The air was crisp, carrying the scent of the season as everyone gathered at the heart of the traditional New Year's festival. Lanterns illuminated the streets, their gentle glow casting a warm light over rows of vendors and game stalls lining the market. The atmosphere was lively, filled with laughter, the murmur of excited voices, and the occasional ring of bells from shrine visits.
Akane stepped forward, her beauty radiant in an elegant kimono patterned with plum blossoms and cranes, symbols of hope and longevity. Her hair was adorned with a delicate pin that sparkled in the light, and Zenkichi couldn't help but stare. She noticed and gave him a warm, shy smile, her cheeks tinted with a hint of blush. Zenkichi, though dressed simply in a traditional fundoshi, looked charming and confident. His friends teased him endlessly, but he paid them no mind; his gaze was fixed on Akane.
Gathering his courage, Zenkichi smiled and said, "Akane… you look absolutely beautiful tonight."
Akane's cheeks grew pinker as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. She looked up at him with a soft smile. "Thank you, Zenkichi. You look really cute tonight too." Her voice was warm, and her words filled Zenkichi with a quiet happiness that showed in his eyes.
The group divided as they reached the market, each pair heading off to explore different stalls and games. Zenkichi and Akane wandered together, their laughter echoing through the crowded streets as they tried their hand at games, sometimes winning small prizes or amusing trinkets.
At one stall, they each chose a colorful mask; Zenkichi picked one of a fierce dragon, while Akane chose a fox, elegantly painted in vibrant reds and whites. They playfully wore their masks, striking funny poses for each other and laughing. Zenkichi found himself enjoying every moment, captivated by her joy.
As the evening darkened, the friends gradually reunited, carrying bags of treats and prizes as they gathered near the shrine for the evening's main event—the fireworks display.
The first burst of color lit up the sky, casting a soft glow over everyone's faces. Akane and Zenkichi stood together, watching in awe as the fireworks exploded in vibrant hues above them, each burst met with excited gasps and applause from the crowd. Without thinking, Zenkichi's hand found Akane's, and he held it gently.
Akane looked up at him, surprised, but then smiled and squeezed his hand in return, her eyes warm with affection. They stayed like that, hand in hand, as the sky sparkled with fireworks, marking the start of a new year and perhaps something new between them.
As the fireworks faded and the crowd began to disperse, Zenkichi and Akane walked together through the quiet streets, enjoying the peacefulness of the night. The festive warmth still lingered, making the world feel gentler and more vibrant.
However, as they turned a corner near Akane's neighborhood, they came face-to-face with a group gathered under the dim glow of a streetlamp. It was Yuto, the local bully, with his girlfriend and a small group of friends. As soon as Yuto spotted Zenkichi and Akane, a smirk spread across his face, and he nudged his friends, gesturing in their direction.
"Well, well, look who decided to show up," Yuto sneered, his eyes narrowing with amusement as he looked them over. He directed his gaze at Akane, his tone laced with sarcasm. "What's a girl like you doing with this guy? Thought you'd have better taste than that."
Zenkichi felt his body tense, his fists clenching instinctively. He held his tongue, but the disrespect in Yuto's words was hard to ignore. He glanced at Akane, who looked uncomfortable yet determined not to react.
Yuto's girlfriend, noticing his taunts, chuckled along, clearly enjoying the scene. Yuto continued, his voice dripping with mockery. "Seriously, you could do so much better. What's he even got to offer? A pretty face and nothing else?"
Zenkichi took a deep breath, his temper barely in check. "That's enough, Yuto," he said, his voice steady but firm. "Just leave us alone."
Yuto laughed, clearly unfazed. "Oh, getting brave now, huh? Standing up for her?" He leaned forward, looking Zenkichi in the eye. "I'm just saying… some people don't know where they belong."
Zenkichi could feel his anger rising, but Akane gently placed a hand on his arm, her touch instantly calming him. She gave him a small, reassuring smile, then looked directly at Yuto.
"Actually, Zenkichi is exactly where he belongs," she said, her voice steady and unwavering. "He's kind, thoughtful, and cares about people more than you ever could. That's something you clearly wouldn't understand."
Yuto's smirk faltered slightly, caught off guard by Akane's quiet strength. His friends exchanged glances, unsure how to respond.
Zenkichi, feeling a wave of gratitude and pride, looked at Akane with admiration. She had stood up to Yuto without fear, showing a courage he deeply respected. Yuto scoffed, rolling his eyes as if brushing it off, then turned away, muttering something to his friends as they walked off, leaving Zenkichi and Akane alone again.
As they continued walking, Zenkichi glanced at Akane, a smile spreading across his face. "Thanks… for standing up like that. I was ready to say something, but you… handled it perfectly."
Akane smiled back, her cheeks tinged slightly pink. "Well, I couldn't let him talk to you like that, could I?"
Zenkichi chuckled, feeling warmth blossom in his chest. They walked on, side by side, knowing that they would always stand by each other—no matter what anyone else said.