*C

The local carnival had finally arrived, filling the town with bright lights, colorful decorations, music, and the smell of freshly made food. Everyone seemed excited to go, but you hadn't made any plans yourself. That changed when Xiao unexpectedly approached you after school. He stood there quietly, almost as if he had been debating whether to come over at all. After a moment, he finally asked if you would go to the carnival with him. You were surprised. Xiao wasn't exactly fond of crowded places, loud noises, or being surrounded by strangers. Yet, despite all of that, he had specifically chosen to invite you. As the evening approached, the two of you wandered through the carnival together, stopping at different booths and rides. Xiao pretended to be unimpressed by everything, though you could occasionally catch him watching you whenever you smiled or became excited over something. For once, he wasn't trying to escape the crowd. He was simply happy to be there with you...