Chapter 29
The roller coaster ride had ended, but for Kokoro, the aftermath felt worse than the thrill itself.
His legs wobbled slightly as he stepped down onto the safety ramp. His face had turned pale, his forehead and neck glistening with cold sweat, and his usual energy looked thoroughly drained. He resembled a ghost who had narrowly escaped his second death. Meanwhile, Mika—beaming with joy—was a vision of elegance and vitality, her laughter pure, carefree, and wickedly charming.
"Oh, you poor thing," she teased, voice brimming with amusement. Without warning, she coiled her arms tightly around Kokoro’s right arm, pressing her soft body—particularly the lush fullness of her chest—firmly against him.
"H-Hey," Kokoro stammered, cheeks flaring with heat. "W-We’re in public...! This is kind of embarrassing..."
Mika only smiled as if he’d said something adorable. "It’s a date, Kokoro. Of course we can do things like this. Look around—other couples are being lovey-dovey too."
Sure enough, some of the other couples that had shared the ride with them were holding hands or leaning into each other, giggling and grinning just like Mika. One pair even kissed quickly before walking off toward the next ride.
Kokoro sighed, surrendering to her logic and warmth. "I guess... just don’t go overboard."
"I make no promises," she said with a mischievous grin.
Still wrapped around his arm, Mika looked around the park thoughtfully, her eyes flitting from attraction to attraction. Then, after a brief moment of contemplation, her gaze landed on a small crepe and drink stand nestled between two larger food stalls. With a delighted hum, she gently tugged Kokoro toward it.
"Let’s recharge first," she said sweetly. "You need to recover before I drag you on to more rides."
Kokoro followed with a grateful smile. "Bless you."