesitated, and in the confusion, Kenji was shoved forward by accident.

The next thing they knew, Koji and Kenji were stuck paddling a small boat in lazy circles while Yumi laughed from the dock, snapping a picture of their mutual disappointment.

Later, in the arcade, Yumi came to life.

She stepped up to an old rhythm game and—without warning—demolished the high score.

Koji and Kenji watched in stunned silence as her hands moved with laser precision, eyes locked in concentration. She didn’t notice them. She didn’t notice anything except the beat of the game.

When she won, she raised her fists in the air and shouted, “Yes!”

Silence fell around her.

She blinked.

Everyone was staring.

Her face turned red in an instant, and she bolted behind Koji and Kenji like a child hiding behind her parents.

Kenji leaned over. “That was impressive. Scary. But impressive.”

“We got a gamer here.” Koji muttered, hiding a smile.

By the time they got to the food court, Yumi had fully bounced back.

While Koji and Kenji picked at their meals with restraint, trying to be polite, Yumi devoured half the menu without hesitation—mouth full, eyes sparkling.

Koji nudged Kenji. “You’re paying.”

“What—why?!” Kenji sounded surprised.

“You were the one who wanted this trip.” Koji said with a grin in his face.As the sun dipped low over the sea, the sky turned a molten red. The three of them stood atop a cliff that overlooked the ocean. The waves glittered below, slow and endless, like time itself had stretched.

They laughed as they reached the edge.

Kenji stopped to stretched. “Man, what a day. Seriously, that was the most fun I’ve had in ages.”

Koji nodded. “Yeah... after everything that’s happened since I got back, this might’ve been the first day that actually felt good.”

Kenji turned toward Yumi. “What about you?”

Yumi blurted out, “It's the most fun I’ve had in ages!” Her face lit up—but then quickly scrunched. “But… I embarrassed myself. A lot.”

They all gave a small chuckle.

Then she suddenly stood up. “I—I need to use the bathroom! Be right back!”

As she hurried off, Kenji smirked. “That’s what happens when you eat half the menu.”

Koji chuckled. “Yeah. You paid for it.”

They found a small bench near the cliff’s edge and sat, watching the waves below. The wind carried the scent of salt and distant flowers. Silence settled in, not awkward—just peaceful.

Across the park, three kids ran along the path, laughing as they passed by in soft-colored kimonos. They looked no older than eight or nine.

Kenji watched them go.

“They look like us,” he said. “Back during the Fire Festival.”

But Koji didn’t answer.

The light in his eyes dimmed, slowly drained by something unseen.

The laughter around them faded. The red sunset bled across the sky like ink spilled in water.

And the smile on Koji’s face disappeared.

The red hue of the present-day sunset bled into memory.

**FLASHBACK - THE FIRE FESTIVAL**

The sound of the sea faded.

And in its place—

Laughter. Lanterns. Music.

The air shimmered with life as the Fire Festival bloomed into the streets.Colorful stalls lined the walkways, glowing with warm yellow lights. Red paper lanterns swayed above. The scent of grilled mochi and sweet plum filled the air as crowds wandered between goldfish-catching games and fortune stands. Children ran past, their laughter carried on the wind, yukata sleeves fluttering behind them.

Koji stood near the festival's edge, younger, his hair slightly neater, his posture stiffer. His blue kimono hugged his frame awkwardly, like it didn’t quite belong to him yet. He shifted nervously, glancing down the lantern-lit path every few seconds.

Beside him stood his mother, her pink kimono soft and elegant, her arms folded calmly.

“They’re late…” Koji mumbled, voice low.

“They’ll come,” his mother replied, smiling gently. “You worry too much, chin up.”

He didn’t reply.

But then—

Gasps whispered through the crowd.

Koji looked up.

And time seemed to slow.

Hana walked through the evening haze like a dream brought to life. Her yellow kimono shimmered softly under the lantern glow. It clung gently to her as she moved, the color standing out like a candle in the dusk. Her soft blonde hair swayed against her shoulders. People turned. Eyes followed.

But she only looked at him.

And she smiled.

Koji's mother blinked, taken aback. She stepped forward. “You look… gorgeous. Like an angel dear. What makeup did you use? Your blue eyes are mesmerizing.”

Hana tilted her head, a bit shy. “No makeup. I just walked here.”

Koji’s mom murmured to herself, nodding, “Mmm. So that’s what being young feels like…”

Koji stood frozen.

Still.

Staring.

Face flushed.

Eyes wide.

“Y-You… you look beautiful,” he said, finally looking down, almost like it hurt to say it aloud.

“Thank you,” Hana said, voice soft and fluttering. “You look great too. That blue suits you.”

She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear—and as she did, Koji noticed the small silver ring on her finger.

His breath caught.

Quietly, without a word, he raised his own hand.

He wore his ring too.

A silent promise kept.

Hana stared at his hand, her breath hitching just for a moment. Her cheeks colored, and her smile turned gentler—more real.

Their eyes locked.

The world around them softened.

And then—“I knew it,” Koji’s mom said with a teasing tone, spinning around to give them space. “I’ll give you two a moment—oh!”

Her voice brightened. “And there he is!”

From down the path, Kenji approached. His black kimono was slightly rumpled, his hair windblown, but he walked with a casual swagger, hands in his pockets.

“You came,” Koji said, stepping forward.

Kenji gave him a look. “Of course I did. I made a promise too, didn’t I?”Hana smiled. “It wouldn’t be the same without you.”

“So…” Kenji glanced between them, then at the lanterns and stalls. “What now?”

Koji hesitated for a second, then looked at the sky.“To… watch the fireworks,” he said. “What else do you do at a festival?”Kenji smirked. “Alright then.”

The three of them stood together as the music rose and the crowd gathered around the lake.

“Nice dress,” Kenji said casually as he glanced at Hana. “It suits you.”

Hana smiled faintly. “Thanks. I thought… you were still mad at me.”

Kenji shook his head. “No. I wasn’t mad at you. I was mad at myself.”

Hana’s eyes lingered on him. “You sound different. Did something happen?”

Kenji glanced toward Koji, who stood watching the distant fireworks prep near the lake.“I just talked things out… with him,” Kenji said, nodding.

Hana turned, surprised. “Koji? What did you do?”

Koji scratched the back of his head, a small smile forming on his lips. “Something I should’ve done a long time ago.”

The two exchanged a glance.

A quiet smile.

A shared understanding.

Kenji watched them with narrowed eyes. “Okay… what is happening between you two?”

But before either could respond, Koji’s mom swooped back in with her usual charm.“Oh shoot! I forgot to buy some snacks. Can’t watch fireworks without food, right?” she said cheerfully. Then, almost too conveniently, she turned to Kenji. “Come with me.”

“But I’m not hungr—” Kenji protested, only to be dragged by the sleeve.“No excuses. You’re coming,” she insisted, practically yanking him away, giving the other two some space.

As her voice faded, Hana looked up at Koji.“…So,” she said quietly, “shall we walk?”

“After you,” Koji replied.

They strolled along the beach path, soft waves lapping at the shore nearby. Families dotted the sand. Children giggled as they chased sparklers. Couples nestled together beneath the deepening sky.

Hana’s eyes lingered on them.

A father hoisting his daughter on his shoulders. A mother laughing with a toddler in her arms.

And suddenly, her smile cracked.

Her eyes dropped to the sand.

She had never had that.

Not even close.

Koji noticed her quietness. He reached out gently, taking her hand into his.

Her eyes widened, meeting his.“I know,” he said, his voice soft, steady. “But it’ll be okay. One day. I promise. Let’s go back before we lose our spot.”

She nodded, and they walked back, hand in hand, the breeze pulling gently at their clothes.

Koji’s mom and Kenji soon returned, arms full of snack boxes.“We got it all cheap!” she declared proudly.

Kenji looked at the pile. “Yeah, but… why this much?”

“Because it was cheap!” she replied, then spotted her friends nearby. “Oh—there they are!”

Without hesitation, she handed all the snacks to Kenji and waved cheerfully. “Take care of it!”

“What—wait—hey!”

Too late.

She vanished into the crowd.

Kenji trudged toward the hill where Hana and Koji sat, his arms overflowing.

Then—

Boom.

A light burst across the sky, dazzling gold and violet.

The first firework cracked open the dark clouds above, scattering sparks like fallen stars.

More followed.

Red, blue, green—each brighter than the last.

And even though the sky was choked with clouds that night, the fireworks made it look like the stars had returned. Reflected in the ocean below, it was like two galaxies—one above, one below—had found a way to touch.

Koji and Hana sat silently, shoulder to shoulder, hands still entwined.

She leaned just slightly into him.

In that moment, they weren’t broken people. Just two souls floating in light, tethered by a promise.

Behind them, Kenji stood still, watching.

There was no jealousy in his eyes.

Only pride.

They had found each other in the dark.

And somehow, that made everything feel… okay.

After the show, the three of them walked through the thinning crowd.“Where’s my mom?” Koji asked.

Kenji snorted. “She saw her friends. Don’t worry, she said she won’t disturb you two lovebirds.”

Hana’s face turned red. “H-How did you…”

Kenji grinned. “I saw the whole thing. You two aren’t exactly subtle.”

Koji groaned. “Don’t tell anyone, please.”

“I won’t,” Kenji said, giving a small salute. “Trust me.”

They walked a little farther down the path, their laughter fading into comfortable silence.

Then—

A voice.

A low, calm voice from behind them.“Hana.”

She froze mid-step.

Her hand slipped out of Koji’s.

The blood drained from her face.

Koji and Kenji turned.

He was there.

Her uncle.

He walked toward them slowly, hands in his coat pockets. His demeanor was polite, face calm—almost gentle. But something in his eyes was off.

 Too still. Too quiet.

“What are you doing here?” he asked.

Hana couldn’t meet his gaze. She looked down. “I… I came to see the fireworks. With my friends.”

Kenji stepped slightly forward. “Who is this man?”

Hana’s voice was a whisper. “He’s my—”

“I’m her uncle,” the man cut in, his smile stiff and practiced. “And you must be her friends. That’s good. It’s healthy for a girl to have guy friends, huh?”Kenji tensed. The words were polite, but they curdled in his ears.

Koji, oblivious to the undercurrent, bowed politely. “Nice to meet you.”

The uncle’s eyes flicked to Koji, then back to Hana.

“Your aunt made food at home. Special family meal for today,” he said.

 “Let’s go.”

Hana hesitated.

She didn’t want to go.

Everything in her posture said so.

But she nodded.

She had no choice.

She turned to the boys. “Bye…”

Koji gave a small wave, unsure.

Kenji’s fists clenched as he watched them walk away he knew something is not right what he said before kept running in his mind.

Then—out of earshot from the others—the uncle’s mask slipped.

His tone turned low. Rotten.

“You shouldn’t talk to other boys,” he hissed, eyes cold. “You’re mine. Your aunt doesn’t give me what I need. You’re all I’ve got.”

Hana walked in silence.

Her hand trembled.

But her lips didn’t move.

She had learned long ago what silence could protect her from.

And what it couldn't.