Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818622176550308690/episodes/16818792438076178475
Licking a sweet strawberry candy, I walk side by side with Akito.
The yakisoba we bought earlier seems to have been finished already. Right now, Akito is happily biting into grilled squid.
Ah—this is fun, I thought.
The thought of Akito hating me is really scary. Hurting him is even scarier.
But more than that… being beside Akito felt so comfortable.
The time spent walking around the festival grounds with him was the happiest.
“Hey, Akito—”
“Hm? What is it, Renka?”
“Hehe, nothing. Akito, Akito—”
Just calling his name made my heart feel incredibly warm.
Akito… until just now, he seemed a little off. He looked like he was suffering from something. I wondered if it was my fault, and I blamed myself.
But. Right now, Akito seemed to be having a really good time.
Maybe he’s just being considerate of me. Maybe being with me is actually painful for him, but he’s putting on a smile for my sake.
Because—Akito is kind.
He’s always been on my side. No matter what, he’s always supported me.
To be able to watch fireworks with someone like him… Ah, I feel so incredibly happy. It feels almost too good for someone like me.
“Renka. Should we go find a spot soon?”
“Ah—yeah, I wanna go.”
The sky had long since turned pitch black.
But thanks to the lanterns decorating the venue, the night sky sparkled and shimmered.
I think it’s beautiful—fireworks seen amidst this must be truly stunning.
I wonder if Akito feels the same way I do? Or maybe… he’ll say something like, “You’re the one who’s beautiful.”
“Hehe… Eheh, ehehehe…”
“O-hey, Renka. Your face is totally grinning like crazy…?”
“Eh—ah, s-sorry… I’m sorry…”
“No need to apologize. It’s just been a while since I saw that look on your face, Renka. It kinda felt nostalgic.”
Akito smiled. Somehow, it felt like a more mature smile than usual.
—He looks cool, I think.
How many times had I found myself staring at Akito today alone?
His slightly embarrassed face when I went to pick him up. His childlike profile at the aquarium. His crinkled smile when he ate yakisoba so deliciously.
All of it was incredibly cute. And just as captivating.
I guess I really do like Akito… I reaffirmed that over and over again.
“Anyway, we should hurry. The internet said that park over there is a hidden spot—”
Just as Akito pulled out his phone, it happened.
Out of the corner of my eye… I spotted a little boy.
Probably around seven or eight years old.
He stood there, looking completely dazed. There was no sign of any guardians nearby.
I wondered what was wrong. Glancing at Akito’s expression, I ran over to the child.
“Hey, kid. What’s wrong?”
I crouched down to meet his eye level.
He immediately looked down. Had I startled him by suddenly speaking?
“What’s wrong, Renka? Wait, that boy…”
“Yeah. Probably… lost, I think.”
When I muttered that, the boy gave a small nod.
Seemed my guess was right. Looking over at Akito, he too had a worried look on his face. …Akito really is kind, I thought.
“What should we do, Renka? We should probably take her to the lost children center, right?”
“Uh, yeah. You’re right…”
“Alright, let’s go then. The place is probably over there, right?”
Akito said that, but—just what time is it now?
How much longer until the fireworks start?
…It’s such a special occasion. Is it selfish of me to want to see them from a good spot?
“—Akito, it’s okay. I’ll take her. You go ahead and save us a spot, okay?”
“Huh? No, I’m coming too. If we get separated, it’ll be a total mess.”
“No, really. Don’t worry? I’m super confident I can find you, Akito.”
It wasn’t bravado or anything. I truly believed it.
Because it had always been that way.
I’d always kept my eyes on Akito. We’d missed each other before, but… now, I was absolutely sure. I could definitely find him. I had that confidence.
“…Alright. If you say so, Renka. I’ll go ahead and secure a spot. I’ll text you the general location, so keep checking your phone, okay?”
“Yeah. Well then, Akito—see you later?”
Watching Akito’s back disappear into the crowd, I turned my gaze back to the lost boy. Leaning forward, I said, “Shall we go?”
After confirming he nodded in agreement, we too began walking through the crowd.
…Honestly, maybe I should hold his hand or something. But—I didn’t really want any man other than Akito touching my skin.
Keeping an eye on the boy trotting along behind me, I headed towards the Lost Children’s Center.
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