A week had already passed since Sana and Jungkook landed in Kyoto, a city packed with culture and history. They'd wandered through Kyoto's highlights: ancient temples that seemed to whisper stories of the past, the calming bamboo forest of Arashiyama, and the awe-inspiring golden temple, Kinkaku-ji. Kyoto had a charm that kept surprising them, no matter how many days they spent there.

Mornings usually involved exploring the city's mesmerising spots, while afternoons were more relaxed. They'd chill at a local cafe or lounge around in a peaceful park. Evenings meant a soothing onsen bath followed by heartfelt conversations under the vast night sky. The discussions ranged from music to dreams, often filled with lots of laughs.

On this particular morning, they found themselves enjoying a simple homemade breakfast in the kitchen, sipping on matcha tea. The day seemed promising, not too hot, perfect for some outdoor fun. That's when Jungkook brought up the Gion festival.

"Hey, did you know there's a parade and fireworks for the Gion festival today?" he mentioned casually.

"Oh yeah, it's one of the biggest festivals in Japan. Do you want to go?" Sana responded.

"We've been chilling for the past few days, let's go for it," Jungkook encouraged, excited at the prospect of a fun-filled evening.

"I do miss Japan's summer festivals," Sana admitted, her eyes reflecting a touch of nostalgia.

And just like that, Jungkook saw his opportunity. "Great! Then let's drop by a kimono shop."

Sana blinked in surprise. "What? Why?"

"Don't you guys wear yukata for summer festivals?" Jungkook asked, keeping a straight face.

"Well, yes, but..." she paused, looking at him suspiciously.

"You said you miss your culture. So why not make the most out of it." Jungkook suggested with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Why do I feel like you're tricking me?" she questioned, narrowing her eyes at him.

"Me? Trick you? What do I get out of it?" Jungkook feigned surprise at Sana's suspicion, a small, knowing smile hidden beneath his nonchalant façade. The thought of Sana swapping her streetwear, high-fashion looks for the traditional elegance of a yukata or kimono filled him with a giddy sense of anticipation.

He'd always loved her fashion sense—bold, edgy, undeniably chic. But he was also curious to see her in something traditional, to see that stylish, rebellious spirit of hers encapsulated in a classic Japanese yukata. He couldn't help but get a bit excited about the idea, the mental image of Sana, delicate and beautiful in traditional Japanese dress, playing on a loop in his mind. And boy, was he looking forward to seeing that picture come to life.

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The kimono shop they picked was a charming, intimate space, nestled in a narrow side alley. The array of yukatas, vibrant and variegated, covering the walls greeted them. Among the riot of colours and patterns, Sana's eyes were drawn to a specific piece; a beautiful white yukata embellished with intricate floral designs that managed to be both simple and stunning at the same time.

"Oh, this one's beautiful," she murmured, her fingers gently brushing over the silky fabric, appreciating its detailing.

Jungkook's gaze lingered on Sana. "You should try it on," he suggested, his voice filled with anticipation.

"Alright," Sana agreed, the corners of her lips curving upwards in a smile.

While Sana moved to the dressing area with her chosen yukata, Jungkook turned his attention to finding a suitable yukata for himself. He was immediately drawn to a sophisticated dark blue piece, its understated pattern speaking to his sense of style. Taking the yukata, he went to the changing area. Jungkook quickly changed, the dark blue yukata looked just as good as he had imagined, accentuating his features and giving him a refined look.

He was already waiting when Sana emerged from the dressing area, her arrival drawing his eyes towards her as his breath hitched at the sight. The white yukata she wore seemed to glow against her skin, the delicate floral patterns enhancing her beauty and grace. She looked ethereal, a picture of timeless elegance. He tried to swallow, to find words that would adequately capture the way she looked, but he was rendered speechless. The sight of Sana, radiant and stunning in the traditional yukata, hit him like a wave, leaving him a little breathless.

But Sana, oblivious to his inner turmoil, was impressed with his Yukuta look. The garment was a stark contrast to his usual playful, boyish charm, and yet it suited him perfectly. "Wow, Jungkook, you look so good!" she exclaimed, her eyes twinkling with praise.

However, her compliment fell on deaf ears as he remained silent, his gaze fixated on her. Sensing his silence, Sana turned to him, stepping closer to look up at him. Her proximity brought her details into sharper focus, each tiny aspect of her seeming more endearing than the last. Her question snapped him back from his reverie.

"Jungkook?" Sana's voice pulled him back to the present, and he felt a warm rush of colour in his ears. He coughed lightly, a way to buy time and gather his thoughts.

"Sorry," he managed, his voice steadier than he felt. "You just look...absolutely stunning. It caught me off guard," he confessed, his eyes meeting hers with unabashed admiration.

Sana smiled sheepishly at his comment, her gaze moving towards the full-length mirror in front of them. She swayed slightly, taking in her reflection as she commented, "It is quite different from what I usually wear."

"I wouldn't be lying if I said you're the most beautiful woman in Kyoto today," Jungkook murmured softly. He was standing close, so close that she could feel the warmth of his breath fanning her hair. His voice was low and intimate, tickling her senses as he watched their reflection in the mirror.

Sana chuckled, brushing off his words as mere flattery. "Oh please, you're just trying to butter me up," she teased, her eyes dancing with amusement in the mirror.

But even as she dismissed his compliment, a part of her couldn't help but acknowledge that something had shifted. Lately, she'd noticed that Jungkook was growing more vocal, more expressive about his feelings. It wasn't just his words, though those were becoming increasingly sweet and heartfelt. It was his actions too.

Like the way his eyes would often find hers across a room, holding her gaze a moment longer than necessary. Or how he'd casually drape his arm around her shoulders during their leisurely walks around the city, pulling her into his side as though it was the most natural thing in the world. And then there were his gentle touches - the way he'd brush a stray hair from her face, or the warmth of his hand as he helped her across a busy street. All these things, they were small but significant. And though they were cloaked in friendship, Sana couldn't help but feel that they hinted at something more.

Jungkook's gaze drifted to a display of accessories, landing on a delicate hairpin adorned with sakura blossoms. It was exquisite and understated, much like the girl standing in front of him. He picked it up, turning back to Sana with a gleam in his eyes. "I think this would match your outfit." His heart pounded in his chest as he gently moved some of her hair aside, securing the pin in place. Her intoxicating scent, her supple porcelain skin, her soft rosy lips - he was utterly mesmerised, his pulse racing as he realised just how close they were.

Sana looked at him, her eyes reflecting surprise, yet she did not step back. Instead, she held her breath, standing still as if rooted to the spot while Jungkook raised his hands towards her hair. Even though they'd grown accustomed to each other's touch, this felt different. His fingers were soft and cautious against her skin, drawing a tension that hummed through her. As he arranged her hair, securing it with the hairpin, the cool touch of the adornment contrasted sharply with the warmth spreading across her hair from his touch.

Just as he pulled away, a soft voice echoed in the shop. "Oh, what a beautiful couple you two are." an old Japanese woman commented, her eyes sparkling with joy.

Caught off guard, Sana didn't have the heart to correct her and shyly said "Thank you." She quickly translated the woman's words for Jungkook who smiled, his eyes never leaving Sana.

The elderly woman insisted on taking a picture of them, her hands gesturing for them to stand together. They moved into frame, a shared look passing between them before they erupted into giggles, making silly poses for the camera. But then, Jungkook's arm found its way around Sana's waist, pulling her a bit closer. His eyes held hers, their playful energy fading into something warmer, something deeper. Sana, though taken aback at first, leaned into his touch, their bodies close together, radiating an aura of natural intimacy.

The clicks of the camera captured the moment perfectly - two individuals, caught between laughter and something more, wearing yukatas and smiles that spoke volumes of the journey they were on. 

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a/n: thanks for reading! please upvote and comment if you enjoy unstrung hearts 🖤