As The Wind Blows Your Scent To Me

Kazuya didn't ask Himari anything as he sensed it was something hard for her to speak about. He just focused on diverting her attention from the unpleasant scene with that man before.

But, even when they were enjoying the summer festival that night, her mood was still low.

"The choco-banana is delicious but, apple candy is delicious too! What should Chiharu buy?"

A dumpling in a pink yukata was having a tough moment as she was thinking of the festival specialties.

"Why don't we buy both and share them?" Himari adjusted the ribbon on Chiharu's ponytail, "That way, you can taste both."

Stars twinkled in the dumpling's eyes as she immediately agreed, "Okay!"

Kazuya was quiet as he looked at Himari who carried Chiharu to the stall selling chocolate-coated banana.

The two ladies, big and small were happily talking to each other. They queued behind three other people.. 

The stall that was selling sugar-coated fruits was just next to the choco-banana one.

She was smiling, but...

What happened this afternoon left a bitter taste to Kazuya yet, he knew it was worse to Himari.

No matter how she smiled and acted as if nothing happened, he had seen through her facade.

Kazuya looked at his left and right. After some time, his eyes fell on a stall not far from where they stood.

"Izumi, Yuuya, stay closer to your Uncle Ryota and Aunt Nanako. Uncle's going over there for a little," Kazuya pointed in a direction.

Izumi nodded. His mouth was busy munching chicken karaage that was drizzled with melted cheese. Yuuya who stood next to him also did the same.

Ryota was queueing at a yakisoba stall with Nanako carrying the little Hinako. The stall was just nearby.

As the night fell, the four adults and four children regrouped at the festival ground. All of them wore yukata to commemorate the summer festival. 

The summer festival was held in the public area of the island, facing the shore.

Most visitors laid out their mats on the sand while eating and chatting with their companions. Loud and cheery summer music blasted in the air, livening the area.

A few were even playing with handheld fireworks. The sparkling lights danced in the dark, inciting laughter from the children and adults. 

Not long after, Himari returned with a happy Chiharu. The dumpling held to an apple candy in one hand while the other was holding the choco-banana.

"Where's your uncle?" Himari asked Izumi as she didn't see Kazuya.

"Uncle's going to buy something," Izumi replied before slurping a cold drink.

"Himari, don't you wanna buy anything else?" Nanako gave Hinako to Ryota as they returned from the yakisoba stall.

Like Kazuya, Nanako was also worried about Himari. Yet, because Himari insisted that she was fine, Nanako didn't force her friend to tell her anything.

"En, I'll look around more," Himari just smiled.

To be honest, her appetite was as low as her spirits but she didn't have the heart to tell Nanako the truth.

"The fireworks show would begin at ten," Ryota glanced at his wristwatch, "We can still walk around here before going to our spot. It's only 9:30 PM."

"Second Uncle, let's go playing some games," Yuuya finished the last bite of the chicken karaage. He eagerly stared at Ryota, "Yuuya wanna play the shooting game!"

Ryota made a face, "You're just like your father! Only know to play games with guns ah!"

Yuuya grinned, "Dad's the coolest! No one can beat him!"

"Hey, hey, want me to leave you here alone?" Ryota made a childish threat.

Yuuya rolled his eyes. He replied in a flat voice, "Second Uncle, you can try it if you wanna taste Dad's shoulder throw."

The little one's threat disguised as a fact had successfully shut Ryota's mouth for a moment before he retorted.

"Ugh... You should be grateful that I'm willing to bring you and your sister here when your dad and mom go for a date, leaving you guys alone."

Yuuya smiled smugly, "That's because Second Uncle is so easy to be used ah!"

Ryota shut up for good this time.

Tap, tap, tap.

"Uncle!" exclaimed Chiharu.

Himari turned around, eyes falling on the man in the navy blue yukata.

"Where did you go?" She asked curiously.

There was nothing in his hands to show that he went to buy food.

Kazuya smiled softly, "Just for something. So, have everyone bought food? Want to see the stalls at the next lane?"

"Let's go!"

"Yeah, yeah!"

"Hina wanna buy potato sticks... Mommy loves potato sticks."

"Sure, sure, let's go."

Ryota and Nanako led the way. The children held hands together to avoid anyone falling behind in this crow. Himari and Kazuya walked behind them, holding hands together as well.

"What do you think of my suggestion? Wanna stay at the villa for a few days soon?"

Kazuya's question echoed faintly in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the festival.

Himari chuckled, "Do you want me to grace my presence there?"

Her question incited laughter from Kazuya, "I might be busy but, I'd come home to have dinner with you. Well, the siblings would be there as always."

Just by imagining the scene spread warmth into his heart.

"Okay~ I'm sure Chiharu would be happy since she could sleep with me!" replied Himari. She purposely teasing her man.

Kazuya frowned, "There you go again, prioritizing the cheeky girl."

"Aiya, you're the most important to me ah!"

Himari hugged Kazuya's arm and rubbed her face against the sleeve of his yukata. She felt the man's warm hand as he stroked her head.

The turmoil inside her heart was still blazing yet, it wasn't as fiery as before and Himari knew she had Kazuya to be thankful for that.

Soon, the fireworks show began.

That night, Himari thought that the fireworks were the most beautiful ones she had ever seen. 

With their hands still intertwining together, they enjoyed the last moments of the summer festival.

Like yesterday, both Izumi and Chiharu were sleepy when all of them returned to the hotel.

Because Himari didn't eat much at the festival, Kazuya ordered supper via the room service. They sat at the table nearby the poolside. A tray of food and hot drinks was laid on the table.

"Just a bit more."

"En..."

Kazuya fed Himari the last bite of tofu. He ordered a bowl of noodles with miso soup and a plate of chicken salad.

"...en, I want the chicken too," Himari pointed at the chicken salad.

Kazuya smiled helplessly, "Okay, my lady."

Hehe, she was the one who got shy when he insisted to feed her earlier. Now, she demanded things ah.

After finishing the supper, the couple moved to the poolside. Both of them dipped their feet into the water before Kazuya suddenly came out with a suggestion.

"Why don't we have a night swim?" 

A peck fell on her lips.

Himari blushed yet she still nodded, "En."

They changed into their swimsuits. The couple swam quietly in the pool, basking underneath the moonlight. The children were so deep in sleep until they didn't realize anything.

"Sweetheart, come here."

Kazuya was sitting on the steps of the pool when he beckoned at Himari who was still swimming.

Once she glided to where he was, Kazuya reached out to grasp her hand and waist, hoisting her up until she sat on the steps with him.

Because of their night swim, their bodies were slightly chill to the touch. 

Kazuya took Himari's left hand and stared at the empty fingers. He just did what he had done last night.

"Honey?"

Himari's confusion was answered once she saw what Kazuya did next.

"...a ring? Did you get this at the festival?"

Himari's eyes widened, her voice softened in awe.

A delicate silver band with a pink stone was slipped onto her left ring finger.

The ring was a bit loose to Himari but seeing it bloomed a smile on her face. A soft glow emanated from the stone as the moonlight shone on it.

Kazuya linked their hands together, his thumb brushed on the ring. His other hand was placed around her waist.

"I'll change this one to a more special ring later," He whispered tenderly, "Just for you."

Himari's nose soured.

She pressed her thumb on the center of his palm.

"...I'll wait for that."

The man smiled again.

Himari couldn't deny that she was so touched by this simple gesture from Kazuya. 

Although he was worried because of what happened to her with Jun today, as usual, he gave her space for thinking. It was evident that Kazuya was full of questions but this man suppressed all of them.

Himari thought that this short trip to the island was a really meaningful one.

Both her and Kazuya experienced some unpleasantness.

Kazuya was quite down last night as he was struck by a rare moment of inferiority but, he still opened up his insecurity to her.

Himari was slapped by the lies that might be concocted by Jun's mother but, Kazuya defended her and was eagerly trying to cheer her up.

Those nasty matters didn't drive them apart. Instead, they felt even closer than before.

The couple continued staying at the poolside. Kazuya draped a towel over their backs, sharing the cloth together.

"Honey, aren't you curious at all about... what did he say?"

Himari leaned her head on Kazuya, silently listening to his heart beating under his chest.

Kazuya's lips brushed against her forehead, "Whatever he says isn't important. All that matters to me is you being happy."

No matter what else she was hiding, he just wished for her happiness.

If hiding it would make her happier, so be it. He didn't need to know anything.

Kazuya was unwilling to embed new wounds on her old scars.