Chapter 105: The Fireworks
The Grand Mall’s glittering chaos faded behind us as we stepped into the crisp, chilly night, the city’s hilltop with an excitement to see fireworks. The air was cool, a refreshing bite against my skin, carrying the faint scent of grilled food and sweet cotton candy from the stalls lining the path.
Families bustled around us, kids giggling as they clutched glowing toys, couples strolling hand-in-hand, their laughter mingling with the soft hum of anticipation.
Sara led the way, swinging as she whistled, her energy a relentless spark in the night as I and Aeri walked side by side
We reached the entrance to the hilltop clearing, a wide, open space dotted with stalls and buzzing with people, a massive signboard planted at the gate, its bold letters proclaiming the event. I stopped, my eyes narrowing as I read the details, the truth dawning.
"Festival? Project the government launched? This is far from the truth," I said, my voice flat, suspicious, turning to Sara, my hands still in my pockets, my brow raised, knowing her half-read poster had led us here under false pretenses. Though the fireworks is happening for sure but not the reason is pretty different.
Sara, mid-whistle, shrugged, her grin unfazed, her boots kicking a pebble as she waved a hand. "It doesn’t matter," she said, her voice airy, "Let’s walk and grab the best seat available!" She took off, running ahead, her jacket flapping.
I exhaled sharply, my breath visible in the chilly air, shaking my head as I fell into step with Aeri.
"She’s impossible," I muttered, my voice low, my sneakers crunching, my hands burrowing deeper into my pockets, the signboard—apparently, a luxury brand was opening a store in the city, sponsoring this public event with the city for branding and goodwill, not some grand festival or government project. Typical Sara, jumping in half-informed for the ride just because of the word fireworks.
Aeri giggled, her sweater brushing my arm, her eyes scanning the stalls, their colorful displays piled with cotton candy, popcorn, the air rich with the scent of caramel and grilled meat. "Damn, lots of good food everywhere," she said as she eyed a pink cloud of cotton candy.