Because he considered that the train would be crowded at this time, Chisato decided to take a taxi directly to the fireworks festival venue.
The Touma residence was not too far from the festival site. Despite the stop-and-go traffic at traffic lights, the taxi ride took only about ten minutes.
Chisato got out of the taxi first and then, with gentlemanly manners, extended his hand to help Kazusa.
She was wearing wooden clogs that matched her yukata, producing a distinct "clack, clack" sound with every step.
Clearly, she was unaccustomed to such footwear, making her steps unsteady.
Moreover, the streets were several times more crowded than usual, so she never let go of Chisato's hand, holding onto him tightly the entire time.
Jingu Stadium, located in central Tokyo, covered approximately seventy hectares and was adjacent to the commercial district of Shinjuku, occupying the entire stretch from Yoyogi to Harajuku.
It also contained the largest green space in central Tokyo.
Today's fireworks festival was being held there.
Before coming, Chisato had done some research.
Besides watching around ten thousand fireworks being launched, visitors could also purchase tickets to enter the Jingu Stadium, where the event organizers had invited celebrities and guests for song and dance performances.
If Kazusa wasn't satisfied after the fireworks show, he could ask if she was interested in attending.
"It's said that the row of ginkgo trees stretching over 300 meters from the Aoyama Avenue entrance to the softball field turns a brilliant golden color in autumn.
It's really beautiful. A few months from now, we could come back here for a stroll."
Chisato gazed at Kazusa, who looked exceptionally beautiful today, and mentioned his plans for the coming months in advance.
However, Kazusa only responded with a small acknowledgement, indicating that she had heard him, without giving any clear reply.
Chisato guessed she was still self-conscious about wearing a yukata and decided not to press the matter.
The closer they got to the festival venue, the denser the crowd became.
Wherever he looked, it was packed with people. The only sounds he could hear were the lively chatter of the crowd and the overlapping honks of cars in the congested streets.
Now he understood why the taxi driver had suggested they get off near Kagurazaka Station and walk part of the way.
Had the driver tried to go any farther, he might as well have written off the rest of his business for the day.
It was no wonder people joked that Japan essentially had only two places: Tokyo and "everywhere else."
That statement was a bit exaggerated, but it did carry some truth.
Chisato checked his phone. It was just past six o'clock.
The fireworks show was scheduled to start around 7:30.
He had thought that arriving over an hour early would allow them to find a good viewing spot, but clearly, he had underestimated how passionate the locals were about fireworks.
The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow, making the scene even more lively. The atmosphere was festive, but the heat was still unbearable.
If even he was feeling it, then Kazusa—who was dressed in a yukata—must have been struggling even more.
Beads of sweat were already forming on her forehead and the tip of her nose.
At this point, there was only one solution: money.
"There seem to be way more people than I expected," Chisato remarked.
"Let's not squeeze any further. It'll probably be even more crowded up ahead. I saw a good spot earlier—let's head back there."
Kazusa didn't know where Chisato had in mind, but she obediently let him lead the way.
She noticed how he was constantly accommodating her, shielding her as they moved through the crowd so she could walk more comfortably.
After walking back a short distance, they arrived at the entrance of a restaurant. Chisato took a menu from the host and led Kazusa inside.
They weren't actually planning to eat a full meal. It was mostly a way to kill time and let Kazusa cool down a little in the air conditioning.
Once seated, Kazusa watched as Chisato ordered only two drinks and a small snack, immediately understanding his intentions.
"There are festival stalls on the other side. Once the sun fully sets, we'll head over there."
"Stalls?"
"Yeah, they sell things like takoyaki, cotton candy, and ramune. There are also goldfish scooping games and shooting galleries. You've never seen those before, Kazusa?"
Kazusa shook her head.
"I only remember attending a fireworks festival once when I was very little, with my mother."
"You don't remember what it was like?"
"It's not that I forgot. I remember it clearly. But that time, we watched the fireworks from the observation deck of a nearby hotel.
I saw everything from start to finish through the floor-to-ceiling windows, but that was all.
As soon as the show ended, my mother took me straight home. I never got to experience anything else."
"I see. That does sound a little dull. The essence of a fireworks festival is all the stalls and activities. Let's take our time and enjoy them later."
"Okay."
Kazusa lightly bit the straw of her drink.
She had already decided to tell Chisato everything after the festival ended.
She could guess what kind of reaction he would have, but until then, she wanted to enjoy the celebration without worrying too much.
For the next few years, there might not be another chance like this.
Time passed quickly, and before long, the sun had fully set, and night had fallen.
As soon as they stepped out of the restaurant, the lingering heat of the day was still present, but with the sun gone and a gentle breeze rising, it was at least a little more bearable.
Chisato bought two ice creams from a convenience store, handing one to Kazusa as they walked towards the bustling festival street.
Kazusa's mood was visibly lifted. She swung their linked hands slightly back and forth as they walked.
She also seemed to have gotten used to the wooden clogs, her steps now producing a steady rhythm.
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50 advanced chapters on p@t re on (.) com/SenatusTheta
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