19 Chapter 19: Gus (2/2)

I decided to walk around a bit since I didn't see anybody I knew. As I was walking around, someone grabbed me by the arm and dragged me. When I looked to see who it was, the person was wearing a face mask, sunglasses and a cap.

”I was waiting for you! I'm glad you showed up.”

”Um, I don't think I know you.” But that kind of weird disguise reminds me of someone.

”Hmph. You're too easy to forget.” The person removed his sunglasses.

”Hey! You're that Kei-chan!” She covered my mouth.

”What did I tell you about shouting my name?!” I nodded at her. She let go of my mouth.

”Sorry about that.I was just surprised you remembered me.”

”I don't think I can forget…” She whispered lightly

”What?” I couldn't hear what she was saying.

”I said – ” Before she could answer, my club mates were calling me and I looked at them.

”Takaiyama! We're here! Let's go!” Nariyuki was with them.

”Okay, wait for a sec.” When I looked back at Kei-chan, she wasn't there anymore. I understand that she can't have many people seeing her. Well, I guess she does remember me. It makes me a little happy.

---

I went to Nariyuki and the others. Almost everyone is present once again.

”Where's Kari-chan, Takaiyama-san?” Nariyuki asked me.

”I don't know. Did you remind her?”

”Yeah, I called her this morning. She seemed excited about it, too.”

”I don't blame her if she can't come. I guess she's tired from everything we did yesterday…” After I said that, everyone looked at me. What did I do?

”Hmm… What EXACTLY did you do together, Takaiyama-san?” Nariyuki was asking me suspiciously. Everyone else was eager in anticipation to hear my answer.

”It's not what you think!!”

”What are we thinking, huh?” Nariyuki has her sinister look again. When she is like that, she won't let this go.

”I – I just taught her how to swim.”

”And?” Nariyuki is not letting up.

”And… we had dinner. With her father…” I heard several shocked reactions from the other club members.

”Wow, Takaiyama-san. I didn't know you were in that kind of a serious relationship with her. Meeting her father? I'm impressed.” Then everyone else started cheering. I was planning on not letting them know. I failed miserably on that. Damn Nariyuki. She can be a police investigator one day.

We tried calling Hiroisora but she wasn't answering. We waited a bit more, but it seemed she wasn't coming. Everyone decided to go on ahead and look around the festival. I said that I'd wait a little longer for her.

”Are you sure, Takaiyama-san?” Nariyuki was concerned. Only a bit, I guess.

”Yeah. She seemed excited to go last night, so I'll wait for her. We'll catch up to you guys.”

As I waited for Hiroisora, less and less people were arriving. After several more minutes, I saw someone wearing a kimono walking towards me.

”Takaiyama-kun.” Hiroisora looked very beautiful in the kimono; her hair was tied up and she has some make-up on.

”Hiroisora… I'm sorry. I'm staring at you again, am I?”

”Yup.” She smiled at me. ”So, do you like it? The yukata?”

”You look good in it. It suits you.”

”Thank goodness you like it. The one Eli bought earlier was damaged so we had to buy another one. I thought I wouldn't make it here…”

”I think you could have gone in any clothes and you'd still look good. Plus, everyone wanted to be with you today, since we wanted to go here all together.”

”But you said you're interested in kimonos so I wanted to wear one and show it to you…” She's blushing as she spoke. ”O-of course, as payment for teaching me yesterday and for meeting my father even if it was an absurd request of him…”

”Thank you. It was worth the wait. And I was the first one to see you.” After a few seconds of awkward silence, I grabbed her hand. ”Let's go! We have a lot to cover in the festival grounds.” We ran towards the booths and attractions.

---

We couldn't find everyone else in the crowded area. Hiroisora and I decided to just go on our own pace and enjoy the food and attractions. We played a lot of games, and I even won her a small stuffed pig doll. She's hugging it as we walk around.

”I'm sorry that I can only get you that stuffed pig. I knew you wanted the bear.” I apologized as we were walking around.

”Don't worry. I love it.” She was smiling like a little kid. ”It kind of looks like you, so it's okay.”

”If you mean that it's cute, then I would agree.”

”Well, if you say so. Hehehe.”

”Why does it feel like you don't believe that?”

Then, an announcement said that the fireworks display will begin shortly. We searched for a spot where we can watch the fireworks. We found a spot and decided to sit down. After waiting and talking for a bit, the show started. We were looking up at the bright sky. I glanced at Hiroisora's face. She was smiling. She looked so happy. I felt something inside of me as I was staring at her. I don't understand what it is. All I know is that I want to see that smile on her face every time. In moments we are together, I am happy. I think I'm…

”What's the matter, Takaiyama-kun?” Hiroisora saw me looking at her. There was a short pause in the show.

”It's nothing. I'm just appreciating the beauty in front of me.”

”Yeah, the fireworks are beautiful.”

”I meant you.” The fireworks resumed.

”What?” I just smiled at her and then watched the fireworks again.