I didn't let go of Sakura's hand the rest of the night.
I told myself it was because of the crowd – the festival was packed, and I didn't want to get separated.
But deep down, I knew better.
Her hand was warm, her grip gentle but firm, and every time her thumb brushed against mine, I felt something stir in my chest. Something I wasn't sure how to name yet.
We stood side by side at one of the game stalls, surrounded by soft yellow lanterns that flickered in the evening breeze.
"Okay, Yuki. Time to show off your incredible hand-eye coordination." Sakura handed me a small paper scooper, smirking as she gestured toward the shallow pool of darting goldfish. "Think you can handle it?"
I narrowed my eyes at her. "It's literally impossible to win at this."
"You say that, but I've won before."
"Liar."
She laughed, leaning closer. "Maybe. But I'd still like to see you try."
I sighed, kneeling beside the tank. The goldfish swirled in lazy circles, their tails flashing like little flames beneath the water.
As I dipped the scooper in, Sakura crouched beside me, watching carefully over my shoulder.
Her chin almost brushed against my arm, and I tensed.
Focus, Yuki. Focus.
Predictably, the paper tore almost immediately.
Sakura burst into laughter as the fish darted away. "Wow. That was… spectacular."
"Glad you're entertained." I glared at the empty scooper, tossing it into the nearby trash.
She nudged me with her shoulder. "You're cute when you pout."
I felt my face heat. "I'm not pouting."
"You're kind of pouting."
I turned to argue – but the way Sakura was looking at me made the words die in my throat.
There was something soft in her gaze, something that made my heart race and my hands fidget nervously at my sides.
Her eyes flickered downward, lingering on my lips for half a second too long.
I swallowed hard.
The air between us shifted, and suddenly, the crowd around us felt far away – like it was just the two of us standing there under the glow of the festival lights.
Sakura leaned in slightly, brushing a lock of hair behind my ear.
"Yuki," she murmured, her voice softer than usual.
I didn't pull away.
"I—"
The sharp pop of fireworks exploding overhead broke the moment.
I jumped, nearly dropping the small bag of candy I'd been holding.
Sakura blinked, startled, and pulled back with a sheepish laugh. "Wow. Perfect timing, huh?"
I tried to laugh along, but my heart was still hammering against my ribs.
Was she going to kiss me just now?
And more importantly – why didn't I stop her?
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The walk back to my apartment was quiet.
The festival had ended, and the streets were almost empty, save for the flickering remnants of lanterns being taken down by campus staff.
Sakura's hand still brushed against mine occasionally, but neither of us said much.
I wanted to ask her about earlier – about the way she looked at me, about the way she leaned in.
But every time I opened my mouth, the words stuck in my throat.
Did I even want to know?
When we reached my apartment, Sakura lingered by the door.
"Well," she said, stretching her arms above her head, "tonight was fun."
"Yeah." I rubbed the back of my neck. "Thanks for dragging me out."
She grinned. "Anytime. You can repay me by cooking dinner next time."
I smiled faintly. "Deal."
Sakura hesitated for a moment, rocking back on her heels.
Then, before I could say goodnight, she leaned in – pressing a quick, soft kiss to my forehead.
I froze.
She pulled back, her cheeks slightly pink, but her usual playful grin was back in full force.
"Night, Yuki."
I stared at her, still too stunned to respond.
By the time I found my voice, she was already halfway down the hall.
I closed the door behind me, leaning against it with a deep exhale.
My heart wouldn't stop racing.
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That night, I stood in front of the mirror for a long time.
I'd changed into the lavender hoodie – the one with the detachable bunny ears Sakura had picked out during our shopping trip.
The reflection that stared back at me was small, soft, and undeniably feminine.
And yet…
I wasn't uncomfortable.
I wasn't panicking the way I thought I would.
If anything, I felt more at ease than I ever had before.
I brushed my hair back, tilting my head slightly.
Sakura thought I was cute.
I smiled to myself – small, but genuine.
Maybe… I didn't mind that.
Maybe I didn't mind the changes as much as I thought I would.
And maybe the idea of Sakura kissing me wasn't as terrifying as it should have been.
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The next morning, Sakura texted me.
Sakura: Hey. I forgot something at your place last night. Mind if I swing by later?
Me: Sure. What'd you forget?
Sakura: You'll see 😉
I frowned at my phone.
That girl was impossible.
But I couldn't stop smiling.