Obon

~~~🌟~~~

Takashi headed toward where his partner awaited him at the festival, discreetly against a wall.

"Sorry, we just finished picking up the trash. Did you wait long?"

"No. I arrived here recently."

"That's good," he breathed a sigh of relief. "You look..."

"Huh?"

‘You look stunning,’ Takashi nearly said it aloud. The reality was, Nao's brown hair, elegantly tied in a blue bun, was truly enchanting. Each delicate strand cascaded behind her head, framing a face that increasingly captivated Takashi in a mysterious manner. Her brown eyes gazed at him above blushing cheeks, radiating a unique glow since his arrival. That beautiful being was wrapped in a blue yukata adorned with painted flowers and cinched with a maroon obi, so beautiful that Inari had sent him signals for him to see it.

But he restrained himself. A lingering resistance held him back, stemming from fear of Hiroshi's cautions or the specter of rejection. It occurred less often now, but it hadn't vanished entirely.

"Oh, nothing. Let's see..."

They both strolled over to the sign detailing the day's events. At 3 p.m., there was to be a match between Kadogawa and Hyuga. Then the local team would face Nobeoka, which had triumphed over Kadogawa 3-0 the previous day. This positioned Tsuno in the lead, solely due to an extra match played. Additionally, at four in the afternoon, a martial arts exhibition was scheduled, followed by dances at six, and culminating in an eight o'clock fireworks display.

"Wow! There's a lot on the agenda!" Takashi burst out. "Hold on... you have fireworks during Obon?"

"Yes, here we have the tradition of lighting them on the third day. It's something special, I suppose."

"I can imagine. After all, a soccer tournament isn't very common either."

"Right? But anyways, I feel like doing everything!"

“That's why she doesn't plan to go to the festival this year,” Inari had told him, making Takashi surprised.

“She seems like a different person. Is it because she really wants to be with me?”

"Well, shall we?" Nao took a step forward and reached out her hand confidently.

"Yes, let's go," Takashi smiled.

~~~⛩️~~~

The far end of the stadium stands welcomed Takashi and Nao, ready to enjoy the anticipated entertainment of both matches. Takashi was aware his teammates would be nearby, but he had promised Nao that they would watch the matches together. Moreover, he knew that this vantage point would ease Nao's potential anxiety – a fact evident in her restrained hand and foot movements.

The first match concluded 2-2 between Kadogawa and Hyuga, offering excitement from teams with rough tournament beginnings. In the second match, the main event, Takachiho's home team confronted formidable Nobeoka. Each loose ball evolved into a skirmish, drawing applause, cheers, or boos as fitting. The intensity rivaled a true final, logical as both were favorites.

“They are impressive,” Takashi mused. “And to think we still have to play both.”

Takashi couldn't divert his gaze, growing increasingly anxious about cracking the code to beat these opponents. And as he did, he envisioned defenders thwarting him, the goalkeeper deflecting his shots, and his every attempt failing. He felt...

A touch. Takashi shifted his attention from the game and found Nao's hand on his thigh, her tender smile directed at him. His cheeks warmed as he recalled the previous night's dinner.

"She's trying to calm me down, just like I did with her yesterday."

"Admiration," Takashi felt when Nao broke her fears for him.

However, Nao caught his natural response, growing nervous and her cheeks blushing like two peppers.

"I-I'm sorry, Takashi. It's j-just that, you looked nervous a-and..."

"I know, I know," Takashi reassured her, observing her anxious palms. "And it did help me. Thank you, Nao."

Takashi's smile snapped her back to reality, and instinctively, she returned a gentle blush-touched beam.

"It felt nice. So..."

Nao experienced the same surprise when she sensed Takashi's hand intertwining with hers. Takashi mirrored her smile, attempting to suppress embarrassment despite his obvious blush.

“Oh…”

Takashi was surprised when he found out, again, he elicited her smile, and together, they watched the game with their hands entwined. His mind stopped paying attention to the game, focusing on his racing hard and diverse strong feelings.

Or, at least, the minute before Takachiho scored a goal.

"GOOOOOOOOAL!"

"Goaaal! Yes!"

Partly fueled by football instinct and partly by spontaneous desire, Takashi tightly embraced Nao, leaving her visibly stunned.

"T-T-Tak..."

"Oh, I'm sorry! I got carried away!" Takashi grinned, feeling a tad bashful.

"I-It's okay!" she replied, although her flushed cheeks suggested otherwise. "But why are you celebrating?"

"Are you kidding?” Takashi’s eyes sparkled with joy. “Nobeoka losing is the best outcome for us. With this result, we'd maintain our first place."

"Really? Then I'm happy for you too," Nao radiated an endless supply of smirks.

“Joy,” Takashi thought, remembering the excitement he felt in that embrace.

Takashi's heart brimmed with joy over the local team's triumph, naturally. Securing victory with a one-nil score, Tsuno and Takachiho found themselves in a promising position for the championship title.

"Wow, what a game!" Nao exclaimed as they exited the stadium.

"Yes, it was! And a great result! Shall we go to the festival?" Takashi asked.

Nao, eagerly awaiting the question like an excited puppy, didn't hesitate. "Yes, let's go."

~~~⚽~~~

The following hours sped by for the youthful duo. They enjoyed martial arts demonstrations, graceful dances, and indulged in the lively, colorful attractions the festival had to offer. As twilight descended upon the town, the luminous paper lanterns and crackling bonfires painted the scene.

During this stretch, Takashi uncovered numerous facets of Nao. He discovered her penchant for takoyaki, which they had the pleasure of sampling right there. He also learned of her passion for art, it was a shame she didn't have her sketchbook with her to show him, but that didn't hinder their spirited discussion on techniques and styles. Nao's inclination for stress-relieving hikes and explorations to distant locales also came to light. Like their visit to the Inari Shrine. Takashi tried to pay attention to all of that, all while being entranced by Nao's ever-present, endearing smile.

Encouraged by her openness and the trust they were cultivating, Takashi also opened up to Nao. He revealed his deep affection for football, his unwavering commitment to the team, and the aspirations nestled within his heart. He talked about his passion for reading and how he found solace within the pages of books. In addition, he shared some of his favorite rock songs, successfully kindling her enjoyment of several tunes. The hours felt like fleeting moments amid their togetherness.

“Oh.”

Again, Takashi sensed a gentle squeeze in his hand. "Once again, Nao is feeling nervous," he thought. The truth was, he didn't know if they held hands because of her fear of crowded places or because she liked it, but Takashi didn't complain. He simply tightened his grip a little to convey security.

"Warmth," he thought.

"I can tell you're enjoying yourself," someone remarked, patting Takashi's shoulder. Both of them spun around, surprised and slightly anxious.

"Jun! Don't scare us like that!"

"Jun! You scared us!"

"Sorry," he said, laughing unapologetically, as Hiroshi, Yoshida, and Sasaki joined them from behind.

"Did they see us holding hands?" Takashi turned to his companion. Instead of finding Nao, he found a big red tomato looking bashfully at the ground.

"Hey, guys!" Takashi stepped forward to "shake off the mark" from Nao, as they would say in soccer. "It doesn't matter. What are you all up to?"

"Not much," Hiroshi replied, hands behind his back. "Just checking out some stalls..."

"And cute girls," Yoshida added, smirking. Takashi cringed at the idea of boys seeing Nao like that.

"Want to tag along?"

Jun's offering made Takashi pause, glancing at Nao for cues. She wavered, tapping her left foot nervously, then nodded.

"Awesome, let's go!" Takashi enthused.

~~~🦊~~~

Incense and floral scents wafted through the air, while flickering lights adorned the picturesque cobblestone streets. Paper lanterns, decorated with colors and Japanese characters, hung from posts and rooftops, creating magic under the starry sky.

Taiko drums and colorful yukatas merged among food stalls and attractions, like the strength hammer that caught Hiroshi's eye once again. Walking by it silently, he couldn't resist its allure, eager to try. Jun picked up on his interest, knowing his friend well, and teased him.

"Hey, Hiroshi! I bet you can't beat me at this!"

"Huh?" Hiroshi feigned indifference, arms crossed. "Do you really want to play? Fine."

Moments later, Hiroshi swung the hammer with enthusiasm, earning a solid score. Jun's hit had less impact, and the once-dubbed "crow" was declared the victor.

"Ha! I told you, you couldn't beat me!" Hiroshi pointed at him, mocking the loser, after receiving a small keychain with a beautiful torii painted on it.

"Wow, it seems impossible," Jun chuckled shyly.

It was indeed impossible Jun could have hit hard with his athletic build, but he didn't. His friend's smile was priceless.

~~~❤️~~~

"Takashi, I'll go check something out!" Nao said, attracted to a craft stall.

"Okay, I’m co..."

‘Coming,’ until a hand on his shoulder halted him.

"Hey, hey!" Jun held him back. "Have you talked to her yet?"

Referring to his feelings, naturally.

"Not really..."

"What?" Jun whispered loudly as he leaned in. "Come on, Takashi, don't chicken out!"

"Have you at least sorted out your feelings for her?" Hiroshi inquired.

"My feelings..."

Takashi looked down, fingers entwining thoughtfully. Jun and Hiroshi exchanged regretful glances, aware of what that reply implied. Hence, their surprise when their friend responded.

“I have." Takashi gathered courage in front of his friends, now looking at him. "I still have to put it into words... but I'm aware of what I feel for her. And I want to tell her."

Jun and Hiroshi quickly exchanged approving nods after his answer.

"Then good luck," Jun said.

"You can do it," Hiroshi added.

"Alright. Are you done, Na..."

Takashi cautiously approached Nao, who was fixated on a prize in the ring toss game.

"What are you looking at?"

"Oh, nothing, nothing!" Nao grew suddenly nervous, yet her gaze remained fixed.

The necklace that seized Nao's attention at the ring toss booth was a simple silver chain, its small flower-shaped pendant boasting soft pink and white hues. Nao's eyes yearned for it, a contrast to her words.

"One try!" Takashi pulled out 200 yen and seized a ring. He drew a deep breath, mimicking Nao's guidance, then tossed it. The throw was flawless, the ring encircling the target smoothly.

"Congratulations!" The booth attendant handed Takashi the prize while his friends clapped.

"Here, for you."

Nao's face showed how blush played mischief on her, completely dumbfounded. "Thank you," she uttered, her embarrassment evident as she slightly turned away, shyly signaling for him to fasten the pendant around her neck.

“Alright, come here.”

Every tender glide of his supple fingers against her warm skin sent tingles through both of them during the fleeting seconds he fastened the pendant securely. Nao then turned back to him, her veil lowered in an overly cute gesture.

“It’s…”

Takashi's words hesitated. Not due to caution, but rather the desire to break it.

“You look stunning.”

“Ah!” Nao's reaction remained subdued, her voice soothing yet playful while smirking. The subtle exclamation was a consequence of her already being flustered to the utmost.

"Alright, let's go!"

Takashi had already turned away, failing to notice that Nao hadn't budged. He halted only at the sound of her voice.

"One try, please!"

Before the five friends could turn, the ring had already entered another prize, the same one actually.

"Congratulations!"

Nao expressed gratitude and hurriedly approached Takashi, amid his teammates' applause.

"For you," she echoed his gesture, eliciting warmth within his chest.

"Thank you," Takashi replied in a sweet happiness, turning around with a grin as signal.

Behind them, Jun observed how Nao fastened the pendant on him with great tenderness. "Hey, Hiroshi, do you think it's time?"

"Is it time?" Hiroshi turned to Sasaki and Yoshida. "Guys, is it time?"

"It's time," they confirmed, smiling.

After a few seconds, Nao’s trembling fingers ordered Takashi to turn around with a touch. Her gaze fixed on the pendant and his eyes, her mouth beginning to open.

“You look…”

"Hey, look at that cute girl over there!" Yoshida shouted blatantly loud.

"No, Yoshida! Control yourself!"

Simultaneously, the four friends dashed away.

"Huh?" Nao and Takashi were left stunned.

The duo attempted to follow, but the dense crowd posed a true hindrance.

"Run faster!" Yoshida laughed.

"Let's go!" Surprisingly swift for a goalkeeper, Sasaki took the lead.

"Is it here?" Hiroshi asked.

"Yes! Now!"

Engulfed by the crowd, they veered at a narrow bend leading to a dark riverside path.

"Come on, Nao!" The boys saw the couple pass by, continuing straight ahead.

"Great!" The four of them cheered.

When Hiroshi claimed they hadn't done much before finding them, he lied. Before locating them, they had marked that intersection as an opportunity. Because, much to Nao and Takashi's surprise, that path led to a place where they would be truly alone.