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As the eldest daughter of the Kamisato House in charge of the Yashiro Commission, Ayaka is tasked with managing ceremonial affairs, sharing Ayato’s workload.
When he asked her to go meet Yoimiya on business duties, she wasn’t sure what kind of person she should expect of her. She is familiar with Naganohara Fireworks — her family’s been working with them for years, after all, but she couldn’t help but feel curious about their holders. Furthermore, she heard that this Yoimiya had only taken over recently, so she never had the chance to see her in person yet.
Whatever was she supposed to think, when the first thing that happens as soon as she arrives at their workshop was witnessing an explosion from within the building, surprising her before many concerns pop up in her head. She was about to hurry and investigate when a girl around her age came out and peering from the corner of where she stood, covered in gunpowder and a coy grin on her face.
“Hehe… sorry, folks. Just made a minor mistake.” She waves her hands in front of herself, averting the people’s attention who, understandably, were also surprised by the explosion. They promptly looked at each other and shrug, some of them laughing it off, before returning to their own work.
The girl notices Ayaka standing in disbelief close by, a fan over the bottom half of her face, presumably covering her hanging mouth that would’ve been visible otherwise, and cheerfully walked her way over to the Cryo user.
“Blue hair, blue eyes, breastplate with a golden crest in the center… You’re Kamisato-san, right? I’m Yoimiya, nice to meet ‘cha!”
“Greetings, I am Kamisato Ayaka. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” she lowers her head curtly, returning to her usual self, with slight worry in her eyes. “Apologies, though this is our first meeting, I must ask. Is everything alright?”
“Oh yeah, just fine! Um, nothing hurts, and nothing’s burning, I hope— it was really too loud for a small explosion. I should go over the composition again.” Yoimiya makes a mental note to herself and notices that Ayaka is looking at her weirdly, so she looks up curiously.
Ayaka smiles slightly, pointing to her own face, which makes Yoimiya realize that she’s covered in gunpowder and ash.
She bursts into laughter, before quickly wiping her face, still laughing a bit to herself. “That’s embarrassing. Is it better now?”
“Yes, much better,” Ayaka affirms.
“Right, pops told me you’d be coming to order a big batch of fireworks for the upcoming festival,” Yoimiya starts. “I can get it done as soon as you need. I promise I’m usually not that clumsy!”
“That’s alright, just be careful, yes?” Ayaka hands her a paper with details for the order, which Yoimiya quickly skims over upon receiving and nods. “If possible, we’d like you to get it done within the next week. A helper from the Yashiro Commission will be visiting a few days before to check on the progress.”
“All good!”
“Glad to be working with you.”
The festival went splendidly. Though Ayaka wasn’t there herself, her ears pick up voices of people talking about how much fun it was and how beautiful the fireworks were as she walks through the city. Silently, she wishes she could’ve been there to see it for herself, even partake in it. If only...
She quickly pushes those thoughts away as she arrives at the heart of the city, solemnly smiling and waving at all the citizens who greet her. She couldn’t help but notice a familiar face, though it seems like they also noticed her and are already beckoning for her before she had the chance to.
“Kamisato-san, over here!”
Ayaka smiles at the sight of Yoimiya, making her way to the pyrotechnician. “Good afternoon. Has everything been well?”
“Mhm, the festival was so much fun! I’m really happy everybody liked the fireworks. It was the first time I worked with this kind of formula, so as long as it turned out well, it’s a success for me.” Yoimiya smiles proudly with her hands on her hips, grinning so brightly Ayaka felt like she might melt.
“As expected of the Queen of the Summer Festival. I happened to hear that title being spoken among the people, I assume the honor is bestowed to you?”
“Hehe, it’s a big honor. I can only look forward to keep fulfilling their expectations!” Yoimiya’s grin falters a bit. “I didn’t see you anywhere though.”
“Ah, about that,” Ayaka pauses, bringing up her fan over her face. “I did not happen to miss it, it was a conscious choice. N-Not out of ill will, but…” She clears her throat briefly, a tint of pink gracing her pale cheeks. “As a member of the Yashiro Commission, we are tasked with overseeing such ceremonies, so… I just had other duties, that’s all.”
“Aww… that’s a pity. I would’ve loved to watch the fireworks with you!”
Ayaka feels a blush creeping up her cheeks at the bold statement. Like… a date?
She snaps herself out of it.
“Regardless, thank you for the performance. If everyone enjoyed it, that’s more than enough for me.”
“But next time, you have to come!” Yoimiya exclaims.
Ayaka averts her eyes, holding herself back from breaking it down to the girl that it's near impossible.
Yoimiya was not asking for a response though, for she continues — “There were so many people, it felt like everyone in Inazuma gathered just to watch the show. There were so many food stands and games too! Speaking of… It’s not the same without the atmosphere, of course, but do you happen to like dangos? I was about to get some anyway.”
“That’s very kind, but—”
“Great! I’ll go buy two for us right now.”
“There’s really no need—”
Before she knew it, Yoimiya was already jogging off to a nearby snack seller and Ayaka could not stop her. She sighs. It seems like she was adamant about this.
In minutes, Yoimiya is trotting back her way with two sticks of dango in her hands, holding one out for Ayaka. She’s still hesitant, but timidly accepts for the sake of being polite, thanking her. Not that she didn’t like it, nor didn’t she appreciate Yoimiya’s consideration, just that…
Ayaka never feels good about letting people do things for her. She felt mature enough, responsible enough to take care of herself. She was ready to shoulder the burden of the clan’s work ever since her parents passed, and she worked harder than ever to get to this point. Also, not that anyone offers much, but perhaps she was also not used to receiving in general.
Beside her, Yoimiya is already biting into her snack, her expression lighting up instantly. She continues eating undisturbed, while Ayaka took small timid bites.
Yoimiya finishes her snack much earlier, and she but squeals childishly, making Ayaka look over to her. “I just love sweets, don’t you?”
Ayaka nods slightly. “I do enjoy Inazuman treats, I just... don’t often get to eat them.”
“Do commissioners have laid out diets or something? I can see that,” Yoimiya answers her own question. She watches Ayaka finish her own snack, and she couldn’t help but left out a pfft.
Ayaka looks up with wide eyes, wondering if there’s something funny.
“Sorry, sorry! It’s just…”
Yoimiya doesn’t finish her sentence before reaching out a finger to wipe excess sugar from the side of Ayaka’s lips, making the latter freeze.
“There we go.”
Ayaka reaches to cover the part Yoimiya wiped, face reddening with embarrassment because of her improperness and of the gesture from the girl beside her just now.
She could not manage anything other than a thank you.
“Sure thing,” Yoimiya laughs, more to herself than anything. “Reminds me when we first met. Y’know, when I had to greet you with a face covered in ash. That was… much more embarrassing, honestly. So don’t worry, Kamisato-san.”
“Ayaka is fine.”
“Ayaka,” she tests the sound of her name on her tongue. “I guess this makes us friends?”
“Friends… yes, I would like that.”
Time passed. Things changed.
Inazuma went on lockdown under the Sakoku Decree and simultaneously, the Tenryou Commission started confiscating Visions under the Vision Hunt Decree. The shift in their government system also impacted Inazuma’s economy and politics, all that most living in the nation of eternity must have had to face.
The Kamisatos have been much busier as well. Moreover, Ayaka directly sympathizes with those who are suffering from the loss of their Visions as one who keeps in touch with the people of Inazuma.
It’s hard, having to shoulder everyone’s burdens as your own while maintaining the image of a noble daughter of the Yashiro Commission.
Ayaka has to constantly worry about her brother, noticing how much stress and pressure he’s been under with government work, but she does not allow herself to worry about her own well-being.
Walking through the streets of Inazuma City feels gloomy now. It isn’t surprising for her how much people live their lives as normal as ever, but oftentimes she picks up on the people affected by their current situation. All the thoughts of what she has to do for everyone’s sake are swarming her head, and she feels like falling under.
However, she mustn’t tire.
Could it be wrong for her to want just a moment of respite, though?
Ayaka and Yoimiya kept in touch, but things between them felt more impersonal and confidential than ever. Maintaining connection for the sake of business yet she couldn’t help but wish they could have something more.
Perhaps she was just bad at friendships. That must be why she’s never had them, right?
Lonely… that’s it, isn’t it?
She isn’t sure why but she never realized it until now.
She’s been lonely all this time.
Halting in her tracks, she watches as a single snowflake descend gracefully from the sky into the palm of her hand, eventually melting in the early spring breeze.
Everything falls into place, just as how it should be. Such is the land of eternity, immovable and never-changing.
She clenches the fist that held winter’s farewell, taking a deep breath before continuing her stroll. She decides to make a stop at Naganohara Fireworks.
Today, she’ll do it.
As soon as she arrives, she is met with a familiar scene, starting from the not-so-subtle boom! from inside the workshop, followed by a certain Pyro-wielding girl emerging from inside with ash and gunpowder all over her face.
This time, their eyes locked immediately.
Yoimiya giggles coyly. “Hehe, got deja vu?”
Ayaka smiles. Some things never change, even if it feels like her life turned upside down.
“I do believe you told me that such accidents don’t often occur, yet for the entire duration we’ve been acquainted, I have lost track of how many times things went awry for you,” Ayaka says simply, with an effort to keep her tone neutral but she can’t help the amusement that leaked out with her voice.
She takes out a handkerchief and steps forward to gently place a hand on Yoimiya’s jaw, the other wiping the charcoal off of her skin. Yoimiya compiles gratefully, with a gesture of her head that says thank you.
“Well, unexpected outcomes are fun too, and I always make sure nothing and no one gets hurt,” Yoimiya says in her defense.
When Ayaka deems her work good enough, she steps back and folds the handkerchief before putting it back where it was, making a note to get it washed later. “Then at that, good morning. It is quite early still, do you usually work on fireworks at this time?” She questions, curious.
“Not usually, but it’s not like I have a schedule.”
“Fair enough,” Ayaka pauses. How should she put this… “So—”
“I was just thinking of doing some exercises. Stretches are good, those always help the body!” Yoimiya turns and starts to wander. “Let’s see, what shall I do today…”
Ayaka stands as she watches the other girl start to walk away, commanding herself to get it together. When she catches up though, she is once again interrupted from her chance by a group of children running up to approach Yoimiya, who smiled at them gleefully. She must be fond of these kids.
“Hey, Yoimiya! Do you want to play with us?” One of the boys spoke up.
“Sure! All worked up so early, hm?”
“Yeah! We were gonna play tag since it's about running, which you said is good to do in the mornings,” another one follows.
“Aww, look at you, all clever,” Yoimiya coos. “Let’s do warm-ups first, okay?”
The children agree and Yoimiya leads them in. All the while, Ayaka stays on the sidelines, smiling fondly at how much the kids seemed to like Yoimiya, and how good she was with them too.
Eventually, everyone got tired and resorts to sitting down and chatting with each other. A little girl in their group looks at Ayaka weird for just a second, and straightforwardly asked, “Aren’t you the Shirasagi Himegimi?”
Before Ayaka could even open her mouth, Yoimiya answers the question for her. “Yup, which means she’s the coolest person around! Graceful and strong, too.”
“Y-Yoimiya…” she whispers with a terribly visible blush on her cheeks, which she was, fortunately, able to hide behind her fan. “You didn’t have to put it that way.”
The kids gawk at Yoimiya’s declaration and they all stare at Ayaka with starry eyes.
“Mommy told me about you!” One of them exclaims. “That’s so cool, I wanna learn to fight too when I grow up!”
“Mhm, which means, you gotta work hard and study earnestly,” Yoimiya says. “You guys should probably head home now, I’m sure everybody’s exhausted. We can play again in the evening.”
Mutters of okays between them are shared, and in moments the children scatter until only the two young women remained. “Shogun bless, those kids are a handful, but I like ‘em.” Yoimiya yawns.
“They seem to quite adore you.”
“I guess I’ve kinda become like a big sister for most of the kids around, but they see me every day and I play with them a lot. I assume they don’t see you often though, so I had to make sure everyone knew how cool you are!” She says with a grin.
Ayaka feels her throat dry again. The blooming feeling in her chest is getting stronger and harder to ignore, but she forces it down anyway. “O-Of course, thank you…”
The Cryo user looks down.
“I… cannot say I haven’t dealt with children, but I’m not a natural with them as you are. I suppose, one of the main reasons…” She takes a deep breath. This is embarrassing to admit, for some reason. “I’m… not well-versed in the things that they do, nowadays.”
Yoimiya listens, which Ayaka takes as an incentive to keep talking.
“Ever since I was young, I’ve mostly practiced etiquette. It doesn’t require much… connecting with the other children, nor was there any, really.” Ayaka flushes, turning a bright red now which she does not hide anymore.
“Hey, don’t look so down,” Yoimiya consoled. “There’s a first for everything, and I think they’d like you very much! You just have to… let your childish self resurface. Besides, we’re friends now.”
“Really?” Ayaka turns her head to face the girl beside her, who smiles at her brightly.
“Of course!”
Despite herself, Ayaka sighs in relief. Hearing her say it made her feel a lot more relaxed, almost cathartic.
“After everything, I thought I might not be considered one anymore. Which, would be understandable…” she starts. Emotions suddenly overwhelm her and they’re all spilling unfiltered. She’s somewhat relieved, that out of anyone, it was Yoimiya who she let in like this. “It’s just... a lot happened.”
Yoimiya furrows her brows in concern. “Yeah, I’m sure. How much sleep did you get last night?”
Ayaka sighs. “Less. It was thanks to Thoma who offered sencha that allowed me some energy to run errands earlier.”
Her eyes feel heavy now, though. She suddenly feels the desire to be close, closer.
“That is to say, I’m a little tired…”
Ayaka rests her head on Yoimiya’s shoulder, the two now sitting side-by-side, touching, with no distance whatsoever. She had much to attend to back at the estate, and even in her dreams, she couldn’t escape the constant thoughts of work. Just for now, she could let it go, right?
Perhaps it was the fatigue that made her so bold, but even a princess needs rest.
She felt content, and everything was okay for a moment.
Ayaka wakes up one morning feeling like she forgot something very, very important.
She carries out her routine, trying to ignore the thought as best as she can.
It wasn’t until she was seated with her breakfast when Thoma came in with— “Excuse me, milady, one of the workers found this tucked into a corner while they were cleaning. It’s got your signature on it.” —and placed a letter, clearly with her handwriting, in front of her.
Suddenly, it makes sense.
When it dawns in, she makes a quick turn in her schedule.
“Thoma.”
“Yes, milady?”
“Tell the representatives I’ll be personally picking up the fireworks for tonight.”
Something tells her that Thoma knows what’s up when he smiles at her. “As you wish.”
She couldn’t believe she forgot.
Making her way to Inazuma City this time was accompanied by the erratic beating of her heart. It wasn’t a love letter, no, but an official letter she wrote herself as the eldest daughter of the Yashiro Commission, that Kamisato Ayaka will be attending the festival herself for the first time.
It was nerve-wracking, but she wanted to try. She made somewhat of a promise with Yoimiya after all, so here’s to hoping that she’ll willingly guide her through it.
Moments before reaching her destination, she spots Yoimiya moving out the fireworks they had ordered, expecting them to be picked up by someone from the Yashiro Commission, just at the same time that Yoimiya notices her.
“Ayaka!”
“Greetings, I presume these are it?”
“Yep! As ordered, I’ll arrange these when we get it set up,” Yoimiya says, before tilting her head curiously. “But, how come you’re here?”
Ayaka takes a deep breath. “That… I’m extending you an offer.”
She holds out the letter in her hands.
“Kamisato Ayaka will be joining the festivities tonight. So, may I ask you to accompany me?”
Yoimiya’s eyes light up.
That night was very much memorable for the two of them. Yoimiya tells her that if anything catches her eyes, she should tell her so they’ll go at it together. Ayaka agrees cheerfully, more lively than Yoimiya’s ever seen her.
Yoimiya makes sure to note the way Ayaka’s expression shifts when she sees something new and interesting, the way she jumps right at it too, and when she would grasp her hand out of excitement with the subtle sparks of light in her eyes.
It was almost like this was Ayaka — no longer daughter of the Kamisato Clan, the Shirasagi Himegimi, but just a girl.
Yoimiya makes sure to commit this side of hers to memory, too.
Laughs were shared and a good time was had by all, yet the hours went by too fast.
It was when the fireworks were about to launch that Yoimiya drags them both out of the crowd and to their own secret place to watch quietly, they could both marvel at the sight and let the events of the night sink in.
“Look,” Yoimiya whispers and points at a firework that shoots itself into the sky, bursting into a beautiful flower that leaves Ayaka’s mouth gaping. “That one’s from me to you.”
“It’s...”
Despite herself, Ayaka could not find the words to express how she feels right now. Fireworks were also being launched in her heart, she felt them explode one after the other and it doesn’t stop.
Would it be selfish of her, if she never wanted this to end?
Eventually, the show came to a close. No more sounds of fireworks being launched, no more distant bursts in the sky, just the two of them — standing idly beside each other.
Yoimiya is uncharacteristically quiet. It makes Ayaka curious, but she thinks she gets it.
“This was everything I’ve ever dreamed of in a festival. Thank you,” Ayaka starts. She pulls her hands to her chest, the beating of her heart getting stronger and stronger. “I… don’t want to regret missing this chance, but you must forgive me, for I have not prepared in advance.”
She peeks at Yoimiya from the corner of her eyes. She’s not looking her way, still fixated on the hollow night skies, but she knows she’s listening. This gives her comfort, as she takes a breath before continuing.
“There are… things I wanted to say, things I never said. I always kept them inside, but after watching the fireworks with you, I finally understood the fireworks in my heart. They have always spoken for you.”
Ayaka reaches to take Yoimiya’s hands in hers. They’re cold, and it was late into the night, yet she couldn't help but hold them tighter and warmth seeps from the contact. Ayaka sighs contently.
She does not realize when Yoimiya had returned from her moment to intertwine their fingers, holding one another like they won’t ever need to let go.
Yoimiya simply looks down with tinted cheeks, now just as flushed as the other girl. “I also have things I wanted to say. Remember, when you thought… I didn’t consider you a friend anymore?”
Ayaka nods slowly.
Her grip tightens. “I think that friendship isn’t something that can be severed with just distance. No matter what comes between you and that someone, as long as you still hold those feelings in your heart, friendship is eternal.” Lifting her head, she looks up to meet Ayaka with her signature sunny smile. “So, I hope I was still in there somewhere, even while we were distanced, as you were for me.”
Ayaka stares at Yoimiya, but her eyes are looking into nothing.
Friendship… how she yearned for that, so long ago.
She wants someone to confide in, to trust, to lower her walls and let them in. She wants someone to rely on her, as she would rely on them. She wants someone to hold near to herself, as they would for her. Yoimiya is a dear friend whom she will always cherish, and she’s grateful, she’s happy.
But...
“That’s not all. The feelings in my heart were not just that. Because… I think about you all the time,” Yoimiya continues.
Ayaka comes back to her senses, eyes bright with hope, locking right into Yoimiya’s. Cryo melting into Pyro. She could not calm the heart pounding in her chest, because time seems to slow down as she watches Yoimiya’s lips move for the next thing she’s about to say.
“What I mean is, I like you.”
Ayaka’s heart skips a beat. Letting the words wash over her, she lowers her head once more to avert her eyes and hide the blush making its way up her face.
“Phew, that feels much better. Is it just me, or is it kind of hard to breathe?” Yoimiya laughs, her voice a little quieter but it doesn’t matter as Ayaka takes another step forward, closing the distance between them.
“Yoimiya.”
Without much of a restraint, she uses her hands to guide and pull the girl in, letting her eyes close to finally press their lips together. So, so tenderly but so, so lovingly, like she put her entire soul into it.
“I was supposed to say that first.”