The preparation for the bonfire began.
It was one of Rakuzan's old traditions every after successful events which was managed by all the students. The help of school council was not particularly needed.
The cheering of the students echoed everywhere like a clamor, a clear indication that everyone was on top of their spirits upon success lit of fire.
The dimming sunset complimented the blazing bonfire.
Hotaru stood still at the back, watching as everyone celebrated a job well done.
Thankfully, the festival passed by smoothly.
Her eyes searched for a particular redhead but nothing came in sight. She could assume he was caught in the middle of something, a teacher suddenly checking on him, the principal asking the overall report of the festival or perhaps, a meeting with the basketball coach. It varied, since it was him, there would be a lot of possibilities. He was wanted by many after all.
In the midst of burning flames, her eyes caught a certain gray-haired student instead, who already had eyes on her as if waiting when would her coal black pair land on his.
Mouth slightly parted upon the contact of their eyes, wondering since when was he looking at her way.
Hotaru couldn't help but remember the confession he gave yesterday. She wasn't able to think about it due to the busy schedule of the said festival.
She lowered her head.
Mayuzumi Chihiro was truly a bizarre being.
Hotaru understood it already. He was like the rain she wished on a hot and sunny day despite not bearing any hatred towards the sun or the summer in general.
He was the opposite of Akashi Seijuro. He was a stranger unlike the latter whom she grew up with.
Regardless, the comfort and soothing ambiance he emitted every time they were together was unexplainable as if she had known that comfort before.
Was she boring or did she really just enjoy the silence surrounding them whenever they were together? She couldn't point out. Every time he was around, she'd find herself tucking strands of hair a lot of times, smiling frequently, with a presence of clear yet worried mind, completely conscious towards how a boy like him would perceive a girl like her.
Didn't he say he won't like her?
So, what did he mean by the sudden confession? And by that, how would it differ to the feelings she had with Akashi Seijuro? Clearly, Hotaru liked her superior.
Suddenly a loud noise interrupted her ears. The students applauded.
"Ehem, Mic test. Mic test. Err… So… Everyone! Congratulations to us!"
"We are gathered here to celebrate our success. Anyone who'd like to give a speech or something, feel free to do so!"
"Huh? What? You want to sing?"
"Sure, why not, the stage is yours. Oh, right there's no stage, but you can have this mic here. Come!"
Surely, it was getting lively.
Hotaru breathed in and out as she glanced once again to Mayuzumi's spot, believing he won't be there anymore. He would probably be somewhere else. It may be necessary for all students to gather in this celebration, but Hotaru knew that Mayuzumi Chihiro was the kind of person who wouldn't care about such tradition.
The gesture was done in a slow motion, hesitant to land eyes on that same spot but meaning to find out. Would he still be there? Would he wait or not? Was the confession a mere prank? Was he referring to something else after all? Was she actually just a normal girl to his sight and not worth to look at for so long? Would his patience be lower than that?
Out of her many assumptions and tons of hesitations, came one unexplainable thought of an exhilarating and calming splash of delight when she found out that Mayuzumi was still standing firm and still, glued at her setting.
She huffed.
It was pleasing somehow.
She couldn't understand the giddy sensation she felt on her stomach knowing that.
More minutes of staring took place. The only audible sound was the clamor around.
This time, the student started encircling the bonfire.
"Alright everyone we're gonna do some dancing!~"
"Where's the music?! Alright, there it is."
Black eyes shifting on and off to his gray pair from afar, as words of invitation from fellow students surfaced her ears.
"Vice Pres, let's gather in the middle!"
In the middle of commotion, she didn't know if she had nodded or agreed but she somehow became part of the students surrounding the bonfire.
Hotaru's focus was completely on the wordless conversation she had with Mayuzumi on the other side of the yard. Their eyes were solely doing the talking.
Unlike her, no one snatched Mayuzumi's hand. He purposely joined the students around the bonfire.
Not even the disarrayed flames could break their gazes. There was something in the sincerity of his eyes that she couldn't seem to ignore.
"Okay We will play the music in 3…2…Hey is it ready?"
"Okay? …3…2…1..."
"Start!"
The students began hopping as their arms linked to one another.
"Let me hear some roaring Rakuzan High students!"
The bouncing gestures of every student altered her view, but still managed to find the tall student by stealing glances from time to time.
What is it, really?
What do you mean by that?
Hotaru sighed.
Stop.
There shouldn't be any important meaning behind that.
She still remembered how he once told her that they weren't friends to be talking casually. Then it wasn't that long when he bluntly said that he won't be in a situation where he'd like her.
She wanted to reiterate that fact to her consciousness. Therefore, there was no point in being conscious or worried.
Maybe, the confession was out of friendliness only. For all she knew, the 'I like you' that time could mean 'I like you to be my friend'.
She didn't have the leisure, a moment to spare, for other things beside the duties in the mansion and her responsibilities as an attendant of the Akashi heir.
"Next! We're going by pairs! Focus on the person on your left and dance more!"
The master of ceremony continued. "To this sunset all the way till the moon showcases its self! Alright!"
Hotaru decided to let it go. The world doesn't revolve around her and neither to anyone. It wasn't something significant, probably just a mere passing gesture of a boy towards a girl.
She smiled at the person she was paired with. A girl similarly, considering the unbalance ratio of girls among boys. She clasped the hand of her partner and hopped front to back then sideways.
The festival was over and she must enjoy this celebration.
"Vice Prez, you're good at this, eh?"
She grinned, "Thanks"
"Alright, we're gonna roll this dance. Everyone! Move on to the next person on your left!"
Everyone complied and did as the MC instructed, changing partners according to the beat of the music.
Hotaru landed once again towards another female student.
Hands clasped together, "Ah, Vice! I saw your recital yesterday. It was awesome."
She smiled once again, "Thank you, you're flattering me."
On to the next, this time an opposite gender, same year as her, also one of her classmates.
"Oh? Sasazaki! W-Wheres Hana Miyagi?"
"Eh?" a sweat formed, "Probably somewhere here as well?" for sure that person would be present in this circle too.
The dance carried on as the early night deepened, shifting partners as it continued.
As Hotaru's partner changed, she'd hear the same comment about her recital yesterday. There were also some who took advantage of her position in the Student Council to discuss some matter.
In exchange, Hotaru, would only smile and express gratitude to their kind words. She also had to assure that the concerns given to her would be brought up on the next council meeting.
There were lots of things on her mind even when she was supposed to be enjoying the moment.
Despite that, the body that wasn't designed for dancing still managed to move in perfect motion, in sync with the other students and rhythm of the background music.
She tiptoed and swayed her body in a seemingly unending tempo. Somehow, nervousness crept upon her. She could also feel the agitating beating of her heart as she reduced the distance towards a certain someone.
Mayuzumi's presence was quite the opposite of the usual, as if it was screaming loudly, letting her know that he was here. In a sense, he seemed to stand out the most among the crowd.
Despite the small talk she was having with the partners coming by, her eyes won't deny the desire to look at his way.
As he came nearer, the sound of yesterday's confession was becoming louder.
I like you.
I like you.
I like you.
How do you feel now, Mayuzumi-san?
The ashes of the burning woods scattered in the wind like stardust, dancing above the shadows of different bodies.
Hotaru prepared to move on to the next person. This time, it would be at him, to Mayuzumi Chihiro.
She breathed in and out longer than the usual.
It was only a matter of few seconds before they could finally meet. In fact, it was not even more than 5 seconds, which wasn't much but enough for details to conspire.
5 seconds
There were 1000 milliseconds in a second. The eyes could take a glimpse over known and unknown entity in that small frame. It could be anything but most likely, on to what the heart truly desired to see.
She shifted her weight on one foot, her body was ready to turn. Part of her was nervous though she won't deny the anticipation building up.
4 seconds
Mayuzumi blinked.
Everything was happening slowly, just like a scene in a movie.
The hair she had was as black as the sky yet flew brightly like the fire at the center. It was enough to entice his eyes.
Weird, his mind and heart that used to be at war every time she was near, were unusually calm.
It was so serene, he couldn't even spend any time dawdling a remark or attention to the partners he was having.
He couldn't be bothered anymore.
3 seconds
She wasn't hesitant to hold the hands of each partner that came across her. Would she welcome his hand similarly? He wondered how a pianist's hand would feel on his palm. What would it be like standing closer than the usual distance they often had? Would everything be answered once their body became closer to one another?
2 seconds
Upon turn, her eyes fixated on his, as if it knew where exactly to level her gaze just to match his sight.
For the first time since the dance began, his arms finally made a movement. Hands twitched, meaning to do one gesture only, to welcome her upcoming hands.
1 second
Warm air passed by, playing witness to the very first time the two would hold hands.
Hotaru gradually allowed her hands to fall on his waiting palms. Then slowly, he gripped to it tightly but gently. Their eyes never left each other as the ambiance suddenly became exclusive to them.
The two had a muted discussion, even so, their entangled skin and eye contact seemed to have reached an understanding.
So, this was how it felt, he realized. It really was true. The hands of someone playing a piano were smooth and soft. It felt like it could break if he added more force. How delicate, he thought.
Her lips parted, but nothing came out.
All the things she wanted to say, the habitual greeting, the usual smile and remark, all of it left her.
She couldn't even bring to ask clarification regarding yesterday's confession.
Just, the sincere gaze was enough to make her forget what to utter first, as if the disarray in her mind was trivial.
Mayuzumi moistened his lips. His mind was oddly quiet, it was surprising, even for him.
"…" I like you.
His eyes softened. Their close proximity made him notice the glow of his reflection on her black orbs. It truly was mesmerizing, to be seen this close, to be looked at by those beautiful eyes.
There was no denying anymore. He really did like this girl, and probably even more.
"…I like you... Sasazaki." Finally, he spoke, bringing it up so casually again.
It wasn't even the first time hearing those words, yet it still managed to send electrifying shock on her body.
She huffed silently, as he grip tightened against his palm. "…You said that too, …yesterday."
"I did."
Both of them stood still, completely ignoring the flow of the group dance students deliberately excluded them in the circle. The ongoing shifting of partners went on in their background.
She pursed her lips, before inching up one corner. Their hands still entangled, "…What does it mean? ...What kind of like is it?" Was it of a friend or in a romantic way? Then again, what was it like to want someone romantically? Truly, everything seemed so foreign.
Intriguingly, Mayuzumi wondered if she really didn't know.
He sighed silently, trying to remember a specific time he ever liked something or someone.
When he was a kid, he didn't put much protest if he couldn't receive any toy. Reading was his favorite thing to do but never once did he feel obsessive of any titles.
Perhaps, he was not a complicated person when it involved liking something or someone. It could be that she was the first one he coveted this much. Such a compelling mystery she was to him.
If there was one example to elaborate the extent of that like, it would be the fact that she was the first person he ever confessed to. She was the first person he admitted to like in a way where he desired her existence nearby. Even more, to the point where he hated his self for feeling this way. He truly had lost and surrendered to this feelings he had for her.
Mayuzumi looked down at their hands. He couldn't believe it. They were holding each other. It was not a mere brushing of fingers nor an accident occurrences.
His thumb couldn't help but caressed the surface of her hand. He shifted his gaze on her eyes. She didn't seem to be resisting.
He looked at her as if those gray orbs could penetrate her coal black eyes.
For some reason, it made the girl shy and speechless.
Hotaru felt a tacit desire from him, which made her blush all over her cheeks.
Mayuzumi had gotten used to being invisible, the one who received the least attention, and that was fine. In fact, he preferred it that way. But this? He could make an exception to this. For what felt like the first time, he wanted to be noticed.
It was overstepping a boundary line of what was for him and not
His eyes never left her and although it felt like they had been this way for a long time, the fact was, it had been a few while only.
Hotaru couldn't come up with a proper word to explain what she was feeling in the inside. Sure, she had done the same with Akashi Seijuro—touching hands, but this current event, with Mayuzumi Chihiro, felt different.
Mayuzumi breathed out silently, he already said 'I like you' yesterday and even today, was that still not enough to convey his feeling?
So what if he emphasized?
'I really like you' Would that work?
Perhaps, 'I love you' would be good too.
Or should it be, 'I want to be with you.'
'I wish you could look only to me.' That would work better, maybe?
Mayuzumi thought of ways to elaborate.
It was the kind of like where asking permission to hold hands won't be necessary.
Where he could see her whenever he wanted to, go out together, share warmth with each other, do things lovers do and more.
He could add more honestly. He could tell her how he wanted to hug her at this moment, force her eyes to look at him and only to him, devour her being so he could make her all for his self. It was that kind of like—tremendous, it might suffocate her.
Amidst the chaos, he was captivated.
The moment they paired up, the two only did the basics of the dance, held hands, and that was all. They didn't move in accordance to the beat of music, instead, they shared a seemingly endless gazing and this discussion.
Somehow, the two didn't notice that the dance ended.
It could be that they were aware but didn't mind the clamor of students exiting the vicinity. They remained in their position, unbothered and unfazed. Their hands were still clasped together, unaware if they intentionally allowed it to stay as it was or not.
Seconds passed and became minutes, and then more.
She patiently waited for his answer.
But it was just as he said. He liked her, and at the same time, a little more of it. Could he say that?
Will you…
Won't you…
Can you…
…
"…Be my girlfriend, Sasazaki."
That was probably it.
He liked her and wanted her to be his. In the end, it wasn't the kind of like where he'd be contented just letting her know. At first, Mayuzumi thought that if he said it—if he just confessed, then he'd finally be free. In the end, it only made him want more.
So he would re-phrase what he said yesterday, an answer was after all needed and he wanted her to return the feeling. He needed her as well. That way—then, that was the only way to satisfy his emotion. This desire he had for her intoxicated the mind and heart that had been sober for so long.
Hotaru felt as if her breathing stopped upon hearing, no alibi or room for confusion when he said it that way.
She was completely trapped.
"…"
It was after all, in a romantic way. And so, would this delighted feeling and sensation she was having be considered a normal reaction?
Her heart was celebrating, and for a fact, she was meaning to smile but something hindered it. She blinked and realized what was stopping her. There was a voice beside, plain and distinct, calling for her.
"I apologize Sasazaki-san, Seijuro-sama had an urgent matter to attend, your presence is required immediately."
There was that voice, from a man in a black suit. The chauffeur driver.
Hotaru snapped upon realization. The middle-aged man wasn't even looking at her, keeping focus at the ground, aware that she was in the middle of something yet he had to interrupt.
The mansion duty was calling. It was time like this that everything must be disregarded.
Something in the inside of her body ached. She couldn't simply ignore. She glanced to Mayuzumi who did not show any hint of disruption nor inconvenience to the sudden appearance of the Akashi aide, still paying her with the sincerity of his eyes.
She huffed lightly and looked down.
It was no good.
It was really no good.
"…Sorry."
Mayuzumi softened his eyes upon hearing. For some reason, he knew it was coming. He knew eventually she'd leave, but he didn't expect it would be at the moment when all that was missing was her answer.
"…I'm sorry. I need to go, Mayuzumi-san."
It was funny how everything happened so fast. In an instant, her hands were no longer in his grasp. Just when he knew he had it already, it was gone completely. He stared at his palm for a while before sighing. The lingering coldness of her hand was still present.
That was so uncool, and very unlike him. On the other hand, that was very like her, always putting Akashi Seijuro first.
It was only for a while when he seemed to be the only one she could see, now it felt like a mere imagination.
The surroundings became clear. It was noisy. There were a lot of students around, celebrating the success of the festival. They were in groups. It felt like he was the only person standing alone.
That, until his gaze fell forward, sensing eyes directed to him.
Talked about misfortune, was he being watched the whole time? Being heard?
Hayama Koutaro.
There was an obvious awkwardness in the way he was being looked at.
Hayama Koutaro just happened to pass by, just happened to find a rather unusual duo, just happened to think of teasing the male, yet again. He wasn't aware he would see such moment that seemed too private for him to butt in. He didn't intend to overhear nor oversee. It was just, he was already there he couldn't help it.
The gazes between the two males from the same basketball team were uncomfortable.
Was it a moment like this that Hayama must offer a hug? He wondered. Nevertheless, he was also aware that Mayuzumi wouldn't like that.
"Ah… Ahm… Err, I- …" the sophomore was scratching the lower part of his cheek, too clumsy to stabilize the gaze at the Third-year who was only standing, looking at him with a serious face.
"…D-don't mind…?" I guess?
Why must he see this scenario? No man would like to be seen in this uncool moment. My condolences Mayuzumi!
However, Mayuzumi didn't say a word. He turned on his back and walked away from the vicinity.
Despite how it turned out, there would be no regret.
.
.
.
.
Inside the car, on their way to the mansion for an urgent meeting of Akashi, Hotaru kept thinking what the driver had said on their way.
It never happened before, for the driver to personally get her. There was no issue for Akashi Seijuro to do it himself before. Why did he send someone else for her?
"I was just waiting in the parking lot when Seijuro-sama came and told me to call you. He said you were near the bonfire."
It sparked confusion. If he knew her whereabouts, he would come by his self.
She secretly glanced through the mirror of the car to check on him. He had not uttered anything ever since she arrived. He was just sitting quietly at the back seat, crossed arms and closed eyes.
Even when they arrived, he didn't ask or say anything. It stretched from then, all the way during the meeting, until it ended.
Hotaru walked the heir to his room. The day seemed longer and tiring than the usual. She understood if that was the reason for his quietness. He must be dying to rest.
Akashi Seijuro began loosening his tie before brushing his hair with his fingers. Hotaru politely waited until he set his self comfortably inside his room.
It was quiet.
Then she made a bow, planning to exit the room so he could have his personal time
"Good night. Seijuro-sama."
Akashi watched her in the corner of his eyes with a forethought of the outcome had he called and asked her to stay, had he said that he saw her at the bonfire, that he could have get her that time by his self, that he was watching from afar yet he could clearly see the flushed face she had, that apparently, even he, could tell that she was smitten at the person in her front, that Mayuzumi Chihiro.
He had given it a thorough and careful thought and came to one conclusion.
There would be no point in letting her know.