Every first month of the first quarter, Midgard eagerly welcomes the 'Season of Fireworks' - the Firework Festival. This cherished tradition serves as a time-honored expression of gratitude towards the gods and goddesses for bestowing upon the citizens of Midgard a bountiful year. Each key city in Midgard diligently prepares for this grand event, and it is widely regarded as the most highly anticipated occasion of the year due to the awe-inspiring display of fireworks from various cities.
I take immense pride in being one of the artisans responsible for creating the magnificent fireworks showcased in the city of Payon. Every year, I dedicate myself to crafting these fireworks as a token of thanks for preserving the life of my mother. She has been enduring an inexplicable and incurable illness for over five years, which seemed to afflict her mysteriously.
My sole aspiration has always been to ensure that my fireworks outshine all others, as I believe that the happiness and continued blessings bestowed upon my mother by the gods and goddesses are intrinsically linked to the brilliance of my displays.
However, in the midst of my unwavering dedication to this purpose, an unexpected turn of events transpired.
It was during the firework festival of last year that I had the serendipitous encounter with a young woman named Xingxi. Our initial meeting was far from the pleasant and harmonious experiences that usually unfold on such joyous occasions.
"Huh! Is that what you call beautiful fireworks?" I boasted, trying to get her attention. She wore a radiant expression, her eyes fixed on the dark sky as the fireworks began their breathtaking display. It was evident that she had traveled all the way from Louyang just to witness the spectacle in Payon.
"Excuse me, sir, were you speaking to me?" she inquired, her gaze still captivated by the celestial bursts of light. It seemed she possessed an ardent fascination for fireworks.
"Just wait until you see the fireworks I've created," I proudly exclaimed. "They are the finest in all of Midgard, exclusively found here in Payon."
"You're a firework-maker?" she asked in astonishment, though her eyes remained fixed on the heavens. I couldn't help but wonder if something was amiss with my appearance. "You know, meeting a firework-maker has always been my dream," she continued. "I've asked my sister to find one for me, but she never seemed interested. People in Louyang believe that firework-makers are like angels, capable of granting our wishes."
Initially, I found her peculiar, searching for a firework-maker as if they possessed some mystical quality. "So now that you've met one, what would you like me to do?" I asked, genuinely curious.
Suddenly, a woman arrived, interrupting our conversation. "I apologize if my sister has caused you any trouble," she said apologetically as she swiftly pulled Xingxi away. Yet, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Xingxi's countenance shifted to one of frustration.
"Wait!" I called out, reaching for her hand. "The Firework Festival has only just begun." A smile spread across Xingxi's face. "I am one of the participants in the festival. As a firework-maker, I cordially invite this beautiful young lady before me to visit my tent as my special guest," I proclaimed, gently kissing Xingxi's right hand.
"But my sister..." Xingxi's sister attempted to explain, but I interrupted her before she could finish.
"I believe this enchanting lady won't refuse my invitation, right?" I asserted. Xingxi simply continued to smile.
"Can I trust you?" her sister cautiously asked.
"Absolutely, ma'am! As a firework-maker, you can trust me with everything. Don't worry," I boasted confidently. Finally, she relented and allowed Xingxi to accompany me, but only for an hour, with the condition that I return her to the same spot where we initially met.
"Thank you, sir!" Xingxi expressed her gratitude to me.
"I noticed how frustrated you seemed when your sister almost took you away," I confessed, my cheeks reddening. "That's why I decided to create a little ruse, just so you could enjoy the fireworks for a little while longer and witness the ones I made."
"You mentioned taking me to your tent, didn't you?" she asked, her happiness evident in her voice.
"But, you see, it was just a pretense," I explained, and her face once again registered frustration. "Okay, okay! I'll take you somewhere else," I quickly added, giving in to her desire. In response, she broke into a goofy smile, a characteristic expression of hers.
Taking her hand firmly in mine, we began walking together. With each passing moment, I sensed Xingxi's grip tightening, as if she feared losing her way if she let go. Eventually, we arrived at Greenwood Lake.
"Where are we?" she asked, her voice tinged with nervousness. "It feels so quiet here. Where are the fireworks?"
"Don't you see? We're by a lake," I replied. "This is Danau Greenwood Lake in Payon. I chose this place to showcase the fireworks because of its serene and peaceful ambiance." We settled on the grass, but she still clung to my hand tightly, as if unwilling to let me leave her side.
"This is also the perfect spot to enjoy fireworks," I commented as we gazed together at the sky, admiring the dazzling display.
"I wish I could truly see those fireworks," she murmured suddenly.
As I glanced at Xingxi, I couldn't help but notice the subtle manner in which she navigated the world around her. Her movements possessed a delicate grace, and a sense of caution seemed to guide her steps. It was in those moments that I began to realize the truth - Xingxi was blind.
The realization struck me with a mixture of surprise and compassion. The way she tightly held onto my hand, never willing to let go, suddenly took on a profound significance. It was her lifeline, her connection to the visual world she could not perceive. With each gentle squeeze, I could sense her reliance on me, trusting my guidance to navigate the surroundings.
Her face, a canvas of emotions, revealed a quiet longing as she uttered those words. Her voice carried a touch of wistfulness, as if she craved the vibrant colors and mesmerizing displays that remained forever out of her reach.
In that moment, my heart swelled with a newfound understanding and admiration for her. Xingxi's genuine appreciation for the beauty of the world, despite being unable to witness it, resonated deeply within me. She had captured the essence of joy in her own unique way, embracing the fleeting bursts of light and sound that painted the night sky.
As we sat side by side, our hands still entwined, I became acutely aware of the profound connection we had forged. Together, we experienced the symphony of explosions and cascading sparks above, while the tranquil ambiance of the lake enveloped us in a serene embrace.
I vowed to myself to make this experience unforgettable for Xingxi, to describe the fireworks to her in vivid detail, painting a tapestry of colors and patterns with my words. Though she could not witness the spectacle with her own eyes, I would ensure that the magic of the fireworks would dance in her imagination, illuminating her world in a different, but equally beautiful way.
At that moment, I realized that my role as a firework-maker had transcended the boundaries of mere craftsmanship. It had become a conduit for sharing wonder, forging connections, and spreading joy to those who couldn't perceive it firsthand. And for Xingxi, I would make sure that the fireworks she couldn't see would forever remain etched in her heart.
Silence enveloped us. It was hard to fathom, considering the joyous expression she wore while watching the fireworks illuminate the night sky.
"You know," I began, my voice filled with encouragement, "It's not a misfortune to see nothing but darkness. What you perceive through your heart far surpasses anything that can be seen or heard. If the gods were to grant me a wish, I would want to be like you. It's quite simple, really. When you can see everything, you also witness things that our eyes shouldn't see. My mother suffers from a disease that appeared mysteriously, and it tears my heart apart to witness her pain."
As I spoke those words, tears welled up in Xingxi's eyes, tracing delicate paths down her cheeks.
Thinking quickly, I changed the mood by reaching into my pocket and retrieving a few fireworks. "I think I have some fireworks here," I said, trying to lift her spirits. I arranged them carefully, then extended my hand, gently grasping her arm. Together, we moved closer to the tranquil lake.
"I promise you," I shouted, the anticipation building as the fireworks burst into the night sky, "That one day, this incredible lady standing beside me will be able to see. She will behold only the goodness and beauty that this world has to offer." Her smile returned, illuminating her face once more.
In that moment, our interaction shifted. We moved beyond small talk and delved into the depths of our lives. She revealed to me that she and her sister were orphans, their parents lost at sea while they were traveling to Louyang. In turn, I shared with her the reason behind my passion for creating fireworks. Time slipped away as we exchanged stories, becoming companions in each other's narratives.
And then, amidst our conversation, she uttered a phrase that left me speechless. "Your wife is very lucky to have you," she said. Those words reverberated through me, stirring an unexpected mix of emotions.
"Wife?" I chuckled, trying to dismiss her remark. "I'm not married, nor have I fallen in love."
Her gaze lingered on me, as if she could truly see through my words.
"Why not?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued. Our eyes locked, and in that instant, I felt transported to another realm. Emotions overflowed within her expressive eyes, and I found myself unable to tear my gaze away. "Is something the matter?" she interjected, breaking my trance.
But still, I couldn't avert my eyes from her countenance. She was no longer just an ordinary girl I encountered in passing. Her face held an indescribable allure, transcending simplicity.
"I'm here," I whispered, my voice barely audible. Her voice searched for mine, and unexpectedly, she embraced me tightly.
"I thought you had left me," she murmured, tears streaming down her cheeks. Once again, I beheld her beauty, even in the midst of tears.
"I wish you could see the fireworks I made," I whispered into her ear, aiming to console her. Meanwhile, the fireworks I had crafted illuminated the night sky.
Gradually, she released her grip on me, and her tear-streaked face turned toward mine. "I wish I could see you too," she whispered, her eyes fixed on my face. Unbeknownst to us, we had drawn closer, mere inches apart. I was captivated by her exquisite beauty.
What is this sensation? I wondered. With every word she spoke, every laugh and every tear, my heart smiled and pounded faster. It was an unfamiliar emotion, unlike anything I had experienced before.
"It's time for me to return you," I stammered, my face flushed, bursting the bubble that had enveloped us.
"Has the festival already ended?" she inquired, her cheeks tinged with a deep blush.
"Your sister must be looking for you," I responded, taking hold of her hand. "It's best if I bring you back now." We began our journey back to Payon's city center.
The return path was filled with silence, only the nocturnal chorus of nightingales and cicadas accompanying us as we passed through the bamboo groves. Not a single word passed between us. When we arrived, the festival was winding down. Participants were dismantling their tents, and tourists were making their way back to their inns.
We stood at the spot where I had promised to return her to her sister. We waited, our silence unbroken.
"Apologies for the delay," her sister finally arrived, offering me money as gratitude. "How much do I owe you?"
"No thanks!" I refused, declining the money she extended. "As a firework-maker, it is my privilege to serve tourists like you," I replied, stealing a quick glance at Xingxi.
"Thank you very much!" she exclaimed, bowing before me. "We must depart now; the ship to Louyang leaves in half an hour." she informed.
"No problem!" I replied, smiling at them both.
They began to walk away, but to my surprise, Xingxi returned and stood before me.
"Did you forget something or leave something behind?" I asked, my heart smiling at the opportunity to see Xingxi once more.
"I simply forgot to ask your name," she uttered in her angelic voice.
"Is that so?" I responded, taking a step closer to her. She nodded, answering my question. "It's Hyeon... Hae Hyeon – a firework-maker."
"Thank you." she said, her smile radiant. "You are the finest firework-maker I've ever met."
"Wait!" I called out, chasing after her. "What's your name?" But in an instant, she vanished. A passing caravan obstructed my view.
"It's Xingxi... Yang Xingxi!" she shouted, waving at me from within the caravan.
As I stood there, watching the caravan disappear, a mix of emotions filled my heart. The Firework Festival had indeed become the most remarkable event of my life, but it also left me with a deep longing to see Xingxi again.
The following year, I dedicated countless hours perfecting my craft, pouring my heart and soul into every firework I created. I wanted to create a masterpiece that would capture the essence of our brief encounter and convey my feelings for Xingxi. The anticipation grew with each passing day as the festival approached.
Finally, the day of the Firework Festival arrived. I anxiously scanned the crowd, hoping to catch a glimpse of Xingxi amidst the sea of faces. As the night sky illuminated with mesmerizing bursts of color, my heart raced with excitement and nervousness.
And then, amidst the breathtaking display of fireworks, I saw her. Xingxi stood there, her face illuminated by the vibrant lights. A smile spread across my face as our eyes met, and I could sense the connection between us growing stronger.
Without hesitation, I made my way through the bustling crowd, closing the distance between us. The world around us faded into the background as we stood there, enveloped in the beauty of the fireworks and the magic of the moment. It felt as if time stood still, and nothing else mattered except the connection we shared.
As the grand finale of the fireworks lit up the sky, I took Xingxi's hand in mine and spoke from the depths of my heart. "Xingxi, from the moment I met you, my world has changed. You've shown me a different kind of beauty, one that goes beyond what can be seen with the eyes. Your strength and resilience have touched my soul, and I can't imagine my life without you."
A tear glistened in Xingxi's eye as she softly replied, "Cedrik, you've opened my eyes to a world of emotions I never thought possible. Your kindness, passion, and unwavering dedication have captured my heart. I want to walk this journey with you, to experience life's wonders together."
In that moment, amidst the radiant glow of the fireworks, we sealed our connection with a gentle kiss. It was a promise of a new beginning, a shared path illuminated by love, trust, and the enduring magic of the Firework Festival.
From that day forward, Xingxi and I embarked on a journey filled with love, understanding, and the joy of creating fireworks that not only lit up the night sky but also illuminated our hearts. And each year, as the Firework Festival graced the land of Midgard, we celebrated not only the beauty of the fireworks but also the enduring love that blossomed under their mesmerizing spell.