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The invite came out of nowhere. But not exactly unwelcome though Atsushi was reluctant, he never showed it.
A festival was something. Atsushi heard about festivals before. His knowledge was vague mostly to the lack of books about it in the orphanage's library.
(Atsushi doesn't want to think about it though.)
The yukata that Dazai gave him was white, a dark blue sash, a pattern of leaves and a tiger of the same color sewn on the lower part of the yukata, as well on the sleeves. For the night Atsushi tied his hair on a low ponytail, his hair is long and almost reaches on his shoulders.
He doesn't think he looks half that bad. If anything, somehow he blends well with the crowd since none of them gave him a glance, which was what Atsushi was worrying about the whole time.
He could have rejected Dazai's invite to a festival but he couldn't bring himself to do it.
(Not that he didn't like the idea of going to a festival.)
Nonetheless, Atsushi continues to look around. He thought it might be so crowded and noisy to the point of unbearable, but turns out it wasn't so bad. There is festivity and high energy coming from the conversations of the people coming in and out, or around the festival, but it didn't make Atsushi overwhelmed.
If anything, it gave the night a charm.
Yellow laterns hang up on a string illuminates the place along with lights coming from multiple stands, selling foods and other more stuffs that Atsushi is not so familiar of.
He watches people pass by, catching a bit of the conversations, laughter shared between groups and pairs.
Dazai told him to wait for a second on the bench, clear assurance on his face as he leads Atsushi to the bench that Atsushi sits on now.
It almost feels like forever but Atsushi never thought why Dazai left him for seconds. Going back to the direction of the entrance where Kunikida drops them off, who gave a nod and a little smile as they step inside the festival.
(The two shared a knowing look to each other.)
Eventually Atsushi spots Dazai from the crowd. They met glances and Dazai flashes him a smile, fastening his pace to make his way over to Atsushi.
Crazy how he fits with all the people. Perhaps it was the casual outfit that Atsushi always see him wear, an outfit that Atsushi thinks will stand out of the crowd. When he saw him in another outfit than the usual, entering in Atsushi's room to ask if he was ready, it was a bit shocking.
But Atsushi isn't sure. He thinks of other outfits that Dazai would wear.
"I'm sorry for leaving you here," Dazai said once he finally stood infront of Atsushi, "I...just had to talk to Kunikida-kun for a second." He points behind him, shrugging his shoulders with a chuckle, "But anyways, let's go?"
Atsushi doesn't say anything, Atsushi doesn't ask. He only nods and stood up from the bench.
Dazai lifts a hand, motioning on the way further inside the festival where many more stalls awaited and what Atsushi assumes is a shrine on top of a small hill, a bit hard to see from the few lights littered around the shrine and the bushes of tree covering a bit of the parts.
But it is a very eye catching structure.
Atsushi's initial thought of their little hangout on a nearby festival, he thought it might also be awkward to walk around side by side with Dazai. Especially when he found out that it will only be the two of them.
"Do you want to eat takoyaki?" Atsushi stopped alongside Dazai, he looks at the stall that Dazai is pointing at.
Though a bit shy, Atsushi nods nonethless, the smell coming from the stall and the amount of people flocking around made Atsushi want to eat the said food, "It smells delicious."
He felt a bit awkward even on the way to the festival. He sat quietly behind the car, looking out at the window as he tries to avoid making eye contact with Kunikida. Not like the man looks like the type to take their eyes away from the road, he didn't feel to comfortable. Dazai sat beside him and would initiate a conversation to either of them from time to time, a question of concern for Atsushi and a question of something for Dazai.
(Atsushi didn't catch any of the conversation, too busy in his own thoughts looking out on the streets in wander.)
After they pay and got their order and the stall owner says their thanks, Atsushi and Dazai continues walking though slowly since they held the small paper plate on one head, careful not to bump onto anyone.
As Atsushi pokes on one of the balls covered in sauce, Dazai encourages him to eat it, "Its still hot, so be careful."
He stabs it with the short stick given to them, bringing it near to his mouth to blow out the hotness. He takes a bit on it and he feels himself lighten up, "Its tastes good!" he exclaims almost flinching to how he didn't mean to be so loud about it.
But it drowned from the sea of chatters around and only Dazai heard him, "...yeah," Dazai chuckles, "it is..."
It wasn't so bad.
They explore around the festival to see what more they offer. Buying more foods that Atsushi was caught staring at by Dazai. He would waves his hands and tell him that he doesn't want to eat, but Dazai sees right through him and assure him each time that it was fine. His face goes red every time he sees Dazai hands over the payment to the sellers. Mistakingly sputtering in embarassment as one of the stall owners laugh and announces them, like their appearances were big deals, "Its the boyfriends." she said in a cheery tone.
He wanted to correct her that they are not but Dazai laughs with her, asking about her life.
Dazai points to a stall, asking Atsushi if he wants to play a game. When he said yes, Dazai immediately brough him over seemingly excited, holding his wrist and lead him through the crowd.
(This was fun.)
Atsushi didn't know how to play but eventually he learn by watching Dazai and some people play around him. Atsushi got none. Dazai got two.
"You can keep this."
Atsushi held the plastic containing two of the fishes that Dazai caught, "um, are you sure?"
"Yep," his fingers points on one fish, a darker color one, "name this one after me."
Looking at the fish swim and flicker its tail, Atsushi realized that it looked a bit brown, it shines like a copper. Atsushi sees the connection, he finds himself laughing. Dazai doesn't look like the type to name animals after themselves, but Atsushi didn't mind the name for the fish.
Atsushi comments, "It fits."
Dazai smiles gently, Atsushi finds himself looking at the fish, it bumped a bit with the other fish who looked a bit white.
"Do you want to play more games?"
"I would love to."
Dazai hums, looking behind him, "...then lets go to the shrine up on that hill..." and he looks back at Atsushi, "is...that alright?"
Atsushi didn't lift his gaze but he nods. He keeps watching on the two fish, swimming around the tight space. The whiter one stops swimming as if staring at something.
(And he thought of a name.)
It was a bit crowded around and inside the shrine. Unfamiliar with the place, Atsushi stays close with Dazai and he watch the man walk closer to the entrance. He stops him by gripping on his sleeve. The man immediately turns to him.
"I'm..not sure what to do here?"
Dazai only shook his head, "its alright." he held Atsushi's hand, the one gripping on his sleeves. He gave it a pat, "...I'll teach you."
Atsushi keeps a close look at Dazai, imitating his actions and listen to him quietly explain.
Atsushi noticed that it was quiet here.
The mumurs, the sound of water, the leaves rustling and the sound of bell echoes throughout the shrine. It was nice compared to the festive noises down the hill.
It was nice too, as they stood there for a moment in silence after they properly followed the steps.
(Atsushi wonders what Dazai prayed for.)
They exit the shrine not long after. Atsushi follows how to respectfully exit the shrine and with that they left and Atsushi finds himself mesmerized with view of the stalls all lined up, the lanterns casting a warm yellow glow throughout the place up to the entrance of the festival, and out to the city where Atsushi can see some buildings and the lights coming them.
(This is really beautiful.)
"Do you wanna sit for now?" Dazai asked.
"Sure...well,walking around was kind of, tiring."
"Alright..." Dazai walks down a path leading further to a slightly open space, "and we can watch the view for a while." There are two benches are situated on the middle of the open space, a few safe distance away from a cliff. The view looks just as amazing here and Atsushi can see more how wide the area of trees are.
The two sat together and a for a few moments, there was nothing but comfortable silence. Atsushi still held on the plastic bag of his two goldfish, it tickles a bit on his palm to feel them seem around. But Atsushi can't take his eyes away from the view.
Dazai spoke up, "I hope you felt comfortable here."
"I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable considering this is a festival..." Dazai continues speaking, "...I just really, wanted you to have fun..and.."
Atsushi looks down on his feet and drags it back under the bench. He felt Dazai shift beside him, "..and just feel nice, really."
"I had fun." Atsushi smiles, "I really did, I still feel comfortable, don't worry!"
He turns his head to make eye contact with Dazai, a way to really reassure the man, "...I'm glad you brought me here."
(The man always seem worry for the pass hour, even yesterday.)
"I thought, it was going to be awkward and all!" Atsushi laughs, "...but it wasn't...well, a bit...but not much."
(Atsushi can't think of anyone elss that he wants to attend this festival with.)
Dazai looks.. a bit taken a back. His eyes moves up from looking down to meet Atsushi's eyes.
(The lanterns nicely reflect on his eyes.)
Dazai moves his gaze back to the view, his eyes crinkle on the side as he smile widens on his lips.
"...then, I'm happy to hear that."
The comfortable silence came back to them.
This time Atsushi glances sideway on Dazai's face. His gaze is almost distant and his face was relaxed, hunched over and a bit occupied to his own thoughts.
All the background noises seem far to his ears.
And when Dazai finally speaks, asking if Atsushi wants to try the shooting game again, he only laughs and mock himself for failing so many times on that game despite bravely bringing Dazai to the stall earlier.
"Who knows, you might actually hit one!"
He didn't hit one.
"You can always try again." Dazai said this with a laugh.
Atsushi forces him to stop the redness spreading to his cheeks, "I think that's enough..."
Dazai asked if he wants to play more but Atsushi kindly declined opting to watch others play the games. He was satisfied with the goldfish prize anyway.
As people exiting the festival starts increasing, and Dazai mentions that they should leave already since it was almost late. Atsushi agreed.
Still they walked leisurely, taking in the decorations and stalls one more time. They stayed close and their shoulders bumping on each other.
Just like the few people walking in pairs, close.
(It feels like they are ordinary people, and not someone with abilities.)
"...Did you have fun too?"
Before Atsushi could think of his question, it already came out of his mouth. He held on his sleeves tightly wondering why he keeps thinking of questions.
Someone bumped onto Dazai. They quickly apologize but Dazai didn't even look at them.
He only looked straight ahead, his mouth opening and closing, as if contemplating deeply about his words.
He closes his eyes and lets out a breathe.
He smiles.
He leans his head onto Atsushi and Atsushi can't help but blush from the sudden contact.
"Of course..." Dazai whispered.
"...afterall I am with Atsushi-kun."
His eyes flutter open, looking straight to Atsushi who looked up at him.
(There is still a smile on his lips.)
Atsushi returned his own smile. He looked on the ground and the sandals they both wore.
Dazai's head stopped leaning onto him and it almost feel like there was a long distance between them suddenly.
(Even though Dazai didn't move an inch away from him.)
Atsushi tried his best to hide his disappointment.
(Why does he have to feel like this?)
When they came to the entrance of the festival. Atsushi is surprised to see Kunikida still inside his car, evidently waiting for them.
Hearing their approaching footsteps, Kunikida turns his head and he was focusing on his phone earlier. The frown on his face lessened as he gave them a nonchalant look, "is the date over?"
Atsushi blushes but he didn't say anything about the comment. Nor did Dazai.
Dazai only hummed, "we had fun."
They went inside the car without any more words and once they are inside, Kunikida starts the engine of his car and throw his phone on the unoccupied seat beside him.
Atsushi, once again, struggled with his seat belt but Dazai came to help him.
"Thank you." Atsushi muttered and Dazai smiles.
(He almost looks tired.)
Kunikida looks at them from the mirror and he coughs. He finally started driving and continued his way to the road.
There was only silence between them.
But Atsushi felt tired to think too much about it, as he lets himself relax to the sound of the soft hum of the car's engine.
He feels a hand tuck a strand of his hair behind his ear. He can see a bit through his closed eyes, a hand taking the plastic bag of goldfish from his own hands.
"Sleep..."
And Atsushi did, letting the tiredness consume the thoughts that came up on today's events.
He relished on the warm hand resting on top of his.