Shinji sat in the rest area of the clothing store, his gaze occasionally drifting toward the fitting room.
The gentle praises of the shopkeeper kept reaching his ears.
"You have such a lovely figure, young lady. This yukata suits you perfectly."
"And this one—it will look absolutely beautiful on you."
"Let me help you tie up your hair. It will bring out your elegance even more."
Shinji unconsciously tapped his leg lightly, feeling both anticipation and a hint of nervousness.
When Kurenai Yuhi stepped out from behind the screen, his gaze froze instantly.
A light cherry-colored yukata, embroidered with delicate wisteria flowers, accentuated her already fair and translucent skin, making it appear even more radiant. Her long hair was tied up high, with a few soft strands falling beside her neck. A deep purple sash was tied around her waist, gently cinching her slender figure. As she walked, the hem of her yukata swayed slightly, losing some of the sharp, cool aura she usually carried as a ninja and instead exuding a gentle, graceful beauty.
She lowered her head slightly, holding a beige drawstring bag in her hand, her cheeks already tinged with a faint blush.
Feeling Shinji's unwavering gaze, she felt a little uneasy. She gently bit her lower lip and glanced at him with a reproachful look.
"Why are you staring at me like that?"
But there was no trace of blame in her eyes—instead, they held a hint of quiet joy and anticipation.
"This is the first time I've seen you dressed like this," Shinji said, scratching his head as his heartbeat quickened uncontrollably. "Kurenai, it suits you very well."
Hearing his straightforward compliment, Kurenai Yuhi relaxed, a faint smile flickering in her eyes.
She extended a hand toward Shinji.
In the stories she had read, this was exactly how such scenes played out.
Kurenai Yuhi recalled the tales she had enjoyed before.
"Then tonight, I'll rely on you to be my escort."
Shinji understood immediately. He walked up to her, bent slightly, and performed a proper gentleman's bow.
"As you wish, my lady."
When it came time to pay, Shinji cheerfully handed over the money, his wallet deflating instantly.
But he only felt a brief pang of regret—seeing Kurenai Yuhi like this was more than worth it.
"Please come again!"
The shopkeeper waved with a smile, thinking to herself how easy it was to earn money from young couples.
The two walked side by side along the stone-paved path, the wooden geta on Kurenai's feet tapping lightly against the ground with crisp "clack, clack" sounds.
Occasionally, they would sneak glances at each other before quickly looking away, a subtle, ambiguous atmosphere quietly spreading between them.
By the time they reached Suzaku River, both banks were already crowded with people.
"There are so many people," Kurenai Yuhi murmured softly.
"There seems to be a festival tonight, which is why it's so lively."
Shinji led her to a grassy spot under a distant tree and spread out the cloth mat he had prepared in advance.
"Let's sit here."
Kurenai Yuhi nodded gently, pressing down the hem of her yukata as she slowly sat down.
Without hesitation, Shinji sat down right beside her.
Kurenai shot him a sidelong glance.
The banks of Suzaku River were bustling with people, most of them in pairs—young men and women whispering softly to each other. It was the perfect setting for a date.
Shinji secretly congratulated himself on bringing her here—it had been the best decision.
Suddenly, a weight settled on his shoulder.
Shinji turned his head to see Kurenai Yuhi gently leaning against his shoulder.
"I'm a bit tired, Shinji. Mind if I borrow your shoulder?"
"Of course. You can lean on me as long as you like."
He reached out and gently wrapped his arm around her waist. Kurenai nestled closer into his embrace, finding a more comfortable position.
Not long after, a sudden commotion arose along the Suzaku River.
"It's starting!"
"I'm so excited!"
Kurenai abruptly looked up toward the night sky, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"Is it about to begin?"
The next moment, the night sky was abruptly illuminated.
The first explosion echoed, and golden-red streaks of fire bloomed across the horizon, their light spilling over the entire surface of the Suzaku River.
Then, layers of purple flames, silver glimmers, and blue smoke blossomed one after another, rising into the air and dyeing the entire night sky in brilliant colors.
"It's so beautiful."
Kurenai whispered softly, gazing up at the magnificent fireworks blooming in the night sky.
Shinji nodded gently, his heart enveloped in an unprecedented sense of calm and peace.
If only peace could last forever. Taking on simple missions occasionally, spending leisure time strolling, fishing, or drinking tea.
Perhaps this kind of stable, ordinary life was what he had always longed for deep down.
But some things were simply beyond his control.
Just then, Kurenai gently tugged at his sleeve.
She leaned in close to Shinji's ear, her tone carrying a hint of something inexplicable:
"The shopkeeper at the clothing store told me something earlier."
Shinji caught a faint scent of orchid, and his heart stirred slightly.
"What did she say?"
"She said that if a man and a woman have feelings for each other, as long as one of them confesses first, the other will definitely agree."
"Shinji~"
Kurenai raised her eyes, their depths shimmering with a soft, watery light as she gazed earnestly into his:
"Should I make up for the regret from that night?"
"Shall we give it a try?"
Before him, her eyes were like translucent rubies, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush, and her smile carried an irresistible charm.
This was both an invitation and a confession.
"Of course."
Shinji had originally thought he would be the one to speak first, but he hadn't expected her to beat him to it.
Kurenai had always been passionate, proactive, and strong-willed. When it came to someone she liked, she would never wait passively.
Just like now.
Shinji looked at her, so close he could almost touch her. She blinked slightly, her eyes holding a trace of girlish shyness, yet filled with unwavering determination.
He raised his hand, gently brushing his palm against her cheek. The warm touch made Kurenai tremble slightly.
Before she could react, Shinji leaned down, slowly drawing closer.
The moment their lips met, a faint electric current seemed to surge through their bodies.
Kurenai instinctively closed her eyes, her body trembling slightly.
Shinji's kiss was gentle—first a light touch, then deepening tenderly.
"Mmm…"
After a long while, the two slowly parted.
Kurenai pressed her ear against Shinji's chest, listening to his steady, powerful heartbeat. Shinji, in turn, wrapped his arm gently around her slender waist.
"I like you, Shinji."
She breathed softly, her voice carrying a barely noticeable tremor.
Shinji was calm and reliable, always quietly helping her from the shadows. He was powerful yet never arrogant, and his appearance was exceptionally striking.
When it came to someone she liked, she had to take the initiative herself, so she had taken this step.
But this was already the limit of what she could do.
Her arms tightened slightly around Shinji as she quietly waited for his response.
"Kurenai, I like you too."
Shinji lowered his head and gently kissed her smooth forehead.
The smile at the corner of Kurenai Yuhi's lips instantly blossomed, filling her heart.
She looked up at Shinji and softly laughed:
"What the landlady said really came true."
Shinji couldn't help but chuckle, teasing her on purpose:
"It seems we'll have to take care of the landlady's business more often in the future."
Kurenai covered her mouth, giggling.
She leaned gently against Shinji's shoulder, burying her face in his chest.
The fireworks above continued to bloom brilliantly,
unlike before, their relationship had now grown a step closer.
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