Chapter 8 – The Youen no Matsuri

Youen no Matsuri was much more than an average celebration, it was an ancient tradition passed down through generations. Honouring the forgotten bonds between humans and the spirits. For one night the spirits were invited to walk along side humans and create familiar bonds.

This celebration was especially important for Rena, as she had a chance to show her true identity without judgment. Everyone who she encountered would believe she was dressed up and celebrating the night. No one would realize who she really was and that this was how she always appeared. Tonight would be the one chance she would get to celebrate who she was.

The girls spent the entire day getting themselves ready and help prepare each other for the event. Sayuri and Mika were obsessed with Rena’s long silky hair, and how easy it was to style. After they were finished helping her get dressed and her hair finished, Rena looked almost perfect. Only thing missing was a matching accessory for her hair that they had forgot to pick up.

Rena took one last look at herself in the mirror before leaving to meet up with Haruki. She felt that she never looked this beautiful before. Standing up as straight as she could she smiled while posing. Her hair was straightened and flowing at her sides. Ears visible atop her head and tail moving around freely, she felt relaxed and unrestrained.

Still feeling a tad bit anxious, her tail wouldn’t stop dancing around and her ears nervously twitched whenever she thought about Haruki.

At least tonight no one will know...

Coming up behind Rena, Sayuri placed a black bow in her hair.

“Here, even though it doesn’t match, at least it’s still cute.”

Joining Rena while looking at themselves in the mirror, all the girls admired their work. Sayuri and Mika both did their makeup with dark eye shadow and eye liner that accentuated their face. Both of them looking beautiful in a traditional way, they still felt they weren’t even close to Rena’s natural look.

“—Wow Rena, way to steal the spotlight”

Despite how good Rena felt she looked, part of her still worried that Haruki wouldn’t feel the same.

Maybe he will like the other girls better...

Sayuri wore a bright red Yukata with goldfish patterns. The red matched her natural brown hair that was nicely done up in a bun. Mika’s yukata was sky blue with cloud patterns, matching her eyes and childlike personality. Also deciding to wear a cute pair of mouse ears, Mika did her best to dress up. Regardless of how they amazing they looked, they couldn't help being jealous of their friend. Sayuri knew that out of all of them Rena stood out the most.

“I Haruki doesn’t confess his feeling tonight, then I will!”

Sayuri’s words caused Rena to slightly blush and turn her head to look outside the window. Morning had already flew by and the sun was starting to go down. Soon they would be leaving and Rena would be free to the outside world.

Mika noticing that Rena was staring out the window, grabbed her hand and led her to the door.

“Don’t be nervous Rena-chan everything will be amazing.”

“Come on girls, we need to get going or we will be late.”

Sayuri opened the door and led the group outside. The air felt warm like spring was about to end. Crowding the streets were groups of people making their way to the center of town towards the festival.

Both adults and children were dressed in costumes of all kinds. Everyone had masks or some type of tail. None of the outfits compared to Rena’s real tail and ears that moved on their own. Looking around at how everyone was dressed, Rena felt a feeling a welcoming.

Continuing down the busy streets, everything was lit with red paper lanterns and decorated with colourful streamers. Signs with directions were set up along side the buildings leading directly to the celebration.

Not being used to wearing a Yukata, Rena accidentally tripped over herself and almost fell in the middle of the street. Luckily, Mika was able to catch her just in time.

“You must be more careful than that Rena-chan, you might ruin your yukata.”

“Thanks...”

That’s the last thing I would need happening tonight...

“Do you think they decided not to come?”

“I know for a fact Rena is coming. Just relax, there’s lots of time.”

Haruki and Daichi were already waiting at the festival. Sitting on a bench next to the entrance, they not so patiently waited for the girls.

“How do you knooow they are coming?”

“Because unlike you I don’t get stood up by girls.”

Haruki shook his head while he smirked at his friend. From where they were sitting they could see how busy things started to get inside. Gradually people started to fill the lineups as more children with costumes started to run around.

More and more booths started filling up as everyone played games and waited for food. The entire area was dimly lit with hundreds of lanterns hung in never-ending strings. The smell of fried foods and baking filled the air. Everything about the night felt magical, just like it was supposed to be.

Just when Haruki started to feel a bit worried, three feminine figures started coming into view. The closer they approached, the more sure he knew who it was. Only Rena had a tail that was large and fluffy. No one looked quite like her, and even without the tail, Haruki could recognize her anywhere.

“Hey, look it’s them!”

Nervously adjusting his dark blue yukata, Haruki did an extra check to make sure he looked okay. This was the yukata he had gotten from his father, and wearing it made him feel a boost of confidence. He only wished the rest of his family could experience the night with him.

Doing his best to hide his own anxiety, Haruki started walking towards the beautiful girl in front of him. But seeing her like this spurred emotions in him he wasn’t used to.

She’s incredible...

Completely out of character, Rena did not run to meet him. Making sure to not ruin her outfit and also not sure how to react from seeing him, she remained calm. Slowly stepping into view, her yukata let off a orange glow from the lantern light.

Most notably, her ears were in full view sitting atop her head, with her tail trailing slowly behind her. She looked as beautiful as a cat girl could be. Not having to hide who she was left a feeling a confidence in how she moved.

Haruki found himself trying to catch his breathe at the sight of her. The only words he could think o to describe her was ‘stunningly gorgeous’.

Catching him staring as she got close, as she looked up into his eyes there was a different type of gaze in his eyes.

“W- w-what is it?”

“You look... like the fireworks have already started. You're amazing.”

Smiling from his compliment, she was relieved that he as happy with how she appeared. She had never heard him say anything like that to her before, or stare at her in such a way.

Slowly reaching out his hand to grab hers, he held it close to him. Without taking their eyes off each other, they both ignored everyone else around them. Lost in their own fairy tale, the night had finally brought them together.

“Let’s go.”

Rena looked around in awe as he led her around the decorated streets. Each way they looked there were food stalls and game booths. “Youen no Matsuri” was written on banners everywhere along with things like “Welcome yokai.” Rena couldn’t help but feel special from just being here.

If I ever had a home before, I hope it was like this.

Haruki took the lead as he proudly led the beautiful girl by his side. Hoping tonight to show her a night she wouldn’t ever forget. Just as they were beginning to venture off...

“Ahhem!—“

Sayuri feeling left out, stood there with her arms crossed as she glared at the other clueless boy in front of her. Then curving her lips and starring up at him with a girlish expression, she purposely stood right next to Daichi.

“Geeez, Daichi-kun... Take a hint!”

Mika scolded him as she shook her head. But with how she was wearing an adorable pair of mouse ears and a little tail, it seemed more like she was being cute.

“Right.... haha sss... sorry.”

Usually confident, Daichi had a difficult time keeping his focus with how Sayuri looked, especially when she stared at him that way. Trying his hardest to regain his courage, he reached out to grab Syuri’s hand. But just as he was about to get close, she swifly snatched it away.

“Maybe I’ll let you hold my hand... but only if you can prove you deserve it.”

Leaning in closer with a sensual grin, Sayuri batted her eyes up at him.

“...Got it”

So with that, the night of fun and romance began, for two very different couples. Both felt the sparks in the air, and were determined to have a good time.

“Haruki, what should we do first?”

Rean playfully looked up at him. Finally feeling more relaxed after seeing his reaction to her and knowing he felt the same.

“Lucky for you, I came here early and already planned out activities.”

“Oh really, I’m excited to find out.”

But before Haruki could lead her to the first thing he had planned, Rena noticed something interesting: a bunch of people gathering around a pool of water. Groups of children appeared to be playing some kind of game with hundreds of little fish. Rena’s curiosity got the best of her as they got closer.

“Ohhh Haruki, why are their so many fish.”

“That’s a game. You have to cath as many as you can and then you win a prize.”

“Do we get to eat them if we win?”

For some reason Haruki wasn’t surprised by that question.

“Haha, no. But you can keep them as a pet.”

“Can I please try to catch one!”

Nodding his head as he brought her over to the game booth, Haruki promptly paid for her to try. Then giving Rena a brief explanation on how it worked, he handed her the bowl and paper scoop.

Rena bent down close to the water and began trying to fish with the paper scoop. Unsure of how to properly use the device, she kept going to fast and scarring the fish away.

“Haruki, they keep escaping.”

Leaning over next to her, Haruki gently guided her hand with his and patiently they waited for a fish to swim close.

“Like this.”

Slowly scooping up the fish together, they just about had it in the bowl before it flipped around and broke through the paper.

“Nyaaa~!

Out of cat like instinct, Rena batted at the fish. Splashing the water and causing it to swim away. She pouted as she grabbed onto his arm, hoping he would comfort her. Everyone around started staring at her strangely, and then started to laugh.

“Sorry, she isn’t from around here.”

“Haruki! It’s to hard, can you catch one for me?”

Haruki once again paid the man for another shot at the game. Determined to win and impress his date, he leaned forward and began to focus.

Following the same strategy as before, he waited as a large orange fish swam up. Calmly he started scooping it up, and coincidentally a bright red fish swam up at the same time. Haruki reacted quickly and lowered the bowl underneath and caught both fish at the same time.

“Yes!”

Haruki felt a rush of excitement as he turned to look at Rena. Her eyes were staring with strong concentration at the fish swimming around. Haruki wasn’t sure if it was because she was excited or because they were fish.

“Nyaa~! You did it.”

Haruki dumped them into the clear plastic bag and held them up for her to get a better look. Rena poked the bag as they were swimming around.

“Are you sure we don’t eat them?”

“Haha, I’m sure.

“Winner! Please come choose your prize.”

Beckoning them forward, the man behind the counter called out to them. Since Haruki had caught the rare fish as well as the larger fish, they would be able to pick anything they wanted.

“Rena, tonight’s your special night. Pick whatever you want.”

“Really?!”

Taking a few seconds to survey the lot of prizes that were arranged on the shelves, eventually she saw something. A large cat plush toy with a large smile on it’s face. She excitedly pointed at it while jumping up and down.

“I want that one!”

The game vendor handed her the large stuffed cat. Rena grabbed onto it and hugged it tightly as she let out a satisfied purrr~ Reacting out of pure satisfaction, her tail started to sway bag and forth. The man behind the counter noticed and looked at her curiously.

“You sure have a realistic looking costume miss.”

“Nyaa~! Thank you.”

Haruki grabbed Rena’s hand and led her to the next activity he had planned. On their way to the next game, they noticed familliar figures at another booth. Remembering that they had come with their friends, they walked over to see what was going on.

Everyone was playing another game Rena had never seen before: yōyō tsuri. Sayuri and Mika were both watching as Daichi was in full concentration mode trying to catch a balloon. The object of this game was similar to the last one, except this time you got a small fishing rod with a hook and had to catch a balloon. Mika had already gotten a balloon and was happily playing with it, as Daichi was struggling trying to catch one for Sayuri.

“Come on Daichi, can’t you get one for your daate!”

Sayuri teased him while he was bent over having a hard enough time.

Doing his best to try and hook the balloon, it seemed no matter how close he got it slipped away. Moving closer and closer to the water, Daichi was determined to win her a prize no matter what.

“Ohh Daichi, if you can win me a prize, I will let you take a peak.”

Sayuri bent forward and subtly let part of her yukata slip off her shoulder. Devilishly grinning at him as she pushed a strand of her hair back revealing the top of her chest.

This action proved to be to much for him causing Daichi to completely lose his focus as looked up.

Splaash!

Daichi fell into the pool, causing water to explode everywhere.

“Hehe”

Both girls giggled at him as he arose from the water completely soaked. Coughing up water as he was standing there dripping, he held up a balloon he managed to steal.

“Here...”

Sayuri smiled as she grabbed the balloon from his hand.

“At least you’re funny.”

Hanging on as she pulled him to the next game, Sayuri continued to laugh. Daichi unsure of how to react, ended up awkwardly laughing at himself.

“Haha, as long as you're having fun I guess.”

Haruki not wanting to meet the same fate as his friend, searched around at other games to play. Thinking hard about what Rena would like, he thought he saw something.

“Hey lets go check this-”

But as he was about to bring her over to the next even he was interupted by a familliar voice.

“Well, look at the cute yokai couple!”

Instantly feeling nervous from the accusation, Haruki almost forgot where he was. Turning around quickly to silence whoever it was, he held his hand up to in front of his mouth.

“Ssshhhh!”

“Relax, did you forget where you were for moment?”

Haruki’s eyes grew large as his gaze was met with a figure dressed as a white kitsune. The costume looked very realistic with a furry mask and large tails floating around behind. Looking closer, he could see a hint of the eyes behind and a bit of pink hair flowing around, giving him a hint of who it was.

Erica leaned forward over the booth. The sign above her head read 恋の相性占い”- Love Compatibility Fortune.

On the counter in front a bunch of sticks were laid out on a small tray. Each one was tied together with shiny red ribbon.

Erica was dressed in a pretty pink yukatta and had a red matching flower in her hair. Her outfit looked nice enough to make Rena feel a bit self conscious. Even though Rena had the best looking costume, Erica’s was at least a strong 2nd place. Rena was still not sure how she felt about this girl, and was still annoyed with how she spoke to Haruki.

“What are you doing here...?”

“Helping the spirits and couples of the festival such as yourself. By finding love and good fortune.”

Rena’s ears started to twitch from hearing that staement. Standing there a bit caught of guard from being called a spirit and a couple, Rena thought about what that meant.

“...Are we a couple on a date?”

“Of course you two are! Look around, you’re not the only ones holding hands.”

Looking down, Rena noticed her fingers firmly entwined with Haruki’s. She didn’t even realize she grabbed his hand like this anymore, it just seemed so normal. Rena wasn’t sure if she should be happy or annoyed that Erica pointed it out.

“Come on! You two should give it a try.

Holding out a pair of sticks for them to grab. Erica mischeviously grinned under her mask as they both grabbed it from her hands.

“W-what do we do?”

Rena asked nervously as she held onto the peculiar item wrapped in ribbon.

“It’s actually quite easy. All you do is pull them apart, and if the ribbon stays together, it means your’e tied by fate.”

“...what if it falls apart.”

“Well... lets just say that means you need to work on your relationship.”

Feeling a bit flustered, Rena thought so more before she let her self be fully convinced. Then with a look of determination she turned to Haruki.

“Fine... Lets do it!”

Erica clapped her hands together twice and bowed. “Lets begin! Both of you hold onto an end and then on the count of three pull them apart.”

Rena closed her eyes in anticipation. Regardless of if this was a gimic or not, she felt very serious about the results. Holding on firmly two one end while Haruki held onto the other she nervously waited for the countdown.

“One.”

“Two.”

“Three!”

Haruki and Rena pulled both ends apart at the same time. The ribbon unraveled but stayed connected as something fell out from in between. Rena curiously picked up the items and held them up. Two charms that looked like fox tails wrapped around pink glowed in the dim light.

“Oh my~”

Erica moved forward as the tails behind her started to move. The red eyes from her mask appeared to let off a sparkle.

“Congratulations, you’re a perfect match. Guess the spirits have made their decision.”

Rena’s face went redder then usual all the way up to the tips of her ears. As she held the charms it felt a bit surreal and she wasn’t sure how to react.

“T-this means.... Nyaa~!

Shoving the charms into her sleeve as to make sure not to lose them. Rena felt proud as she grabbed Haruki’s hand tighter.

“At least you two did better than the last couple. They just ripped the ribbon in half from pulling two hard.”

From that description, Haruki knew that had to be his friend. Daichi was the only one clumsy enough to mess something up that was so simple.

At least we passed the universe’s test...

“Hope you two have a good night, and please hurry before the fireworks start! And Haruki... Don’t forget...”

Erica’s last words were a bit cryptic but it was enough to remind Haruki of what he almost forgot about.

Oh yeah, Rena’s gift!

Part 2

Adjusting his glasses as he setup the final rack of fireworks, Mr. Yamada had sweat running down his face as he hurried to get everything prepared. Since he was part of the school senior staff, Mr yamada felt it was responsibility to help set up the festival events. This year in particular he tasked himself with setting up the large fireworks display. Despite being almost finished, something weighed on his heart this year more than usual.

For Mr Yamada the festival spurred memories of a time that was hard to relive. Regardless of how he felt he pushed through his own problems knowing how important it was for all the couples. The fireworks were the biggest attraction at the fesitval, not only did it mark the end of the night but was a special occasion. Couples came to watch the fireworks together in hopes to confess their feelings, and enjoy their time spent.

Now that the last display was set up, all that needed to be done is wait for the right time to light the fuses. Looking around the empty field and taking one last check to ensure everything was done correctly, he barely even noticed his phone vibrating.

Staring at the glowing light of the festival off in the distance, he could hear all the couples laughing as they were enjoying the night.

“This is exactly how it was then...”

“Hmm, Yamada-san. Is everything okay?”

Another teacher who was helping him, overheard Yamada’s comment. Realizing that he spoke out loud, Mr. Yamada turned around promptly.

“Yes. I’m just remembering when I used to come here long time ago. Anyways... It’s almost midnight and time to start the show.”

Mr Yamada squinted at his watch that displayed 11:55. In a few minutes the fireworks would begin. Looking up he could see crowds of couples gathering at the edge of the field. Everyone was waiting for the show to begin especially since this year it was rumoured to be extra special.

Crouching close to the first row of fireworks, both teachers prepared their lighters. Taking in a deep breathe as he was about to begin, Yamada was determined to make this night special for everyone. It was his mission to respect everyone who came believed in the spirits and yokai, and also love. Beliefs that he still clung to himself.

Rena became quite excited once she saw everyone gathering around the edge of the festival grounds. Holding on tightly to Haruki’s hand, she pulled him to where everyone else was headed. Picking the perfect location by a large tree that was facing the open field, not knowing what was about to happen, Rena stared at the night sky like everyone else.

“Haruki, what are we waiting for?”

Doing his best, Haruki tried to explain fireworks to someone who had never seen them.

“It’s like a million bright lights exploding into the air with different colours. Don’t wory, you will love it.”

Thinking that she understood, Rena grew even more excited as she starred up at the sky. Her ears were twitching with excitement as she could barely wait any longer.

Haruki felt that this was the right time as he saw how happy she was. Taking out the orange bow and holding it out for her to see, he hoped she would accept it.

“Rena... I have a gift for you.”

Rena could hardly belive what she saw as she took a good long look at the bow. Then reaching out and holding it in her hands, she was in awe of how it shined in night. Out of everything he had given her, this was the most precious, as it meant tonight he cared about her feelings.

“Haruki... This is... amazing!”

Wrapping her arms around him, she hugged his body as tight as she could.

This is the best night ever!

“I’m so glad you like it. Lets put it on!”

Turning around so her back faced him, Rena let Haruki unclip her other bow and replace it with the new one. Spinning back around to face him, her face was lit up with a warm smile.

“How do I look?”

“Like the most beautiful girl here.”

Rena wasn’t expecting to be pampered by not only the gift but the words he was saying to her tonight. Her heart felt like it was full of butterfly’s with the way it was beating.

While staring at each other, crowds of people began to gather around. Everyone impatiently waiting for the first explosion of lights to ignite the sky. Children were running around while couples searched for the perfect place to stand and watch.

Haruki and Rena stood next to each other underneath the giant tree. Slowly moving her hand closer to his, she hesitated as she felt this time was different. How he was acting towards her and the things he was saying was different than before.

Seeing how she hesitated, Haruki reached out and grabbed her hand and held it firmly. He knew this night was special for her, and wanted her to know how important she was to him. Haruki was barely able to contain his own emotions regardless of if he fully understood what they were.

Everyone started to calm down as they could see the teachers out in the field getting ready. An almost eerie silence occurred as the crowd waited in anticipation for the fireworks.

Lowering his lighter to the fuse, Mr. Yamada slowly brought it closer until sparks erupted and began to travel up the long chord. Yamada and the other teacher ran behind a bunch of wooden crates to take cover.

The crackling of the sparks only seemed to heighten everyone’s senses as they waited. Then finally—

Peeeeeew!

A single firework flew straight into the night sky.

Rena’s eyes were fully focused on the mesmerizing light. Unsure of what to expect, her ears stood straight up on alert while her tail froze in place.

Exploding in the sky and letting off a loud sound like a gunshot going off.

Booooom!

“NYAAAAA!!~”

Not understanding what just happened, Rena freaked out and ran behind Haruki. While Burying her face in his shoulder, she covered her ears trying to hide from the loud noise.

“Hey Rena, its okay! Look.”

Hearing his voice, Rena peaked out from behind. What she saw caused her ears and tail to perk back up: The night sky was filled with dazzling display of bright lights of all colours. Rena had never seen anything quite like it before, and as she clung tightly her eyes began to glow from the lights reflection.

Feeling a bit more brave now, she began to lean forward on her own. Fireworks kept exploding causing more colours to fill the night. Her emotions changed from panic to excitement as she felt they were meant just for her.

Rena began cuddling in close to Haruki. He felt the warmth of her fur rubbing against his neck. A strange sensation of something vibrating began to course through his body. It took him a bit to understand what it was until he looked down. Rena looked completely relaxed and was letting out a soft “purr~”

To Haruki, the world felt perfect in this moment. Nothing could make the night better he felt. Except maybe one thing... It was something they had not done yet, and something he had not stopped thinking about since the night began.

Feeling her “Purr~” resonate through his chest as she pressed against him, he knew this was the right time.

Turning his head slowly towards hers as he held her hands, Rena felt him move and looked up directly into his eyes. She felt deep within her soul what was about to happen as her heart began to race even faster. Closing her eyes, she felt the world around them begin to slow down.

Sounds from the surrounding people and firworks exploding started fo fade away. In this moment the world was only focused on what was about to take place between them.

Carefully moving his face closer to Rena, he put his hand underneath her chin to bring her closer. Her “Purrr~” getting louder as he was seconds away from her lips.

CRAAAAAACK!

Echoing form the sky, a loud familiar noise interrupted their precious moment.

“Wow, what kind of firework is that!”

Pointing up at the sky, a small child was shocked from the strange looking shape of lights. Thinking that this was the special event of the year, the crowd started to cheer.

Being interrupted from his dream, that he now felt to good to be true, Haruki looked up. A feeling of dread overtook his happy emotions and erased the special moment they just had. When he saw what was in the sky, he knew why he recognized that sound before.

A giant purple portal was opening up in the night sky. Waves of energy were pulsating outwards into the sky as they lit up the dark.

“R–Rena!”

Awoken from a dream of her own, she was confused from the fear in his voice. Opening her eyes mid-kiss, she still felt bit disoriented from the sudden return to reality.

“Nyaa~ what is it?”

Horror filled her eyes when she looked at what his eyes were locked on. Painful flashbacks filled her mind of the last time she had seen something like this.

“Harukiii! It’s...”

“The portal.”

“What do we do!?”

Looking around at the crowds of people, Haruki wasn’t sure why everyone was so calm. Then as he thought about it, suddenly it made sense.

They must all assume this is part of the fireworks...

About to have a breakdown, Rena started to cry as she jumped into his arms.

“Haruki. I don’t want to go back!!!”

“No matter what happens, I won’t let you go back.”

Not even sure of his own words, he held her tightly hoping to calm her down. Haruki began frantically looking around hoping to see their other friends. No matter where he looked there was no sight of either Daichi or Sayuri.

“Where is Daichi!?”

Wind started to pick up and blow through the festival grounds. Just like before the portal began to make loud cracking noises as it grew larger. Banners and decorations started to blow around but even still no one seemed to care. Laughing and staring up at the sky, everyone seemed to be having a good time.

“Rena we have to find our friends and get out of here.

Grabbing Rena’s hand as he started to lead her towards the exit. Scanning the game booths and food stalls along the way, Haruki hoped to find the other couple. Out of the corner of his vision he thought he saw someone running towards them.

“Mr. Yamada!?”

“Haruki, take Rena and get out of here right now!”

“But Mr Yamada, Daichi and Sayuri are—“

“Right now Haruki!”

Not used to seeing his teacher so intense like this, it became clear that Haruki had no time to argue. Still, it seemed odd to Haruki that Mr. Yamada seemed to know what was going on.

“Haruki, remember what I told you before. It is not polite to make a young lady late for class. Please don’t worry. I will take care of Daichi and Sayuri. Just get out of here.”

Speaking in a calmer tone than before, Haruki seemed to register what he was saying.

“I understand...”

Holding onto Rena’s hand tightly, he pulled her along as they started running together out of the festival as fast as they could.

Arriving home in a panic, Haruki and Rena kicked their shoes off and ran up the stairs as fast as they could. Rena jumped into his bed and hid herself underneath the blankets while doing her best to hide her tears. The night that started out like a fairy tale ended up being a complete nightmare.

Angry about the whole situation, Haruki was not sure what he was supposed to feel in this moment. Everything he had worked so hard to plan had gotten ruined. Frustration, fear and anger all filled his head. He tried sitting down to calm his nerves, but he still couldn’t stop shaking from what they had witnessed.

Sitting on the side of the bed next to where Rena was laying, he could see she was just as upset. Feeling it might be best to leave her alone, Haruki got up from the bed and walked over to his window.

At least she is safe now...

Truthfully he wasn’t really sure. Things happened so fast and they had left as quickly as they could. Once Mr. Yamada told them to leave, they ran and did not look back. Luckily there was another teacher leaving at the same time, they were able to catch a ride with.

Would Rena have gotten sucked back through the portal?

Did something else come through?

What happened to their friends and everyone else?

Not sure of any of it or the answer to why this was all happening, but what he did know was that he wasn’t ready to lose her. Things just started to feel good with Rena being around. Deep down he felt he was beginning to develop feelings for her.

Quietly making his way over to his futon next to the bed, he laid down and stared at the roof. Too much excitement had happened for him to even try sleeping. Pulling out his cell phone, he noticed there were a few missed calls. His younger sister, Honoka had been trying to reach him.

...Oh no! I can’t believe I forgot.

Each year, before she was put in the hospital, they had watched the fireworks. It was a special tradition between them, but since she could no longer see them in person, he would call her as soon as they started. Honoka’s hospital room was high on the 6th floor, and she was able to see from her window. Haruki made sure they could still enjoy the event together, even if it was just over the phone.

Everything went wrong tonight...

Now to late to call her back, Haruki felt angry with himself. He let down Rena, and his sister. Lying awake unable to shake his disapointment, suddenly something started rustling above him.

“Haruki...”

From the mound a blankets a small voice called out for him. Sitting up, he looked over at the bed and saw she was still hidden.

“Is everything okay...?”

“...Can you please cuddle me tonight?”

“...Ok”

Haruki felt that tonight could be an exception to the no sleeping together rule. Reluctantly he slid under the covers and felt her warm body underneath. Her tail was the first thing he could feel as it rubbed up against his leg.

Snuggling up closer to Rena, he wrapped his arm around her over top the blankets. After a few minutes passed, she slowly peaked her head out.

“Nyaa~”

Staring at him from behind the covers, her golden eyes glowed in the night. Both their gazes met as they quietly looked at each other. Rena couldn’t help but think of what had almost occurred between them during the fireworks. Struggling with whether not she should try reaching out to him again, she closed her eyes and turned over. Squishing herself into his chest, as her ears brushed against his neck, she started to purr~.

Feeling the warmth of her body next to his and her calming purr~ vibrate through his chest, he took a deep breath in. His heart started to beat fast again just like it did during the festival.

There’s no way I’m sleeping tonight...