Wandering the Festival Streets
The festival streets are packed with people. Insanely so—enough to overwhelm me completely. One misstep, and bam, shoulders collide. Ow, again...
"Sorryyy..."
People here are so nice. The second I bump into them or accidentally step on a foot, they whip around like they're about to snap, but the moment their eyes land on me, their expressions soften instantly. "No, no, it's fine!" they say with an awkward chuckle.
The festival heat is only ramping up, the crowds swelling tighter by the minute. I'm starting to worry I'll lose the girls around me. If I get swept away in this sea of bodies, we might not reunite until the whole thing ends.
And apparently, I'm not the only one thinking that. Something soft brushes my hand. I know this feeling. How could I not? Serina does it every day on the way to school.
Just like always, Serina's grabbed my hand. But it's different this time—her grip is tight, like she's nervous or something. Blood's barely circulating; it even stings a little. And it's so sudden that I yelp and look at her.
"Can't let go..."
"Yeah, I know..."
I get it. Totally. So why's she saying it like she's making excuses? And her hand—it's locked around mine like a vice, fingers interlocked with zero give. Does she really need to squeeze that hard?
The mood's getting weird. My real problem? Another hand's claimed my other one. Alicia's.
Their styles are total opposites. Not like Serina's mutual clasp. Alicia just engulfs mine, wrapping her fingers around it possessively. But it doesn't feel forceful. More like... protective? Is that the right word? Like she's guarding me.
Anyway, suddenly sandwiched between them, I ask Alicia, "Can't let go?"
"Nope."
"Huh?"
"Wanted to hold it."
"...What the hell."
What kinda nonsense is that? This is awkward. I'm here to set you two up, not wedge myself between you.
Normally, I'd yank away from Alicia's weirdness. Tell myself it's wrong. But not today. I've got a plan: play along, slip away when the moment's right, leave them holding hands, and bolt.
So, just this once. I'll let it slide.
Alicia's sharp. "Clever" doesn't cut it; that's the nicest way to say it. She reads me like a book, knows exactly how I'm leaning.
See? The second I think "just this once," her fingers start stroking my hand, caressing every inch obsessively.
Our eyes meet. It's fine, right? Just this once? Who knows if that's really what she's thinking, but that's sure as hell how it feels.
Her boldness throws me off. My head—hates complications—starts spinning: Is this okay? Not okay? Screw it, give up.
Fine. Do whatever. It's not like holding hands with girls who aren't even "real" ones is gonna kill me.
That's the conclusion I half-ass.
But deep down, I can't shake it. Their behavior's off. When did it start? Maybe back at the shop, when they changed and came out staring at me all weird. Those inexplicable gazes lingering on my body, refusing to budge. Like they've discovered something fascinating. What the hell?
Staying still feels dangerous. So I lead them by our joined hands, strolling the festival streets.
"When's the fireworks?"
"Couple hours? Pretty close from here."
"Time to kill. Wanna wander?"
"Yeah."
The stalls everywhere are loaded with street food you don't see daily. Like those candied apples over there.
"Ooh. Looks yummy."
"Want one?"
"Yesss..."
I'm as sly as Alicia. Not long we've known each other, but I know her tells. Play the polite fool with honorifics, and her eyes crinkle, that pleased smile blooming. Like now.
I know how to handle her completely. Act obedient, throw in some aegyo, and she'll give you the world. Easy. Too easy. Is there an easier girl out there? Heh heh heh...
Alicia buys two snacks I eyed. Hands one to Serina, keeps one.
...Mine?
I pout. She goes "ahh," opening her mouth wide.
"Lily. Say ahh."
"Ahh~"
Like a baby bird mimicking mom, I open up. In goes the candied apple. Too big for one bite—I nibble.
Delicious!
"More, more..."
"Say ahh first."
"Yeah..."
I obey sweetly. She pets my head like a good girl. Gone in seconds.
Greedy for more, I poke her again. "One more, pleeease," wheedling like a brat.
And poof—another appears. See? Told ya. Easy peasy. Pathetic, Alicia. Heh heh...
I'm smirking triumphantly when Serina tugs my hand, looking miffed.
"Don't just stand here. Let's walk more. Okay?"
"Sure. I'm good now... Oh, Alicia. Just give it to me. I'll hold it."
"No free hands."
"Hands?"
Oh. Right. They're each glued to one.
No intention of letting go, either. But don't worry—I've got this.
I straighten up. Thrust my chest toward Alicia.
She blinks, confused. "...What're you doing?"
"Here. Right here."
"..."
"Hurry up."
"...You want me to tuck it there?"
"Yup!"
Natural-born inventory holder, that's me. Time for these oversized pains-in-the-neck to earn their keep.
I jiggle my cleavage a bit. Here. Stick it here.
Serina gasps in shock. Alicia facepalms.
Then, like planting a flag in enemy territory, she shoves the skewer end in.
"Hyah!"
"No weird noises."
"Uwuu, it's sticky...!"
"..."
"..."
"Ack, what am I doing? This is so embarrassing!"
What have I done? Swept up in the candied apple demon's temptation. I mean, tucked in my tits, I can just lower my head and nom anytime. Convenient, right? ...But snapping out of it, I realize how insane that sounds. Mortified, I duck my head, face flaming red.
The two sigh in unison.
"...Lily's such an idiot sometimes."
"Feels like more than sometimes."
Ugh. Who's the real idiot? You two beauties, not jumping each other and rubbing your pussies for bliss—you're ten times dumber. Who're you calling dumb? Right now. Hmph?
Can't say it aloud, so I just pout.
...
After the candied apple fiasco, wandering more, we spot something odd: a line of people. At the end, a structure with a religious vibe. Inside, a lady dressed like a shaman pours mystery liquid for each one.
Curious me perks up. "Know what that is?"
"Huh? Oh, that. Prayer stuff."
"Praying for what?"
"Different for everyone. Whatever they want."
Ah, free-for-all. "Please make my life go smoothly~" kinda wishes. Would it grant yuri ones? Like "Make Alicia and Serina hit it off"? Or "Let every girl in the world rub pussies"? Hohoho...
Mesmerized, I drift toward it. Not religious, no awe for gods, but hey—nothing to lose.
While queuing, Serina explains. "Drink the cup she pours, pray right there."
"What's she pouring, anyway?"
"Distilled from rice and wheat, I heard."
"...Is it booze?"
"Kinda? Never tried it myself."
"Can we drink it?"
"If you're not too young? Look, that girl's drinking."
"Y-yeah..."
Whoa. Legal alcohol for minors. Booze is magic elixir that bonds strangers instantly when shared. Get these yuri-charged girls wasted... holding hands, kissing, motel, kyaa—total chaos, right...?
Grinning like a villain, I join the end.
...
And soon.
"Lily. Time to go."
"One more..."
"You'll be trashed. Your face is red."
"Heh heh. Wait. Just a lil more..."
Thought booze was bitter. Nope—sweet and tangy. Might actually like it.
We've set up a full booze fest. Loved my first sip so much, Alicia bought a whole bottle. From the stall next door, apparently.
Guessing the "prayer" is just a sales gimmick. Whatever. I'm happy. Ehehe, grinning like an idiot, can't stop. And hot. Clothes feel suffocating. Imagination? Alicia looks twice as pretty now. No, she is pretty. Ahaha. Booze is good...