New Memories

"It might be nice to go and do something." Akari tilted her head. "What would you like to do?"

He met her gaze confidently, his voice no longer hesitant. "I'd like to take you on a date."

Akari's eyes widened, a faint blush warming her cheeks. "A date?" She echoed softly in disbelief.

Jun nodded. "There's a lantern festival this evening a few towns over." A small confident smile tugged at his lips. "I'd like to take you. Take your mind off things."

Akari wanted to look away but Jun held her gaze in a way that prevented her. "I'd like that..."

Jun felt a warmth spread through his chest. "Then it's settled. It's a date."

-

That afternoon, they wandered through a small shop full of rows of colorful yukatas that lined the walls. 

Akari paused to admire the different patterns before her. "There's so many to choose from. I have no idea what would look good."

Jun glanced at her. "Would you like me to choose one for you?"

She thought for a moment and then met his eyes. "Only if I can choose one for you too."

"Sounds like a deal."

-

By the time they arrived, dusk had settled over the town, painting the sky in soft shades of indigo and gold. Lanterns lined the streets, glowing a warm orange gold as they swayed in the evening breeze. The air hummed with laughter, street vendors, and the distant rhythm of festival drums.

Akari wore the simple, yet elegant floral yukata Jun had chosen for her, its gentle colors reminded Jun of her quiet strength. Her pink hair was gathered into a soft low updo at the nape of her neck, loose and airy. The small hairpins caught the lantern lights as she moved, subtle but captivating.

Akari had chosen a yukata for Jun in a dark, warm tone - something that reminded her of his steady and comforting presence. The color brought out his golden-brown eyes, a soft warmth that stood out beneath his dark hair.

She glanced down at herself, the lantern lights reflecting off her yukata. "You really know how to pick something nice."

Jun smiled. "It suits you." His eyes lingered on her longer than usual. "You look beautiful."

As they walked, Jun stepped closer, their yukata sleeves brushed against each other softly. Akari felt her cheeks warm slightly at both the closeness and his words. It wasn't the first time Jun had said such things, nor the first time they had been this close, but this time it was different. The word date echoed in her mind, making her more shy than usual. A date with Jun... I can't believe it.

"Thank you..." She glanced at him with quiet satisfaction at how good he looked. "You look nice too. The color brings out your eyes." 

"You have good taste."

They wandered through the stalls, sharing small treats - sweet dango, warm taiyaki, and freshly made takoyaki. Jun laughed slightly when Akari burned her tongue, her hand waving frantically to prevent Jun from seeing.

At the goldfish scooping stall, Jun leaned over carefully, analyzing the fish to scoop with precision, only to end up breaking the delicate paddle due to scooping with too much force. Akari couldn't help but laugh at how serious he looked only for the fish to slip from his grasp.

Later, they tried a shooting game. Jun focused carefully and managed to win a prize in one shot. 

Akari stared amazed. "You have such good aim."

"I've had practice with this sort of thing." He handed her the small dog plush he'd won.

"It's adorable." Her head tilted as she stared at the plush. Somehow it looked oddly like Jun - dark fur, warm eyes, calm expression. A delighted laugh escaped her lips. "It kind of looks like you."

His eyes softened at the sight of her laugh and a smirk made its way to his face. "So you think I'm adorable?"

"I do." The words slipped out without her thinking.

Heat rushed to both of their cheeks, both taken aback, both couldn't look away.

Jun smiled. "I'm glad to hear that from you."

-

When they reached the riverbank, hundreds of lanterns floated gently on the water, creating a sea of mesmerizing lights.

Jun handed Akari a lantern, they each wrote and prayed a silent wish before releasing their lanterns on the water together. 

Akari watched the lanterns drift downstream. "It's beautiful."

"Yeah... Really pretty." Though his eyes only looked at her.

When she glanced at him, her natural blue eyes reflected the glow of the lanterns, and for a moment, Jun felt as though the whole world had narrowed for just the two of them. 

Jun took a deep breath, the golden glow of the lanterns illuminating in his eyes. "Akari."

"Yes?"

"There's something I've wanted to tell you for a while now and I don't want to hide it anymore." His gaze focused on her. "Meeting you was pure chance but now there's not a single part of me that can imagine my life without you."

He paused to steady his breath. "You've grown special to me. I care about you more than I ever thought I would. More than anyone I've ever met. And I don't ever want to lose you... I want to be with you. I want to stay by your side."

He continued, gentle but resolute. "You've gone through a lot lately and I don't want to push you, so I don't need an answer right now. I just want you to know that I have feelings for you... And if you give me the chance, I promise to do everything in my power to protect your smile and bring you happiness."

Jun took a small step closer, his heart pounding in his ears. "I know there's still a lot of pain in your heart, but would you be willing to make new memories with me by your side?"

The lanterns glowed affectionately around them, their reflections shimmered in the water, and the sounds of the festival faded into the background as if the world itself was holding its breath for her answer.

Akari's heart fluttered as she felt her cheeks burn. "Jun... I..." She took a deep breath. "I couldn't find the courage or words before, but I have feelings for you too..."

Her chest tightened with warmth. "Being with you makes me feel so safe and happy. Ever since meeting you, I feel like I can truly be myself. You've healed me in ways I didn't expect. I want to be able to make you happy. To learn even more about you. To experience more with you."

She paused to steady herself. "I also want to stay by your side and make new memories with you."

A soft smile came to her face as a mix of relief and joy mingled in her chest from finally being able to say the words she wanted.

"It makes me happy to hear that." Jun's gaze softened as he slowly leaned closer, careful not to rush her. When she didn't pull away, he placed a gentle kiss on her cheek.

Akari's eyes widened, a wave of warmth and electricity bloomed from her cheek.

"I've wanted to do that for a while." Jun admitted quietly, his lips brushing her skin ever so lightly, just enough to make her heart skip a beat.

Akari could feel her face flush completely. Slightly overwhelmed, she instinctively leaned into him, resting her head against his chest.

Jun's arms wrapped around her instantly, pulling her a little closer, his heartbeat steady beneath her ear.

For a moment, neither of them said anything, letting the words and feelings finally shared settle between them.