A Fireworks Show Just for Us

"...I didn't expect that while I was absent, Asada-kun, you would turn into someone shameless." Chika placed her hands behind her back, and huffed.

"Is this event a surprise you want to give me?"

"Not really." Shinichi denied it, "It's my responsibility as the president to make the school festival more enjoyable and make everyone unexpected but able to participate enthusiastically."

"But what Chika-senpai said that day just gave me an idea... I just wanted to surprise you."

Chika tilted her head: "Tsundere?"

"...Just treat it like that." Shinichi laughed.

"Um... I'm really surprised you could fulfill my wish."

Surprisingly, Chika didn't feel surprised at all, not even showing a hint of excitement.

Her mood has been very stable since earlier, not at all like her usual cheerful and happy self.

"But how to say it, this complicated atmosphere..."

After taking a few incomprehensible thinking positions, Chika sighed wearily.

Suddenly, her expression brightened.

"Right!"

She thought of something and waved enthusiastically to Shinichi.

"Asada-kun, come here."

Seeing her with a puzzled expression, Shinichi slowly stood up from his seat.

"What are you going to do? Are you going to gift me a fireworks punch?"

"The imagination of persecution is too extreme!"

"Or are you going to turn on the microphone when I'm not paying attention and let my embarrassing voice be heard throughout the school?"

"It feels fun to do that but I'm not that mean! ...At least not yet."

"Before you graduate, I will never step closer to the broadcasting room..." Shinichi walked slowly in front of her, his body still tense with caution.

Chika completely ignored his reaction, immediately grabbing his palm and awkwardly interlocking their fingers.

"...Torture?"

"What's that?" Chika looked at him confused.

"Punishment for your fingers being cut off."

Chika's bright expression slowly dimmed, and her smile turned cold.

"Asada-kun, can I help you make an appointment with a psychiatrist? A kid like you who likes to talk nonsense won't be able to live without proper treatment."

"I was just kidding." Shinichi looked at her seriously, "Chika, I've decided to become the protagonist in a light novel and open a large harem."

"Wow, you can say that in front of a girl who likes you..." Chika felt disgusted.

"Just because I'm saying this." Shinichi shook his head, "This decision won't waver, and I won't hesitate like before... If I want to be a scoundrel, I'll take many steps. I can't devote myself to you, and I can't hand over anyone for anyone."

Chika looked at him, and when he finished speaking, she suddenly laughed.

"Do you think just by saying this, I'll slap your face angrily and leave in a huff?"

"Hm?"

Sensing something from her expression, Shinichi was stunned.

Before he could speak, Chika narrowed her eyes and chuckled.

"Asada-kun, you read too much shojo manga~"

Shinichi's mouth twitched.

Wanting to take advantage of the victory, Chika pinched his chin.

Her expression turned cold, she raised the corner of her lips teasingly, and uttered each word leisurely.

"Is that so?"

"..."

Shinichi felt a deep disgust, and at this moment, he felt empathy towards Shirogane Miyuki's experience.

But Shinichi was not him, when treated like this, his first reaction was not panic, but facing it with a more daring act.

"Hmph..."

He also raised his other hand.

He hadn't touched Chika's cheek yet.

Chika suddenly tiptoed and pressed her lips against his.

"Hm!?"

This move left Shinichi stunned, only feeling the soft warmth.

Before he could respond, Chika stepped back, scratching her reddened face, and smiled.

"Oh my, my first kiss disappeared like this."

"Chika..."

"But, I don't regret it, and I didn't do it impulsively."

She grasped their intertwined hands and said quickly:

"To fulfill my little idea, you must have put in a lot of effort and time, right? It really touches me."

"I'm going to kiss you right now, but only because I'm sure I really like you and want to kiss you, so I'm kissing you."

Shinichi fell silent: "This reason..."

"What's the difference? Women are just creatures like that~"

Leaning her head against his chest, Chika spoke softly, looking extremely happy.

"So, Asada-kun, I like you."

"I really like you. I don't want you to leave me. I want to do more fun things with you and play more exciting games with you."

Listening to her confession, Shinichi fell silent. Then he raised his hand, gently placing it behind her head, and softly stroked the top of her head with his chin.

"I feel the same, Chika."

"If you have time, let's go to the beach to light fireworks together."

"Okay, everyone together!"

Chika lifted her head, smiled broadly, and said this cheerfully.

"Shirogane-kun, Kaguya-san, Hayasaka-san, Ishigami-kun, Iino, and your friends. Let's have a super lively beachside fireworks show!"

"Right, let's have a fireworks show just for us!"

Shinichi blankly stared at her bright smile. Then, he couldn't help but laugh, tousling her soft pink octopus-like head, and declared enthusiastically.

"Great, it's settled!"

"Starting next year, let's enjoy cherry blossoms in spring, fireworks in summer, pick chrysanthemums in autumn, and snowflakes in winter!"

Chika asked curiously: "Why do you want to pick chrysanthemums?"

"Don't you know this?" Shinichi looked at her lovingly and said softly.

"As a comparison, silly girl."

"..."

After being stunned, Chika puffed up her cheeks and pushed him away with disgust.

The sweet atmosphere from earlier had disappeared, and she was still thinking about kissing him again.

"I'll get my stuff, you can compare it here and have fun!"

Chika turned around and walked towards the door.

Shinichi didn't stop her, he smiled at her.

Before opening the door and leaving, Chika turned back, raised her arm, and made a pistol gesture.

"Asada-kun, just wait!"

"Chika-sama will surely hunt your heart!"

After saying that she laughed loudly and ran off in a hurry.

Shinichi was left alone feeling embarrassed by her words.