Chapter 149: The Summer Festival Begins

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Translator: Soafp

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They walked to the bus stop near Sora's house to wait for the bus. The sun was setting, and the two of them stood at the rusty old bus stop.

“Was that walk too much? Are your feet okay?”

“I'm fine. That's why I wore sandals today.”

Sora lifted the hem of her yukata. Her pale pink sandals had a traditional Japanese pattern on them. They definitely looked easier to walk in than wooden geta.

Ginji averted his eyes, feeling like he'd seen something he shouldn't when he caught sight of her small white bare feet.

“You sure? I brought geta just in case, but you're okay with those?”

Ginji was wearing classic wooden geta himself.

“No problem at all. Honestly, they're pretty easy to walk in. They're cool and comfortable too, and since we're not using bikes, these might be better anyway.”

He replied in a slightly playful tone, trying not to let his nervousness show.

“I see… maybe I'll look into getting a pair made of yakikiriboku wood…”

“Don't go buying things on your own.”

Ginji gave a warning, prompting Sora to avert her gaze.

“F-for reference, for my art! I'll save the receipt!”

“Liar—oh, here comes the bus.”

A bus trundled along the riverside and pulled up to the stop. Inside, a few people were already dressed in yukata. They boarded without issue, with Sora taking the window seat and Ginji sitting on the aisle. When Ginji looked to his right, his eyes met Sora's.

“Ehehe, we made eye contact. Ginji, that yukata really suits you.”

“…” Ginji covered his face.

He was already losing it — totally floored by the devastatingly beautiful version of Sora sitting next to him.
Was it really possible to change this much just with makeup and a yukata?

Sora usually wore baggy clothes that didn't show her figure, so this transformation was scrambling Ginji's brain.
Or maybe, he'd just grown used to her usual look. Maybe the truth was… his girlfriend was insanely cute.

“You look great too, Sora. I mean it — you look too good.”

“…Really?”

“Why would I lie?”

Sora leaned her head on his shoulder and gently took his hand.

“I used to help Aika-chan dress in kimono and stuff. Back then, I'd always wear plain clothes or even dress like a guy,
but the truth is… I always admired cute outfits. And I never thought I'd ever wear makeup myself… Hey, Ginji, what should I do?”

“Sora?”

Putting on lipstick in front of the mirror had made her hands tremble more than when she'd done makeup for her beautiful cousin. She'd checked her yukata and obi in the mirror over and over again.

No matter how many times she picked out clothes for the one she loved, it was always embarrassing — always ticklish, in a sweet way.

“I feel so happy, I think I might burst.”

Tears threatened to spill, even though she'd taken the time to put on makeup.

“I think that's fine. Honestly, I feel kind of out of it too. I'm floating, y'know?”

Ginji gently squeezed her fingers. He understood how special this yukata was for Sora, who had once been forced to wear boyish clothes. And because he understood — he wondered what he could do for her. He didn't know the answer.

“We're both floating.”

“Yeah. I'm on a yukata date with my super cute girlfriend. It's kind of embarrassing, but… I'm crazy nervous.
Are my hands sweaty?”

“I think mine are too. But… this is fine, right?”

“Yeah.”

From there, the two rode in silence, their hands never parting.

More and more people boarded as the bus made its way along the river. When they finally arrived at the riverbank, the air was thick with the unique smells of a summer festival.

“Alright, we've got time before the fireworks. Let's grab some food. And we should get a good spot too.”

“Of course! What do you want to eat, Ginji?”

“Grilled squid, roasted corn, fries, beef skewers… yakisoba's a must too.”

“Wow, you're definitely going to be stuffed. I want something sweet.”

“We could try those candy molds too. I'm actually pretty good at them.”

“I'm good too! Let's have a contest?”

“Sure thing. Oh yeah, I heard Saito and the others are coming to the festival too — we might run into them.”

“Really? It's kind of embarrassing for them to see me in a yukata, but since you're in one too, I guess it's okay.”

“When they see you, Sora, they might just faint.”

“Ahaha, no way that's gonna happen — this isn't a manga. Anyway, come on, let's check out the food stalls!”

“Yeah. Man, just smelling this stuff makes me hungry.”

There was still a lingering nervousness, but the festival's lively atmosphere pushed them forward. There was a steady stream of people, but not so many that they might get separated.

As they walked, chatting about typical festival things, they were just about to enter the main strip lined with food stalls
when — from somewhere nearby — came a loud clattering noise.

“Hm? What was that?”

“Not sure, where'd it come from?”

They paused to listen.

“Someone get a stretcher!”

“You idiot, get something bitter, quick!”

“Medic!! The scouts are wiped out!”

“This area's lost — fall back and regroup!”

They could just barely make out those bizarre lines being shouted in the distance.

“…Are they playing airsoft or something?”

“I've seen people doing that near the river when I go to painting class, but I don't think they'd do it during the festival, at this hour.”

The two looked at each other and tilted their heads in confusion.