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“I can’t keep a fish,” Yukiko says, peering over Chie’s shoulder. The yukata Chie’s wearing is a lovely pale blue decorated with large sunflowers. They almost sort of match, since Yukiko’s yukata is white with pale blue flowers.
A yellow fish Chie is after darts away. With a huff she tries again and manages to swipe a speckled one’s tail. Yukiko sighs.
“It’s such a big responsibility, you know. I heard they need big tanks,” she says, her hair brushing Chie’s cheek.
Chie rolls her eyes. “Rise-chan is hogging the super ball and Naoto-kun is destroying everyone at the shooter. And if we interrupt senbonbiki, Yu-kun is gonna kill us because Nanako-chan’s having way too much fun. You’re getting a fish.”
She makes an attempt at swiping a light orange colored one. The paper net breaks.
With a growl Chie slams more money into the stall worker’s hand. A snicker slips out before Yukiko can stop it. This just inflames Chie’s spirit more and she sticks her tongue out in concentration. The next swipe splashes water all over the two of them. Yukiko takes her thumb and wipes a slowly rolling drop off Chie’s cheek.
A reddish orange one drifts lazily near the corner. Chie shifts, tensing.
Despite herself, Yukiko leans forward.
“Woohoo!”
The fish flops on the paper net. Quickly, the woman manning the stand slides it into a plastic bag full of water and passes it to Chie.
Chie holds the fish aloft like it’s the Guardian. It’s barely bigger than Yukiko’s pinky finger. She passes it over and Yukiko stares at its fluttering fin.
“I thought you hated this game?”
Chie squeals, whipping around. “Don’t scare me like that!”
Yu holds out his hands, placating. Chie groans and stomps her foot. He stifles a smirk at her.
“Really?” Yukiko says, sidling around Chie to look back at the fish. “I thought this would be the sort of thing you wanted to do?”
With another narrow-eyed glance at Yu, she turns back to Yukiko. “I was mostly worried about the turtle.”
“Turtle?”
Chie laughs. “Yeah. There isn’t one in there today. I guess maybe they had the same thought I did…? Or maybe that’s dumb.”
With a gentle step forward, Yukiko grabs Chie’s arm with her own, careful to keep the fish to the side. “You never know. But I appreciate you getting this for me.”
“You didn’t even want it.”
“Well,” Yukiko says, squeezing Chie while holding back a laugh, “No, I didn’t. But it’s the thought that counts.”
She steps over to Yu and plops the fish in his hands. He stares in bemusement. “Please find a home for our darling fish, Yu-kun.” With another tug, Yukiko leads Chie away. “We’ve got a date to finish.”
Chie’s face is luminous under the lanterns.
Red looks very good on her.