【 ⠀ · light me up 𓇿ㅤㅤ まるで magic · ⠀】
💭 info -> 2.2k - confession, kissing, bunch of intimate moments and descriptive language, unspoken love, description of kissing, fireworks + festival setting, strangers to lovers(?), love at first sight。·
ֹ · ❤︎ ⸝⸝ ──── · x reader ⠀ | fluff⠀ 〔+18〕 ॱ 🩹 ִ
fiery blossoms against the dark velvet night sky, deafening booms that crackle through your ears.
the festival had already begun, a bustling crowd of locals clustering the crammed grounds.
wafts of cooked food, notably a heavy scent of freshly roasted meat, the aroma mixed with earthy green notes of mud.
the fresh breeze flowed in as a cold stream, palate-cleansing, light, airy— breaking away the looming scent from vendors.
you were new to town, arrived a few weeks before the major festival, you were told through the grapevine, “you don’t want to miss it”. so, despite the lack of unpacking that had been put to action, you pulled out your best clothes, tidied yourself up in what felt like forever, and put a gentle smile on your face.
if you walked around looking pathetic enough, it was bound for a local to take you under their wing, at least you hoped.
the moment your shoes dug into the mud, it hit in a brutal smack of reality, a deep wave of emotions that were once too hidden. with every crumbling spark in the sky, only then did it all settle in; that feeling burrowed itself, far and deep within your ribs. missing this same walk you would usually do at your local festival, but, only then you had friends and family as company, now you were alone. too alone. you missed the activities you’d accompany, catching small fish through thin nets, begging your dad to win you the last panda plushie like you life depended on the very stuffed animal.
not it was all empty, and eery, empty isolation that floated over you like a cloud.
your feet wandered, mind was fogged by every crackle that burst through the grounds, loud, booming, that never steadied, fire that held pride and freedom. eyes wandered farther than you could keep up, replaying the games you missed out on, chuckling to yourself about how “amazing” you were at others. it felt as if everything held its breath with you, resuming when you heavy chest fell once more. thoughts consumed you in a nasty, deep pull
it all snapped with a simple tug of your arm; the hands were gentle and warm, not a furious bite— too weak. like a stray cat’s cry for help.
your head snapped, a quick turn, darting to catch the person; your face met hers. a small old lady, aged wrinkles that etched into her soft, pale skin, a smile that met you in a friendly, loving hug. her lips cracked, stuttering over her words, shaky and frail, yet she spoke with such meaning.
she tugged at your arm again, breaking you head out of whatever world it was lost in. she held onto the flesh in a soft, gentle grip. her voice was soft. “you look lost.” a gentle giggle followed behind her words. “need some guidance, dear?” you wanted to say no, she wasn’t scary— maybe the furthest thing from it. but you were always told to never leave with strangers, even the nice old lady kind.
your heart was already heavy, and with one last ache it tore you towards her gentle nature. a soft, confused nod was all she needed, she pulled you along with her through the crammed festival grounds. you waved behind her like a pathetic flag in the wind, shaking with the cold breeze.
you told yourself it was the universe giving you a helping hand, a kind, gentle hands that held onto you like your mothers once did. every uncertainty was now erased by the comfort of her. she reassured you with every step, almost if they were your first.
the overwhelming noise set off that familiar ring in your ears, the kind that broke all other noise from your reach. just the blurry silence and image of you being dragged down the grounds.
she pulled you deeper through the festival, towards a small food stand that sat just near the outskirt flowing river, cupping the edge of the festival.
warm lights that shunned cold darkness, crackles that still festered through the curve of your ear, yet the stand was just quaint enough to keep you on your toes. she took her hands in a slow ghost, lightly rubbing your arm before letting go.
the stand was small, smoke wafted through the parted curtains. pops of colored, patterned fabric swaying through the air. that aromatic scent of cooked meat— steak, and pork heavily flowed in a heavy stream. the small chair she led you to planted outside sat unmoving, modern wood that pressed cold against your legs.
she briefly popped into the stand, inaudible chatter between her and a voice much deeper. when she returned she sat near you, patting your shoulder before making it to the cushioned chair across the table.
the river was steady, the watery flow reached your ears— gentle ripples that met through the interaction, brief; her voice was that of mice, buried behind the sharp sounds of festival goers, laughs that chuckled out of you before you caught her words.
she was kind, sweet like the scent of a bakery. yet, again, the time passed slowly, too slowly; your head ached to lie against a soft pillow. but you couldn’t be rude, no, of course not… the conversation flowed like the rivers water, slow, tranquil passings that felt too comforting.
her son jumped in before she could continue the next sentence. his voice was deep, delicate words that coated your ears like honey. the sound sent pleasant waves over your back, chills that prickled against your clothes. “mom— stop it… she probably wants to go home, stop holding her hostage.” he placed a warm cup in front of you, a leafy aroma of green tea leaves filling your nose.
he was tall, a lean slimness that extenuated his legs. his frame towered over you in an instant, height that swallowed your body whole.
his hair was a soft brown, strands that shined like silk under the dim lights. his face was youthful, soft, and gentle, features that deceivingly reduced him to a small puppy. a yukata draped over his body, a deep navy cotton fabric that engulfed him, wrapped just tight enough to show off his frame.
his moves were soft, rounded at the edges, just like his plush cheeks. his eyes met yours, all for your ears to hollow out, just the steady rhythm of your heartbeat hitting through you chest until he broke the tension. “don’t mind my mom, she just gets excited when new people come to town, especially loves dragging them to her stand.” he paused a smiley curling at his lips once again, “she says it's a good luck charm, whatever that means”. the final clink of the cup hit your ears.
he sat down beside you, gesturing out for the cup. “it's freshly brewed; my mom boiled the water before she set out to kidnap you.” a light giggle laced the ends of his words, soft-spoken sentences that melted your wary heart.
your nod hesitate before confidently bobbing along.
your body tensed throughout the night— pure intimidation of how handsome he was.
the words exchanged were short; conversations held never had much outcome. just banter that felt so friendly for strangers. the most you got out of it was his name, kei; it wrapped your tongue in every right way.
“you know, you two should swim in the river, it's said to clear you negative energy for the year” her voice was raspier, words choking through her dried, tired lips.
you didn’t question it, your heart ached in sorrow for her, too soft hearted to decline her request. even it went against everything your head told you not to do. kei’s eyes flickered to you, held a second longer then they should’ve. with a steady nod you get up.
“mom— she clearly doesn’t want to do something as stupid as your old folk tales..” he was stern, crossed his arms as he leaned against the chair.
you perked up immediately, “no, no, it’s okay really, i’d be more than glad to wash away the bad luck.” you chimed, voiced covered with admiration and reassurance.
he tilted his head, like a puppy ears his hair wave through the wind. “really?” it was both a genuine and mocking question. you nodded once more, “yeah?” tone too comfortable, banter that followed the same lines of playful friendship.
your feet moved before he could respond. feeling the cold breeze hit you once more. you hear his footsteps— kei trialed behind you.
it didn’t take long for him to lose the calmness, maybe it was the memories that brought it out. he jumped in a way that felt practiced, like he had done this many times before. it was sudden, he jolted before you eyes, pace faster than you could pick up.
“come on— don't be scared!!” he pulled you swiftly off your feet, keeping his grasp light around your arm, letting you float behind him like a kite in the breeze.
the riverside was empty, waves stilled in a peaceful, steady rock, letting just the sparks overhead reflect in a crystal-clear burst. your shoes kicked off to the side; he dragged you closer to the water, letting the cold water hit your toes first, submerging you deeper— in short baby steps.
the reflection light up your face, a bright white cast that caught his attention. his gaze fixed on your features under the lights, he fixed on your lips, soft, plush dusky rose that lured him in.
maybe it was just the resonance from the fireworks sitting in; the memories flooded through in a deep wave of grief.
nothing but the solace hugged you through the waist-deep water, a rocking motion that your body flowed along to. the moonlight hit every shadowed surface, refracting off the water, casting over your face.
the atmosphere was intimate. the air carried soft unspoken feelings that drifted in the water, circling around your waist until it was replaced by his hands.
calm and steady, a touch so gentle it barely snapped you out of your head.
he held you like a piece of a fragile shell, pulled you closer until your nose brushed his.
your eyes met; the soft brown glimmering light gazed back at you. “i thought you’d be cold…” he cleared his throat, words that poured out more anxiously. “if we cuddled together, it would warm you.”
he wasn’t lying; you had been shivering through the night, your thin clothes never held thick enough against your body. now his touch held you close, feeling the warmth from his body radiate onto you until your chests pressed together, his hands holding you lower back further against him.
the unspoken gazing stretched, silence that filled from booming fireworks overhead.
you closed your eyes, taking in the surroundings.
crackling fire bursting overhead, the cold water that fought his body heat, hands fisting the navy cotton of his clothes.
the small still lingered, a fatty pork carried through the breeze— now, with the intimacy you pick up on the intoxicating note if his perfume, fresh and cozy, light sparks of musk and spice mixed within.
it was unhurried and intimate, breaths that synced before you noticed, an endless rise of your chest in unison. as your eye lids flicker open you felt the warmth of his lips press your, soft, gentle. like he was too scared it'd hurt you.
his hair tickled you pinkish cheeks.
the pace built, once gentle now grew hungrier, not smashing against him, but nuzzling deeper into his lips like you’d been starved for days. the taste of his lips was sweet, tasting of light strawberry before the green tea hit. his hands darted to your head, cupping your jaw— the other tangling through your hair. his thumb brushed over the pointed bone of your jaw. nails grazing the back of your skull.
this kiss felt brief, even if it did last for decades, the moment he pulled back you felt the absence of his warm lips. craving for him to fall forward again.
eyes watching the gentle glow reflect off his soft lips, everything that once felt so heavy crumbled into a thin dust below your feet. the same feet that felt numbed from the frigid water.
the silence filled by the crickets, chirping and booming that dizzies you over and over.
you couldn’t hold back, smashing into him like your life depended on it. your breath rapidly grew as your thirst followed. his lips synced with your in a melody that was unpracticed, yet executed like it’d been down a thousand times.
the fire works continue, bursts that sparkled with you. waves slapped between your body’s.
his hands lowered to your back, pressing you hips deeper against his, until it all faded into a sobbing, blurry mess, your emotions poured out. he swallowed ever whimper, whether it be from your crying or arousal, he comforted you through everything.
when you pull back yet again it floods out, your trembling lips, back of your hands nudging against your wet cheeks, attempting to stop the flow of emotions from spilling out.
“i’m sorry… i’m just going through a rough time” you sobbed, soft, gentle sobs.
he shook his head, thumb brushing your tears away. “don’t apologize, i love you.” with the sudden confession your eyes met his, wet, glistening with the fireworks banging behind you.
in the moment it all came to a halt, just the booming petals falling behind his head. your heart beat louder, bangs that followed the intense pops from the fireworks. your heart cried out, body melting into his arms as he held you close. letting you sob into his chest.
colorful flames burning through the sky.
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