Chapter 508: 507   - Emotional RollercoasterPoint-of-View: Rion Xester

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Today's the 2nd of March, 1822, three days after that incident with Azzy. In the end, I suggested we go to the amusement park and hang out, but as a date instead of how we usually just hang out as friends.

I think I'm close to coming to terms with my feelings, but it's still a bit of a tangle, I don't think I've ever actually felt this way about anyone before. And I'm still kinda stunned about the fact that she actually confessed to me.

And, well, I definitely didn't dislike it...it just really caught me off-guard is all.

I'd asked Kuro and Sylvar for advice, but they didn't really give me much. Kuro did say that a good way to know if you want to be with someone is to imagine them with someone else. I tried that...and really didn't like it.

Anyway, I'd just arrived outside the amusement park, and I have to say, it looks amazing...ever since we were freed from that sealing barrier, I've hardly been able to believe that we're still in the same world.

It straight up looks like a futuristic version of my old world, it's seriously incredible how much progress and advancements have been made in the last hundred and fifty years or so.

"Hey, there you are. Did I keep you waiting long?" Came Azzy's voice, as I felt a tug on my sleeve.

"Nah, I just got here mysel-...woah," I responded, as I got a look at her.

She was wearing a red sleeveless top that wrapped around her neck and exposed her back, and a black skirt that stopped just above her knees.

I've never seen her in an outfit like this before. And she's changed up her hairstyle too. She usually lets it frame her face, but she had combed it off to the right today. She was also wearing a bit of makeup, emphasizing her features.

"H-hey, stop staring, I feel self-consciousness," She muttered as her cheeks turned slightly red, her hand tugging down at her skirt a bit.

That's so freaking cute...but I don't want to make her feel uncomfortable.

"Sorry, uh, you look great, I couldn't help but stare," I apologized sheepishly, as I shifted my gaze off to the side.

"Come on, you don't have to look away," She mumbled as she tugged my sleeve again.

Which is it? Doesn't matter, she's way adorable right now.

"Let's go in, shall we?" I suggested, doing my best to play it cool as I nodded at the entrance.

"Yeah, okay."

We headed up to the counter by the entrance and bought a bunch of tickets for the rides, before heading into the park.

I decided to start off with something easy, but still fun...Kuro mentioned that he found the merry-go-round kinda boring. But one of the more thrilling rides like the roller-coaster are better left for a bit later.

In that case...I think the bumper cars are a good starting point. We headed over there and gave the attendant a couple of tickets, before hopping into the ride.

I have to say, it was pretty fun, it's been so long since I've been to an amusement park, it feels so nostalgic. After all, the last time was literally a lifetime ago.

After we got done with that ride, we headed for a couple of the other rides, and while they were fun, there was a bit of awkwardness between us. She was kinds fidgety and looked like she wanted to say something.

"Hey, you okay? Something on your mind?" I asked her, as we headed towards the roller-coaster.

"N-no, I just...well, um, I was wondering if...if it would be okay to try...holding hands?" She replied quietly, her voice barely audible.

H-huh? She wants to-...uh, okay, no big deal.

"Yeah, okay...I don't mind giving it a try," I responded as I felt my face heat up.

She then scooted a bit closer snd slid her hand into mine, lightly clutching it as I felt her fingers trace my palm...wow, her hands and fingers are so small, they almost feel delicate.

This is...really nice. I never thought something so simple would feel so pleasant. We were silent as we headed up the stairs and got in line for the ride, but it didn't feel as awkward as before.

And now that she's closer, I'm realizing...she smells really nice. I could get used to this-...there's an embarrassing thought, I can feel my face heating up more.

I don't think there's any doubt left about how I feel...none whatsoever. I wonder, how long have I felt this way? And why'd I take so long to realize it?

As we got on the ride, my thoughts were soon pushed aside as we got to the first drop of the ride, but no by much since she was clutching onto my arm tightly with a wide-eyed expression.

I remember being pretty stunned during my first ride on a roller-coaster too, it took a few tries before they became fun.

"Wh-what was that ride, I'm not sure if I liked it or not," She remarked as we got off the ride, still clutching onto my arm.

Her chest was pressing onto me, which was, you know, very distracting.

"Yeah, uh, it's a pretty high paced ride. You good?" I asked her, since she looked kinda wobbly.

"I'm okay, just need a second to catch my breath."

Should I say something about her clutching onto my arm? Maybe I should, but...I kinda don't want to. It feels nice. And I don't just mean her boobs on my elbow.

After a brief rest and some super greasy junk food to fuel up, we headed out on a few more rides.

Most of them were pretty fun, but I have to say, I think I enjoyed the arcade the most. The VR-like games were amazing, way better than the usual arcade games I had in my old world.

I could tell that she was really getting into it too, especially with a shooter game that had zombies.

Before too much longer, we'd completed most of the rides in the park, which left one more for the grand finale...the ferris wheel.

Yes, I know, a super cliche way to end a date, but hey, it's cliche because it's effective. Right?

It was one ticket per person, unless you wanted to go on the special carriage, which was two tickets per person.

What made it so special was that when it gets to the top, it stops and stays still for a couple of minutes. I decided to opt for that...the more time we have, the better, because I might need a moment to prepare myself mentally.

I've made up my mind...I'm gonna tell her how I feel. But I need some time to steel my resolve and gather up some courage. You'd think it'd be easy after all the wars I've fought in in this world, but it's much easier said than done.

As we got on the carriage, we sat across from each other, neither of us saying a word...this is so awkward, I gotta break the ice before the ride's over!

"So, uh...did you have fun?" I asked her.

"Huh? Oh, yeah, I did. I really like this place."

"Yeah? Then...we should come here again sometime," I suggested in response.

"Yeah...I'd really like that."

Okay, we're almost to the top...it's now or never, go time!

"So, hey...remember what you said the other day?" I spoke up nervously.

"Hm? What do you mean?" She responded uncertainly.

"Well, you know...how you feel about me and stuff?" I mumbled awkwardly.

"O-oh...what about it?" She replied, fidgeting slightly.

"I...I feel the same way! I like you, and in a romantic kind of way!" I exclaimed, deciding to just come right out and say it.

It took me a second to realize that I'd closed my eyes when I said that, right as we reached the top of the ferris wheel.

I wanna open my eyes and see her reaction...but at the same time, I'm also kinda scared. Suddenly, I felt the carriage shift slightly, before feeling her sit down next to me.

"H-hope it's okay if I sit here," She mumbled, as I opened my eyes and met her gaze.

"Yeah...of course it's okay."

She then placed her hand on mine, before slowly intertwining her fingers with mine, her gaze darting about a bit as her face turned red...she also looked like she was holding back a smile, the sides of her mouth quivering slightly.

"And, also...I hope it's okay if I do this...," She whispered, as she suddenly leaned up towards me and pressed her lips onto mine...

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