「sakook」unstrung hearts

Chapter 8: Shared Bites & Delights

The Gion Matsuri, one of the largest and most famous festivals in Japan, had transformed the streets of Kyoto into an extraordinary spectacle. Lanterns of all shapes and sizes adorned the stalls and restaurants, their warm glow lending a magical touch to the lively atmosphere. The streets thrummed with excitement, thronged with locals and tourists alike, all there to experience the festive sights, sounds, and tastes.

Their first stop was at a small stall serving freshly made takoyaki. The sizzling sound of the octopus-filled balls cooking in the hot iron mold was like music to their ears. The vendor's deft hands flipping each piece to a perfect golden brown was a sight to behold.

Jungkook bought a plate and turned towards Sana. "Careful, it's hot," he warned, blowing gently on a piece before offering it to her with chopsticks. Sana took on his thoughtful gesture with a smile.

Next, they made their way to a dango stall, the inviting aroma of grilled mochi wafting in the air. Jungkook picked up a skewer with three large dango. "These might be too big for you to bite," he said, looking at Sana with a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Here, let me help." He then bit off half of the first mochi ball and offered the other half to Sana, who accepted it with a playful eye roll.

Sana wasn't sure if Jungkook was just being considerate or if he was just using it as an excuse to eat his share. However, she couldn't deny the warm fluttering in her heart at his cheeky and intimate gesture.

Their laughter and banter added to the festive spirit. As they moved from one stall to another, Jungkook kept surprising her with his charming ways. The way he was trying to make the day special for her was not lost on Sana.

When they stopped at a dessert stall, Jungkook pointed at a bowl of matcha parfait. "This looks so good," he said. "But I warn you, the ice cream part is quite cold."

"Oh, really?" Sana shot him a look. "And here I thought ice cream was usually served hot."

Their shared laughter echoed in the vibrant festival atmosphere. The Gion Matsuri was indeed a feast for the senses, but for Sana, the experience was all the more enchanting thanks to Jungkook. 

After enjoying a variety of festival delicacies, Sana and Jungkook soon found themselves drawn towards a traditional festival game stall - Kingyo-sukui or Goldfish scooping. The game was simple in its concept - scoop up a goldfish with a paper scoop without breaking it - yet it was notoriously difficult in execution. As they approached the stall, the sight of goldfish swimming in water-filled tubs sparked Jungkook's competitive nature.

"I'm going to win you some goldfish, Sana," he declared confidently, rolling up his yukata sleeves and stepping up to the challenge.

Sana watched as Jungkook tried to scoop up the fish, his eyebrows furrowed in concentration. However, the fragile paper scoop seemed to have other plans, disintegrating before he could catch a fish. Sana couldn't help but giggle, her heart warming at Jungkook's determined yet futile attempts.

Catching her laughter, Jungkook shot her a playful glare. "Are you laughing at me, Sana?" he asked, feigning offense.

"I would never," she answered, still giggling. "I'm just enjoying your... determination."

His eyes glinted with unwavering resolve. "Just you watch, Sana. I'm not giving up that easily."

As the game progressed, however, the elusive goldfish proved to be quite the adversary. Despite his numerous attempts, each ended in the same frustrating way: a disintegrated scoop and no goldfish. He let out an exasperated grunt. "Oh fucking hell."

Jungkook's unexpected exclamation sent Sana into a fit of stifled laughter. The sight before her - the audacious Jungkook, a grown man boasting a stylish lip piercing, facing a challenging standoff against a children's game - was undeniably amusing. His struggles amid the delighted squeals of the children around him only added to the comic relief of the situation.