Fireworks

Kimiko skipped cheerfully down the lane to Tokiro’s house. She beamed a bright smile, thoroughly looking forward to seeing him again. Her curly pigtail bounced frantically as she skipped, hands waving freely as she kept up the pace. The black and floral patterned kimono swayed as she moved. Reinku staggered behind her, his flawless features pulled into a pained and out-of-breath expression. His long hair fell into his face as he puffed. He was hardly able to form words:

“Wait up, wait up please Kimi!” He breathed.

The smaller girl turned to look back at his hunched form. She giggled to herself.

“You’re taking too long Reku! I’m impatient to see Toki again!”

She motioned to the house that was a little further down the road.

“We’re almost there slow poke!” Kimiko continued her skipping to the front door.

When Reinku finally reached her, she pushed open the front door announcing their arrival to the house. Tokiro sauntered over to them; an annoyed expression plastered his face as he caught sight of Reinku. Oblivious to his current mood, Kimiko ran up to him and hugged him tightly.

“It’s so good to see you again, Toki!” Kimiko cheered.

Tokiro only hummed in response, but gently drapped an arm over the younger girl.

“There’s a small festival happening in town tonight. Can we go and watch the fireworks?” Kimiko asked excitedly. “It’s been so long since I’ve seen live fireworks. Please say we can go, Toki!”

“I’d prefer not to…I don’t really like to be around people…” Tokiro said.

Sensing Kimiko’s disappointment, Reinku grabbed her hand.

“It’s okay Kimi, we can go see the fireworks together – just the two of us.” Reinku smiled sweetly at her.

“Absolutely not. I will accompany you for Miko’s sake, it’s been a while since I’ve spent time with her.” Tokiro adjusted his glasses and brushed his fringe from his eyes.

Kimiko’s excitement grew as Tokiro locked the door and the trio headed for the town’s festival. Her happiness caused her to bounce ahead of the two competing males. Behind her, Reinku attempted to keep looking forward – trying to avoid the harrowing gaze of the intimidating man beside him. Tokiro threw annoyed glares at Reinku as they walked, wishing that he would magically disappear so that he could spend time with Kimiko undisturbed.

As they entered the festival zone, the three became overrun with the bustling attendees. Reinku grabbed one of Kimiko’s hands, as did Tokiro. Tokiro shot Reinku a nasty stare, making Reinku feel very uncomfortable. A group of traditional dancers made their way down the lane towards them. As they grew near, guards directed people out the way. Reinku took the opportunity to tare Kimiko away from Tokiro, leaving him on the opposite side of the dancers. From across the way, Tokiro continued to look disapprovingly as Reinku.

Reinku steered Kimiko away from the dancers towards a nearby playground. A few small children climbed around, attempting to hand onto the monkey bars or sliding down the small slide.

“What are we doing here? Where’s Tokiro?” Kimiko wondered.

“I’m sorry Kimi, I don’t think Tokiro likes me very much…” Reinku sighed.

He looked up to the night sky. The stars shone brightly, but Reinku was feeling discouraged. Kimiko pursed her lips, feeling a little guilty for dragging him along. She knew how flustered he got around Tokiro, yet he still agreed to accompany her. Placing a small hand onto his, she caught Reinku’s attention. He looked over at her with a sad smile.

“That’s okay, Reku. We can spend the rest of the evening together.” Kimiko decided.

“Are you sure? I thought you wanted to spend time with Tokiro?”

“I do but he’s not as much fun to spend time with. I’d like to watch the fireworks with you – just you.”

Admiration poured out of Reinku as he looked into Kimiko’s amber eyes.

“You really mean that?” He asked, needing more clarification.

“Of course!”

Kimiko shuffled closer to Reinku, laying her head on his shoulder lovingly. They felt content with each other. The couple stared up at the sky, waiting patiently for the fireworks to start. Bright sparks of colours illuminated the dark sky.

“They’re so pretty!” Kimiko gasped.

“Indeed they are.” Reinku agreed, melancholically.

The flashes cast various shadows onto the couple, making their clothes and faces change colour. Reinku tightened his grip on Kimiko’s hand, not wanting to let go. He wanted to capture this moment forever.

As Kimiko continued to admire the fireworks in awe, Reinku diverted his attention to her. He watched as her smiling face changed colours, but always thought that she looked the best smiling – no matter the light. She had been there for him through many ups and downs. Reinku felt like the luckiest being alive to have such a wonderful presence in his life. He loved the way her eyes sparkled whenever she was excited or how she puffed out her cheeks when she was annoyed. Even when he was angry with her, Reinku could never keep himself enraged for long. She came into his life like a permanent rainbow – full of many colours and quirks, always happy and always with him.

When the fireworks ended, Kimiko huffed – muttering to herself that she whished they had continued for a few minutes more. She looked up at him, expecting a reply but Reinku had zoned out. Kimiko waved a hand in front of his face.

“Oh! Sorry Kimiko I was thinking…” He blushed.

“About what?”

“That I’m so grateful to have you in my life.” Reinku confessed, sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck.

“I’m really happy that you’re in my life.” She replied, wrapping her arms around his torso.

Reinku shifted to pull her in closer. Although the couple spent lots of time together, it was tender moments like these that they treasured the most. Kimiko laid her head against his chest, listening to his heartbeat. He ran his slender fingers through her hair, enjoying the silky feeling. Reinku leant down and placed a beautiful kiss on Kimiko’s forehead.