The last night of the festival had arrived.
The air buzzed with laughter, soft music, and the crackling scent of food stalls. Fireworks were scheduled for the evening—an event everyone looked forward to. It was supposed to be the most magical night of the year.
But not everyone was in the mood to celebrate.
---
A Quiet Walk
Rika was feeling better, but not entirely. She insisted on going back to the festival anyway—part stubborn pride, part… something else.
Naoto walked beside her through the crowd. This time, she didn't stop him.
They didn't say much. But for once, it wasn't awkward.
Rika's hand brushed his by accident.
Neither of them moved away.
---
Firework Promises
They sat on the rooftop of the old science building—away from everyone.
The fireworks lit the sky in bursts of gold and violet. Rika's yukata fluttered softly in the breeze. Her eyes stayed fixed upward.
"This used to be my favorite night," she said softly.
Naoto turned to her. "Used to?"
"Before everything became complicated. Before people started expecting things from me. Before you."
He blinked. "I ruin things, huh?"
"No," she said, voice quieter now. "You remind me of things I don't want to feel."
Naoto didn't speak.
And then she added, "But I don't hate it anymore."
He looked at her.
Their eyes met—really met.
And for a second, the distance between them disappeared.
But she looked away just before the moment could linger.
---
A Glimpse of the Past
That night, Naoto sat by the window again. The noise of the festival still echoed faintly outside.
He opened his phone.
> [Unknown]: "You looked happy. Almost like you forgot I exist."
> Naoto: "I didn't forget. I just got distracted."
> [Unknown]: "Do you remember what you promised me, Naoto?"
He didn't reply immediately.
Then he typed:
> "Yes. I remember."
He stared at the screen for a long time.
And then… he looked out the window, not toward the fireworks—but toward the stars.
---
Meanwhile…
Back in her room, Rika held her phone too.
She scrolled through the photos from the festival—laughing faces, blurred lights, warm memories.
Then she paused on one picture:
Naoto, looking sideways at her, just before the fireworks exploded.
She stared at it for a while.
Then she whispered to herself—
"…I really don't hate it anymore."
---
[End of Chapter 17]