Joo stood in his yukata, clad in clan colors, feeling...wistful.

Benten watch over us.

He hoped Hoshiko would get his note and join him, but he tried and let go of his nerves. What will happen, will happen. One cannot fight against everything.

"Good evening, Iuchi-sama."

Hoshiko approached, wearing a yukata depicting a brilliant phoenix flying through the night sky. A familiar looking dog raced around her feet as she walked closer.

"Ah, Shiba-san, greetings." He bowed. "Please, call me Joo. My friends call me that. Also family...current or potential." He waved towards the dog. "And how are you doing?" He cooed towards the Siba Inu.

"Call me Hoshi." she bowed in return.

The dog looked at him curiously, then ran around him a few times.

"Ren, sit still." the dog obeyed Hoshiko and found a place to sit.

"Arigatou Hoshi-chan." He felt a strange feeling as he used her name.

He eyed the dog with a smile, before turning his smile to the Phoenix.

"The fireworks are beautiful, no?"

"They are amazing." she smiled brightly as she watched the sky light up. Ren wasn't as impressed, choosing to hide behind Hoshiko. "I'm happy I could share this with you, Joo-kun."

Joo frowned at the poor dog. "He might not enjoy it as much." He did light up like fireworks at her voice. "I do too. Asakaze is an amazing planet. With amazing inhabitants." He turned to her, his gaze settling on her eyes. "I hope my home can rival it at least, so you won't feel you lost out."

"I knew he'd be afraid." she knelt down to pick the poor dog up. It was a bit awkward, but Hoshiko was strong and Ren seemed to feel better in her arms. "I couldn't leave him alone in my flat to suffer through the fireworks by himself."

"Oh, poor thing." He moved closer to pet the poor thing. "Hm, I wish I could do something..."

Ren licked the Unicorn's hand, but nuzzled back into Hoshi as more fireworks went off.

"You're very good with animals. Ren seems to like you, too."

Joo smiled. "I'm glad. I spent most of my life around them, so I hope I'm not too bad."

He caressed the doggo's head before retreating slightly. "I spoke with your sister today."

"What did you think of Mori-chan?" she asked.

"She loves you very much, that is certain. If I give any less, I'll have to live in shame, I feel." He raised his eyes from the dog to gaze into Hoshi's eyes.

"You two were very close growing up."

"We still are." she nodded. "Leaving the ranch was the hardest thing I've ever done. Leaving Asakaze will be so much harder."

"I am sure. Still, i will try and make the transition better for you." He smiled and slowly extended a hand towards her shoulder. "I'm glad I met you here."

"So am I." she smiled. "You've already made this experience much more enjoyable."

"Now you're just flattering me for no reason." He smiled. "I look forward to seeing you among the stars Hoshi-chan. You'll shine the brightest among them." His eyes were gazing directly into his.

"Who's flattering whom?" she giggled. "You are a good and kind man, Joo-kun. There's still a lot for me go learn about you, but a believe that."

"I look forward to our mutual learinng, Hoshi-chan." He smiled as well, enjoying her giggle.

Ren squirmed in her arms as more fireworks went off. She calmed him and set him down.

"It's alright. It will be over soon." she pet him gently, then returned her attention to the Iuchi. "Where will you go once the miai's over?"