An Obstacle

…

Batches of bright, colorful dots scattered like freckles across a cerulean canvas. It was like a celestial light show, a performance of dancing, twinkling stars—one that everyone could see but no one could touch.

I gazed intently at the dark sky as I waited for Asu to come back.

It was the first time since our arrival at the festival that she had suggested to look around by herself. It was surprising, but I was glad that she had become more relaxed and comfortable.

Alas, it became I who was anxious.

Where is she now? What if she's lost?

It's been around 10 minutes since she was gone, and like a fool, I had been too dazzled by my thoughts of Asu to remember to track her location.

Besides that, the festival had become more crowded now that it was officially nighttime, and it worried me.

I sighed, brushing back my long, inky hair. It was getting a little chilly and I wanted to put on my cloak, but if I did, then Asu definitely won't be able to find me—even without the cloak, I was blending into the backdrop of blacks and purples.

In the end, should I just go search for her?

But before I could move a muscle, I heard a gruff voice call out, "Hey there, lil' gal~ Are you feeling sad or smth? Want us to cheer you up? Heh?"

Bouts of laughter drowned out the loud festivities, but because there was so much noise, basically no one noticed.

Judging by the volume of their voices, I could tell that I was surrounded from behind.

But… Why hadn't I noticed their footsteps beforehand?

The trails of celebratory music that came from afar gave me my answer, and I cursed myself.

And why had they noticed me in the first place? Didn't I cast a stealth/disguise spell on both Asu and me?

My brain churned, and I once again cursed my stupidity. I had accidentally forgotten about the spell for a moment due to excessive stimuli when I was with Asu earlier, and that was all it took for the spell to break.

I resisted the urge to sigh as I turned around to face my adversaries.

Someone snickered and my violet eyes flashed dangerously.

I looked at the hooligans with an icy smile while silently scrutinizing them.

Slurred speech and unbalanced steps.

The strong odor of beer.