The early morning overcast seems destined to fray into nothingness by noon, judging from the breaks in the clouds that are starting to appear through the canopy. The distorted patterns of light and darkness dance everywhere on the playground because of the slight wind, an echo to Minako's closed eyes and silent figure.

It feels weird that she's standing this way for once. She never does this.

While Akihiko's perched on top and toward the trees like always, instead of having her back to the bar like she usually does, she turned around and threw her arms over it. Face to face but side by side, not looking at each other because she put her chin on top of the metal and stands as still as a statue, cinders hidden under her lashes and leafy shadows crisscrossing her from above.

A sharp contrast with yesterday's violence under green moonlight, moving like a dancer with limitless energy on the battlefield and laughing at Koromaru's exuberance. That seemed to have shaken most of her unease and stress, but probably not all of it.

She eventually cracks her eyelids open with a content sigh, staring vaguely toward the shrine like she's trying to picture something in her mind.

"It's weird to think that in a few hours, this place will change completely. It won't be the same as it is now, it won't be…"

It won't be just ours.

Akihiko's about to move his hand toward her when she suddenly steps away from the bar and puts her palms to it instead. Not looking at him, she jumps up, puts her hip to it and flips around, flinging copper strands in the air until she does a full spin and passes a hand above her legs to swing them over so she can sit. She glances his way with a relaxed smirk and a raised eyebrow, somewhat proud.

"See? Can totally do it."

He smiles back, transposing his hand on the bar until it's barely touching hers.

"I never had any doubt."

She turns her gaze back forward, face relaxed and pensive, probably mulling her words since she's biting her cheek absently.

"Can… we keep to… ourselves tonight?"

It's a tentative whisper that came out of her mouth, but it makes him itch all over his spine.

"I'd rather we do, yes."

I'm selfish, I don't feel like sharing you anyways.

Minako gently leans over until the side of her head rests on the outside of his shoulder, nestling in his sleeve. He can't see her eyes anymore yet his whole arm is on fire.

"You're spoiling me, but… I'm glad. I just want to be, for once. As a treat to myself."

A tad unsure and rearranging words around in his mind, he leans his head on top of hers until he's resting in her hair and murmurs back.

"I like it better when you're just you, even if that means you don't smile."

She chuckles and it sounds like a mix of wonderment tinged with disbelief, but she doesn't move, and neither does he, because he's unsure how to express how true it is to him and it's somewhat frustrating. They stay like this for a long while, enjoying the quiet in mutual company, until she speaks again.

"Is it okay if we meet here after sundown? It's probably best we get here separately, since… I'll text you."

He closes his eyes; they got quite some time still before they need to get back.

"Works for me."

Under the cover of darkness, lit by a thousand lanterns, Naganaki shrine looks very different than when Akihiko was here with her just this morning. Vendor stalls, cooking smells, noise, laughter, and the bustle of hundreds of bodies in all manner of clothing colors are filling the usual quiet space with a completely disparate energy.

It's a bit jarring how fast this place can change from dawn to dusk.

It's a communicative craziness; he's not used to crowds nowadays, the orphanage and the cramped spaces filled with kids is long past, but the vibe of joy that permeates the air makes him smile, nonetheless. He flips open his cellphone, ensuring he didn't miss any message.

She said to wait by the side of the gate, but it's been a while…

And so, he keeps watch, eyes in the vague, just taking in the movement of the crowd absently. It's still early, she'll get here eventually, maybe she's trying to sneak around some people she knows since they agreed to keep this private. Amid the surrounding sounds, all merging into a single sonic undulation that acts as a background filler, he suddenly hears her low voice clearly.

"Akihiko."

He turns around and can't help but stare once he realizes who's really standing near the gate, calling to him. Minako looks…

…Wow.

She's wearing a yukata that outlines how slim and delicate she is, all fiery colors and patterned with white flowers, and her upbraided hair is adorned with a cascading ornament of golden blossoms that trickle down next to her left ear. Her eyes are painted, outlined with black that makes their vibrant color pop and echo the applied red on her lips.

She's… beautiful.

What she wears usually isn't the first impression he takes in about her presence, he finds her quite pretty no matter how sweaty or bloody she is, truth be told. But tonight, it's like a sun deity herself stepped out of the pages from the Kojiki and he can't seem to be able to remember how to breathe.

Get a grip, get a grip, she's walking over here.

Minako looks a bit unsure of herself initially as she advances toward where he stands, but eventually cracks a genuinely happy grin that makes her shining rubies and the curve of her lips burn themselves in his mind, and Akihiko feels an intense blush burn all over his face. He glances down, trying to breathe, trying to chase off the storm that's boiling between his ears. He spots her bare feet clad in geta sandals next to him and he's forced to raise his gaze upward because he can't be that impolite to her.

"I'm sorry I'm late, I can't move as fast as I'm used to in these."

"…That looks hard to walk in."

He smiles gently at her, hoping the ambient lighting makes his reaction less apparent, but she just keeps looking at him, a tad shy, her glorious irises shining like little bonfires. He licks his lips, doing his best to refrain from clenching his fists, frustrated with himself.

Say something, come on.

"You look… very beautiful. It makes it hard to look directly at… you."

Her lips broaden at the compliment, and she gets closer until she can raise a sleeve to his wrist. For once he's not wearing his gloves and he moves until her palm slides into his, delicately holding her soft hand like she's made of glass.

"Thank you."

They walk together slowly, simply exploring the rows of stands toward the shrine proper like nothing else exists. All he can manage are side glances, else it's just too hard to prevent staring at the vision at his side and he doesn't want to get weird on her.

I probably don't deserve it, but I'm very glad I don't have to share you with anyone tonight.

They pay their respects at the shrine then keep strolling until a tantalizing odor catches up with them, and her stance perks up. Akihiko glances around and spots the culprit stall in question.

"Takoyaki, huh… Wanna share one? It's my treat."

"Sounds good."

She stays next to a decorated pole, admiring the paper lamps while he gets to the stand to order for them, fishing in his pockets. The cooking lady eyes Akihiko appreciatively, pursing her lips in a knowing smile when she looks behind him, then back his way with a low whistle.

Uh…

"Ooh, you're one fine lookin' man. You get an extra one, hot stuff! Make sure you give it to the eye-catching girlfriend you're with. Ahh, the good old days of youth and love…"

…What?

He blinks in surprise while holding his money, stupefied at her comment, and she winks at Akihiko when she pockets his bill with a flourish and puts two servings on the counter.

"Th-That's not..."

"Sure, sure, move along now, enjoy yourself and make sure she does, too! She certainly worked hard to catch your attention today, make it count."

The vendor lady waves him a goodbye, shooing him away with mischief to get to her next customers. Still gobsmacked, he turns around, spine tingling and hands full, to walk back toward Minako with the two steaming treats. He can't find any of his words and just presents her with one of the servings, eyes a bit wild and looking somewhat away to hide his momentary confusion.

"Oh, you got two? I was fine just sharing, you know!"

She takes his offering, eyeing the little batter balls, pick in hand, like she's choosing who to sacrifice first with a predatory grin. The picture of her mock violence is utterly adorable, and he absently takes a bite of his own snack, still trying to make sense of the earlier comments from the stall lady and why they affect him so much.

Ouch!

His eyes go wide, and Akihiko breathes through the pain; the takoyaki is boiling still and it's burning his mouth.

"Careful, it's hot!"

Minako throws him a playful smirk, amused at his pained expression and gobbles one straight up too, eyes reacting dramatically and nodding while she chews.

"S'good though!"

He takes her toward the numerous festival stalls once they're finished with their snacks so they can admire the decorations and the pieces of art on display, under the dim colored lights blooming everywhere.

She's running her nails on a particular mask of a gold and red fox, eyes vacant but smiling with warmth.

"I think I had one of these when I was young. I have some vague memories of being called a pranking kit. I might have been a little terror, to be fair."

And now all grown up into a bewitching kitsune in the dead of night.

"It's true you can be a little devil sometimes."

She laughs with mischief in her eyes at his taunt, and he echoes her smirk, watching the dangling golden ornament dance around her head. It's slightly easier to look at her now and he can see Minako eyeing him speculatively.

"So, if I'm a fox, what would your mask be?"

Good question.

"I'm not… sure. I never even bought one before."

He looks at the walkway where children are sprinting and laughing in all directions, thinking back on older, simple times with a pang of sudden nostalgia.

"I used to run here with Aragaki when we were kids, we'd escape the orphanage in secret to hang out at festivals and get scolded when we came back. We glanced at the stalls and begged for treats. None of us could afford a souvenir, but we could bring back the description of all the wonders we saw back to Miki at least. She was too small to follow us, so we'd be her eyes and bring back tales of everything outside to make her dream of a better future."

Akihiko is a bit surprised to find he doesn't feel too sad talking about this, he's just glad he's sharing a bit of himself with her because she understands, and for once the words flew out as he intended. It's painful in a dull way and probably always will be, but he's accepted it. Her hand is sliding in his, applying warm pressure as her soft fingers cross with his, but she doesn't say anything. Instead, Minako leans on his arm as a presence of comfort and waits on him patiently.

Always perceptive.

It takes him a bit to shake out the remembrance and they resume walking close, hands still entwined. As they pass a second stall of masks, she points to one.

"If I had to choose for you, it would be this one."

He looks at the half-mask of a silver and red cat a bit dubiously.

"Really?"

Minako smiles and nods before she looks back at him, boring her eyes into his own with intensity. His face starts melting in reply because he can't seem to look away.

"Yes, you're pretty much a cat. Their paws and claws have bite like yours do, they're very lethal hunters too. Very warm and cuddly when you want to sleep alongside them, and… they purr, just like you."

Her smile is a bit impish like she's holding back a laugh, she chose her words very specifically and he just keeps standing there in shock. There's thunder ringing in Akihiko's mind at everything she said, but the end bit stands out. He knows it's a bait, and he can't help but tug hard on it because he's wired like that, and she knows it.

"I… what?"

"It's actually really adorable!"

Minako bites down on a chuckle and a dusting of crimson blooms in her pale face. Akihiko is blushing furiously because he has no idea what she's on about but also because it's kind of embarrassing to even think about.

"You'll remember at some point, don't worry about it."

Oh, right… I'm never taking those again.

For once tonight, he can hold a gaze to hers and stares back, lids narrowed, pondering how to tackle this.

"You're starting to run a tab on secrets."

"There's a time and place for everything. I promised before, and it still holds."

She's blushing but defiant regardless, staring back with aplomb and he believes her, so he takes a breath and lets it go reluctantly.

I won't forget though.

"Alright, fair enough, I trust you."

The crowd around keeps moving like the water of a lazy river, carrying everyone to their destination and they slip in the current for a bit, letting it guide them further down the walkway until a man at a nearby stall hollers their way.

"Hey! You two! Would you like to play Lucky Draw? All you do is pick a ball! It's easy! And, everyone's a winner!"

They both share a glance and approach in curiosity. Akihiko looks at the contraption holding the colored spheres with a dubious gaze.

"Lucky Draw, huh…? I've always doubted whether it's really possible to win the stuff on display."

He strokes her hand with his thumb, handing a bill to the vendor with the other.

"Give it a try for me, red's my lucky color."

She grins at him with wiggling eyebrows and puts her hand in the box. Instead of drawing from the top, she moves the little balls around and plunges her fingers deeper, shuffling until she's satisfied with her pick. She takes out a bright red one for a top prize and laughs.

"Eh, just like the gym keys!"

She smiles triumphantly his way, and he can only manage a lopsided grimace at her comment, remembering the rescue operation with some shame.

Oh, right… those. Boy did I mess up that one back then.

"And there you go pretty miss!"

The attendant hands her a blue and white plushie from the top row of prizes and he swears he can recognize that snowman character from somewhere.

"Oh, it's much fluffier than the ones from the vending machines! There you go, one dose of red luck, as requested!"

Oh, now I remember…

And she hands him the stuffed snowman with pride.

"You can keep it, it's actually yours for real. I remember where I saw that little fellow now… How does that work anyways?"

Minako ponders, hugging her prize with a contemplative frown.

"That would take a… lot of time to explain. Put it on the tab, I'll get to it eventually."

He laughs at that one and she smirks roguishly, this secret doesn't have the same flavor as the others but he's curious all the same.

"Time and place again?"

She raises an eyebrow, dangling the cascade of golden shimmers in her hair with a shake of her head.

"Isn't it always?"

The crowd in the open space is getting busier, and Akihiko looks around. Everyone seems to be shuffling toward this area, probably for the incoming fireworks, meaning a chance encounter with someone they know is getting more and more probable by the minute.

I'm really enjoying myself and I'd rather it doesn't end quite yet.

"I think the fireworks are happening soon, do you want to move toward the hill? The view is still good and it won't be so crowded. At least it was the best spot when I was a child."

Minako nods, shuffling next to him toward their destination. The sky feels darker, since there aren't as many lanterns and stall lights around but the path is a bit uneven.

"Watch your step, almost there."

I should have thought of that before.

Right on cue, she catches her balance by holding on to him and hops on one foot.

"Sorry! Give me a sec I lost a sandal."

"Don't move, I got it."

Akihiko looks around, trying to spot where the geta fell in the darkness and eventually finds it nearby. She holds out her hand to take it from him, but he kneels in front of her instead.

"It's too dark, and I don't want you to fall."

He did this before so many times when he was younger, helping Miki put on her shoes because she didn't know how to tie them by herself, but the difference of the situation doesn't hit him until his knee hits the floor. He can feel her hands pressing on his shoulders on each side so she can keep her balance, the plushie ruffling the back of his hair as she holds her naked foot slightly aloft above the ground and he hesitates.

Just, stop thinking.

Not wanting to tickle her, he puts his palm on the top of her foot and gently glides it backward until he can hold it by the heel, absently running his thumb against the bony ridge of her ankle. Maybe because it's so soft and delicate, something inside makes him swallow hard and he can't quite label it.

I'm getting weird again.

There's a sizzling sound going up from behind him because the show is starting, and he looks skyward as a reflex. Minako is looking down at him, hair ornament framing her face and her eyes a vibrant, boiling crimson. The firework explodes in shades of green above and he can't help but see the Dark Hour's curtain through the sudden light that blasts all over them.

It's distracting, Akihiko's mind is filled with bursts of sound and he runs the fingers on her ankle up toward her calf before he catches himself and stops. His other hand is still cradling the tip of her sandal and he distinctly feels her toes curl at the motion and she bites her lower lip, rubies sultry from this angle.

She looked like this the other day in her room, and it hits just as hard today.

He lets go of her foot and gets up to stand while she puts it down. He's mesmerized by the reflection of fireworks in the glossy surface of her eyes as she looks upward to the display that intensifies, blasting everywhere with flashes of light. She's not smiling per say, but she looks happily serene, somewhat vulnerable, just like when she opens her eyes at the playground after a long meditative silence next to him.

All the masks are peeled off. You're just you.

Her voice is low but joyful, melting in the claps of sparks above them.

"It's so pretty… Like dozens of colored suns exploding in the sky."

You got it all wrong.

"It's indeed quite pretty, but..."

His hand is trembling and there's a resonance sitting between his eardrums that won't stop, but it doesn't matter. She just feels warm when his hand cradles her cheek, fingers sliding behind her ear to bury themselves in the loose coils of her braided hair. Minako's breath itches in surprise.

Look at me.

And she does, with wide flaring rubies, and it's hard to sustain. Akihiko can see the echoes of the red and golden bursts above them within, and the liquid silver of his own gaze.

"There's only one sun here… and its you."

Something inside him melts and he just moves without thinking, dipping his face until his lips slightly grazes hers and he closes his eyes. For a split second, she doesn't move, and he wonders if perhaps he should have asked first. She shudders and raises a hand to his hair, pushing back against his mouth with her own caress and he starts trembling.

Don't let the rope snap. Don't go insane.

Everything is made from static shock in his mind as their lips dance with each other, tantalizingly slow and tender, desperate to keep himself steady. The spectacle above is deafening, yet he can hear none of it, his ears are filled with the humming she makes when he takes her lower lip between his to gently suck on it. She tastes like fire, his knees are going weak, and he raises his other hand to her back, palm pressed to her spine.

Don't let the rope snap.

Akihiko has to breathe or he's going to faint from the overload of everything, he's already so light-headed he can't even think. Pressing his forehead to hers, gasping for air, he opens his eyes to watch her and drowns in the melting red that looks back at him with something he never could identify before now.

Except now I can.

Her lashes lower as her gaze falls to his mouth, then back up half-way with flames burning within.

"We can always say… it was because of… the fireworks."

I don't want an out.

Minako's nails are grazing the hair behind his ear, and he can't stop shivering. He lowers the top of his nose toward her cheek until his lips are so close to hers that every word he says flutters on them.

"If… you… want."

He can feel her smile curl up against him and it parts to deliver her words.

"I really don't, no."

She inhales and closes the gap to him fully, smothering him in liquid fire.