Colorful lights flooded the paths of the central park, music wrapped around everyone, and laughter warmed the people gathered there. The first night of the festival was perfect. Families, friends, and couples were enjoying themselves everywhere.
"Sayuri, look! That photo wall is so pretty! We have to go there," Yume said, excited.
"Of course, let's go."
"Hey, I wanna go too," Kenji said, giving them puppy eyes.
Yume stared at him, incredulous, then burst out laughing.
"Let's go before it gets crowded."
With every pose, every flash, Sayuri's smile appeared more and more, standing out. She was radiant, like she was finally there… truly enjoying herself with Kenji.
After some time, hunger kicked in. They sat near a gyoza stand and placed an order. While they waited, Jun watched from afar.
Sitting on a wooden bench on the other side of the stalls, alone, he looked at her. So alive… so full of joy. She was glowing that night.
It brought him a certain relief to see her happy… but it also bothered him. He knew Kenji had played dirty to be by Sayuri's side. Lying about liking someone else… that was something he couldn't accept.
"Hey, look, it's Jun!" Yume called, waving.
Kenji immediately glanced at Sayuri, but she didn't react.
Jun just gave a small nod, not approaching. Yume, as direct as ever, stood up and walked over to him.
"Wow, look who finally showed up. Didn't you hear me calling you?"
"Sorry… I was distracted," he said, looking away.
"Come sit with us."
"Better not… I'm not really in the mood. I'd rather stay here."
Yume rolled her eyes, grabbed his arm, and pulled him anyway, even as he resisted.
"You're crazy, Yume," he said, trying to pull away. "Can you stop dragging me?"
"Nope."
She simply dragged him back.
Sayuri felt it when he got closer. Even without changing her expression, her heart raced. It was inevitable… something she couldn't control.
"Hey, Jun, sit down. What do you think of the festival?" Kenji asked, wrapping an arm around Sayuri.
Jun noticed. He knew exactly what that was—provocation.
"It's not bad," he said, picking up the menu. "I'm gonna grab some mulled wine. Anyone want some?"
"I do!" Yume said quickly.
He looked at Sayuri, about to ask, but before she could answer, Kenji stood up.
"I'll get it for you, Say."
The two went to the line without exchanging a word. It felt strange between them.
"I've got it," Kenji said. "You can take the drinks to the girls."
Jun grabbed the three cups and went back, sitting down slowly. When he handed Sayuri her cup, their fingers brushed lightly.
She blushed and, for the first time… Jun smiled.
It was soft. Unexpected. He had never looked at her like that before. Something had changed.
"Wow, it's getting cold… are you cold, Say?" Kenji said, pulling her closer.
"I'm fine… just really hungry."
The gyoza were finally ready, the smell making everyone's mouth water.
"Oh my God, I'm starving," Yume said, grabbing one and popping it straight into her mouth. "IT'S HOT!!"
Everyone laughed.
Sayuri noticed Jun wasn't eating. So, with her chopsticks, she picked one up and held it out to him.
"Here… open up. It's really good."
Jun froze, completely caught off guard. Instinctively, he leaned back.
But Sayuri insisted.
Kenji was visibly annoyed.
"Hey, Sayuri… leave him. He's not a kid."
Jun noticed the tension and because of that… he opened his mouth and accepted it.
"Anyone want anything else?"
Yume was already getting up, adjusting her coat.
"I'm good. I wanna check out the mirror house."
"Me too," Sayuri said. "Sounds fun."
Kenji stood, finishing his drink.
"Alright, let's go."
Sayuri, Kenji, and Yume walked ahead. Jun followed behind, silent.
A few steps later, they saw it—the glowing structure: a mirror house with golden frames and distorted reflections shining everywhere.
"Let's go!" Yume said, rushing in.
Kenji followed.
Then Sayuri.
And finally… Jun.
Inside, everything felt different. Endless mirrors, broken reflections, soft lights… it all blended like a dream.
Sayuri walked slowly, mesmerized. With every step, a new reflection. With every mirror, a new version of herself.
Until…
In one of them, she didn't just see herself. She saw him.
Jun, on the other side of the corridor, standing… looking straight at her. Something about him was different and she wasn't wrong.
Jun wasn't running anymore. For the first time, he accepted what he felt. Without realizing it, they started moving closer.
One step.
Then another.
Mirror by mirror.
Their eyes locking… growing more intense.
Until—
"What are you doing?"
Kenji's voice cut through the moment.
Jun didn't answer. Didn't look away.
Kenji stepped closer, irritated.
"You know what's funny, Jun? You always said you didn't care… and now that Sayuri and I are doing great, you suddenly show up playing games?"
"I'm not playing."
"Then what is this?"
Jun took a breath.
"I'm just doing what I should've done after that first kiss."
"No," Kenji said firmly. "You don't get to do this now."
Jun gave a small, challenging smile.
"Why don't you let her decide?"
Before he could react, Kenji grabbed him by the collar.
"You're not the right guy for her. So just walk away."
Jun shoved him aside—and Kenji fell right in front of Sayuri.
"Kenji!" she shouted. "Are you okay? Did you get hurt?"
As she helped him up, she looked at Jun. This time… there was anger.
"What is wrong with you?"
Jun stepped forward.
"What's wrong with me?"
"Yes! Why would you do that?"
Before he could answer—
"He's acting like this because we're together," Kenji cut in. "And he can't accept it."
Sayuri pressed her lips together.
She looked at Jun.
"You didn't want me. You pushed me away… and now you don't want me to move on?"
Her voice trembled.
"What do you want from me, Jun?"
He had no answer, she was right.
"But—"
"Enough," she cut him off. "Please… just go."
The anger rose inside him. But it wasn't at her, it was at himself.
He turned—and punched the mirror.
CRASH.
The sound echoed. Glass shattered, reflections breaking across the floor.
Blood slowly ran down Jun's fingers but he didn't care and without looking back…
he walked away.