MY DEAN

SUMMER BEGINS

Episode 4: Summer Begins

Summer arrived.

The school organized a short break, and Ren immediately suggested visiting the annual summer festival.

"No one is allowed to refuse!" Ren announced.

"I refuse," Haruto said.

"Too late."

The festival was filled with lights, music, and students wearing colorful summer clothes.

Haruto had never attended something like this with friends.

Ren challenged Daichi to every game.

Mio quietly collected small prizes.

Yuna grabbed Haruto's wrist.

"Come on!"

"Where?"

"Everywhere!"

Before Haruto could protest, she pulled him through the festival.

They played games.

Shared food.

And watched people dancing in the streets.

For several hours, Haruto forgot about everything else.

Then the fireworks began.

The crowd became larger.

Haruto turned around.

Yuna was gone.

"Yuna?"

He searched through the crowd.

Eventually, he found her standing near a quiet path beside the river.

"There you are."

Yuna turned.

"I thought you left."

"I was looking for you."

For some reason, Yuna smiled.

The fireworks exploded above them.

Colors filled the sky.

Haruto looked upward.

"It's beautiful."

Yuna wasn't looking at the fireworks.

She was looking at him.

"I'm glad you came today."

Haruto looked at her.

"Me too."

Yuna smiled softly.

"I'm glad I met you, Haruto."

Haruto felt something move inside his chest.

Something unfamiliar.

Before he could understand it, another firework exploded.

And Yuna laughed.

Haruto stared at her.

His heart began beating faster.