The night sky bloomed with dazzling streaks of lightning-shaped fireworks, illuminating the festival grounds in bursts of electric blue and silver. Paper lanterns swayed in the warm breeze, casting soft glows over the sea of yukatas and happi coats. The annual Thunderball Festival was in full swing, a celebration of the Thunder Fairy Clan's power and pride — and this year, Raika Tennouji was at the center of attention.
She had chosen a stunning midnight-blue yukata embroidered with crackling lightning bolts and shimmering silver threads that caught the light with every subtle movement. Her twin tails were tied up with silk ribbons that fluttered like miniature storm clouds. The subtle scent of cherry blossoms lingered around her as she walked through the festival grounds, a mix of pride and nerves tightening her chest.
Gojo watched her from the edge of the crowd, a teasing grin playing on his lips. Suma, Hiyori, Mizuki, Hikami, and Arashi were all nearby, chatting excitedly but stealing glances at the pair as well. This wasn't just any festival — it was the perfect chance for Raika to finally confront her feelings… or so everyone hoped.
Raika caught Gojo's gaze and narrowed her electric-blue eyes. "Don't think this means anything," she snapped, though her cheeks were a delicate pink. "I'm only here because Father ordered me to 'monitor' you. Not because I like you."
Gojo chuckled, folding his arms. "Right, right. You're here on official business, totally not because you're secretly writing me love letters."
Her ears twitched, and a faint spark crackled at her fingertips. "B-baka! I'm only here because Father ordered it! Don't get the wrong idea, okay?!"
"Sure, sure," Gojo winked, stepping closer. "Now, come on, let's check out the Thunderball Ceremony. I hear it's electrifying."
---
The ceremony took place in a wide clearing at the heart of the festival. Participants formed a large circle, holding glowing Thunder Orbs — spheres that pulsed with stored lightning energy. When the ceremony reached its peak, the orbs would be released into the sky, forming a spectacular storm of light and sound.
Raika gripped her orb tightly, fingers trembling slightly. Gojo stood beside her, exuding his usual easy confidence. Despite her protests, a tiny smile tugged at the corner of her lips.
The music swelled, drums pounding in rhythm with the flickering orbs. The crowd chanted in unison, the atmosphere charged with anticipation.
"Ready?" Gojo asked softly, his gaze locked on hers.
Raika's heart hammered like thunder. She nodded.
They raised their orbs high, and at the same moment, their hands brushed.
Electricity surged between them — not just from the orbs but from their touch. A bolt of lightning arced between their fingers, lighting up the clearing in a dazzling blue flash. The crowd gasped, and a wave of energy rippled through the circle.
"Whoa!" Gojo grinned, squeezing her hand gently.
Raika's cheeks flamed as she looked away, the spark of power crackling faintly in the air. "I-it's just the ceremony," she said quickly, though her voice wavered.
Suddenly, Gojo's foot caught on a loose stone. His body pitched forward, and before she could react, he fell straight toward her — face first.
There was a sharp thud — and then Gojo's face was buried deeply in her chest.
Raika screamed, a bolt of lightning exploding from her in a brilliant flash that temporarily blinded the entire festival.
"G-GOJO!!" she yelled, trying desperately to shove him away, but her hands trembled as they gripped his shoulders.
"Sorry! Sorry!" Gojo stammered, blinking up at her with a goofy grin, clearly mortified but unharmed.
The crowd burst into laughter and teasing whistles.
Raika's cheeks burned hotter than ever. Her yukata had shifted dangerously during the mishap, slipping lower on one shoulder to reveal the smooth skin beneath. The thin fabric clung to her chest, damp with a sheen of nervous sweat from the heat and the unexpected contact.
Gojo, still pressed awkwardly against her, suddenly realized just how close he was. His eyes widened behind his glasses as the shape of her chest pressed firmly against his face.
"S-sorry! I didn't mean to—" he began, but the heat in the air was overwhelming.
Raika swatted him away, her fingers crackling with electricity. "You idiot! Get off me before I fry you!"
Her sudden surge of power caused the fireworks to flicker wildly, sparks raining down like miniature lightning bolts. The ground hummed with energy as the orbs in the crowd pulsed faster, reacting to the ambient electricity.
"Alright, everyone, stay calm!" a festival official shouted, waving their hands to steady the glowing spheres.
Meanwhile, Gojo scrambled to his feet, dusting himself off and trying to regain his composure.
Suma, who had been watching from the sidelines with wide eyes, rushed over and muttered under her breath, "Gods, how do you survive every day with this guy?"
Hiyori, munching on a sweet dumpling, just shrugged with a grin. "You get used to the chaos."
Mizuki adjusted her glasses, eyes narrowed. "That was definitely a textbook ecchi moment."
Arashi smirked. "If only Gojo knew how close he was to getting zapped for real."
Hikami shook her head with a soft laugh. "Raika's going to kill him… eventually."
---
The crowd began to settle again as the final wave of Thunder Orbs was released into the sky, creating a breathtaking storm of light. Raika tucked her yukata back into place, trying to smooth the rippling fabric over her flushed skin.
Gojo sidled up beside her, lowering his voice. "So… about that confession you almost made."
Raika's eyes narrowed. "I never said anything."
His grin widened. "Yet."
She threw a lightning-charged glance at him. "I don't know what you're talking about, pervert."
Gojo laughed softly, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "One day, Raika Tennouji. One day, you're going to shock me in more ways than one."
Her cheeks glowed with a rosy heat as thunder rumbled softly overhead, as if echoing their electric tension.
---
Later that night, Gojo sat on the balcony, gazing at the dwindling fireworks and the quiet stars. The soft scent of cherry blossoms still lingered in the air, mixed with the faint hum of lingering electricity.
Behind him, footsteps approached — familiar, soft, and hesitant.
Raika appeared, holding a small paper lantern shaped like a thundercloud. Her yukata was now secured perfectly, but the fire in her eyes was unmistakable.
"Gojo," she said quietly. "Thank you… for tonight."
He turned, smiling warmly. "Anytime."
She shifted closer, the subtle scent of rain and ozone enveloping him. "I still hate that ceremony."
He raised an eyebrow. "But the fireworks were worth it?"
Her lips twitched. "Maybe. But don't expect me to say it out loud."
Gojo laughed, reaching out to intertwine their fingers.
"And hey…" he murmured, "next time, maybe try not to electrocute me."
Raika's cheeks flamed once more. "You're such a pervert."
"Only for you," he whispered as they stood together beneath the fading glow of the Thunderball Festival — two storm-worn hearts sparking brighter than ever.
---