Let's Ditch Everything and Just Have Fun!

3. The Firework Sparks in the Darkness

"I'm sorry."

Ayaka stared at Kazuha and sighed. She could not be mad for a long time to him. "Just don't do it again."

The young man smiled at her. "How does watching fireworks sound for an apology?"

Two of them went to Inazuma city and visited the Naganohara firework shop. Yoimiya was busy preparing some fireworks before the night set in. She did not realize they were standing in front of the shop. Kazuha decided to greet the absorbed young woman first.

"Good afternoon, Yoimiya."

"Kazuha, what a good time!" She turned her head. "Sorry I did not notice you. I just finished making this new firework. The kids and Itto gang are joining to watch-" She stopped talking after looking at Ayaka next to Kazuha. "OH MY ARCHON, IT'S SHIRASAGI HIMEGIMI!"

"Hello, there. It's been a while, Yoimiya. I hope you don't mind if I join in as well."

"No, no, no! It's an honour for the Naganohara firework!"

Yoimiya pulled Kazuha for a private conversation. She was curious how the wandering samurai could accompany the high-standing lady. "Spill it out. How do you meet Kamisato Ayaka?"

Kazuha lied since he took away Ayaka in surprise. Yoimiya would punch him if he stated the truth. "We shared some poems at the Irodori festival. It is just coincidence that we met each other on our way."

"Well, that makes sense."

When Kazuha and Yoimiya returned, they saw the Arataki gang idled in front of the shop. Ayaka was staring intensely at Itto. "Amazing. This is the first time I've seen a real-life oni."

"Feel free to look more," Itto said with confidence. Shinobu just shook her head at her boss's behaviour. "Please be more polite to the Kamisato lady. We don't want to get into trouble with the Yashiro commission."

Itto waved his hand at the owner of the shop. "Oi, Yoimiya. How's the firework going? The kids are waiting!"

"It's perfect! Now go make yourself useful and help me load this."

Itto and Shinobu assisted Yoimiya in bringing the explosion to the firework spot. The couple followed them from behind and was surprised. The chosen location was more crowded than they expected. Yoimiya was surrounded by children the moment she appeared.

"Big sister, do you mind if my friends and family watch the firework too."

Yoimiya scratched her head. "Well, I don't mind it but..." She glanced at Kazuha and Ayaka. "Are you okay with this?"

Ayaka nodded her head. "It's fine. Everyone must want to see it since there is not much firework show this season."

Yoimiya prepared the show with Itto and the rest of his gang. While they were busy, Kazuha whispered to Ayaka's ear. "Follow me. I know a great spot to watch the firework."

Memories seeped through her mind. She once walked the same path in the past. When she arrived, the breeze wind brushed against her face. She saw a vast open sea under the sky starry dark sky. Ayaka looked around her surroundings and was amazed. It barely changed after many years had passed.

"This place..."

"Did you remember it?"

Ayaka giggled, reminiscing about their childhood. "Of course I do! We sneaked out to see firework in here when my brother and the adults were busy in a meeting."