Earthside: A Confession in Red

Kael broke the silence.

"Because of what happened that night… is that why you hate me?"

Hana moved to the hallway window, resting her hand against the glass as she looked outside. The sound of laughter and chatter from the festival drifted faintly through.

"I don't hate you for that night," she said softly. "After that night… you made me attached to you. Every time I'm not busy and my mind clears, that moment comes back. You come back. I hate you for making me feel like this. I've been trying to put distance between us so I can shake this feeling… because what am I supposed to do when you return to your world?"

Kael stepped up beside her, his eyes following the crowds below—students eating, laughing, living freely.

"Are you not going to be with someone because one day they might die or break up and you'll be separated? Are you not going to travel because there's a chance someone might steal from you or hurt you? Are you not going to experience life because bad things might happen along the way?"

He paused, then spoke with quiet conviction.

"I think I told you this once before. We adventurers never know if we'll live to see another sunrise or sunset. All we can do is live in the present—and enjoy the moment."

Hana turned to him, her eyes lingering on his, drinking in every word as though she wanted to etch them into her heart.

"Don't deny yourself life because you're afraid of what might or might not happen. Not just with us, but in every part of life. I'm not telling you to test the depth of the water by jumping in it with two feet and act rash. But think, assess, then act. Don't; think, worry… and never act."

He let out a breath and turned. "I should get back to the café."

But before he could leave, Hana caught his hand. With her other hand, she picked up a festival brochure from the table by the window.

"I want to see the stalls and the events… Would you come with me?"

Kael glanced back at her. A smile spread across his face.

"Then let's enjoy this moment—together."

Their fingers intertwined, locking firmly, as if neither wished to let go.

They wandered together through the festival—sampling food from stalls, with the smell of grilled yakisoba and sweet candy apples, stopping by the manga club's exhibit, browsing the history class's display, and even peeking into the art gallery and the game tournament.

As they left the game tournament, Kael noticed a silly doodle of a hero with an oversized sword taped to the door. He pointed at it and deadpanned, "That looks like me if I didn't skip arm day."

Hana blinked at him, then burst into laughter, covering her mouth with her sleeve. The sound drew a few curious looks from passing students, but she didn't seem to care.

Still laughing, she lightly tugged at his sleeve, as if to pull him away before someone overheard more of his nonsense. Kael let himself be dragged along, smiling at the rare warmth in her face.

At last, they ended up at the fortune teller's booth. As they left, they returned only to be met by Ayaka's furious glare. 'Where were you two?' she demanded.

When their café duties were finally done and the afternoon sun warmed the courtyard, the big performances began: the school band filling the air with music, the drama club bringing Romeo and Juliet to life, and an idol group dazzling the crowd with singing and dancing.

As twilight deepened, everyone gathered once more in the courtyard for the closing ceremony. Students, and visitors pressed together as Principal Akasaka stepped onto the stage with the student council, the teachers and faculty.

He praised the effort poured into stalls and decorations, thanking the council for their tireless work behind the scenes. Then came the moment everyone waited for. "And now," Akasaka declared, "the winners of this year's festival!"

Hands clasped, whispers flew, and students prayed under their breath.

"The winner of the performance competition… the Red Rising idol group!" Cheers erupted as fans shouted their names.

"And now, the winner of the class competition…" A breathless silence. "Class 1-B—the Sunshine Café!"

The courtyard roared with shouts and laughter. Classmates hugged, some crying tears of joy—already dreaming of their hot springs reward—while others slumped in disappointment.

After the speeches ended, the lights dimmed, and the courtyard glowed with paper lanterns. One by one, they were lit and released, drifting skyward in a sea of flickering red.

High above, on the rooftop, Hana and Kael had slipped away to watch. They lit their own lantern together. The lanterns glowed in the sky, their light reflected in Hana's eyes.

"Thanks, Kael," Hana whispered, gazing at the sky. "Today was… amazing. I had fun."

Something stirred in Kael's chest.

"Hana..."

He called her name as he dropped to one knee, taking her hands.

"I remember how you guided me in this world, how you helped me study, taught me sports rules, finding work, keeping my secret safe. In this short while, through all the challenges I faced, you were always there by my side."

Her face turned crimson, her lips trembling as tears welled.

"I don't know how long I'll be here," Kael said, his own voice thick with emotion. "But however long that is, I want to spend it with you. Would you be….?"

"Yes," Hana breathed, tears running freely now. 

He rose, and beneath the lantern-lit sky, they kissed.

For a heartbeat, the world was only theirs.

"HEY! Two students are kissing on the rooftop!" someone shouted from below.

The entire courtyard erupted in noise. Students pointed upward, teachers gawked, and Principal Akasaka shouted through the microphone, "Who is up there?! Bring them down immediately—they're breaking school rules!"

The crowd's laughter and chatter filled the air. On the stage, Kurogane-sensei caught Kyotaro's eye and made a subtle gesture: two fingers to his eyes, then pointing at him. I'm watching you. 

Kyotaro gulped, a bead of sweat running down. He could almost hear the unspoken warning hammering in his chest.

Kael and Hana startled, then burst into laughter. Hand in hand, still in their festival outfits, they ran from the rooftop—hearts racing—as lanterns floated high above, lighting the night in red. Behind them, the lanterns kept rising, carrying their hopes and emotions into the night.