The Booths and the Confession
The last day of the school festival was always the most magical. Fairy lights were strung along the pathways, casting a warm glow over the bustling booths. The scent of grilled food wafted through the air, mingling with the sound of laughter and music.
Hiroshi stood near the book club’s booth, fidgeting nervously with his phone. He had spent the whole day working up the courage to ask Hina to join him, and now that the moment had come, his palms were sweating.
He glanced at the stage, where Hina was helping clean up after the final performance. Her laughter rang out as she chatted with her classmates, her smile brighter than the string lights.
“Come on, Hiroshi,” he muttered to himself. “You’ve faced worse. You even stood on stage. This is nothing.”
Finally, he took a deep breath and walked toward her.
“Hina!” he called out, his voice cracking slightly.
She turned, her eyes lighting up when she saw him. “Hiroshi! What’s up?”
He rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding her gaze. “Uh, I was wondering… since the festival’s almost over… do you want to, you know, check out the booths with me?”
Hina tilted her head, pretending to think it over. “Hmm, well, I was planning to go home…”
Hiroshi’s heart sank.
“…But I guess I can spare some time for you,” she added with a teasing smile.
Relief washed over him, and he grinned. “Great! Let’s go!”
---
The two wandered through the festival, stopping at various booths along the way. They played a ring toss game, where Hina easily won a small stuffed bear while Hiroshi missed every throw.
“Are you even trying?” Hina teased, holding up her prize.
“I swear I am!” Hiroshi protested, his face red. “These rings are rigged!”
She laughed, her eyes crinkling with amusement. “Excuses, excuses. Here.” She handed him the bear.
“What? No, you won it,” Hiroshi said, pushing it back toward her.
“And I’m giving it to you,” Hina insisted. “Consider it a reward for your effort.”
Hiroshi hesitated, then took the bear, his cheeks burning. “Thanks.”
---
At the shooting gallery, Hiroshi redeemed himself by hitting all the targets.
“Wow, I didn’t know you were such a sharpshooter,” Hina said, clapping her hands.
“Well, I’ve had some practice,” Hiroshi said, puffing out his chest slightly.
Hina rolled her eyes but smiled. “Alright, Mr. Sharpshooter, pick a prize.”
He pointed to a pair of matching star-shaped keychains. The vendor handed them over, and Hiroshi hesitated for a moment before giving one to Hina.
“For you,” he said, looking away.
Hina blinked, surprised, then smiled softly. “Thank you, Hiroshi.”
---
As the evening wore on, they found themselves at a food stall, sharing a plate of takoyaki.
“You’ve got sauce on your face,” Hina said, leaning over with a napkin.
Hiroshi froze as she wiped the corner of his mouth, her face just inches from his. His heart pounded in his chest, and for a moment, he forgot how to breathe.
“There,” she said, pulling back. “All clean.”
“Uh, thanks,” Hiroshi mumbled, his face as red as the octopus in the takoyaki.
Hina giggled, clearly enjoying his flustered state.
---
The night ended at the school courtyard, where a makeshift lantern display illuminated the area. Students milled about, taking pictures and enjoying the last moments of the festival.
Hiroshi and Hina sat on a bench, the soft glow of the lanterns reflecting in their eyes.
“This was fun,” Hina said, leaning back.
“Yeah,” Hiroshi agreed, his hands gripping his knees.
An awkward silence stretched between them. Hiroshi knew this was his chance. If he didn’t say it now, he might never get another opportunity.
“Hina,” he said, his voice trembling.
She turned to him, her expression curious. “Yeah?”
He took a deep breath, his heart hammering. “I… I like you.”
Hina blinked, her eyes widening.
“I’ve liked you for a while now,” he continued, his words spilling out in a rush. “You’re amazing, and smart, and funny, and—”
“Hiroshi,” Hina interrupted, placing a hand on his arm.
He stopped, his face burning.
“I like you too,” she said softly.
Hiroshi stared at her, stunned. “You… you do?”
Hina nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. “Yeah. I’ve liked you for a long time. Since before high school, actually.”
“What?” Hiroshi frowned. “But we only met in high school.”
Hina reached into her bag and pulled out a small, worn keychain. It was a simple design, shaped like a heart.
Hiroshi’s eyes widened. “That’s…”
“The friendship keychain,” Hina said, holding it up. “We met when we were kids. You gave me this keychain and called me your best friend. Back then, I went by my full name, Hinata, so you probably thought I was a boy.”
Hiroshi’s jaw dropped as the memories came flooding back. He remembered a boyish kid with short hair and a mischievous grin.
“That was… you?” he said, feeling both shocked and silly.
Hina nodded, laughing softly. “Yeah. It’s me.”
Hiroshi groaned, covering his face. “I can’t believe I didn’t realize it sooner. I feel so dumb.”
Hina reached out, gently pulling his hands away. “Don’t. It doesn’t matter. What matters is now.”
He looked at her, his heart swelling with emotion. “So… what happens now?”
Hina smiled, leaning in closer. “This.”
Before he could react, she kissed him. It was soft and warm, and for a moment, everything else faded away.
The lanterns glowed brighter, the chatter of the crowd became a distant hum, and all Hiroshi could think about was how perfect this moment felt.
When they finally pulled apart, they were both red-faced, but neither could stop smiling.
“You’re really good at improvising,” Hiroshi said, his voice teasing.
Hina laughed. “I learned from the best.”
Hand in hand, they walked back toward the school building, their hearts full and their future together just beginning.
YOU ARE READING
THE FIRST TIME DADDY
RomanceMax never imagined his life would turn out like this: a single father raising a lively two-year-old while working at a quiet bookstore. Far from the successful man his wealthy parents hoped he'd become, Max is still finding his footing after years o...
