Monsoon Romance

The cold winter air carried the scent of roasted chestnuts and sweet dango as Aiko stepped onto the festival grounds. The shrine was illuminated with hundreds of glowing lanterns, their soft light reflecting against the fresh layer of snow. Excited voices and laughter filled the air as families, couples, and friends wandered through the stalls, wrapped in scarves and thick coats to shield themselves from the crisp night air.

Aiko tugged at the sleeves of her kimono, a delicate deep-blue piece adorned with silver cherry blossoms. Mei had helped her choose it, teasing her about how Haruto might react when he saw her. The thought alone made her cheeks warm, though she quickly pushed it aside.

She scanned the crowd, searching for the familiar figure she had been waiting for. Haruto had promised to meet her at the entrance, but he was nowhere to be seen.

"Aiko!"

She turned at the sound of his voice and felt her breath catch for a brief second.

Haruto stood a few steps away, dressed in a dark green haori over his usual clothes, the soft glow of the lanterns making his features stand out against the winter night. His black hair was slightly tousled, as if he had rushed to get there.

For a moment, they simply stared at each other.

"You…" Haruto's voice trailed off before he cleared his throat. "You look nice."

Aiko felt a small, shy smile tug at her lips. "Thanks. You're late."

Haruto scratched the back of his head. "Yeah… got held up by my mom. She insisted on taking a million pictures before I left."

Aiko giggled, the tension between them easing slightly. "Sounds like her."

They walked together through the festival, taking in the lively atmosphere. The scent of sizzling takoyaki and fresh taiyaki filled the air, mixing with the distant ringing of shrine bells. Stalls lined both sides of the path, offering everything from lucky charms to traditional festival games.

"Want to try goldfish scooping?" Haruto asked, nodding toward a stall where kids excitedly tried to catch fish with paper scoops.

Aiko grinned. "You're just saying that because you know I'll win."

Haruto smirked. "Oh? That sounds like a challenge."

Aiko picked up a scoop and crouched by the water, carefully watching the fish swim. She moved slowly, waiting for the right moment before—snap! The paper tore just as the fish slipped through.

"Ugh, so close!" she groaned.

Haruto laughed. "Looks like I have a chance."

He knelt beside her, his focus shifting to the water. With one swift motion, he caught a small, golden fish and lifted it triumphantly.

Aiko pouted. "Beginner's luck."

Haruto handed the fish to the stall owner, who placed it in a small bag filled with water. "I'll name him after you," Haruto joked, grinning. "Aiko the fish."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't stop herself from smiling. "Very funny."

As they wandered further into the festival, Aiko felt a growing warmth despite the winter chill. Being with Haruto like this, just the two of them, made her heart feel lighter. But at the same time, the weight of unspoken words still lingered between them—words she had been too afraid to say.

When they reached the shrine steps, Haruto paused. "Hey, let's make a wish."

Aiko hesitated but nodded. They each took a wooden ema plaque, writing their wishes before hanging them up with the others.

"What did you wish for?" Haruto asked, tilting his head.

Aiko clasped her hands together. "You're not supposed to say it out loud, or it won't come true."

Haruto chuckled. "Fine, fine. But I have a feeling I can guess."

Aiko raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what do you think I wished for?"

Haruto smirked. "For me to stop beating you at festival games?"

She playfully nudged his arm. "You wish."

The shrine bell rang in the distance, signaling that midnight was approaching. The festival-goers gathered near the main courtyard, preparing to welcome the new year.

As the first firework shot into the sky, bursting into dazzling colors, Aiko turned to Haruto, watching the reflection of the lights dance in his eyes.

Her heart pounded. This was the perfect moment. The words she had been holding in for so long—it was now or never.

"Haruto…" she started, her voice barely above a whisper.

He turned to her, his usual teasing expression softening. "Yeah?"

Aiko opened her mouth to speak, but just then, a loud cheer erupted as another firework lit up the sky. The moment was lost.

She swallowed, forcing a small smile. "Happy New Year."

Haruto's gaze lingered on her for a second longer before he smiled. "Happy New Year, Aiko."

As the fireworks continued to light up the night, Aiko made another silent wish.

Maybe, just maybe, next year, she'd finally find the courage to say the words her heart had been longing to speak.