"Why do you want to go in the haunted house??"

"I'm glad you managed to visit for tanabata! I hope it's not too hot!"

Dressed in her yukata, Haruko led Alfons through the stalls set along the streets, holding two thin pieces of paper in her hand.

Being back to the countryside for the summer holiday was nice. Haruko had missed the familiar slow rhythms of the little town, the sound of cicadas buzzing in the summer afternoon, and the flavour of fresh fruit picked in her grandma's garden. Above all, she had missed the quaint summer festivals, not overcrowded like in the city, but lively and rich enough to make for a fun evening. Even wandering alone around the stalls, Haruko enjoyed the lights, music and food, catching up with childhood memories as she explored her way through the festival, sipping on her cold mugicha as she walked around.

A small stand with masks stole her attention. She beamed, barely recalling the last time she had bought one -- she was probably ten yeard old back then. There was a cute fox-shaped one, hung high over the others. Haruko tried to reach for it, one hand holding the plastic cup with her drink, but didn't manage to; she hopped, but it was still too high.

She turned around, looking for help, when she noticed a rather tall boy staring at the stand right beside hers.

"Ah?? Inosuke?! What are you doing here -- why are you back?"

"Ah... I'm sorry--?"

Haruko stopped dead in her track as she realised who the person she bumped in was. She looked up, and warmth crept up her face as soon she she recognised the one staring down at her. She wasn't sure what embarrassed her so much about that encounter -- maybe she just didn't expect to be seen in a yukata...?