Chapter 10

I felt my heart pounding as I stood there, my palms sweating. "Would you go to Amusement Park with me tomorrow?"

Sui-chan blinked at me, for a second her usual confident and playful expression faded, replaced by something softer. Her cheeks turn red and she was quiet for a moment. "Eh?" Her eyes widened. "No way, are you asking me on a date?"

The blush on her face dissapeared, and she quickly regained her composure, she flashed me with that familiar teasing grin.

"Y-yeah something like that." I admitted even though it's kind of irritating to be teased by her. And, I couldn't keep running away.

She blinked again, her teasing grin still there, but something in her eyes just shifted. Her cheeks flushed again, this time deeper than before, she glance away for a seconds before finally turn to me again. "Sure." Her voice playful but firm. "Let's go on a date tomorrow!"

The way she said it made my heart skip a beat, it wasn't just her teasing me this time. She was serious, her voice and everything.

I couldn't think a words to reply and all I could do is nodded at her. But, my heart are lighter now, knowing tomorrow I'm going on a date with her.

We both finally part way as we go into each other direction to home. I couldn't help but smile all the way home.

I couldn't believe it, back then when she talked to me for the first time, getting closer and nearly ruining things.

But still, I'm really happy. To be able to stand at this point, and even taking Sui-chan on a date, it's all felt unreal.

After dinner, as I sat in front of my TV watching my favorite football team, my thoughts kept drifting me back to her. Everything that just happened today felt unreal. It feels like a dream.

Just as I was starting to enjoy the game, my phone buzzed on the table next to me. I glanced to the screen and it was a notification from Sui-chan, she message me.

Sui-chan : "Hey, I couldn't wait for tomorrow 😊"

Y/N : "Me too!"

If only she know how excited I am, but still I'm scared of dissapoiting her tomorrow, what if I ended up boring her and ruined everything?

Right as I spaced out, my phone buzzed again.

Sui-chan : "Btw, what are you doing now?"

Y/N : "Nothing much, just watching TV after eating dinner."

Sui-chan : "Oh? What did you eat for dinner?"

This feels like a trap, if I answer that I just ate another cup of instant noodles she will get mad, thats obvious. But, what should I say?

Y/N : "Cup of Instant Noodles...😅"

Sui-chan : "Seriously?! You cannot be helped😒"

Y/N : "Don't judged me! It was good at least😅😅"

Sui-chan : "Whatever. Just don't stay up late, right? We got date tomorrow😏😗"

Y/N : "I'll be waiting in the station at nine."

Sui-chan :"Alright! I'll come exactly at nine!"

Just as I about to reply her message, she send me a picture of her in pajamas, her hair tied into ponytail and her face was kind of funny as she just stared at the screen with a flatten expression, together with a caption. "I'm going to sleep now, good night😴"

My heart race as I stared at the picture she just sent. She look cute despite the flat face she put, and her pajamas in which she didn't button up the first two revealing her skin more.

Oh my god...she can't stop teasing me, even when on the phone!!!

Shoot, I forgot to reply her.

Y/N : "Good night, Sui-chan."

Sometime I wonder to myself, is this even real? How could everything happened this way?

But, my thoughts quickly dissapear as I continued to watch the rest of the game by myself before finally going to bed, staring at the ceiling before finally doze off.

..........

Morning came faster than I expected, I woke up to the sound of my alarm, realization hitting me as soon as I opened my eyes.

A part of me was still in disbelief, like it was all a dream I'd wake up anytime soon.

I stood up and make my bed before heading towards the bathroom. I had to make sure everything will be perfect. Today is the day, you can do this.

Few hours passed, I found myself standing in the Train Station waiting for Sui-chan. My heart race as time ticks and passed. I looked down to check my phone, the weather, messages, everything to calm myself from this nervousness.

Then I saw her, Sui-chan walking towards me. She wear a light blue short sleeved button up shirt with puffed sleeves, underneath there is a white inner top, paired with a light gray skirts that are above her knee, combined with her sky blue hair that were down today.

She wear a platformed sandals in white with thick straps. She also bring a small bag on her shoulder.

I was taken aback by her appearance, stoned at how beautiful the girl standing in front of me are.

"Good morning, Y/N-kun!" Sui-chan greeted me, her smile bright as ever. "I made it right on time, didn't I?"

"Good morning!" I replied. "I just got here too." That's a lie, I couldn't shake off the excitement and ended up came here fifteen minutes earlier.

"So.....how do I look?" Sui-chan take a step closer to me, her usual teasing grin shine.

"Y-you look stunning, Sui-chan." My voice cracked slightly and I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks as I fumbled for the right words.

Her teasing grin faded away, her cheeks turn red as I finished my words. I look into her eyes and saw a hint of nervousness, but then she glanced away. "Thanks."

Before I could say anything, she grabbed my arm and dragged me inside the train. "Come on, let's get going!"

Minutes passed we finally arrived at the Amusement Park, as soon as we get out from the train, she grabbed my arm and dragged me down towards the park.

As we stepped into the Amusement Park, the bustling sounds of excited chatter, children laughing, and the distant roar of roller coaster welcomed us. The world around us exploded with color, everywhere I look, bright neon lights flickered, and the rides seem to twist and turn in every direction.

The air filled with the sweet aroma of caramel and cotton candy. I could feel the excitement radiating from Sui-chan as she tugged my arm.

"Where do we start? The Roller Coaster? The Haunted House? Or the Pendulum?" Sui-chan pointed at every rides possible, clearly excited for everything, her eyes spark like a kid in candy store.

I couldn't help but smile as I watched her, her enthusiasm was contagious, even though the part of me felt like my stomach already flips just from standing there.

"You can pick." I said trying to keep my voice steady, hiding the nerves in me. "I'm up for anything."

"Anything?" She spoke as her mischievous grin started to show up again. "Y/N-kun, are you scared of roller coster?"

"Scared? Who said that?" I replied, though I can already feel my stomach ache. "I'm not scared of anything!"

"Great! Let's go!" Sui-chan pulled me towards the line, her grip firm as she led the way.

As we stood next to each other waiting for our turn, I couldn't help but keep glancing at her. She's so close, her arm brushing against mine every now and then. The way she smiled, her excitement radiating of her, made my chest tighten.

"What's wrong? Are you scared?" She caught me looking at her and grinned.

I quickly looked away feeling the heat on my face. "N-no! Of course not!"

She giggled softly and I could tell she wasn't conviced but she didn't push it, but instead having a laugh at it. As the line moved forward, I found myself inching towards her, the crowd pressing us together.

Just as we reached the front line, the loud clank of the roller coaster zooming past us made my heart race, but it was nothing compared to when I looked to her.

We climbed in to the roller coaster, the harness locking us in place. I glanced over at her, who was already smiling wide ear to ear. She looked at me with excitement and mischief in her eyes.

The ride started with a slow ascent, the roller coaster clank loudly as it climbed higher and higher towards it's peak. My palms already sweating and I gripped the metal bar tightly. But, in the corner of my eyes, I saw Sui-chan already throwing her hand in the air, laughing as we neared the peak.

"Here we go! Get ready, Y/N-kun!" She shouted as we reached the peak, her voice full of thrill.

"Always has been." I swallowed hard as I'm preparing myself to not get scared.

And then, before I could even process it, we dropped with a high speed, the wind roared in my ears and my stomach dropped. I could hear myself screaming like it was the end of me. While Sui-chan laughed endlessly.

Every turn and drop made my heart race even faster and messing my head. I looked over at her, just to find out she's having the best laugh in her life.

By the time we got off the ride, my legs felt like jelly and my heart was still racing. Sui-chan on the other hand, looked completely unfazed, her face glowing more with excitement. "You should see your face!" She looked at me while covering her mouth with her hand, trying to hold her laugh. "I can't, it just too funny!"

I could barely catch my breath, but seeing how happy she is made my day already. "Yeah yeah whatever."

"Let's go to the Haunted House next." I said as I finally recovered from what just happened.

But, as I mention Haunted House, I could see a faint of nervousness in her face. Did Sui-chan scared of ghost? "I-I don't know about that..."

"Hm? Aren't you mentioning it with excitement earlier?" This time I could tease her back. "Don't tell me Sui-chan is scared of ghost."

"I'm not, okay!" She spoke as her cheeks turn red. "Alright let's go then!"

We then wait in another line, this time the one who is nervous are Sui-chan not me. And I use this as the perfect opportunity to tease her back.

"I guess, I will not be able to see the cool Sui-chan today." I looked at her, nervousness written all over her face. "Are you sure you're not scared?" Her teasing grin faltered and for the first time today she seemed genuinely nervous.

"Of course not! Let's just get this over with." She shot me a glare, her cheeks flushing red.

As we stepped inside the dark and narrow corridor of the haunted house, I could feel the sudden tension inside in the air. A chill ran down my spine, but what really caught my attention are Sui-chan holding my arm tightly.

Her usual teasing smirk had gone, replaced by a wary expressions as she scanned the room.

"You're really not scared, huh?" I whispered teasingly, glancing at her.

"Sh-shut up!" She replied, her voice trembling slightly. "I'm fine, geez!"

Just as she said that, a loud creak echoed through the corridor, followed by a ghostly wail that seemed to come from the shadows. She frozed in placed, her grip on my arm starting to get painful.

I chuckled slightly, "You sure? You look like you might run away at any second now."

But before she could answer, a figure with tattered rags leaped out from a hidden door, letting out an ear piercing scream. Sui-chan screamed and jumped behind me, burying her face into my back.

"Just move already!" Her voice muffled against my jacket and her hands clung into mine as if her life depends on it.

I couldn't help but laugh seeing her unusual reaction. "Sure, sure."

As we walked deeper into the maze, I noticed Sui-chan hadn't let go. In fact, her hand slipped down to mine, her fingerd get a hold of mine. I glanced at her, even though her face filled with fear, she looked up at me with a sheepish grin. "I'm not scared, okay?"

Just as she said that another ghost figure swung down from the ceiling, it's hollow eyes stare directly at us. Sui-chan let out another scream as she bury her face into my shoulder. I couldn't help but laugh despite my heart pouding too.

"You're totally fearless, huh?" I said as I looked at her, in which she replied with a playful punch to my belly.

By the time we reached the exit, she's still holding to me, but her expression had soften now. "I'm not going to Haunted House ever again." She glared to me, her cheeks a bit red.

"I thought you aren't scared of that." I said as I looked at her.

"You're annoying sometime, Y/N-kun." She replied, giving me a sharp eyes. But after a seconds her eyes softened and her cheeks started to blushed. "Thanks for...you know, sticking with me through that."

Before I could reply, she leaned in closer to me, her grip on my hand loosen but still present. "Let's go grab something sweet! Maybe cotton candy would be good don't you think?" She suggested, her usual spark in her eyes returned. "I deserve a treat after all of that."

"Sure, let's go then!" I said, my heart still racing, but not from the haunted house, rather it was from the warm of her touch that linger in mine. I couldn't help but smile, knowing today turn out better than I expected.

We walked towards the food stalls, the air filled with the smell of sweet and savory as there is a lot of food being selled and not only the sweet ones.

Sui-chan dragged me to the Cotton Candy stalls where I bought for the two of us. As she take the first bite, her energy feels like coming back again.

She then leaned in to me, her hands wrapped with mine as she took her phone with her other hand to take a picture with me.

"Look, we both look cute!" She excitedly showed me the selfie she just took. "I'm going to post it."

"Sure, go ahead." I agreed with her as she will post it even if I say no.

Then, my phone buzzed with notifications that she just tagged me in her new post with a following caption of : "On Amusement Park with Y/N-kun!!!"

We both finished our cotton candy and continue with the rest of the days with more many rides and games. Her excitement filled the air between us, her smile radiating.

We tried our luck at one of the booths and after a few attempt that ended up with failure, I finally win the prize, a stuffed bear.

"Look it's so cute! It's our new mascot now!" She said as she kept looking at it.

"Here, you can have it." I handed the stuffed bear to her, her eyes widen in surprise.

"What? Are you sure?" She hesitated to grab it from me.

"Of course, this is a little gift from me." I said as I scratched the back of my head, embarassed from what I just said.

"Thank you, Y/N-kun." She grabbed it carefully from me, and then clutching it into her chest, hugging it tightly. "It's so cute!" Her eyes met mine and there I saw her genuine emotions, her true self that filled with joy and happiness.

In that moment, my heart race faster than before, faster than any ride I've been. I could feel my face heating up without any reason.

And then I realize, there's something more, there's something more of how I feel towards her. Ever since we met, my monotonous life has change, she bring color to my dull and colorless life.

"Hey, let's ride the Ferris Wheel." I spoke to her as she still hugging the stuffed bear, she sit close to me.

The sun slowly set down, casting a golden hue over the Amusement Park as it slowly became quiter towards night.

"That's a brilliant idea! We could watch the city from the top!" She agreed, her eyes still filled with excitement.

The sun sun slowly set down, casting golding hue over the Amusement Park as it getting quieter. We made our way to the final ride of the day, the Ferris Wheel.

We climbed into the small cabin, and as the Ferris Wheel started to slowly ascend, I could felt the weight of the moment pressing down on me. Sui-chan sat across from me, her eyes focused outside.

"This is nice." She said softly, her voice calmer than it had been all day. "It feels weird to see the city from up here."

"You would be amazed even more when we reached the peak height." I replied.

There was a pause, and then she turned her eyes at me. Her expression soften as we slowly about to reached the peak.

"Thanks for today, Y/N-kun." She spoke, her face serious and calm at the same time. Her smile was different, it's genuine, it feels like it came from the bottom of her heart. "I'm really happy that you asked me to go on a date."

"Me too." I replied, my heart beat faster and faster the longer I look into her eyes. "Today turned out better than I expected."

"Is that so?" She giggled at the same time closing her eyes.

It feels hard to do this, I'm scared, I'm worried, what if everything ruined because of this?

Come on, I couldn't back up anymore....I need to do this.

"Sui-chan..." I started, my voice shaking slightly. "There's something I want to tell you."

I could see she opened her mouth to reply, but I went on.

"I've been thinking about us." I look into her eyes as I spoke.

Her eyes widened, but she didn't interrupt. She just watched me, waiting for me to continue.

"I've been thinking of how close we're with each other, you made my life interesting, you bring colors to my dull life." I spoke, my heart race faster and faster, nervousness begin to cloud up inside my head. "Everything felt better when you're around me."

The Ferris Wheel finally reached it's peak, the sky painted in shades of oranges and pink, casting a warm glow over the whole city, even pierce through the window, basking Sui-chan with the golden hue of light.

My heart feel heavy as I'm about to say of how I feel towards her.

"I like you, Suisei." I finally said, the words spilling out faster than I intended. "I couldn't keep it to myself, I had to tell you."

Her expressions softened, and for a moment, I thought I saw something in her eyes. Something that mirrored my feelings towards her.

Sui-chan looked down for a moment and rise her head again, her cheeks blushed, her eyes met mine.

The silence between us felt heavy, but not uncomfortable. There's tears that suddenly flow from her eyes, I begin to panic thinking I just made a mistake.

But then, she opened her mouth. "I'm glad you told me." She said quietly, her voice barely a whisper. "Because...I feel the same way."