SUB ROSA | Wind Breaker

Arc 3 || 3. Light Up the Sky

The evening air carried the scents of sweet snacks and grilled food, mingling with the soft glow of festival lanterns strung overhead. The festival was alive with vibrant colors and cheerful chatter, but amidst the bustle, Akame moved with quiet grace. Her deep red yukata, delicately patterned with soft floral designs, framed her perfectly, exuding an understated elegance that caught the attention of more than a few passersby. She walked beside Yuta, her hand resting lightly on the sash, her expression a mix of curiosity and wonder as her gaze drifted over the sights.

Yuta, dressed casually but with his usual protective demeanor, walked close enough to make his presence clear. His sharp gaze didn't miss the lingering looks some festival-goers cast Akame's way. One particularly long stare earned a pointed glare from him, the kind that immediately made the culprit look elsewhere.

As they approached a row of glowing lanterns, they spotted Umemiya and Hiragi waiting ahead. The two boys had been chatting, but the moment they noticed Akame, their conversation abruptly halted.

Umemiya's confidence wavered for the first time in ages. His usual relaxed smirk faltered as his gaze landed on her, and he cleared his throat awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Akame... you look... incredible," he managed, his voice a little strained.

Beside him, Hiragi's eyes widened slightly, though he quickly composed himself, offering a polite bow of his head. "You look lovely, Akame-san," he said with his characteristic calm, though his words carried an understated warmth.

Akame's cheeks tinted a soft pink as she smiled gently. "Thank you, Umemiya-kun, Hiragi-san," she said, her voice quiet but kind.

Yuta raised an eyebrow, amused by the boys' reactions. "Don't get any ideas," he muttered, though his tone was teasing rather than serious.

As the group began wandering through the festival, the lively atmosphere quickly swept them up. Vibrant fireworks burst overhead, painting the night sky with colors that reflected in Akame's wide eyes. Her quiet awe didn't go unnoticed by Umemiya, who found himself sneaking glances, his heart skipping each time she smiled or laughed.

Yet, as they admired the lights, an unmistakable voice interrupted. "Akame-chan!" Choji's cheerful call rang out as he bounded toward them, practically glowing with his usual energy. His grin was infectious as he quickly reached for Akame's hand. "I was hoping to find you here!"

Before she could respond, he gently tugged her away from the group. "Come on, you owe me a few games!" he said with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Choji—wait!" Akame laughed, startled but charmed by his enthusiasm. She shot an apologetic look back at the group, but they waved her off—except for Umemiya, who stood stiffly, his arms crossed and his jaw tight.

Hiragi leaned toward Umemiya with a knowing smirk. "You're not jealous, are you?"

"Jealous?" Umemiya scoffed, crossing his arms tighter. "It's Choji. He's harmless. Just... overly friendly."

Hiragi hummed, clearly unconvinced, but didn't press further. Still, he watched the way Umemiya's gaze lingered in the direction Choji had taken Akame, his discomfort plain to see.

Meanwhile, Choji's exuberance was magnetic. He led Akame through rows of game stalls, his enthusiasm unrelenting. She missed almost every target, but Choji cheered her on regardless, his energy turning even her clumsy attempts into moments of laughter. When she finally won a small plush toy, her radiant smile made him freeze for a moment, caught off guard by how much it affected him.

"You're amazing, Akame-chan," he said, the words spilling out before he could think better of it. His cheeks turned red as soon as he realized what he'd said. "I—I mean, you're really fun to hang out with," he stammered, rubbing the back of his head with a sheepish grin.