Chapter 6

The much-awaited day had finally arrived for Ken. It was the 11th of July, the day of the Hanabi festival. Ken had started preparing since early morning. He had already washed his navy- blue yukata the day before and he ironed it neatly. He went out for a summer haircut and asked his hairdresser to make his hair a little stylish. He had a long relaxing bath and he brushed his teeth thoroughly, waxed his hair, and tidily wore his yukata. When it was time for him to leave, his mom made him stay for a photo-shoot, when he asked her why was she doing that, her reason was, “You’re excited for the festival for the very first time, so it must be special, huh?”, Ken was embarrassed his mom had noticed.

He reached the station 10 minutes before the given time and was practising how he would complement Hana.

“A little early are we, eh?”, said Kai while sneaking up at Ken

“Ohhhhhhh...”, Ken screamed nervously

“So, you decided what you’ll say to Hana?”, teased Kai

“It’s nothing like that”, said a flustered Ken. Ken looked at Kai, he was wearing a light brown Yukata, his hair was fresh and neatly styled and he had brought bento for all of them

“Oh, there they are”, Kai pointed towards the two girls Ken looked and kept looking at Hana. She was wearing a light-pink Kimono with sakura patterns and a pair of pearl earrings to match her outfit. Her hair neatly done into a bun. She had a little pouch with her. Ken was glad this festival existed.

Hana had met Saichiba on her way to the station and they made their way to the station together. When they reached the station, they heard Kai calling out to them. When she saw Ken, she was a little flustered. It was her first time seeing him outside school uniform. He had a different haircut and he had neatly waxed it, the navy-blue Yukata suited him and in the Yukata, she could see his collar bone, which she found very attractive.

“Yosh, looking good boys”, complemented Saichiba

“Thanks, you look lovely too”, complemented Kai in return Saichiba was wearing a light blue Kimono with floral pattern and she had tied her hair into a ponytail

“Th-th-ankss...”, Ken was not good at receiving compliments nor was he good at giving them, “Hana you look extraordinary”

“What?”

“I meant to say you look good”

“Thank you, you look good too”, said Hana cheerily Ken turned away he didn’t want her to see him blushing.

“So, let’s get going”, announced Kai As they kept moving, Hana and Saichiba realized they were going in the opposite direction as to where the festival was going on. “Are we going towards the base?”, Saichiba asked

“Yes, you’ll understand why once we get there”, said Ken After they reached there, Ken laid the mat he had brought along and Kai set out the bento which he had brought along with the drinks. Ken also set up the flashlight he had brought.