The sounds of fireworks from Suzaku River drifted all the way to Matsukaze Inn, catching Asuma's attention.
He turned over in bed and reached out to push open the wooden window of the guest room.
In the distance, brilliant fireworks blossomed one after another above Suzaku River.
"Right! Should I invite Kurenai to come watch with me?"
"To think I only thought of that now."
Asuma smacked his forehead in frustration.
He cursed himself for being so slow.
Especially since Shinji wasn't here—this was the perfect opportunity.
Seeing Shinji and Kurenai growing closer and closer, he felt a deep sense of crisis.
No sooner said than done.
Asuma quickly straightened his clothes, then walked out of his room in barely concealed excitement and raised a hand to knock on the neighboring door.
He cleared his throat.
"Kurenai, are you in there?"
"It's a rare chance. Want to go out for a walk together?"
Soft footsteps came from within. The door opened a crack, and Shizune poked her head through the gap. Only after seeing that it was Asuma did she open the door fully.
"Oh, it's Asuma."
"Kurenai isn't here. She went out quite a while ago."
"What?!"
Asuma's eyes flew wide open. As though a troubling thought had suddenly seized him, he hurriedly asked:
"When did Kurenai leave?"
"About an hour ago, I think."
"An hour ago?"
Asuma repeated under his breath.
An hour ago, hadn't Shinji said he was going out for a walk too?
And Kurenai had happened to leave at that very time.
Could they have...?
At the thought of that possibility, Asuma's gaze instantly dimmed, and all the strength seemed to drain from his body.
"I understand. Sorry to bother you, Shizune."
Shizune scratched her head, finding Asuma rather strange. She shook her head and