The Town Carnival III

 Amid the lively carnival, the three of us strolled through the festivities, discussing mundane things. I couldn’t help but notice weird or disdainful glances from people walking by, but no one dared to interrupt us. I figured people would be all over him 24/7 with how crazy they were during the performance. After asking, I found out it was because Oli cast a spell to make himself appear invisible to everyone he didn’t want to converse with actively- that is, everyone except me and Lili. So the people casting me dirty looks weren’t jealous that I was hanging out with Oliver Hawthorne; they just thought I was crazy. Wonderful.

As the sun descended in the distance, the crowd started thinning, allowing Oli to emerge from his disguise. We continued enjoying the night by repeatedly replaying the same games, hoping to win a big prize. After a bit of coordinated teamwork, we won a giant bee plush that we promised to pass around amongst ourselves.

Resting on a bench, Lili and I leaned into each other’s shoulders while Oli savored a corn dog on the other side of the bench. A sudden firework shot into the sky, igniting magic that sparkled brightly before gently descending back to Earth.

“I want to learn how to do that, too. Then I can give you a fireworks show every day…” Lili mutters sleepily, resting her eyes.

“I’d be happy, but don’t feel pressured to learn how to do things for my approval. I’m happy enough just spending time with you,” I give her a comforting smile, rubbing my hand on her head.

She shakes her head, “Your happiness is my happiness. It’s okay to pressure myself for you… your smile… makes it worth it,” she yawns, reaching her arms around my shoulders into a hug.

As the night sky continued to dazzle with fireworks, I found myself ignoring them to stare into Lili’s eyes, stirring that familiar aching in my chest. I’m painfully aware of how little time I have with her now. Soon, the love of my life will return to me. But… these feelings I have for Lili are different from those I have for Touko.

At that moment, it became clear how I truly felt.

Turning my head to ask Oli a question, I noticed him sleeping heavily, his head resting on the arm of the bench.

The grand finale erupted above us, painting the night sky in shades of red and pink. A sense of urgency surged within me; if Touko gets mad at me for how I feel, I have an eternity to make it up to her. In an act of desperation, I gently lifted Lili’s chin from my shoulder and leaned in, my heart pounding out of my chest. If only she could cast a spell to fix my mess of emotions.

“Haru…” Lili murmured, reciprocating my touch.

As our lips met, the magical sparks of fireworks gradually landed around us, separating us from the outside world. Nothing else matters right now; we are at the center of the universe. With each second that passes, everything feels so right, so why do I feel more and more like I’m being torn apart?

She pulled back, gazing at me with profound love and admiration; without thinking, I spoke.

“The moon is beautiful, isn’t it?” I gaze back at her with that same admiration, my face softening.

“It is. I could die happy,” she replied. For a while, the fireworks seemed like a distant memory.

I held her in my arms, my fingers stroking her hair as she sleepily cuddled against my chest, her heartbeat gradually steadying.

“Haru…?” she muttered, lifting her head to meet my gaze.

“Yes?”

“How are you feeling right now?”

“I feel… so bittersweet,” I confessed; I couldn’t bring myself to maintain eye contact with her, “I don’t have to keep agonizing over my feelings, but I can’t help but wonder if that’s fair to Touko… loving another girl. But then again, do you even count as another girl?”

I took a deep breath, continuing, “There’s also the fact that you’re going to have to leave me… it makes me wonder… if getting Touko back is even worth it. They hurt me… my emotions hurt so bad.”

“Haru…” She lifts her hand and strokes my hair, ruffling it, “All good things must come to an end eventually. With Touko back, you can make your dreams a reality… you can feel whole again.”

“I just wish I could have you both…” I choke on my words.

“There, there,” She pulls me into a comforting hug, continuing to stroke my hair, “I know… trust me, I know…”

“Lili… I love you,” I spoke from the depths of my heart

“I love you too, Haruki.”

We stayed in an emotional embrace, comforting each other as the night bugs began chirping.

“We should have Oliver stay with us for tonight; I don’t think it’s safe just to leave him here,” Lili stands, “You should probably carry him; I’m not that strong.”

Following her orders, I shouldered the responsibility of taking Oli home, almost like I was his dad. During the trip home, I tightly grab him (and the bag of plushies) to ensure their safety. People occasionally stopped to stare at him as we cruised through the town. I had no idea a recognizable figure lived so close to us.

When we arrived home, I kept Oli slung over my shoulders despite my arm aching. To my surprise, a familiar figure with long lavender braided hair sat on the doorstep, appearing uncertain and contemplative. Hearing our footsteps, she looked up.

“Selene?” Lili exclaimed, surprised, then rushed to her side, “Did something happen? What’s wrong?”

Selene grabbed Lili’s hands, “Lili… I’m sorry, but I had no one else to talk to. I’ve discovered something about my past… something I feel I have to tell you.”

Lili invited Selene to her feet, “It’s okay, let’s get you inside and talk.”

An uncertain air hung around the living room inside. Oli spread out with a blanket and the mountain of plushies resting on him. Lili and I were on one end of the room, and Selene on the other, her hands shaking.