NOVEL SIMPLE The Planned Date With My Neighbor Next Door (2nd Part)
"Ughhh… I'm feeling queasy. I think I might be on the verge of throwing up."
It's been a good half-day, and Misaki and I have hit up some of the most popular rides in the park. Just when I thought I could handle anything, Misaki dragged me onto the rollercoaster. It was a huge mistake. My stomach rebelled halfway through the ride, and now I'm slumped on a bench beneath a sprawling tree, energy drained from the thrilling ride. The shade is a welcome relief from the relentless sun, and the soft rustle of leaves overhead is oddly calming. Despite feeling sick, I can't help but admire the serene view stretching out before me. It's a rare moment of tranquility amid the chaos of the bustling theme park.
"Sorry for keeping you waiting, Ryo-kun!"
As I'm taking in the surroundings, Misaki's voice breaks through my daze, and I turn to see her approaching with a bright smile, balancing two delectable crepes in her hands.
"Wow, those look amazing."
"Here, take this one, Ryo-kun."
"Really? Are you sure? I thought you were planning on devouring both by yourself," I tease her.
"Oh, come on, Ryo-kun, don't be like that. Fine, then I won't give it to you," she playfully retorts.
"Hey, I'm just kidding."
"Hehe, I know. Here, take it."
As Misaki settles onto the bench beside me, she delicately places the crepes on her lap, their sweet aroma drifting temptingly through the air. With a grateful nod, I accept one of the treats, feeling the warmth of the freshly made crepe against my fingertips.
We sit in comfortable silence for a moment, the only sounds being the distant laughter of park-goers and the occasional chirp of a passing bird. Taking a small bite, I'm greeted by a burst of flavors – the soft, slightly crispy texture of the crepe contrasts perfectly with the creamy richness of the filling inside.
Misaki watches me with amusement dancing in her eyes, her own crepe poised delicately in her hand.
"Enjoying it, Ryo-kun?" she asks, a playful grin tugging at the corners of her lips.
"Yes, it's really delicious."
I notice that my crepe is chocolate-flavored, while Misaki's is a mix of strawberry and blueberry. Hers looks particularly appetizing.
"Really? Then let me have a taste," Misaki swoops in and takes a bite of my chocolate crepe with an impish grin. I was slightly surprised at her sudden action.
"Hey, that's mine!" I protest, though more amused than annoyed.
Misaki laughs, her melodious voice floating on the breeze. "Sharing is caring, Ryo-kun. But if you want, you can have a bite of mine," she teases, holding out her own crepe as if to offer a trade.
I eye her blueberry-strawberry creation with a mix of curiosity and hesitation. It looks delicious, but the combination of flavors seems a bit daring for my taste buds. Still, Misaki's playful gesture tugs at my heartstrings.
"Alright, fine," I give in, accepting her offer with a smile. Taking a cautious bite, I'm pleasantly surprised by the burst of fruity sweetness that floods my mouth. It's a delightful contrast to the rich chocolate of my own crepe.
"The sweetness of this crepe is perfectly balanced. I should try this next time. Huh?"
I glance at Misaki, who suddenly seems as red as a tomato.
"What's wrong, Misaki?"
"N-Nothing! Let's finish these and move on, shall we?"
Girls are really hard to figure out I think to myself.
After our impromptu crepe exchange, Misaki and I wander through the park, exploring one attraction after another. We brave the huge swinging pirate ship, alternating between terror and exhilaration. We navigate whimsical horror mazes, screaming and laughing as we get hopelessly lost in the twists and turns. Finally, we head to the drop tower, with shouts and shrieks filling the air as the ride plunges downward, leaving us breathless with excitement.
"That was an amazing experience!"
"I know, right? The horror maze was terrifyingly fun. No wonder there's such a long line."
"And the drop tower, I thought I could handle it, but it really shook me to the core."
"You're not good with those kinds of rides, are you, Ryo-kun?"
To cap off our eventful day, we decide to take a ride on the Ferris wheel. Thankfully, the line isn't as long as the other venues.
"Wow, look at this view, Ryo-kun. It's absolutely beautiful."
As the ride ascends to its highest point, we're treated to a breathtaking view of the surroundings.
I can't help but steal glances at Misaki, who is enjoying the stunning vista from our perch. She looks radiant against the backdrop of the setting sun, her hazel hair catching the golden light in a warm halo. Her voice fills the air with joy and contentment, like music. I find myself captivated by the sparkle in her eyes and the warmth of her smile. For some reason, when I see Misaki like this, my heart feels incredibly warm. It's a feeling I've never experienced before.
Lost in the moment, I reach out and take her hand in mine, savoring the warmth of her touch. She looks at me, surprise flickering in her eyes, before a soft smile curves her lips.
"Having fun, Ryo-kun?" she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.
I nod, unable to tear my gaze away from her. "Yeah," I reply, my voice catching slightly. "Thanks for bringing me here, Misaki. I'm really glad we came."
Her smile widens, a warmth spreading through her eyes. "Me too, Ryo-kun," she says softly. "Me too." And as the Ferris wheel carries us higher into the sky, I can't help but feel like we're soaring together, on top of the world.