"This is Halloween~ this is Halloween~" Furuya's voice danced through the air, weaving around their group. His excitement crackled, infectious.
"I didn't think you'd be this excited, Furuya," Xinyi remarked, her eyes glinting with amusement.
Furuya halted, pointing a finger at her. "I love all holidays! But Halloween's always been my favorite," he declared, turning to Yasushi. "We used to roam the neighborhood, pulling pranks on everyone. Got in trouble more than a few times," he added with a laugh that echoed through the night.
The group turned to Yasushi, who wore a small, knowing smile. "Yeah, I guess we did. It was fun," he admitted, his gaze drifting to the giant stage ahead.
Despite the years and the new life, Yasushi often found himself drawn to old, childish whims. Reincarnation had been a theory, an abstract thought he had toyed with. How strange it felt now, living it. He had believed he could control himself, keep the past and present separate. But the pull of these new emotions, the whims of his younger body, was stronger than he had imagined.
Yasushi had always been drawn to peculiar actions during his youth, compelled by a mix of his own impulses and Furuya's relentless energy. He managed to rein himself in most of the time, but that last twenty percent — those moments when he surrendered to whimsy — those defined much of his early years.
"What? Didn't you say you two met in middle school?" Laura's eyebrows knitted together, confusion etched on her face.
"Exactly! That's still childhood!" Furuya responded with vigor, pointing a finger at Laura as if she had missed an obvious fact.
"…you consider middle school your youth? You two are delusional…how you even got away with it is beyond me," Xinyi said, shaking her head in a gesture of bemused disappointment.
"Details! Who cares about them!" Furuya waved off her remark, his enthusiasm undimmed. He turned his attention to the stage, where a crowd was beginning to gather, anticipation buzzing in the air. "When is it starting again?"
"An hour from now," Yasushi replied, glancing at his phone. "Jingliu just texted me the update."
"An hour? So we've got some free time before it kicks off. What should we do?" Laura asked, her eyes scanning the lively surroundings. "I'm kind of hungry..."
"I'll grab us some food," Yasushi offered, glancing around at the myriad food stalls dotting the area. "Any special requests?"
His friends eagerly rattled off their choices, and he dutifully noted each one on his phone. With their orders in hand, he set off, leaving them to guard their prime spot against the encroaching crowd.
Navigating through the bustling festival, he moved from stall to stall, picking up the requested items. The air was thick with the enticing aromas of grilled meats, sweet pastries, and spiced drinks. It felt like a maze of sensory delights, each corner revealing new temptations.
As he balanced a precarious load of food containers, he collided with someone. Startled, he looked up to see Reina Hanabira, the Literature Club President, standing before him.
"Hmm? Oh, Yasushi. I didn't expect to see you here. Are you participating in the event?" she asked, a smile lighting up her face.
He blinked in surprise, then shook his head. "Ah, no, I'm just here with a group of friends. Two of them are participating, and I'm here to support them," he explained, his own smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Reina nodded, her expression warm. "That sounds nice. It's always more fun with friends."
"Yeah, it is," Yasushi agreed, the moment feeling both surreal and comforting, like a scene from a novel he might have read in another life. "How about you?"
"Me?" Reina asked, her laughter light and airy. She glanced around, then leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I came alone. I don't have many friends, and the guys in the book club aren't interested in this sort of thing. They're busy with a gaming session. I think they're playing World of Warcraft or something."
"They're playing WoW? Must be an update or a raid night," Yasushi mused, glancing briefly at the stage before turning back to her. "Why don't you join us?" His suggestion hung in the air, surprising them both.
Reina's eyes widened for a moment, and she hesitated, her thoughts visibly flickering across her face. Then she nodded, a tentative smile forming. "I... guess I can. I'm not intruding, am I?"
"Not at all. Furuya, Laura, Xinyi, Catherine, and Layena are with us," he reassured her.
"Ah, okay. That's good then. Let's grab their food before joining them," she replied.
With Reina's help, they navigated the bustling food stalls, efficiently collecting the orders. Their unexpected teamwork made the task quicker and more enjoyable. As they moved through the crowd, the festival's vibrant energy seemed to envelop them, a tapestry of lights and sounds weaving around their shared purpose.
Returning to the group, Yasushi felt a sense of satisfaction. This night, which had started as a simple outing, now carried a layer of unexpected connection. He introduced Reina to his friends, the initial surprise on their faces quickly giving way to welcoming smiles.
"Miss Literature Club President? I didn't think you two were friends," Furuya remarked, casting a curious glance at Reina. Xinyi smacked him on the head before he could say more.
"Don't ogle her, idiot," she scolded, earning a playful glare from Furuya.
"I'm not ogling. Just appreciating her costume. Vampire, classic choice, but it suits her," Furuya said, nodding as if he were an expert on the matter.
"Don't worry about it," Yasushi interjected, shifting his attention back to the stage. The group fell into casual conversation, the minutes ticking by as they discussed everything and nothing. The festival buzzed around them, a symphony of laughter, music, and the scents of various foods mingling in the night air.
Time passed swiftly, and soon the costume competition began. The stage lights dimmed, then flared to life, illuminating the contestants in a kaleidoscope of colors. The crowd's murmur grew into a lively cheer.
"Finally, I was getting sick of waiting. Who do you think will win?" Furuya's excitement was almost tangible, his eyes shining with anticipation.
"How would we know? We don't exactly know the other participants," Xinyi replied, shaking her head at Furuya's eagerness. "We're here to support Jingliu and Catherine. Whoever wins, wins. They both told us they don't mind, remember?"
Furuya sighed dramatically but nodded in agreement. "Yeah, you're right. I just can't help but get caught up in the excitement."
"Ladies and gentlemen! Tonight, we commence the annual Halloween costume event in Ginsukimura!" the announcer's voice boomed from the stage, their enthusiasm echoing through the night air. "This year, we have even more participants, not just from our city, but across Japan and the globe! So please be respectful and kind to everyone participating!"
The announcer's words hung in the air, charged with excitement. For about two minutes, they continued to stir the crowd, their voice weaving a tapestry of anticipation and community spirit. As they wrapped up their speech with a heartfelt thank you to the audience, the competition officially began.
One by one, participants took the stage, each costume a unique statement of creativity. Some were meticulously handmade, others store-bought, and many a blend of both. Each entrant performed a small act, bringing their characters to life, and the crowd responded with enthusiastic applause and cheers.
"What number are Jingliu and Catherine?" Furuya asked, his excitement undiminished despite the passing thirty minutes. The spectacle on stage held his attention, but impatience was beginning to creep in.
"They should be up soon," Yasushi replied, glancing at his phone. "Catherine is going first. She said she's ahead of Jingliu in the lineup. Jingliu will be near the end."
Slowly but surely, each participant had their moment under the spotlight. The anticipation grew as the minutes ticked by, and finally, their friend Catherine emerged... in a mecha suit. The sight was nothing short of spectacular. As she walked to the center of the stage, cheers erupted from the crowd, especially from the mecha enthusiasts.
"M-m-mecha!?" Furuya's voice cracked with surprise and unrestrained excitement.
Yasushi's mind raced, 'SAM? Firefly?' The mecha suit Catherine wore was an impeccable replica of SAM from Honkai Star Rail. The attention to detail was astonishing, and Yasushi couldn't believe his eyes.
"Hahaha! Surprised!?" Xinyi's voice rang out, filled with pride. "We had it custom-made! Although Catherine used her own money. I tried to tell her we could afford it, but she insisted."
"Holy shit!! It's mecha!!" Furuya shouted again, barely registering Xinyi's explanation. His passion for mechas and robots was no secret, and seeing such a meticulously crafted suit sent him into a frenzy of joy. "I need to talk to her! Wait, does she like mechas too? Maybe Gundam!?"
As Catherine maneuvered gracefully in the suit, the crowd's reaction intensified. It wasn't just a costume; it was a tribute to the genre and a testament to her dedication. The lights reflected off the suit's metallic finish, enhancing the illusion of a real mecha come to life.
Yasushi watched with a mix of awe and admiration. Catherine's commitment to her costume was inspiring. The effort she put into bringing this character to life spoke volumes about her passion and determination. He glanced at Furuya, whose eyes sparkled with a childlike wonder.
"She really outdid herself," Yasushi remarked, turning to Xinyi. "This is incredible."
"Yeah," Xinyi replied, her smile broadening. "She wanted to make a statement, and I think she succeeded."
As the competition continued, Catherine's performance stood out, not just for its visual impact but for the enthusiasm it sparked in the audience. Furuya, practically vibrating with excitement, kept muttering about Gundam and other mecha series, his mind racing with the possibilities.
Eventually, Catherine exited the stage, her departure marked by a lingering buzz of excitement that seemed to overshadow the remaining participants. They took their turns, but the crowd's fervor had waned, many already convinced that Catherine had secured the victory with her stunning mecha suit. However, as the competition neared its end, an unexpected shift occurred.
The atmosphere transformed as artificial snowflakes began to descend, creating a magical, almost ethereal scene. The lights dimmed, their focus narrowing to the center of the stage. The announcer's voice, brimming with anticipation, explained the next cosplay: a tribute to the city's goddess. As the introduction concluded, Jingliu gracefully stepped into the spotlight.
A hush fell over the crowd, their collective breath held in awe. Jingliu moved with a serene elegance, a blindfold covering her eyes. The silence deepened, an almost tangible reverence spreading through the audience. At the perfect moment, she removed the blindfold and raised her hand. To everyone's astonishment, except for Yasushi, a sword of ice materialized in her grasp, as if conjured by some ancient magic.
She lifted the ice sword high, and above her, a spectacle unfolded. Fake ice shattered, transforming into countless delicate fragments that gently floated down, sparkling in the dim light. The audience was entranced, the ethereal display weaving a spell of wonder and admiration.
Yasushi watched, a quiet smile playing on his lips. He had known about Jingliu's plans, but seeing it unfold was something else entirely. Her performance was more than a simple act; it was a meticulously crafted moment of artistry and illusion, a perfect embodiment of the goddess she portrayed.
The crowd's initial silence gave way to a crescendo of applause, their admiration palpable. Jingliu's portrayal had turned the tide, leaving an indelible mark on everyone present. The gentle snowfall continued, each flake adding to the surreal beauty of the scene.
Furuya, usually so vocal, stood speechless, his eyes wide with amazement. "Wow," he finally managed, his voice barely above a whisper. "That was... incredible."
"Yeah," Yasushi agreed, his gaze still fixed on Jingliu. "She really outdid herself."
As the competition drew to a close, the memory of Catherine's mecha suit and Jingliu's ice goddess performance lingered in the air, two stunning displays of creativity and dedication. The night had taken on a dreamlike quality, each moment a testament to the power of imagination and the joy of shared experiences.
+-+
"My, my, my! This year's competition was quite something, wasn't it!?" the announcer's voice boomed as they stepped onto the stage, holding a piece of paper that seemed to glow with the evening's anticipation. "Many went all out in their costumes and performances, but we can only choose one! After much deliberation, and taking into account what you, the crowd, want, we have finally picked the winner!"
The entire area fell into a hushed silence, every eye fixed on the announcer, every breath held in anticipation. The announcer grinned, savoring the moment, looking down at the piece of paper in their hand, and paused, heightening the suspense.
"The winner of the competition this year is...!" The announcer's voice rang out, hanging in the cool night air. Another pause, the tension palpable, before he raised his hand, paper held high. Suddenly, a burst of flames erupted around him, illuminating the stage with a dramatic flare. "Participant number 788, Catherine!"
The crowd erupted into wild cheers, the roar of excitement echoing through the night. Many voices joined in a chorus, screaming "Mecha!" over and over, their admiration for Catherine's costume spilling over in enthusiastic waves.
Catherine stepped forward, her mecha suit gleaming under the stage lights, reflecting the fiery spectacle. The announcer led her to the center of the stage, congratulating her as the crowd continued to cheer. She accepted the prize with a gracious smile, her presence commanding and humble at once.
"Thank you for voting for me," Catherine spoke into the microphone, her voice steady yet filled with emotion. "This means a lot to me, everyone, and I will forever be grateful." She smiled, a genuine and sweet smile that seemed to light up the stage even more.
In the crowd, Xinyi laughed, clapping enthusiastically for her friend. "Hah, that smile will definitely catch some attention, huh?" She glanced at her friends, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Yeah, it already did," Laura responded, her gaze shifting to Furuya. He stood there, eyes wide, clearly captivated by Catherine. His usual boisterous demeanor had given way to an almost boyish awe.
Xinyi chuckled softly, a knowing look passing between her and Laura. Their plan had worked flawlessly. They had orchestrated this moment to capture Furuya's attention for Catherine, and it seemed their efforts had paid off.
The announcement and Catherine's heartfelt thank you had set the tone for the rest of the evening. As the initial excitement settled, the entire venue seemed to exhale a collective breath of joy and contentment. The Halloween festivities began to wind down, the air still buzzing with the remnants of excitement and celebration.
+-+
"It's too bad you didn't win," Yasushi remarked, his voice soft as he and Jingliu lay entwined in bed. The night had drawn to a close, and now they were back home, resting, their bodies weary but their minds still alive with the evening's events.
A few hours had passed since the festival, and the tranquility of their room provided a stark contrast to the vibrant energy of the earlier festivities. They were on the cusp of sleep, the day's excitement slowly ebbing away, leaving a gentle calm in its wake.
"It's fine," Jingliu replied, her tone serene and accepting. "I knew not everyone would be onboard with my rendition of the city's goddess. But I was still happy with the votes I did get. I guess mechas and robots have a universal appeal, huh?" She giggled softly, the sound a delicate melody in the quiet room.
Yasushi chuckled along with her. "Yeah, mechas, Gundams, and robots — they have a special place in people's hearts. But your performance was incredible. You brought something unique and beautiful to the stage."
"Thank you," she whispered, nuzzling closer into his neck, her breath warm against his skin. The intimacy of the moment enveloped them, a cocoon of comfort and connection.
They lay there in silence, the room dark and serene, their breaths synchronizing as the weariness of the day caught up with them. The memory of the evening, with its highs and lows, played gently in their minds, a soft montage of laughter, applause, and shared glances.