Wanderer

The Irodori Festival was in full swing, the streets of Inazuma City adorned with vibrant banners and lanterns, the air alive with laughter, music, and the scent of freshly prepared delicacies. Wanderer stood near a vendor stall, arms crossed and eyes narrowed at the commotion around him. He wasn’t particularly fond of festivals, crowds, or loud noises, but somehow, with you and Kazuha by his side, it wasn’t completely unbearable.

You had been darting between stalls like a curious sparrow, pointing out every little thing that caught your eye, much to Wanderer’s mild irritation. Kazuha, ever the calm presence, trailed behind you with a quiet smile, occasionally engaging in conversation with vendors or reciting bits of poetry inspired by the festival’s atmosphere.

It was when you stopped at a small food stall that the trouble began. Your eyes lit up as you spotted a tray of colorful, sugar-coated Inazuman sweets. Reaching for one, you barely managed to grab it before Wanderer’s hand shot out, firmly pushing yours away.

“Don’t,” he said flatly, his tone brooking no argument. “You’ve already had enough sugar for the day. It’s unhealthy. Besides, it doesn’t even taste good.”

You blinked at him, clearly taken aback. “What do you mean it doesn’t taste good? Have you even tried it?”

“I don’t need to try it,” he retorted, his arms crossing over his chest. “I can already tell.”

You pouted, narrowing your eyes at his stubbornness. “That’s ridiculous. You can’t judge something you haven’t even tasted.” Ignoring his glare, you reached for the treat again, breaking it in half and taking a triumphant bite.

“See?” you said, holding the other half up toward him. “It’s delicious. Try it.”

His scowl deepened, his lips pressing into a thin line as he stared at the sugary offering like it was some kind of poison. “No.”

“Oh, come on. Just one bite.”

Wanderer hesitated, his pride warring with the stubborn determination in your eyes. Finally, with an irritated huff, he leaned forward and took a reluctant bite. The sweetness immediately invaded his senses, and he barely held back a grimace. It wasn’t bad, exactly, but it was overwhelmingly saccharine—just as he’d suspected.

“Well?” you asked, grinning.

“It’s awful,” he said bluntly, though the faint blush dusting his cheeks betrayed him.

Before you could argue, a soft chuckle broke through the moment. Both of you turned to see Kazuha watching with an amused expression, his crimson eyes glinting with mischief. “If you like them so much, Wanderer, you might as well make this a date,” he said lightly. “Didn’t you tell me you’d ask them out the other day?”

The words hung in the air like a thunderclap. Wanderer’s eyes widened for a split second before narrowing dangerously, his head whipping around to glare at Kazuha.

“What did you just say?” he hissed, his tone sharp enough to cut through steel.

The wind around them shifted, picking up just enough to ruffle the festival lanterns hanging above. A few cherry blossom petals swirled through the air as Wanderer’s hands twitched, faint anemo currents flickering around his fingertips.

“You’ve got some nerve, you pathetic shit,” he growled, taking a deliberate step toward Kazuha. “I should punt you straight into the ocean and let the fish deal with you.”

Kazuha, entirely unfazed, merely raised an eyebrow and folded his arms. “Ah, but I doubt the fish would appreciate such a gift.” His tone was calm, but the faintest smirk tugged at his lips.

“Oh, you think you’re so clever,” Wanderer snapped, his voice rising. The wind grew stronger, tugging at the edges of Kazuha’s haori, though it stopped just short of being an actual threat. “One of these days, I’ll—”

“You’ll what?” Kazuha cut in smoothly, tilting his head. “Write me a love letter? Don’t worry, I’d keep it in a safe place.”

A growl escaped Wanderer, and the wind abruptly stilled as he forced himself to take a step back. He jabbed a finger at Kazuha, his face flushed with a mix of anger and embarrassment. “You’re fucking disgusting,” he spat. “Get lost before I actually make good on my threats.”

Kazuha chuckled softly, turning to leave. “I’ll leave you two to enjoy your not-date, then. I’m tired of third-wheeling anyway.”

As Kazuha disappeared into the crowd, Wanderer turned back to you, his expression caught somewhere between mortified and furious. “I hate you both. Don’t say a fucking word or I’ll kill you.”