Hope Will Find Its Way to You

Chapter 8: Festive Night

Festive Night

Feeling very excited for Komaeda's proposal to explore the lower deck and join their festive parties, Hinata searched his closet to find something suitable to wear. He eventually settled with the most modest-looking clothes he could find which consistent of black pants and brown leather shoes, along with a plain white shirt and black suspenders.

As he dressed up, he intentionally left the first three buttons of his shirt open and then rolled the sleeves up as well as the ends of his pants, something he had picked up when he saw how simple people dressed. He then looked himself over in the mirror and a smile gradually made its way to his lips.

He looked, as he would describe it from an objective point of view, rowdy. If his mother were to see him dressed like that, it would be quite problematic to explain why he would dress in such a riotous manner, as she would put it.

For that very reason, that made him a bit excited. Not only would he intentionally break social codes, but he also wouldn't need to uphold to unnecessary formalities one would do in a high-class party. With that thought in mind, a sense of freedom took over him. He still didn't know what to expect from their little adventure, but only the night would tell.

As he neared the entrance that led to the lower decks, Komaeda's figure came into view. As if sensing his approach, Komaeda turned and beamed that beautiful smile of his. "You're here, Hinata-kun."

Hinata's smile mirrored his as he eyed what Komaeda was wearing. Ditching the formal attire, he wore a white dress shirt that was too loose for his figure, almost Edwardian in style, with sleeves rolled up to his elbows, along with long black pants and shoes. His white hair was tied up in a ponytail except for some messy locks.

He looked absolutely stunning and he wanted nothing more than to walk up to him and pull him in for a kiss. But because there might be some people watching, he held back. Nonetheless, Hinata leaned relatively close and said, "I hope I wasn't late. I was finding it hard to pick something modest as you suggested."

Komaeda gave a chuckle and said in his breathy voice, "Well, you certainly look quaint, Hinata-kun. You're almost like a different person."

Hinata gave a teasing smile and asked, "Should I take that as a compliment?"

Komaeda leaned in with a soft smile and said, "You look real, Hinata-kun."

"Real?" Hinata asked a bit confused.

Komaeda nodded before explaining, "You're you, without the guise of formality I mean. It's quite remarkable seeing you like this."

A blush found its way to Hinata's cheeks, and with a shy smile he said, "Well, you look handsome yourself, Komaeda."

"Do I?" Komaeda asked doubtedly.

Hinata then leaned close as he whispered, "You do."

They took a moment to gaze into each other's eyes before Komaeda titled his head with a soft smile. "You ready, Hinata-kun?"

"Ready as ever." Hinata exclaimed excitedly.

After being dragged down several flights of stairs lined in stark white paneling, Hinata immediately took notice of the contrast between decks in matter of design, showing less extravagance.

Reaching the third deck, Hinata could feel his heart pounding louder, especially when some passengers' eyes followed them as they passed by. He silently wondered if they could tell they were from the first class.

His nervousness started to dissipate when he faintly heard the sounds of folk music playing, people laughing and glasses clinking. When Komaeda opened the door, they were hit with a blast of loud music and smoke-scented air.