The theme park entrance was alive with a kaleidoscope of lights, casting a warm glow over the small queue of people waiting to get in. The hum of excited chatter filled the cool evening air, a stark contrast to the serene streets they had just walked through. Takuma and Miu stood at the back of the line, taking in the scene.
“I didn’t think there’d be a line this late,” Miu murmured, her eyes scanning the crowd ahead of them.
Takuma shrugged, hands tucked into his pockets. “Guess we’re not the only ones who thought a nighttime visit would be cool. At least it’s not packed.”
The line moved slowly but steadily, giving them plenty of time to observe the people around them. A young couple ahead of them whispered to each other, their laughter punctuating the air, while a group of teenagers further up argued about which ride to hit first.
Miu glanced at Takuma, a teasing smile tugging at her lips. “You sure this isn’t one of your ‘couples only’ spots? Looks like most people here are on dates.”
Takuma smirked, tilting his head as if considering her words. “Well, if it is, we’ll blend right in.”
Miu froze for a fraction of a second before rolling her eyes, her cheeks faintly tinged with pink. “You’re impossible, you know that?”
“Yeah,” he said casually, his smirk widening. “But you’re still here.”
She let out an exasperated laugh, lightly elbowing him in the side. “Keep it up, and I’m leaving you to face this ‘couples theme park’ alone.”
The banter eased the wait, and soon they were close to the ticket counter. Miu tapped her foot lightly on the pavement, her fingers toying with the strap of her bag. She leaned over to Takuma, lowering her voice. “Do we get separate tickets or…?”
Takuma raised an eyebrow at her. “Separate? You think I’d invite you out and make you pay for yourself?”
Miu blinked, surprised. “Oh, no—I didn’t mean it like that! I just… I wasn’t sure.”
He waved her off, pulling his wallet out of his back pocket. “Relax. I’ve got it. It’s just a few tickets.”
Miu hesitated but nodded, a soft smile tugging at her lips. “Alright. Thanks, Takuma.”
“Don’t mention it.” He stepped up to the counter as their turn arrived. The attendant, a young man with a tired but polite expression, greeted them.
“Two tickets?” the attendant asked, already typing into his computer.
“Yeah,” Takuma confirmed, sliding a couple of bills across the counter.
Miu glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, her smile growing just a little. It was rare to see Takuma this casual, this confident in handling everyday things. It was almost… charming. Not that she’d admit it out loud.
The attendant handed over their tickets with a quick, “Enjoy your night,” and they moved through the gates into the park.
The moment they stepped inside, Miu’s face lit up. The theme park wasn’t crowded, but it was bursting with life—glittering lights hanging from every structure, colorful attractions glowing against the dark sky, and the faint sounds of carnival music wafting through the air.
“Wow,” Miu breathed, spinning around to take it all in. “It’s beautiful.”
Takuma watched her for a moment, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Yeah, it is.”
She stopped mid-turn and gave him a curious look. “What? Something on my face?”
“No,” he said quickly, stuffing his hands into his pockets. “You just look… like you’re having fun.”
Miu blinked, caught off guard by the comment, but before she could respond, Takuma pointed ahead. “So, what do you want to do first? Rides? Games? Food?”
Her face brightened again, her excitement quickly returning. “Let’s try one of the rides! Something fast, like a roller coaster!”
Takuma groaned playfully, shaking his head. “Why do I get the feeling I’m going to regret this?”
“Oh, come on!” Miu laughed, grabbing his arm and tugging him forward. “Don’t tell me you’re scared, Takuma.”
“Not scared,” he muttered, though the corner of his mouth twitched upward. “Just concerned about my dinner staying where it is.”
Takuma and Miu stood in front of the park's beginner roller coaster, a modest ride with gentle dips and turns. The line was short, and the hum of the motor filled the air as the coaster completed its circuit, eliciting squeals from younger riders.
"Alright, beginner coaster first," Takuma said, eyeing the ride with an unimpressed expression. "This is more your speed, right?"
Miu shot him a look, crossing her arms. "Please, Takuma. This is a warm-up. I’m not scared of a little beginner ride."
"Sure, sure." He smirked. "You might want to hold onto your seatbelt. Wouldn't want you flying off during one of those 'wild' curves."
"Ha, ha," Miu deadpanned, rolling her eyes. "Let’s see who’s holding on for dear life first."
As they boarded the ride, Miu made a show of acting completely unfazed. Takuma, on the other hand, leaned back in his seat with an almost bored look. The coaster clicked into motion, and they slowly ascended the first hill.
The dips were shallow, the turns wide and tame. Miu laughed at how the wind rushed through her hair, while Takuma kept his hands casually resting on the safety bar.
"That was... cute," he said as they got off, stretching his arms. "Got anything scarier?"
"Just wait," Miu said with a smirk. "Let’s see how long that attitude lasts."
The next ride was a mid-tier coaster with steeper drops and tighter turns. As they strapped in, Miu noticed Takuma gripping the safety bar a little tighter.
"You okay there?" she teased, raising an eyebrow.
"Totally," he replied nonchalantly. "Just bracing for the real ride."
The coaster launched forward, picking up speed quickly. The first drop had Miu letting out an involuntary scream, her hair whipping around her face. Takuma, though outwardly calm, gritted his teeth as the coaster hurtled through the course.
By the time they got off, Miu was giggling, her face flushed with adrenaline. "Not so bad, right?"
Takuma rolled his shoulders. "Not bad. Though I could see why some people would be scared."
"Oh, really?" Miu smirked, knowing she was starting to wear down his cool facade. "Well, Mr. Tough Guy, let’s see how you handle the next one."
The final ride was the pièce de résistance—a towering coaster with multiple loops, corkscrews, and a stomach-churning vertical drop. The line for this one was longer, giving Takuma plenty of time to stare up at the ride’s dizzying height.
"You sure about this?" he asked as they neared the front, his voice a touch less confident than before.
"Scared?" Miu shot back, mimicking his earlier tone.
"Just looking out for you," he said quickly. "I mean, you’re kind of short. You sure they won’t kick you off?"
"Nice try." She smirked. "But I’m taller than the height requirement, thank you very much."
They finally boarded, securing themselves into the seats. Takuma’s fingers instinctively tightened around the shoulder harness.
"This one’s just a little longer than the last, right?" he joked, though his eyes were glued to the loop-de-loops ahead.
Miu couldn’t help but laugh. "You’ll survive. Probably."
The coaster jerked forward, climbing steadily up a seemingly endless incline. Miu glanced at Takuma, who was trying very hard to look casual despite the slight tension in his jaw.
"Feeling brave now?" she asked as the apex drew closer.
"Totally," he muttered. "Just… taking in the view."
The drop came without warning, and both of them screamed—Miu in delight, Takuma in a mix of surprise and sheer adrenaline. The coaster roared through loop after loop, spinning them upside down and sideways. Miu’s laughter was drowned out by the sound of rushing wind and screaming riders.
By the time they stumbled off, Miu was grinning ear to ear. Takuma, on the other hand, looked slightly disheveled, his hair sticking up in odd directions.
"That was... intense," he admitted, still catching his breath.
"Uh-huh," Miu said, biting back a laugh. "You totally screamed during the second loop."
"I did not scream," he shot back.
"You totally did!"
"Prove it," Takuma challenged, his smirk returning.
Miu shook her head, still giggling. "Alright, alright. I’ll let it slide this time. But you owe me for dragging me on that beginner ride earlier."
"Fine," he said, brushing his hair back into place. "Next time, you’re the one riding solo on the baby coaster."
Miu laughed as they walked away from the ride, her heart still racing from the thrill. The playful banter between them made the night feel even more vibrant, and as they moved to their next adventure, the roller coasters seemed like just the beginning.
THE LOG FLUME
The log flume ride looked innocent enough—just a slow-moving boat ride through a winding course of water, ending with a steep drop. Takuma and Miu stood in line, the faint smell of chlorine and damp wood filling the air.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
"I hope you’re not scared of getting a little wet," Miu teased, eyeing Takuma as they approached the front of the line.
"Scared? No. Concerned about your reaction to a splash? Maybe," Takuma retorted with a smirk.
They climbed into their log, Takuma in the back and Miu in the front. As the ride began to float lazily through the course, Miu leaned forward, enjoying the cool breeze.
"This is kind of nice," she admitted, her voice soft as she looked at the twinkling lights reflected on the water.
Takuma leaned back, watching her profile. There was something peaceful about the moment, though he wouldn’t admit it. "Yeah. Pretty relaxing."
Their peace didn’t last long. The gentle ride transitioned into an incline, the sound of rushing water growing louder. Miu gripped the sides of the log, her heart racing.
"You’re holding on tight already?" Takuma teased.
She twisted to glare at him. "You’ll be the one screaming, just wait."
The log reached the peak and hesitated for a moment before plunging down. Water sprayed everywhere as they hit the bottom, soaking both of them. Miu let out a shriek, a mix of laughter and surprise, while Takuma just sputtered, his hair dripping.
"You look like a drowned cat," Miu said, giggling as she wiped her face.
Takuma shook his head, sending droplets everywhere. "You’re one to talk. You’re dripping like a faucet."
As they stepped off the ride, both of them laughed at their soaked appearances.
"Next time, you’re sitting in the front," Miu declared, her cheeks slightly flushed from the adrenaline.
"Sure," Takuma replied, grinning. "If you can handle it."
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THE FERRIS WHEEL
The Ferris wheel stood tall, illuminated in soft pastel lights, its slow rotation offering a stark contrast to the high-energy rides they’d just experienced.
"Finally, something chill," Takuma said as they approached the line.
Miu glanced at him, amused. "You’re just scared of going upside down again."
Takuma shrugged. "Call it a strategic break."
They stepped into the gondola, which gently swayed as they sat across from each other. The ride began to ascend, and the park’s vibrant lights spread out below them like a sea of color.
"Wow," Miu murmured, her gaze fixed on the view.
Takuma leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "Not bad. The park actually looks cooler from up here."
The gondola stopped briefly at the top, leaving them suspended. Miu shifted in her seat, suddenly aware of how quiet it was compared to the chaos of the rides below.
"Doesn’t this kind of feel... personal?" she said, her voice low.
Takuma blinked, caught off guard by the observation. "What do you mean?"
"I don’t know," she replied, shrugging. "It’s just... peaceful. Almost like it’s just us up here."
He nodded, his eyes flicking toward her. "Yeah. I guess it is."
The moment lingered, neither of them speaking as the gondola resumed its descent.
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DISK’O COASTER
The Disk’O Coaster was their grand finale—a massive spinning disc that swung back and forth like a pendulum while rotating at high speed.
"Are you sure about this?" Miu asked, her eyes widening as she watched the ride from the queue.
"Absolutely," Takuma said, though his grip on the safety bar as they sat down suggested otherwise.
The ride began with a slow spin, the disc tilting slightly as it swung gently. Miu laughed nervously, clutching the handles.
"This is fine!" she said, her voice high-pitched. "Totally fine!"
Takuma didn’t respond, his jaw tightening as the ride picked up speed. The swinging became more intense, and the rotation blurred the lights around them.
"Okay, maybe this isn’t fine!" Miu screamed as they reached the peak of the swing, the ground seeming impossibly far away.
Takuma couldn’t hold back a laugh, the adrenaline overwhelming his usual stoicism. "You said you wanted a challenge!"
"I didn’t mean this much of a challenge!" she shot back, her voice breaking into laughter despite the chaos.
By the time they stumbled off the ride, both of them were breathless, their legs shaky.
"Never again," Miu declared, holding onto a nearby railing for support.
"Agreed," Takuma said, though the grin on his face betrayed his enjoyment.
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FINDING A PLACE TO EAT
After the rides, they wandered through the food stalls, their stomachs growling. The warm scent of fried food, grilled skewers, and sugary treats filled the air.
"Let’s sit over there," Miu said, pointing to a small table near a ramen stand.
As they sat down with their steaming bowls, Miu sighed in relief. "Finally, solid ground."
"Don’t tell me you’re still dizzy," Takuma teased, stirring his noodles.
Miu shot him a look. "I’m fine, thank you very much. Just... recovering."
They ate in comfortable silence for a while, the energy of the park buzzing around them.
"Today was fun," Miu said suddenly, breaking the quiet.
Takuma looked up, surprised by the earnestness in her tone. "Yeah. It was."
She smiled, twirling her chopsticks. "Though next time, you’re sitting in the front on the log flume."
Takuma chuckled. "Deal."
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting the theme park in warm orange hues, Takuma and Miu walked toward the exit. The day had been filled with laughter, thrills, and moments neither would soon forget. Miu adjusted the strap of her bag, glancing at Takuma, who seemed unusually quiet.
"You're not tired, are you?" she asked, her tone light but curious.
Takuma shook his head, his expression unreadable. "Not really. But before we go..." He paused, looking toward a smaller, less crowded part of the park. "There's one more thing I want to show you."
Miu stopped in her tracks, tilting her head. "One more thing? The park’s about to close. What could possibly—"
"You'll see," Takuma interrupted, a rare flicker of mischief in his eyes.
Curiosity piqued, Miu followed him as he led her toward a quaint open-air amphitheater tucked behind a row of cherry blossom trees. Strings of fairy lights adorned the stage, giving it an ethereal glow. A small sign read Evening Performances – Live Talent Show!
"You brought me to a talent show?" Miu asked, crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow.
Takuma smirked. "Not just any talent show. You'll understand when it starts."
They found seats near the front, the crowd sparse but enthusiastic. Miu looked around, intrigued by the setup. It had a cozy, intimate atmosphere, a stark contrast to the high-energy rides they’d been on all day.
As the stage lights dimmed, a park announcer’s voice echoed: "Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome to our evening showcase! Prepare to be amazed by the talents of performers from all walks of life. Let's begin!"
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THE PERFORMANCES
The first act was a juggling duo who performed impossible tricks with glowing pins that lit up in the dark. The audience clapped enthusiastically, and even Miu found herself leaning forward, mesmerized.
"Okay, this is kind of cool," she admitted, glancing at Takuma, who was watching with an expression of calm amusement.
"Just wait," he replied, cryptically.
Next came a solo musician, playing an emotional piece on a violin. The haunting melody filled the air, causing a hush to fall over the crowd. Miu felt goosebumps rise on her arms.
"How did you even know about this?" she whispered, her voice soft.
"I came here once," Takuma said, his tone quieter than usual. "By accident. It’s different, right? Not your usual theme park fare."
Miu nodded, impressed.
The final act was a young woman singing an original song. Her voice was clear and powerful, carrying emotions that struck a chord with everyone in the audience.
"She’s good," Miu said, her eyes fixed on the stage.
Takuma nodded but didn’t say anything. His gaze was steady, as though he was deep in thought.
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AFTER THE SHOW
As the applause died down and the crowd began to disperse, Miu turned to Takuma. "I didn’t expect something like this in a theme park. You were right—it was special."
Takuma stood up, stretching slightly. "Figured you'd appreciate it. It’s not all about roller coasters and fried food."
"Deep," Miu teased, though her smile was genuine.
As they walked back toward the exit, the night air was cool, and the park had taken on a quieter, more peaceful vibe. Miu glanced at Takuma, her curiosity getting the better of her.
"Why did you want to bring me here?" she asked suddenly.
Takuma hesitated for a moment before shrugging. "I thought it’d be something you'd enjoy. Something... memorable."
Miu stared at him, a flicker of surprise in her eyes. He was usually so guarded, so matter-of-fact. This small gesture of thoughtfulness caught her off guard.
"Well," she said, breaking the silence. "Thanks. It was a good call."
As they finally exited the park, Miu stretched her arms over her head, her energy still lingering despite the long day. "So, what’s next on your list of surprises, mastermind?"
Takuma smirked, his usual composure returning. "Next time, you’re picking. I’m not going through another spinning ride."
Miu laughed, the sound echoing softly in the night. "Deal. But just so you know, I’m making you sit in the front of every water ride."
Takuma groaned in mock exasperation, and they walked into the night, the lights of the park fading behind them.
The familiar creak of the front door greeted Miu as she stepped inside her house. She carefully placed her shoes on the rack, the soft padding of her socks on the floor comforting after a long day. The house was quiet, save for the faint hum of the refrigerator in the kitchen and the tick of the clock in the hallway. She lingered for a moment, breathing in the faint scent of her mom’s jasmine tea that still lingered in the air.
"Home, sweet home," she murmured, though her voice sounded unusually soft.
The warmth from the day lingered, not just in her slightly sun-kissed skin but in her chest—a warmth that refused to dissipate no matter how much she tried to shake it off. Miu headed straight to her room, dropping her bag beside her desk and flopping onto her bed with a soft whoomph.
Her phone buzzed in her pocket, and she pulled it out, half-expecting a message from one of her classmates. Instead, the screen was empty. She bit her lip, staring at Takuma’s name in her contact list. He hadn’t messaged her yet, but somehow, she wasn’t surprised. He wasn’t the type to check in first.
"Ugh, why am I even waiting for it?" she muttered, flipping onto her back. The ceiling stared back at her, offering no answers.
She tried to focus on the little things to distract herself. The way the day had started, the laughter on the rides, the way Takuma had teased her at the talent show before surprising her with that stunning violin performance. It had been so unexpected that she still felt a twinge of awe thinking about it.
But it wasn’t just the performance that stuck with her—it was the way he looked afterward. Calm but not cold, distant but not unkind. Miu closed her eyes, remembering the way his face softened, just for a moment, as he glanced at her in the crowd.
Her cheeks flushed, and she quickly sat up, shaking her head. "Nope. Absolutely not. I’m not going to overthink this."
Still, as she got ready for bed, her mind betrayed her, replaying moments from the day in excruciating detail. The feeling of their shoulders brushing while waiting in line, the sound of his rare, genuine laugh on the roller coasters, the way his voice softened when he asked if she was okay after the Disk’O Coaster.
Sliding under the covers, Miu sighed, staring at her phone again. Maybe she should message him first? But what would she even say? Before she could decide, her phone buzzed.
"You make it home okay?"
Her heart jumped at the notification, and she scolded herself for being so excited. It was just a simple message. Still, she found herself smiling as she typed back:
"Of course. You’re not doubting my survival skills, are you?"
When his reply came, she laughed softly, imagining his straight-faced delivery:
"Just making sure. You seemed exhausted after the spinning rides."
Her thumbs flew across the keyboard as she shot back:
"You’re the one who looked ready to pass out on the Disk’O Coaster."
After hitting send, she placed the phone on her nightstand, pulling the covers up to her chin. The day had been longer than she realized, but it was the kind of day she wouldn’t mind having again.
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TAKUMA’S POV
Takuma unlocked the door to his house, stepping inside to the dimly lit hallway. The faint creak of the hinges echoed, followed by the soft thud of the door closing. He slipped off his shoes with practiced ease, letting them fall carelessly onto the rack. The house was quiet, the kind of silence that felt heavy, but familiar.
He didn’t turn on the lights as he made his way to the kitchen, grabbing a glass and filling it with water from the tap. The cool liquid slid down his throat as he leaned against the counter, staring out the small kitchen window. The faint glow of the streetlights illuminated the pavement, and somewhere in the distance, a dog barked.
Today had been... different.
He set the glass down with a soft clink, his fingers lingering on its rim. The day replayed in his mind, scene by scene. The rides, the laughter, the ridiculous talent show—it all felt surreal, like something out of someone else’s life.
Takuma walked to his room, his footsteps muffled by the carpeted floor. His room greeted him with its usual simplicity: a neatly folded futon, a desk with a stack of notebooks, and a shelf lined with martial arts trophies. He glanced at the trophies, his eyes narrowing slightly as old memories surfaced.
For years, he had kept to himself, pushing everyone away. It was easier that way. Safer. Letting people in meant giving them the power to hurt you, and he’d learned that lesson early. But today had felt... normal. Maybe even good.
Takuma sat on the edge of his bed, pulling out his phone. A group chat with Sam and a few others had a handful of unread messages, mostly filled with jokes and memes. He ignored them, scrolling down to Miu’s name. His thumb hovered over the keyboard for a moment before he typed:
"You make it home okay?"
The reply came faster than he expected, and he smirked slightly at her playful tone:
"Of course. You’re not doubting my survival skills, are you?"
He shook his head, typing back:
"Just making sure. You seemed exhausted after the spinning rides."
Her response made him chuckle:
"You’re the one who looked ready to pass out on the Disk’O Coaster."
For a moment, he sat there, staring at the conversation. It wasn’t much—just banter—but it felt different from the usual surface-level chatter he was used to. Miu was different. She wasn’t afraid to tease him, wasn’t afraid to talk to him like a normal person.
Takuma leaned back, his head resting against the wall as he closed his eyes. The day had been long, but for the first time in years, it hadn’t felt draining.
As sleep began to creep in, one thought lingered in his mind:
Maybe, just maybe, he didn’t have to keep everyone at arm’s length forever.