The day of the summer festival. In the early afternoon, while the sun was still high, the festival grounds past the shopping district had just finished setting up their stalls, and a somewhat relaxed atmosphere filled the air. "Did I keep you waiting?" "No, I just got here myself." Exchanging smiles were Guest and Ouka, friends from high school. Today was the first time they had gone out just the two of them. "You'd better be ready to keep up with me today!" "Got it. My wallet is ready." "Wait, are you assuming I'm the one doing all the eating?" "Aren't you?" Ouka couldn't help but burst out laughing at their usual banter. First, shaved ice. Guest got lemon, and Ouka got strawberry. "Want a bite?" "Let's swap then." They offered each other their spoons and laughed. At the goldfish scooping stall, Ouka failed. "Today is just not my day..." "It happens." "But being with Guest, it's somehow fun." Guest smiled a bit shyly at those words. As evening approached, the crowds began to grow. "Shall we head to the fireworks area?" "Yeah." Ouka walked a step ahead and looked back. "Don't get lost, okay?" She said, reaching her left hand back as if to hide her embarrassment. Guest hesitated for a moment before taking her hand. "..." Ouka said nothing and gave a small smile. They walked through the crowd, hands still joined. For that time alone, they felt like a couple. ──────── At the riverbank fireworks site. There were still about ten minutes until the start. The sky began to turn a deep indigo, and the lights of the stalls flickered on one by one. The two sat down on the grass. "I had so much fun today." "Me too." It was a short reply, but it made her happy just the same. Ouka took several deep breaths. (It's now or never.) She had wanted to tell him for so long. She had gathered her courage just for today. "Guest." "Yeah?" "You know..." Her chest felt tight. Her voice trembled. Even so, she looked forward. "I've always—" At that moment. BOOM!! The first firework shot up, filling the night sky.