EPISODE 3: DISAPPEAR IN THE CROWD

" 次に会える約束も そこそこに 駆け出す人、長い階段駆け上がって 人波に消える。"

" You broke into a run, running up the long stairs and disappearing into the crowd. "

~ シンデレラガール "

August 24. End of summer. End of youthful experiences. I am looking forward to it. I just want to watch the fireworks festival. I just want to watch Kuro sing under the beautiful blooms of the night.

But things got out of hand. I guess this is not my lucky day.

" Kuro, sign all these papers for me please. I need it tomorrow but I can't do it now. Would you do it for me please? "

Tss. Saying it with a sly smile. Tss again. Yagami really knows his way.

" Ok. "

" Oh! Thanks Kuro. We can go see fireworks display as a family. " Hana, the elegant step sister of mine, said with a mocking smile.

"... "

I didn't reply at all. Nah. They're scheme are not new. I'm actually used to it. Every summer, they would make an excuse to make me stay at the house. Nothing's new.

" Well then, see you sissy. "

They all left me alone with a bunch of papers to sign. Ah! I should get over with it.

But still, I feel sad. I'm really looking forward to watching fireworks display this time. Because I know, they will be there.

When I thought everyone has left, I went down to get some milk from the kitchen. But I stop walking half-way in the stairs when I heard Yagami's voice.

" Oh, you mean Kuro? I'm sorry she's not here. " Eh? Who is Yagami talking to? Why did he lied?

I took a peek from my position to see who is the person mom and Yagami is talking to but I was so surprised when I saw a familiar looking man with his enchanting smile.

" Is that so? Then I'll get going. Thank you for your time. " He bowed humbly in front of Yagami and mom.

Nagase? What is he doing here?

" But if you want, you could bring my sweetie Hana with you. She's more elegant, well-mannered classy and of course gorgeous. " My mom smiled sweetly. Tss. Selling their own daughter? What kind of parent would do that?

" Let's go, Ren-kun. " My oh so innocent sister smiled sweetly.

Ren gave them an awkward smile. " I'm sorry madam, I can't do that. I made a promise with her. "

Promise? With whom again? 

" But Hana is really suited for you. "

I rolled my eyes. Blah blah blah! Bunch of nonsense.

I am about to go back upstairs when Ren suddenly look at my direction and our eyes locked up.

*dug.dug.dug*

Now, where did that weird sound came from?

I immediately run upstairs clutching my thumping chest. What the heck Kuro! What the heck happened to you?

Slumping on my bed, I realized how stupid I was. I don't want this feeling. But it feels warm. I feel strangely nice.

What is this again?

*tok*

A strange noise rose up from my window.

" Eh? What was that? " I stared out of curiosity at it. And after a second or so, I realized where the strange faint noise came from. It was from a drone, flying over my window.

Confused, I look out from the window to see the idiot flying a drone here.   

Honestly, I was expecting to see someone. Yes, that's right. I am at least expecting him to come see me. But what the heck I am thinking? Who am I to see him? It was not Nagase. It was not Ren.

" Cinderella-san. "

The unfamiliar guy down there shouted in weird manner that seems like a whisper. He is waving at me which made me confused.

" Who are you? "

Clearly, he was talking to me. How did he know my house? And why does his voice sounds a little familiar?

The drone stopped at my window. I stared at it in awe.

The guy pointed at the drone as if telling me something. Stupid guy. He should just tell me directly.

I took the drone and found a piece of paper taped on it.

Cinderellla-san, I am the fairy godfather that will accompany you to your prince. Would you trust me and get in the carriage I prepared especially for you?

What the heck! Is this guy out of his mind? What prince is he talking about?

" Just who are you? "

He smiled and raised his arms to salute. " Hirano Sho, at your service Cinderella-san. "

Eh? Do I know some crazy dude named Hirano? And what's with the Cinderella thingy?

" I'm sorry, you must've mistaken me for someone else. I don't know you. "

" No. Just come down already. Your prince is already waiting for you. " Then he mumbled some things. " That stupid guy making me do these things. "

Though I'm confused, my instincts telling me to trust this guy. Ah! I'm getting crazier everyday.

" Wait for me downstairs. "

I changed into yukata*. I'm not a type of girl who would sweat over my appearance so I just simply let my shoulder-length hair fall down.

" Hirano? What is happening? " I asked carrying my backpack with me. Inside the big backpack is the envelop containing all the files that I have to sign. 

His brows creased. When I look at him up close, I realize that he is really good-looking. I don't know but he really seemed familiar to me.

" What's the deal with the backpack? Just Sho will do. "

" Ah, nothing. Don't mind it. "

He shrugged his shoulder then turned around.

" Well then. Cinderella-san, please get on the carriage especially made for you. "

I raised an eyebrow when I saw the "carriage" he was talking about.

" Woah, nice bicycle you got there. " I sneered at the sight of the cute bicycle in front of us.

" Shh. This is the princess' carriage. " He uttered in laughing  manner. Then, he bowed a little. " Well then Cinderella-san, please get on the carriage so that we could start our journey. "

I don't know why I became foolish enough to trust a total stranger. Maybe, it's his voice. The familiarity I sense from his voice gives me assurance that I can trust him. Or maybe, I am just simply insane.

Ah, I don't want to think about it anymore. The sense of freedom I feel when we rode the bike is so thrilling. This is sweet escape.

" Enjoying the ride, Cinderella-san? " He chuckled a little.

" Can you stop with the cinderella thing? "

He let out an annoying laugh.

" Well, Cindi-san, don't you want a prince charming? "

The ride goes on with those casual conversations which I've actually enjoyed.

Then, we finally arrived at the "palace" according to Hirano.

Oh, fireworks festival.

" Hira- - - I mean Sho, what is this? "

" No more questions Cinderella-san, go to your prince already. "

Tss. Cinderella, palace, carriage, prince. Do they intend to make this a crappy fairytale story? Ah, whatever.

I walk around looking at the busy crowds. The night is really busy today. Many people, regardless of their age have come to see the night flowers bloom once in summer. 

" So you've come. "

My heart went wild at the sound of that voice. This is definitely bad.

" O-oh, Ren. You're here too! " I exclaimed in almost stuttering high-pitched voice. Ah! I'm so nervous. I'm starting to look like an idiot now.

He stared at me for few seconds.

" What's wrong? "

" A-ah, n-nothing. Nothing's wrong hahaha. " I let out a nervous laugh. No! Absolutely no! I can't let him see me this nervous or he will get suspicious.

" U-uhm. I-I'll go see the fireworks this way. " I immediately step away but a strong warm hand gently pulled me. He pulled me into a crushing warm hug.

" R-ren... "

" Shh. Just let me do this for once. Even just once. "

My mind went blank and before I knew it, I was hugging him back. I don't want to let go. I don't want to.

9PM.

The fireworks bloom in the darkness of the night. It was enchantingly beautiful, giving lights to darkness. They shone brightly as the guy beside me held my hand tightly.

But I can't hear the sounds of fireworks or even the cheering crowd. I only hear the erratic beating of my heart.

So, this is what love is like.

" It's beautiful. " I muttered to myself seeing the pretty flowers of the night. Ah, I could enjoy watching them forever.

" Indeed. Beautiful. "

" Eh? " I look at him but I realized he is gazing at me intently. I'm not stupid but I choose not to believe what I think it is.

" You like fireworks too? " I initiated a conversation.

" That's right. I really like fireworks. They always lit up the night sky. "

" Yeah. You're right. How I wish I could see fireworks every night. "

I was taken aback when he touch my face with the back of his hand.

" I didn't. If I could see fireworks every night, then they wouldn't be special anymore. "  

Indeed. That's true, I guess.

" Hmm. You're right. " I smiled. This guy really never fail to make me smile. Tss. You're damned Kuro.

" You are just like the fireworks. "

Eh? What was that?

" You can keep lighting up the night time, yet you only appear timely. You never stayed long. " He said with a sigh. Gosh! Where is this conversation going to?

" Nah. I'm not. I'm more like the night sky. "

If, just if, he confessed to me, what should I do? Can I take it? Or should I just stay away from those hateful feelings?

*30 seconds before the closing of the fireworks display*

I look up to enjoy the last moment of the show. But a warm hand stroke my face and something soft landed on my lips.

It was a kiss. HECK!!! A FREAKING KISS!!!

I am being kissed!

" W-w-what was that?!? " I asked too flustered when he broke the kiss. My mind went swirling around the space that I couldn't even think properly.

" That contains my feelings Cindi. Do I have to say it? " His voice trailed off together with the fading sounds of fireworks.

No need to put it in words. I already feel it.

I gave up. I am not a Cinderella. I don't need a prince charming. But I know I want one too.

" You like me? "

He shook his head.

What? After he kissed me, he would say that he didn't like me? What the heck!

" It was not just like. It was beyond like. It was love. "

I don't care about the surroundings. Everything seems blurry to me and I can only see his smiling face. Yes. I love him too. Strange as it sounds, it's the truth.

" Can you wait for me here? "

Unconsciously, I nodded. I could wait, even if it takes for life.

The colors in my eyes began to fade as he walk away in constant speed.

" Kusō! " I cursed silently. Nah, I guess there's no turning back. The spell of love had already begun.

" Good evening minna-sama!!!* " A familiar voice filled the air.

It was the same soft voice. The same mellow tone that could make my heart palpitate. No way!

" Kuro, you're so slow! What took you so long? " One of the guy in the stage muttered. Wearing a red hoodie, I recognized his voice, Akari. But it wasn't just Akari's voice. It also sounded like someone. That is...

Hirano Sho.

" Right, Akira. This guy seems busy nowadays. I wonder what he is doing? " The other guy in blue sweater, Aoki, teased Kuro even more.

" Alright. Enough of that you two. You are making Kuro embarrassed. " Kira said.

Kuro just smiled. My heart beats wildly. D*mn!

" Nah, let's get started already. "

That mellow soft voice, that familiar lean body and that enchanting smile that can't be covered with masks, I knew it.

Kimi wa Cinderella girl my precious one

you are the only flowering heroine

don'na toki mo zutto soba de

mabushii de sono egao misete

Kuro, my idol. Nagase Ren, my first love. They are the same person.

Yes, fans didn't know what they look like. They never reveal their faces in public. But I knew it was him. I just know it.

After the concert, I saw Ren running in the midst of  the crowd. I want to meet him too.

But then, not so far away from me, I saw Yagami, together with my mom and Hana. This is bad. They might know that I sneaked out to watch the fireworks festival. 

I'm sorry Ren, I can't wait anymore. I have to go. But if you want, you can find me anytime. I'm just running away, hoping to meet you again.

* * *

Once again, Ren can't do anything as he watch his precious girl run away. But he wasn't discouraged. He will never let go of his Cinderella girl. Definitely not.

" Sorry Cindi, but I'm not like that stupid prince taking too long to find you. I'm going to find you, right now. "

* * *

yua: domo minna-sama!!!

*yukata is a summer kimono (japanese clothing) worn in summer, specifically during fireworks festival.

💛michiedayua💛

samuraihimeyua

侍姫悠亜

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