Chapter 263 – The Night of Fireworks Display (6)

Since there were so many people here, I've been trying to not get lost, but I ended up getting lost anyway.

Just to be sure, I looked around the area once again, but I still couldn't see Umi anywhere nearby. It seemed like I went in a completely different direction while absentmindedly following the wave of people.

Normally, I wouldn't get lost as easily. Even if I were too tired to pay attention, I'd notice it if I went in the wrong direction. But, probably because of my short stature and the fact that I was surrounded by a lot of people, it was harder for me to notice the change in scenery.

While it was disconcerting to be out here all alone, there was no reason for me to panic.

Despite the crowds, my phone still had a stable reception. Also, I charged my phone before leaving, so I didn't need to worry about it dying before I found the rest of the group.

I slipped into a small space between two stalls, took a deep breath and opened my phone.

[Maehara: Sorry, I got lost.]

[Asanagi: Maki, where are you?]

[Asanagi: Seriously, I let go of your hand for a second and this happens!]

[Maehara: Sorry, I thought I was walking carefully, I didn't realize I was spacing out.]

[Seki: Now, now calm down, Asanagi. It isn't like he's stranded somewhere without reception or something. Since we can still contact each other like this, we'll find him soon enough.]

[Nina: So, our lost boy, Maehara Maki-kun, (17 years old), can you tell this big sister where you're at right now?]

[Maehara: Uh…]

I took my eyes off the phone screen and looked for any landmarks around.

First of all, the most obvious one was the stage on the other side of the river, which was in my right direction. The small space I was currently at was between two stalls that each sold ice creams, shaved ice and other cold beverages. They also sold alcohol and snacks.

Too bad I couldn't find a more distinct landmark because the place was getting more crowded by the seconds. I couldn't exactly wander around since I'd get lost again, so I decided to stay where I was.

[Asanagi: If the stage is to your right, that means you're around the western entrance area.]

[Nina: Can you tell me the name of the stalls? I can try to find it]

[Seki: Don't go away from there, Maki. We'll get you soon.]

[Maehara: Sorry for the trouble.]

[Maehara: By the way, has everyone gathered together already?]

[Asanagi: Yeah. Also, I actually tried to chase after you, but you disappeared in the crowds quickly, so I just went to where everyone was.]

[Asanagi: Anyway, we'll talk about this later.]

[Maehara: Okay.]

I had a feeling that she'll give me another long lecture. Then again, that just showed how much she cared about me, so it wasn't like I could complain about it. Instead, I should accept my fate and reflect on my actions.

…Seriously, I really needed to be more cautious.

In any case, I should try to look around so they could notice me sooner.

"…Somehow, I feel anxious."

It had only been a few minutes since everyone started to look for me, but when I was all alone like this, it felt like time was running slowly.

I wasn't unfamiliar with this feeling, but I haven't experienced it ever since Umi first became my friend. Whenever I was with her, time passed quickly. Hours went by as if it was minutes. But, at the moment, it was the complete opposite.

Until last year, this was a normal thing for me. This made me realize how much changes there were in my life after I fell in love with Umi.

"Um, excuse me~? You're in the way, so can you please move aside?"

"S-Sorry! I-I'll move right away…"

As I let my mind wander around to distract myself from loneliness, an annoyed looking shopkeeper walked past me with a large cardboard box in his hands.

Thanks to this, I couldn't wait at that place anymore, but it wasn't like I could stand around at other places either due to the crowds. I also couldn't move around since I'd get swallowed by the crowds of people again.

Maybe I should just stand at one of those stalls while waiting? I should be able to buy one more thing, right? As I pondered about this, someone poked me on my shoulder.

"Here you are! Seriously, you're making me worried!"

"S-Sorry."

Feeling relieved by the familiar tone, I turned around to see the girl who called out to me. When I saw her, I let out a dumbfounded expression.

"Are you okay, Rep? Oh, am I the first one who finds you?"

"Nitta-san…"

Everyone else was probably looking for me somewhere else. I thought that it would be Umi who'd find me first, never did I expect that out of all people, Nitta-san would be the one who did.