Amusement Park

 “Ohhh!” The group was excited to see the amusement park. Upon stepping in, they were bombarded by the wonders of colorful attractions and fun screams from roller coasters. The sweet smell of cotton candy and other delicious treats hung in the air.

“What’s the appeal of this place?” Shinji let out a sigh. “It’s too noisy.”

“Come on, come on,” Nanami teased, nudging Shinji playfully with her elbow. “Since you’re here, might as well try to have some fun.”

“Here’s something!” Momo grabbed Chiaki and Nanami’s hands, leading them to a booth. She snatched a pair of cat ear headbands and playfully placed one on Chiaki’s head, followed by a dog-eared headband on Nanami’s.

“It’s a bit embarrassing,” Nanami declared as she played with her hands before Momo shoved on soft plush dog paws.

“Say ‘wan!’” Momo ordered with glimmering eyes.

“Wan…” Nanami mimicked a puppy’s call unwillingly. Abruptly, a camera flash caught her off guard, causing her to turn her head towards the source.

“AYANO! DELETE THAT!” She shot a finger toward the class president who held her phone between her hands with a playful smile.

“Never~” Ayano waved her phone in front of her, taunting Nanami with the embarrassing picture.

Nanami clenched her teeth before removing her animal accessories and chasing after Ayano. The two began a lighthearted chase, with Momo joining in the keep-away game involving Ayano’s phone.

Akari and Chiaki watched from the sidelines, their faces adorned with amused smiles. Chiaki glanced down at Akari before mimicking Nanami’s gesture but with his cat paws. “Nya.”

“Don’t do that,” Akari requested, pushing Chiaki’s face away with a playful shove. Their attention turned to a bout of laughter nearby, where Shinji was red-faced, attempting to hide behind his hand.

“I guess this place can be appealing,” he decided. He glanced over at Akari and Chiaki, who were now giving him mischievous looks.

“So Shinji has such a side~”

“Shinji likes someone~”

Shinji, undisturbed by their remarks, calmly looked back at the girls before cupping his hands around his mouth.

“Ayano! How do you like sharing a room with—” His words were abruptly halted as Akari swiftly intervened, pushing Shinji’s hand over his mouth.

“Shut up, shut up, shut up!” Akari murmured aggressively into Shinji’s ear before the Viper gangster fought him off.

“What was that ‘sharing a room’ about?” Chiaki asked.

“Go back to meowing, cat boy.”

“Nya nyan!” Chiaki willingly obeyed without a moment’s hesitation, much to Akari’s disappointment.

“Good boy!” Momo playfully patted Chiaki's head as the girls regrouped after their chase. Nanami, despite having a good time, seemed to be grappling with a sense of disappointment from the unsuccessful outcome.

“I'll make sure to share that picture in the group chat later,” Ayano chimed in, adding a touch of playful teasing to the mix.

“Enough of this nonsense!” Nanami whipped her lavender hair back over her purple jacket. “Let’s go on some rides!”

Momo enthusiastically thrust her arm into the air, fully in agreement. “Yay!”

As the hours ticked by, the amusement park unfolded its multitude of attractions, offering a whirlwind of rides and enjoyment for the group. Akari found himself being whisked away on numerous speedy rides, his excitement mingling with the rush of adrenaline. However, as time passed, his stomach began to churn uneasily from the constant loops and exhilarating roller coasters.

Alongside Akari and Shinji, the rest of the group appeared to be having a blast. Their laughter and spirited screams resonated through the air as they zoomed down roller coasters, their hands raised in exhilaration. The aroma of freshly made cotton candy and other enticing treats wafted through the air, enticing them to pause for delicious desserts like ice cream and elaborately crafted parfaits.

Despite the lively pace, Akari sensed himself lagging behind, his energy waning. He knew it was time to take a breather as the group decided to split up temporarily. Finding a quiet spot, he allowed himself a moment of respite, watching as the others dispersed to explore different attractions within the park.

Amidst the bustling chaos of the amusement park, Akari found a lone bench hidden by a tree’s shade. The lively energy surrounding him seemed to fade as he closed his eyes, relishing the moment of calm. However, a whisper of unease lingered in the back of his mind, as if he were being watched.

Before he could dwell on it, a soft voice approached him. “Mind if I sit here?”

Akari’s eyes slowly opened as he sat up on the bench. He looked up to see a seemingly innocent girl with a cap pulled low, concealing her features. Despite wearing a thick black jacket to hide her figure, Akari recognized the girl immediately.

“I didn’t realize you came, Himeko…” Akari commented as she settled down beside him.

“I-is it that obvious?” She lifted her star-shaped sunglasses. Akari nodded, earning a disappointed sigh from the young lady.

“Goro was right… I should have opted for the gyaru look instead.”

“Why are you in disguise in the first place?” Akari asked.

“I’m… not supposed to be here,” Himeko admitted. “I was told to remain at home for… reasons…”

“Then why aren’t you obeying them?”

“Because,” Himeko leaned closer, her finger pointing directly at him, “you lose the bet. So I want to claim my prize now.”

“Ah, that…” Akari’s sheepish smile indicated his realization. He couldn’t believe Himeko had gone through all this trouble just to cash in on their bet. Was she truly that determined to make him do whatever she wanted? The memory of Shinji’s earlier hint left him scared about the potential outcomes of her request.

“Ah! Shinji!” Akari called out, seizing the opportunity to divert Himeko's attention.

“Where?!” Himeko instinctively hid, ducking off the bench and crouching behind a nearby trash can. This allowed Akari to rise swiftly and begin his escape.

“Argh… you…” Himeko’s voice betrayed her realization that she had been outwitted, her determination flaring as she swiftly abandoned her hiding spot to give chase.

“Where did he go—” Himeko paused as she realized her brother was right there. Quickly trying to conceal herself from him, she turned around, only to catch his gaze. Despite her star-shaped sunglasses and outlandish attire, recognition was nearly immediate.

“Himeko?” Shinji sighed as he placed a hand on his hips. “What are you doing here?”

“Caught already…” Himeko winced.

“What are you doing here?”

“I want to have fun?” She tried to play off with a sheepish smile.

“Where’s Goro?” Shinji inquired about her bodyguard’s whereabouts.

“On a ride?”

“That’s no good. You’re coming with me,” Shinji's grip tightened as he forcefully took hold of his sister’s wrist, guiding her toward the entrance of a haunted attraction. Himeko’s scared protests gradually faded into the distance, her fate sealed.

Akari released a deep sigh, relieved that he managed to free himself from the young lady’s company. His plans, however, were thwarted. He had intended to join the haunted ride, but with the Viper siblings now occupying it, he decided it was best to steer clear of them, especially Himeko.

“Aki, there you are!” Ayano’s cheerful voice broke his reverie, and she appeared with a wide grin. “Could you come with me please?”