EXTRA - A Little Happy Accident

“Senna Senna!” Fuyumi nudged her pointer finger at the window of the Ferris wheel pod they're in. “You can see the whole city! It's like going up the Skytree but cheaper!”

Senna, her companion for this trip, was also fascinated by the simple view. Perhaps owing to Fuyumi's hype, the rather uneventful day at an amusement park turned into something so magical. Senna hadn't gotten many chances to go outside for leisurely trips either and she's not afraid to show how childish she acted when the other was basically going nuts.

They kept on taking pictures, with Fuyumi teaching her how to look best on camera. She had no smartphone, nor anything she could use in the event of an emergency, but she never once thought about getting one.

After all, she had some idea on when something would happen.

It's not always accurate, but it's dependable enough especially when she took her time to observe as much factors as she could. She's more on the lookout now though. The girl might get in trouble if she let her guard down and the guys wouldn't be able to help them (they took off to settle some score or something along those lines).

“Yes, we wanna ride again!” Fuyumi said to the operator and dragged Senna in with her.

“Fuyumi,” Senna said when the ride took off. “Thank you for being understanding, but you can take the more extreme rides.”

“I'm not being considerate, mind you. This isn't an act of kindness either. It's just… fun. The way I see it, everywhere is a better place with company. The good ones.”

“…Oh.”

“Yeah, going at company parties is tiring when you can't be yourself. ‘Be yourself’, that's what they tell you, but if you aren't as attractive or appealing, then you're screwed. Worst case you’d be christened with a new nickname to be teased with.”

“…”

“I'm not being sarcastic, you know. You're pretty, Senna, but you've had some crosses to bear too. I can see that, but more than those…”

The pod rattled and the ride began. Fuyumi snapped a photo of Senna.

“We have a lot in common so I think we'd get along just fine,” she flashed her a big smile. Senna also answered by awkwardly taking a photo back.

The tickets were supposed to be for Fuyumi's family. She planned to have the three of them—her parents and her—to enjoy a little vacation. She might've lied a bit to Hyuuga but the part about her father suddenly being sick was true.

Then there's that magical extra ticket. The park attested it's genuine, but Fuyumi swore she only purchased three. Her mother's pet, a cat named Meimei, wasn't included in the plan (she'd be taken care of by a sitter in the meantime). Thanks to that little stroke of luck, she managed to meet the girl behind the fabled Musubi Antiques' Lady Yuugure.

Senna was, in a quick description, shy and sheltered. She always spoke her mind but not to the point of being inconsiderate. For example, Fuyumi almost choked on nothing when Senna just up and asked if Hyuuga and her were fine of having so little time to be together. Technically speaking, this was in fact their first date. It just so happened for Senna and Akito to tag along. Was it a double date then? That question was hard to answer.

“You didn't actually ride the roller coaster, right?” the girl said once they're separated from the guys.

If it's with any other person, Fuyumi would be offended, but Senna's innocence prevented her from getting upset about it. It's just a question from the person who matched them; after all, the girl worked behind the scenes of the speed dating events so she'd be concerned with her efficiency.

Like a doctor or a mechanic performing a checkup. Fuyumi liked to think of it that way. Of course, that accidental kiss when they’re taking pictures wasn’t something she’s ready to share to her friend.

“So,” Fuyumi suddenly had the urge to get back to Senna with that. It's not out of spite, but as a test. Yes, a test.

“Oh, am I doing something wrong again?” Senna looked over shoulder as she's taking pictures of the city. They're pretty high up now.

“Hmm, it depends. Say, what do you think of Akito.”

“I respect the work he puts in on helping with the shop.”

Fuyumi slumped from that pathetic answer. She might need to be direct if she expected answers. “I mean, in a romantic sense.”

“I…” Senna stopped taking pictures and placed a finger on her chin. She's taking this way too seriously. “His stats are all over the place I'm finding it hard to match him to someone. Even when I do, it doesn't work out.”

“Okay. How about personally? What do you personally think of him in a romantic light? Remove the matchmaking things. Please,” Fuyumi was getting desperate.

“I don't quite understand what you mean…”

Fuyumi suddenly stood up rocking the pod a bit, her figure looming over Senna. Firmly gripping Senna on both shoulders, she asked, trying hard not to scream and shake the wits out of her friend, “Do you like him or not? Like would you consider him as someone you want to spend the rest of your life with?”

Uwaaahh!! What am I doing!! Senna please don’t make me say embarrassing words! Pick up the hints!

Too bad the best she got as an answer was a head tilt and a face full of question marks.

Rest in peace, Akito. Senna doesn't see you that way.

The rest of the ride wasn't fun because of that. Fuyumi really expected to tease Senna nonstop about it but she supposed the matchmaker didn't take into account her own love life yet.

“Maybe I'll introduce him to some of my coworkers then,” Fuyumi thought out loud. “I don't think anyone's a good fit for him… hmm, what do you think Senna?”

“Hm?”

“Oh, I'm thinking of using your expertise to help me pick some good girls for our friend! Anyway, what should we get first? Drinks, maybe?” As always, she took Senna by the hand and started heading to the food stalls when something pressed her back.

Senna nudged her head to Fuyumi. At first, Fuyumi was worried if her friend was exhausted from all her shenanigans but when she felt the head lightly pushing her off like a cute kitten, she understood.

The girl didn't want her face seen. In short, she’s jealous.

And so began Fuyumi having that annoying smirk on her face the rest of the day. There was a chance. Senna just didn’t like admitting it but she really knew what Fuyumi meant. Well, she’d get her time to be honest soon.

Little did Fuyumi know about the looming rainclouds slowly covering the sky and the small trouble it'd bring was the confirmation she needed. This ship will sail, Fuyumi.

As with the natural laws, every rain also brought forth a huge rainbow, and perhaps, just perhaps, those two could take that chance to show their feelings. Rainbows were said to be bridges of light, but it's still up to the people of either side to cross it for a bridge to fulfill its purpose of connecting two sides together.

***

“Hey, Hyuuga,” Akito said as he missed his mark for a stuffed toy.

“Don't ruin my concentration, man. Can't you see I'm winning—shit!”

“I'm serious.”

“What's up?”

They stopped playing for a bit. Akito then asked:

“You sure Fuyumi still hadn't noticed you slipping in that extra ticket?”

Hyuuga grinned. “A little lie is sometimes called magic, man. Go learn from the master so you'd snag a girlfriend.”

“Damn you, I'm winning this.”

And so, their futile duel continued.