*Y/N's P. O. V. *

"Hey, sleepy head, wake up," I heard Patrick's voice beside me and then I felt him booping my nose.

It's been 5 days already and we've done nothing but do our job at the convention, and it all went better than I expected. After our performance on the first day, most students that visits the event makes sure that they get to talk to us and ask about our university. We got a lot of inquiries and the admin of our school have called Patrick too, saying that they are already getting a lot of admissions. It was really a great experience, but honestly tiring too and now I just want to sleep.

"I never thought it's hard to wake you up," I heard his voice once again. It was playful and I'm already liking how it's the first thing that I heard this morning, but I'm really still so sleepy.

"With all due respect, please leave me alooooonneeee," I murmured, putting a pillow over my face. I heard him chuckle and felt that he sat down by my side.

"Come on, Y/N. Work is done and now we have the whole day just to explore around town. I've found a lot of cool places to visit. I'm sure you'll love it," he continued. Honestly, this is so cute, it's like he's waking up a kid, "Heeeeey," he began to poke my sides which immediately made me giggle.

"Stoooooop," I said playfully while still laughing and trying to scoot away from him. I shouldn't have said that because he continued more, turning me into a laughing mess.

For the last five days, we've been this comfortably close with each other. We never have been this physically close before and the sudden change is making me get attached to him more. But even with the playful things we do, I could still tell that the respect is there which makes me love him more.

"Okay, okay, I'll wake up now," I stated while laughing my lungs out. Patrick finally stopped and sat at the edge of the bed while chuckling at me. On the other hand, I pushed myself to sit up and lean against the bed headboard.

I'm sure I look like a gremlin right now. I have my 'just woke up' face and my hair is one hundred present a mess. I was also panting and still laughing hard which is definitely making me look worse, "Avert your eyes, I look like a goddamn mess," I said.

Instead of looking away, Patrick kept on staring at me with a genuine smile, "Not for me," he replied.

Why is he doing this?

It's like he's purposely making my heart explode!

I have also noticed that he often gives comments like this to me, which is no way shape or form, helping my situation. His words are definitely tugging on my heartstrings.

"Just get ready, we have a lot of places to visit and I'm sure you'll love all of them," he ordered and I nodded at him.

As long as he's with me, I'm pretty sure every place would be lovely.

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I think my professor just turned into a full-on tourist guide. He had an itinerary as we visited places near our hotel. I could tell that he really prepared for this day and I absolutely appreciate it. I have mentioned to him before all the things that I wanted to do if ever I got the chance to visit Japan and he tried to squeeze in everything during this day. He's not saying it, but I could tell that this schedule is based off of the things that I want to do.

Another good thing is not only I get the chance to do these things, but he seems to be enjoying a lot too. We visited a lot of temples, popular public attractions, museums, and amusement parks. We never fail to make the best out of every visit - making sure to appreciate the places and art, take pictures, and play around. Honestly, as we were doing this, I totally forgot that he's my professor and that we shouldn't be this close.

It's obvious that we're becoming closer and closer...both physically and emotionally. I'm actually starting to notice that he might be feeling something too because of all these efforts and words he's giving me. I'm still not sure though and maybe this is just the wishful thinking speaking. But nevertheless, I'm enjoying my time with him.

"Where to next?" I asked him. We should be tired now, but fortunately, I'm still finding myself full of energy.

"You wanted to experience a cultural festival, right? Lucky for you there's actually a festival tonight. We're gonna head there now," he said excitedly. We grabbed a taxi and he instructed the driver about the location and off we go.

We're both at the backseat, silence suddenly becoming loud, "Hey, prof?... Uhm, I mean, Patrick?" I said while looking at him.

"Hmm? What's wrong?" he replied as he looked back at me.

I swear to god, his eyes could melt me any day.

I pushed myself to calm down, "Thank you...really. This has been, I think, the best day of my life. Thanks for making it a little more special," I murmured.

"Anything for you, Y/N," he answered so sweetly...

And I know this is so wrong...even just to think about......

But, jeez, I wanted to kiss him.

*Patrick's P. O. V. *

I swear if we're the only ones in this car, I would have kissed her.

I'm pissed and thankful at the same time that we have a driver. My self-control over these feelings of mine are so so low right now, I know with just a little more push, I could do something that would tell Y/N how I really feel about her.

Fortunately, the drive wasn't that long and we arrived at our destination in no time. We climbed out of the car and all tension inside of me subsided when I saw how beautiful this place is with all the festive decorations.

"Holy smokes," Y/N and I said at the same time, both of us already captivated with the place.

The festive feels can truly be felt - there's a lot of people in the streets, every building has a cultural decoration, and everything is colorful. There's a lot of tourists too and it's so cool to see that the locals are so welcoming.

"Welcome. We hope you enjoy our Tanabata Festival, or also called the Star Festival," a local resident welcomed us.

"The town is so beautiful, Ma'am. This is so amazing!" Y/N stated in amazement.

"Thank you, dear. Do you know what festival this is?" she was so hospitable and shaking my head no to that question actually made me feel embarrassed.

"I didn't get the chance to read anything about it... I'm sorr---

"No, no... It's okay. I'd love to explain it briefly anyways so you would enjoy it more. This festival celebrates love. The legend says that during only this night, a star-crossed lovers will be able to meet halfway and we're here to celebrate their love. The stars will meet tonight,"she explained and both Y/N and I involuntarily looked at each other.

Star-crossed lovers.

Technically, it's not us...but somehow, it's close.

"I've heard that before...I mean, that legend. I didn't think I'd be able to experience the festival though," Y/N said.

"Do you want to change clothes? We always want tourist to experience it most so we have Kimonos for you to use," the woman said and Y/N excitedly nodded.

"Oh, we have to try it, pleaaase," she looked at me and pleaded like a kid...and come on, I couldn't say no to that.

The woman guided us to the changing areas and gave us Kimonos. I immediately wore mine. Thankfully, it looked great on me, it's just a usual Kimono for a guy having a gray and white color, and most importantly, it's so comfortable. I walked out of the changing area and waited for Y/N.

"You look great, dear," the woman said. We're lucky that we came across her, she's really kind.

"How do I look?" I heard Y/N's voice behind me. I quickly turned and I was stunned.

She's now wearing a beautiful kimono, having an orange and white floral patterns. Her hair is now braided and laid on one side of her shoulder. I think I'm now choking on my words.

"Well dear, based on your partner's reaction, you look absolutely stunning," the woman answered for me.

"Y-yeah," I managed to say, couldn't take my eyes off her.

"Well, you both enjoy exploring the town. If you need anything, I'll be here," she said and she left us alone.

With that, I dropped all my fears and doubts. I lend a hand out for Y/N and she immediately put her hands over it.

Now I think our ship has definitely sailed...and for now, I'm going to leave all issues that this will cause behind.

--------------

This is the greatest night of my life.

After Y/N and I changed on this Kimonos, we explored the main part of the town. We enjoyed interacting with people, playing festival games, shopping, and eating everything we can. We've completely left everything behind, enjoyed the festival and each other's presence. We're also basically inseparable because we're holding hands, her soft fingers interlocked with mine...and I never want to let go.

It's like with no words, we confessed to each other and I couldn't believe that I've had a chance with her, but now that it's here...I'm never going to mess this up.

"Oh, hey there," Y/N suddenly said and looked down at the middle of us. Suddenly, I noticed a kid gently tying a red string on Y/N's pinky and tying the other end around mine. The kid looked at us and smiled happily before running away to another couple.

"You know what this is for?" I asked curiously, were now both looking at our pinky, the only difference is that Y/N is blushing so much.

"Red String of Fate. Legend says that each individual's pinky has a red string tied to it which is connected to his/her partner...the person who is destined to be with them," Y/N explained and that explains the blush.

"Well, then, I think the kid did the right thing with ours," I said, making her giggle.

We didn't remove the string and just continued to walk to find a good spot to watch the fireworks. After going uphill for a while, we finally got a peaceful spot. We're up on a small hill and fortunately, we're the only ones in here. We could still see the town lights below, but what's important now is the clear skies which we have a huge visibility to.

We sat on the ground side by side, Y/N slowly leaning her head on my shoulder.

"Why is it, for some reason, I could relate to the legend of this festival?" she murmured, then chuckled afterward.

"Yeah, same here. It's weird, but hey, at least, like the two protagonist of that legend, you're able to meet someone halfway, right?" I said.

It's basically us. Traditionally, we can't be together, at least as of now, what we're doing is absolutely wrong and everyone would go against it. A somehow star-crossed lovers...but tonight, we were finally able to meet halfway.

"I wish this night will not end...I mean, can't they just be together?" Y/N looked at me, her face inches from mine, "Can't we...

"We'll make it work, I promise...Uhm, Y/N, in case you've missed all the signs, I would like to say that I...I like you very VERY much. It's so unprofessional of me to feel something like this for someone like you...a student of mine, but damn, Y/N, you caught me. And now I'm here, absolutely in love with you," I explained. Y/N smiled at me and giggled cutely.

"I thought I was alone on this, but ding dong I'm wrong. Turns out my professor, who I'm helplessly falling for, also has feelings for me," she replied.

And there it goes, words and actions as confessions. I guess I'm not alone on this ship after all.

The fireworks started and I'm sure they're beautiful, but nothing beats what's currently in front of me - Y/N. She was just looking at me too and I finally made my move. I gently cupped her cheeks and slowly leaned in...

Finally.

Finally...I was able to kiss her and tell her how much I'm in love with her.

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Thanks for reading, lovelies!!!!