Fireworks

Episode 5: "Fireworks"

[Scene 1 – Dorm Room, Evening]

The soft hum of the air conditioner fills the room. Zion, sitting on his bed in a casual summer outfit, adjusts his wristwatch. He glances toward the closed bathroom door, where Fang is changing.

Zion (Calling out):

Hurry up, Fang! The festival’s already started, and I’m starving!

Fang (Muffled, from behind the door):

Relax, I’m almost done. Can’t rush perfection!

Zion (Rolling his eyes, muttering):

Perfection, huh?

The door swings open, and Fang steps out. He’s dressed in a sharp yet casual summer ensemble—light-colored linen shirt slightly unbuttoned, tailored pants, and clean sneakers. A simple necklace glints against his tanned skin.

Zion freezes, blinking as a faint flush creeps up his cheeks.

Zion (Internally):

I really know he would look this good.

Fang (Grinning):

Alright, let’s go. Can’t keep those skewers waiting.

Zion (Snapping out of it, standing up):

Y-Yeah, let’s go!

---

[Scene 2 – Summer Festival, Nighttime]

The festival is in full swing. Lanterns line the streets, casting warm glows over the bustling crowd. Stalls with vibrant signs offer all kinds of food, sweets, and games. The air is filled with laughter and the faint sound of traditional festival music.

Zion’s eyes light up as they enter the heart of the festival.

Zion (Excited):

Look at all this food! And the games! Oh, we *have* to try that shooting booth later!

Fang (Chuckling):

Alright, alright. Let’s pace ourselves, though. We’ve got all night.

As they walk, Zion’s enthusiasm is palpable—he points out colorful sweets, skewers grilling over open flames, and a goldfish scooping stall. Fang, however, seems distracted, his gaze drifting elsewhere as if searching for someone.

Zion notices but brushes it off at first, too caught up in the festive atmosphere.

---

[Scene 3 – At the Game Booths]

Zion excitedly lines up for a shooting game, holding the toy rifle with a competitive glint in his eye. Fang stands beside him, arms crossed and smiling faintly. But his eyes flicker to the crowd once more.

Zion notices this time and lowers the rifle, turning to Fang with a frown.

Zion:

Okay, seriously. What are you looking at?

Fang (Startled):

Huh? What do you mean?

Zion (Frustrated, putting the rifle down):

You’ve been looking everywhere but here since we got here. If you’re searching for Mayumi, just go find her already.

Fang (Rubbing the back of his neck, sheepishly):

No, it’s not like that—

Zion steps closer, grabbing Fang’s face with both hands and tilting it so their eyes meet.

Zion (Firmly):

Then stop looking around and focus on me.

Fang blinks, his cheeks flushing slightly as he stares at Zion.

Fang (Quietly, with a small smile):

Alright. I’ll focus on you.

Zion releases him, as he realized the things he said, his own face slightly red. He picks the rifle back up, blushing hardly.

Zion (Internally):

Why did I say that?? T-that’s so dumb of you Zion!... Now, focus yourself!

Zion:

Good. Now watch me win this.

Fang chuckles softly, his attention now fully on Zion.

---

[Scene 4 – Festival Highlights Montage]

The two are seen enjoying the festival together: Zion winning a stuffed toy for Fang at the shooting booth, both of them laughing at Fang’s failed goldfish scooping attempt, sharing skewers at a food stall, and Zion sneaking an extra dango from Fang’s stick while he’s not looking.

Their laughter echoes through the lively festival, the earlier tension forgotten.

---

[Scene 5 – Hill Overlooking the Festival, Later That Night]

The two sit on a grassy hill overlooking the festival grounds. The chatter of the crowd is distant, and the sky is dotted with stars. They’re waiting for the fireworks show.

Zion leans back on his hands, looking up at the night sky.

Zion (Softly):

Thanks for coming with me tonight. I... I had a lot of fun.

Fang glances at him, a small smile forming on his face. He reaches over and ruffles Zion’s hair, making him squawk in protest.

Fang:

Yeah, me too. Thanks for dragging me out.

Zion swats Fang’s hand away, but he’s smiling.

Zion:

You’re the worst.

Suddenly, the first firework lights up the sky, followed by another. The two fall silent, watching as the explosions of color illuminate the night.

Zion sneaks a glance at Fang, who’s captivated by the display. A soft smile spreads across Zion’s face.

Zion (Narrating):