Brilliant fireworks bloomed in the night sky outside the window, painting all manner of gorgeous patterns.
The colors and shapes of the fireworks constantly changed, accompanied by the cheerful clamor of the crowd, intoxicating anyone who watched.
Sparks drifted down like shooting stars.
Since Sasuke and the others' hotel room was on the top floor, the ninth floor, they could see the distant fireworks from here as well.
Illya stood by the window, gazing at the fireworks bursting in the sky as she murmured something under her breath.
Sasuke stood beside Illya, expressionlessly watching the bustling crowds on the street.
"So, do you have any ideas?"
At that, Illya fell silent for quite a while before speaking.
"Maybe."
"Either way, there's still plenty of time."
"At the very least, I want to properly spend this school trip with Kaoru."
Before Sasuke could say anything after Illya finished speaking, Illya's phone rang.
Naturally, it was Kaoru Sakura calling.
Since Sasuke and Illya had yet to join them by the river to watch the fireworks, Kaoru Sakura and her classmates reasonably suspected that the two of them had secretly gone off somewhere to have fun.
Once the call connected, Kaoru Sakura's questioning voice came through the phone.
"Illya, don't tell me you and my brother secretly went off somewhere to have fun?"
Forcing herself to stay alert, Illya replied with a smile.
"How could that be?"
"There are just too many people. We couldn't squeeze our way in at all."
"It's nice enough watching from outside. You all have fun."
"And apologize to your classmates for us while you're at it."
Kaoru Sakura understood. Her side was indeed packed to the brim, so she believed Illya's explanation.
"Okay."
"There are so many people, so make sure you protect Illya, bro."
Kaoru Sakura