Monsoon Romance

The night air was crisp, carrying the lingering scent of incense and festival food as Aiko walked quietly beside Haruto. The warmth of the festival still clung to her heart—the laughter, the dazzling fireworks, the wishes whispered beneath the shrine's sacred bells. But now, as they neared the quiet streets leading home, a different warmth fluttered within her.

She held the small charm tightly in her hands, the fabric soft against her fingertips. It was a simple wish charm, embroidered with delicate patterns of cherry blossoms. She had won it at a festival stall earlier, but to her, it felt far more precious than any prize.

"What are you thinking about?" Haruto's voice broke the silence, gentle yet curious.

Aiko glanced at him, his dark eyes reflecting the glow of distant lanterns. She hesitated. Should she tell him? Should she share the wish that had been sitting heavily in her heart all night?

"…Just the festival," she said instead, offering him a small smile.

Haruto exhaled a soft laugh. "You really love festivals, huh?"

She nodded. "They always feel… magical. Like time slows down, and for just one night, everything feels perfect."

Haruto tilted his head slightly. "So, what did you wish for?"

Aiko hesitated again, her fingers curling tighter around the charm. "I can't say. If I do, it won't come true."

Haruto sighed, leaning against the wooden railing of the bridge they had stopped at. "That rule is so unfair. How am I supposed to know if your wish comes true or not?"

Aiko chuckled, shaking her head. "Maybe one day, you'll know."

The truth was, she had stood in front of the shrine for a long time before making her wish. She had thought about many things—the past, the present, and the uncertain future that loomed ahead.

She wished for happiness, for moments like these to never fade.

But more than anything, she wished for Haruto.

Not just as a friend. Not just as someone who had always been by her side. But as someone she wanted to hold onto forever.

She had known for a while now, even if she tried to deny it. The way her heart raced when he was close, the way she found herself searching for him in a crowded room, the way she felt an ache whenever he laughed with someone else.

It was a quiet kind of love, one that she had carried with her for so long that it felt like a part of who she was.

And yet… she was terrified of losing what they already had.

"Hey," Haruto said suddenly, pulling her from her thoughts. "Are you sure you're okay? You've been quiet."

Aiko turned to look at him, her heart tightening. She wanted to say something—anything—that could convey the depth of what she felt. But the words tangled inside her, caught between fear and hope.

So instead, she smiled. "I'm just thinking about my wish."

Haruto studied her for a moment before looking away, his fingers tapping lightly against the wooden railing. "You always make things sound so mysterious."

Aiko laughed softly. "Maybe I just like keeping you curious."

A comfortable silence settled between them, the kind that only existed between people who understood each other without needing words. The distant sound of the festival was fading, but the warmth it left behind lingered in her chest.

She wanted to believe in wishes.

She wanted to believe that one day, she would have the courage to tell him what was in her heart.

But for now, she would hold onto this moment, onto the quiet closeness they shared.

And hope that, maybe, just maybe, his wish and hers weren't so different after all.