The Nakano quintuplets looked stunning in their yukatas, each radiating a unique charm that further accentuated their personalities.
With her signature meaningful smile, Ichika wore a white yukata with yellow and blue floral patterns. Her usually flowing hair was partially tied up with a red flower accessory, giving her an elegant yet alluring appearance. Her blue eyes narrowed softly, adding to the mysterious allure she always possessed.
Standing confidently, Nino wore a blue yukata with red and white accents. The elegant floral patterns highlighted her spirited aura. Her long, light red hair was partially tied up with white and blue flower accessories, further accentuating her expressive face. She crossed her arms over her chest, glancing at Charlie with a look that seemed to demand praise.
With a calm and slightly shy expression, Miku wore a white yukata with purple and blue accents, creating a soft vibe that matched her personality. Her hair remained flowing, adorned only with a small clip on the side. She lowered her head slightly when she noticed Charlie's gaze, her face blushing faintly.
As always full of energy, Yotsuba wore a green yukata with soft-colored leaf and flower patterns. The green ribbon that always adorned her head remained, making her look even more cheerful. With a wide smile, her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm.
Looking slightly more mature than her sisters, Itsuki wore a red yukata with chrysanthemum patterns and gold accents, adding a touch of elegance. Her pink hair was adorned with a star-shaped clip, making her look like a princess who had descended to the human world. Her gaze remained confident, but there was a hint of softness that was rarely seen before.
"..."
However, no matter how charming the quintuplets were, Charlie's gaze naturally fell on Aishia.
Standing under the dim moonlight, Aishia looked like a goddess who had descended to the mortal world. Her sky-blue yukata was adorned with red cherry blossom and camellia patterns that seemed to bloom on the delicate fabric. The color combination perfectly complemented her long pink hair, flowing like silk in the night breeze.
As accessories, her hair was adorned with a blue peony and a gold clip, giving her an elegant and enchanting appearance. A white fur coat draped over her shoulders, adding a touch of grace and softness that contrasted with the sharpness of her gaze—a pair of red eyes that resembled blood-red diamonds, radiating an indescribable charm.
"Gulp."
Charlie swallowed unconsciously.
"Aishia, you look so beautiful." His compliment was sincere, without any falsehood.
"Thank you." Aishia replied softly, her expression as calm as ever. But if one looked closely, there was a faint blush on her cheeks.
Before Charlie could say anything more, a voice of protest came from Nino.
"Hey, wait a minute! Why is only Aishia getting praised? Don't we look good too?"
With her usual playful smile, Ichika added fuel to the fire.
"Charlie-kun, you're really unfair. We dressed up so seriously, you know?"
"..."
Miku simply looked at Charlie with a slightly disappointed expression, while Itsuki seemed to be distracted by the various types of fireworks available in the box.
On the other hand, Yotsuba subtly glanced at Fuutarou, wanting to see his reaction. However, as expected, the guy was dense and maintained his flat expression, as if unaware of the atmosphere around him.
"Sorry, sorry. I was too captivated by Aishia earlier, but of course, all of you look amazing tonight." Charlie said, raising both hands in surrender.
He smiled wryly. There was no other choice. If he didn't do something quickly, the atmosphere could become even harder to control.
"Ichika, you always have a captivating aura that's hard to ignore. With this yukata, you look even more enchanting." He said, looking at the short-haired blonde.
Ichika smiled contentedly, but her eyes sparkled mischievously, "Oh? So I'm captivating enough to make you fall for me?"
Charlie simply smiled before continuing.
"Nino, you have an incredible energy, and it's reflected in your appearance. This red yukata suits your spirited personality perfectly."
"Huh, I'll overlook your earlier mistake of ignoring me." Nino smirked, still half-annoyed but clearly pleased with the compliment.
"Miku, there's something very soft and calming about you tonight. With this yukata, you truly look like a noble princess." Charlie said to the quietest of the quintuplets.
Miku blushed slightly and averted her gaze, but it was clear that she was happy.
"Yotsuba, you always shine with your positive energy. This yukata really suits your free spirit, making you look even brighter and more cheerful." Charlie continued with his compliments.
"Thank you, Charlie-san! I'm happy to hear that!" Yotsuba laughed cheerfully.
"Itsuki, you always have an aura of wisdom and strength. The color and design of this yukata make you look even more elegant and classy."
"Thank you, Charlie-kun."
Compared to the reactions of her sisters when praised by Charlie, Itsuki's response was more subdued.
After all the girls received their compliments, the atmosphere became lighter.
"Now, can we start lighting the fireworks?" Charlie asked, shifting everyone's attention back to the main purpose of the night.
He had prepared several types of fireworks. For example, Smoke Bombs, Novelty Fireworks, Catherine Wheels, Sparklers, and more.
However, there were no Roman Candles or Rockets—fireworks that launch into the sky. There was a reason for that. It was to avoid detection by satellites. After all, it would be too strange for there to be human activity in the empty Tokai City.
"Alright, then let's pick the ones you want to use!" Yotsuba exclaimed enthusiastically.
One by one, they chose the fireworks they were interested in.
Ichika took Sparklers, enjoying them with gentle movements, making small lights dance in the air.
Nino chose a Catherine Wheel, setting it up on a wooden pole and lighting it. As it began to spin with bursts of light, she smiled contentedly.
Miku tried Smoke Bombs, tossing them to the ground and watching the blue-purple smoke billow with a calm expression.
Itsuki chose Novelty Fireworks, uniquely shaped fireworks that exploded with small sound effects and flickering lights.
The Uesugi siblings, Fuutarou and Raiha, chose Sparklers.
Finally, Yotsuba took everything, enthusiastically trying out various types of fireworks, making the laughter around her even more lively.
"Good, everyone's having fun."
Observing everyone for a moment, Charlie knew his decision to play with fireworks was the right choice. Then, he went to Aishia's side.
Aishia stared at the Sparklers in her hand with a calm expression. The small sparks of light from the fireworks reflected in her red eyes, giving her a mysterious yet beautiful appearance.
"How does it feel to play with fireworks for the first time? Is it fun?" Charlie asked softly.
Aishia looked at the fireworks in her hand for a moment before answering, "Fireworks are beautiful. But that beauty only lasts for a moment before disappearing and being forgotten."
"That's true." Charlie nodded in agreement.
"I think… it's like life. So many beautiful things, but they all pass in the end."
"Perhaps. But even if it's temporary, it doesn't mean it's not valuable."
"Charlie thinks so?"
Ignoring the fireworks in her hand, Aishia looked into Charlie's eyes.
"Yes. Even fleeting beauty can become an eternal memory. And tonight, for example… I won't forget it so easily."
"I see… Then, all the events in this world will become our precious memories."
The last spark of the Sparklers in her hand slowly faded, leaving only a thin wisp of smoke that disappeared into the night air.
However, the night wasn't over yet. The atmosphere remained lively with laughter and chatter.
Yotsuba was still enthusiastically trying out all the available fireworks, even attempting to spin a Catherine Wheel set on the ground. She ran around, dodging the spinning sparks, laughing freely.
Ichika was more relaxed, enjoying the Novelty Fireworks that emitted colorful lights while occasionally teasing Charlie with mischievous questions.
Miku chose quieter fireworks, sitting at the edge of the yard with Sparklers in her hand, enjoying the soft, flickering light. Her expression was peaceful, as if she wanted to preserve this moment in her heart.
On the other hand, Nino and Itsuki were more competitive. They made a small game with Smoke Bombs, trying to avoid the spreading smoke.
After a while, the supply of fireworks finally ran out. A thin haze still hung in the air, and the distinct scent of fireworks filled the surroundings.
"Alright, before the night ends, there's one more thing we need to do." Nino suddenly said, then took out her phone.
She walked over to Fuutarou and handed him the device. "You're taking the photo, Uesugi."
"Okay, okay, leave it to me." Fuutarou didn't refuse.
Then, Ichika, Nino, Miku, Yotsuba, Itsuki, and Raiha gathered around Charlie and Aishia.
After that, Fuutarou pressed the camera button, the flash went off, capturing the moment in a picture—and in their hearts.
Next, a personal photo session. Charlie took photos with each of the quintuplets one by one, with no one else joining.
In short, Charlie and Aishia became the main focus of the photo session.