Here it is!
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Gemstone Eyes
Chapter 7
I woke up early. Festivals were to start today and the village would be in a hurry to set up things. I would also have to help set up so my parent's would have to work double time. I quickly prepared breakfast for myself and headed down the small path to the back of Sakimoto Inn. We kept all our supplies for the festivals here in a small shed. I heaved a few banners out and headed back down the path. I looked down at my feet to make sure my footing was right, until I bumped into someone unexpectedly. "Oh!" I exclaimed when I fell down and the banners fell to the ground, unravelling here and there. "Sorry Sayuri! Let me help you with those." A familiar voice said. "Ren!" I grinned.
"So it seems there's a festival going on?" He questioned. "Yep. I have to help down in the village." I replied, standing up and dusting myself off. "Can I help?" He asked. "Sure. But we have to be careful in case people see us. Your pretty famous now." I smiled. "Got it. I'll grab a cloak." Ren said and headed back into the hotel. In a few minutes he was back. "Okay, if you could grab those pieces of wood for the stand that would be great. They're pretty heavy so watch out." I told him. "Guh...they're fine." He said, smirking. I laughed. "You wealthy people don't do a lot of work, do you?" I said. "Well I wouldn't say that...okay maybe." He replied. "C'mon it's a long way down to the village." I told him.
"So what exactly will we do at a festival?" Ren asked me. "Well the fireworks begin at about nine' o'clock. That's about the big highlight of the festivals. But there's also game stands, delicious food from many different lands and dancing. It's really quite amazing all the stuff they cram into the two days." I said. "Wow that sounds great!" He said enthusiastically. "It really is. I love the festivals, been going ever since I was a little kid. There's actually a legend that goes along with it...oh never mind." I said, averting it. "What? What is it?" He pressed. "Well they say that if you kiss on the very last firework of the very last day, you'll find true love. Tons of couples have done it over the years, but I don't think it really works." I told him. "You can't just toss it aside. Maybe it does." He replied nonchalantly. I paused. "Maybe." I mumbled.
The day went by with us gathering supplies and setting up stands. We talked for most of the way, and I learned a lot more about Ren. It became evening. "I think we're done now. I better go help with the Inn now." I waved. "Wait! You deserve a break. Want to go to the garden for a bit?" Ren asked. I shrugged, butterflies in my stomach. "Fine." I agreed. He smiled and took my hand. We sat down on the cool grass, surrounded by flowers. "Weren't we just here last night?" I said. He laughed. "Listen Sayuri, since I don't really know my way around I was wondering...would you like to accompany me to the festivals tonight?" Ren asked, not making eye contact and turning a faint shade of pink.
I paused. "If you don't want to you-" He began. "No! Ren I'd love to go with you!" I said. He looked at me in surprise then sighed in relief. "Okay. I'll meet you tonight right here, okay?" Ren said. "Right here." I smiled. "Um...I better go get ready. See you tonight." I waved, standing up. "Tonight." Ren smiled. I left the small garden and to the Inn. "Ren invited me!" I giggled. "Mom! I have to get ready for the festivals!" I exclaimed. My mother eyed me. "Alright, go up to your room. I'll meet you there." She said. I nodded and ran.
