Business Relationship

Chapter 11 - Fireworks

Mai and Minato met up on the day of the festival. Minato wore a blue kimono with fish patterned across it while Mai wore a black kimono with orange-red leaves.

Mai glanced away, bashful.

"Hm? What's wrong?" Minato asked.

"Er, every time we've been in robes, something has happened. We first kissed in yukata at the hot springs, and then at the hotel when we wore bathrobes, you... Well, those memories came up."

"Fufu, I wonder what'll be this time?" Minato giggled and stepped next to Mai, linking their arms.

"Hopefully nothing at a crowded festival."

"I'll see if I can give you some surprises."

The couple strolled through the stalls, gradually getting into the festive atmosphere. They bought masks and snacks and played the various games.

With so many people around, Minato acted slightly unbridled. Whenever she felt confident she wouldn't be seen, she touched, grabbed, or lightly spanked Mai's rear. Every time, Mai would jolt in surprise and playfully glare at Minato.

Being touched in public did thrill Mai. The logical part of her mind knew it was dangerous and that they shouldn't be doing it, but that was exactly why the emotional part enjoyed it so much. The conflicting feelings stirred her up and made her huff.

They enjoyed themselves for around two hours, then toned down the affection and searched for their friends.

"Hey, Shou!" Minato waved.

"Yo, Minato, Hyoujou-san."

Shou wore a simple yukata. He had a mask on the side of his head and was eating cotton candy, standing with two other boys from their class.

"Anyone else around?" Minato asked. "Staked out a fireworks spot?"

"Some people went out to look. When they find one, one'll come back and let us know."

"Great! We'll wait with you, then."

Mai returned to her usual cold and detached appearance. The others didn't bother trying to talk to her. Perhaps they'd even been rejected by her in the past.

"Hey, give me some," Minato demanded.

Shou ripped off some cotton candy and held it out towards her face. She took it with her mouth without any hesitation. Mai watched the exchange with a neutral expression.

Shou took another strip and offered it to Mai. "You want some too?"

"Sure. Thank you." Mai took it with her fingers and nibbled on it.

Over the next several minutes, they gathered some more classmates. Boys from Shou's class and girls from Mai's class came by to greet them, along with a few couples.

Another classmate jogged up to them. "We found a good spot! Come on!"

The group followed along, coming to a distant hillside with a clear view of the sky. Another half dozen classmates waited there.

They all chatted a bit. Minato checked the time, then took a few steps away and tugged at Mai's sleeve. Mai followed.

"Hey, Hyoujou-san..."

"You being so serious makes me wary," Mai replied.

"Ehe. Well, the thing is, I have a lot of fun whenever we hang out! I wanna keep going places with you!"

Mai nodded. "I can agree with that. Your positivity is fun to be around, too."

Shou tapped his friend's shoulder and gestured at the two girls with his chin. The group started to notice something was going on.