Amusement Park

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANAYO!” Both Momo and Chiaki shouted in unison, throwing their arms up in the air with excitement. Their voices echoed through the park, drawing the attention of nearby park-goers.

“T-thank you but perhaps you could be a bit quieter about it,” Ayano gave them a sheepish smile, embarrassed by their loud act. The two didn’t seem to pay attention to her words as they excitedly paraded around, excited to enter the amusement park to celebrate Ayano’s birthday.

“Thanks for driving us here, Yuuta,” Akari gave a polite nod to the gangster who gave them all a pleasant grin.

“Of course, I’m glad to be of service to you all,” Yuuta replied from within the car, ready to leave. Akari noticed a bit of urgency.

“Is everything alright?” Akari spoke up, concern evident in his tone.

“Of course, of course!” Yuuta reassured him, waving a dismissive hand. “I have to go take care of something.”

“Should I come along?” Akari asked.

“Don’t worry about it. You stay here and have fun!” Yuuta gestured for Akari to join Ayano. Akari turned to catch a glimpse of a warm smile gracing her face as she chatted with Chiaki. He felt his heart skip a beat, captivated by her presence as he understood Yuuta’s intentions. The desire to spend time with her on this special day, her birthday, intensified within him.

However, Akari couldn't ignore the nagging worry that lingered for Yuuta. Akari couldn't help but feel a deep concern for whatever task he was assigned to.

“Are you sure?” Akari asked, his brow furrowing with concern as he leaned forward, trying to make sure.

“Positive! Just make sure you bring me a gift when you return!” Yuuta saluted the young boy playfully before revving the engine and disappearing down the road, leaving a trail of dust in his wake. Akari watched the car vanish from sight, a mix of emotions swirling within him.

“Akari-senpai! Are you coming or what?!” Momo's voice broke through Akari’s daze, snapping him back to the present. He turned his gaze to the eager trio of friends and nodded resolutely.

“Let’s go.”

♦_______✭❀✭_______♦

The day had been a whirlwind of fun and exhaustion for Akari, leaving him both exhilarated and drained. Momo and Chiaki, always seeking adventure, had insisted on starting the day with the tallest, most stomach-churning roller coasters. Akari couldn't hide his fear as he slumped back in the seat, gripping the armrest in fear of plummeting to his doom.

After surviving the adrenaline-pumping rides, the quartet decided to explore some gentler attractions with artistic flair. As Akari tried to calm his nerves, he couldn't help but notice Ayano's childlike delight on the more serene rides. The two were squeezed into a single seat, while Momo and Chiaki occupied another.

Oblivious to their confined proximity, Ayano happily soaked in the vibrant surroundings from the ride.

“Akari-kun! Look at that! Isn't the doll adorable?” She would repeatedly inquire, seeking Akari’s opinion on various park attractions. She seemed to be reveling in the park experience with the innocence of a child.

Eventually, they took a break for lunch, and the girls ventured off to find an empty seat in the bustling park. Akari and Chiaki resigned themselves to waiting in the lengthy queue to buy food. The crowd surrounding them, filled with young couples and families, made Akari uneasy. Chiaki attempted to strike up a conversation amidst the throng.

“There sure are a lot of people," Chiaki remarked, squinting ahead in an attempt to scout the line. “What should we order for everyone, Inmura-san?”

“I don’t know,” Akari shrugged as he rather felt uncomfortable with all the young couples and families around him. “Maybe some crepes for desserts.”

“Why crepes?”

“Ayano-san likes them,” Akari blurted out, without realizing the significance of his statement. He immediately backtracked, stumbling over his words, as Chiaki smirked knowingly.

“Nanami-san told me!” Akari tried to clarify, hoping to convince Chiaki. The blonde boy nodded understandingly, though it was evident that he wasn't fully convinced by the explanation.

After a few more rides, Chiaki and Momo suddenly vanished, lured by a haunted attraction. Akari was about to join them, but a gentle tug on his sleeve made him turn around. Ayano stood there, averting their eyes.

“I’m… I’m not a fan of haunted rides…” Ayano confessed shyly.

“It’s alright!” Chiaki beamed as he tapped Akari’s shoulder. “Inmura-san can stay here and accompany you. He’s not a fan of them either, isn’t that right?”

“I—” Akari attempted to object, but his words were cut off.

“Let’s go, Chiaki! Any longer and the line will quadruple in size!” Momo pouted, urging Chiaki to hurry. With a quick wave, Chiaki and Momo disappeared into the crowd, leaving Ayano and Akari behind.

As they settled onto an empty bench, Ayano and Akari waited patiently for the return of their adventurous companions. A hush enveloped them, punctuated only by the distant laughter and screams emanating from the various attractions. Ayano's eyes suddenly lit up with excitement as she caught sight of a magnificent Ferris Wheel in the distance.

“Akari-kun! Let's go on the Ferris Wheel!” She exclaimed, her face beaming with anticipation.

“Eh? I think I'll stay here and wait for Chiaki-kun and Momo-san,” Akari decided, feeling a tinge of unease at the thought of heights.

“But we can join them again when they come back!” Ayano insisted, tugging on Akari’s hand, her enthusiasm infectious.

Unable to resist Ayano’s persuasive charm, Akari found himself being pulled toward the towering wheel. Reluctantly, he acquiesced, steeling himself for what lay ahead.

Minutes later, Akari and Ayano found themselves seated in one of the Ferris Wheel's compartments, slowly ascending toward the sky. As the wheel climbed higher and higher, Akari's heart rate quickened, his fear of heights resurfacing. The irony of the situation was not lost on him—a man afraid of heights stuck at the pinnacle of a Ferris Wheel.

“Um... Ayano-san, maybe we should have stayed on the ground,” Akari stuttered nervously, clutching the safety bar with white-knuckled intensity.

Ayano, oblivious to Akari's inner turmoil, looked out at the breathtaking view with awe. The cityscape stretched out before them, a tapestry of lights and colors. Unaware of Akari's discomfort, she leaned closer to the edge of the compartment, captivated by the sight.

“It's so beautiful, Akari-kun! Look at all the people,” Ayano gushed, her voice filled with wonder.

Akari forced a weak smile, his gaze fixed firmly on the floor of the compartment. He attempted to suppress his unease, not wanting to spoil Ayano’s joyous moment.

As the Ferris Wheel reached its highest point, a mechanical hiccup caused it to jolt to a stop. Akari’s eyes widened in alarm as he realized they were stuck, suspended precariously at the very top.

“W-What happened? Are we supposed to stop?” Akari asked, his voice betraying a mix of anxiety and confusion.

Ayano, still entranced by the view, seemed oblivious to their predicament. "Hmm? I'm not sure, Akari-kun. Maybe it's just a temporary delay," she replied nonchalantly.

Akari's heart raced, his fear of heights amplified by their unexpected halt. He clung tightly to the safety bar, praying for a swift resolution to their predicament. However, the exact opposite happened.

“Dear attendees, we regret to inform you that we are experiencing a temporary electrical issue and will need to pause the Ferris Wheel temporarily. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your patience. Thank you.”

“I guess we’re stuck up here,” Ayano said as she glanced out the window. “It’s a great view though! We’re at the very top!”

She glanced over to point out the view to Akari. However, she found him shuddering with trembling eyes as his head stared at his lap.

“Are you possibly afraid of heights, Akari-kun?” Ayano asked.

“Now you realize?!” Akari blurted out, revealing his fear.

“Would you like me to sit next to you?” Ayano began to stand up.

“No no no!" Akari held out his hand. “Don't come over here! The cart will lose balance!”

Akari felt the cart sway slightly, heightening his anxiety. Although it was merely his imagination playing tricks on him, he couldn't help but imagine the worst.

“Please let this end…” Akari murmured as he buried his head into his knees.

“There, there.” Ayano smiled as she gently patted his head. “We’ll be down soon.”

Akari's racing heart gradually slowed as he focused on Ayano's touch and calming presence. He couldn't help but appreciate the care she showed. As they waited for the Ferris Wheel to start moving again, Akari's thoughts swirled. In the midst of his fear, a realization struck him with surprising clarity.

“Fine. I’ll admit it,” Akari thought to himself. “I like Ayano-san.”