kscans

Chapter 296 - The Thaw is Distant, But the Warmth is Real

"Nia, I've realized something."

`…………What is it?`

"Somehow—I don't think we're cut out for places like this."

`……We had a similar exchange just a little while ago.`

Sorry to say it while you're trying to look so composed, but your face is pale, milady—

Starting with our mutual takedown by the first roller coaster, we trudged through the massive theme park, leaving a trail of devastation in our wake.

Another coaster we stubbornly challenged ended in the exact same way, with both of us knocked out.

A leisurely park tour bus we took to clear our heads became a space with no highs, no lows, and no escape, where we became too conscious of each other and were soundly defeated.

In a moment of desperation, thinking that challenging something blatantly 'couple-like' might lead to laughter, we tried the tea cups and the merry-go-round, only to find we had no idea how to enjoy them, sacrificing our mental fortitude in the process.

Horror attractions were a 'no' for Nia.

River-descent attractions were a 'no' for me.

And now, with some nonsensical logic like 'third time's the charm,' we challenged the last of the so-called three great coasters—which brings us to the present.

I'd never been to a place like this before, so I hadn't realized it, but I think I get it now.

I'm probably not suited for entertainment where I'm supposed to 'be entertained.'

Nia, too, had said she'd 'never ridden a roller coaster,' so she was likely a beginner or an inexperienced person like me.

Since neither of us understands how to enjoy ourselves properly, there's a sense that our vibes and the amusement park's are just slightly out of sync.

"But this churro is delicious."

`Maybe we should just stick to eating and walking around…`

It's not that the whole experience wasn't fun, but that's because we weren't enjoying the attractions…

And you finished eating already? Just because you can talk while eating doesn't mean you can leave a grown man in the dust.

`By the way, are you really no good with boat-type things? Are you afraid of water?`

"Not the water, just rivers and oceans are a bit…"

`Aww.`

Sorry about that. I was interested in the horror attractions myself, so let's call it even this time.

—So, what now? Besides this classic snack, there seem to be a surprising number of food stalls.

I'm not against shifting to a food tour as Nia suggests… but huh?

"Yeah?"

A gentle poke on my knee drew my attention. Nia, her color returning, was looking at me with a slightly troubled expression.

`Um.`

"Yeah."

I responded to her short word, but she hesitated to type what came next, writing and deleting single characters like 't,' 'c,' and 's.'

…What's with the sudden push for the 't' family?

I don't have the psychic ability to guess her words from the first letter, so all I can do is wait for Nia's unique 'voice'… but wait.

No,

no, no,

what am I doing saying 'wait'? Do your job and escort her, you idiot.

Don't you dare let your guard down—who do you think is the reason you were still able to have fun, even when the attractions were a disaster?

"Nia."

I looked around, and something caught my eye. Seeing it as a perfect opportunity, I spoke up first. Nia, still seemingly lost for words, looked up, her eyes widening at my offered hand.

It's a little late for that now, isn't it? After you've been occupying my arm this whole time, pretending not to hear my pleas of 'give me a break.'

I pulled up the slender hand she hesitantly placed in mine and pointed to what I'd found. 'Look, over there.'

"The tour bus. That one's a double-decker, unlike the last one. Wanna try it?"

`Didn't last time end horribly…?`

Yes, and that's also a little late to bring up. Considering how things have been so far, we probably can't avoid 'horrible' no matter where we go.

So, you see—to have fun, there's really only one choice, isn't there?

"So, that's what I mean… We're never going to be normal, so maybe it's fine to just relax and be our usual selves."

My words, an overly obscure attempt to hide my own embarrassment, were met with a tilted head and a question mark from Nia—damn it, fine, I'll only say this once…!

"I don't hate just talking about random stuff with you."

"——————"

A faint breath escaped from the small mouth that couldn't form words, reaching my ears.

"So, if we're together, there's no way it'll be 'boring' or 'lame.'"

The only hint I got was the 't' family, an incredibly difficult question. Even if I'm way off the mark, I'm not accepting any complaints.

"So… uh, so—if you feel the same way, isn't that good enough for today? Even if we're just talking nonsense, like usual, it's still… uh, what's the word."

Because of a certain someone's pushiness, no matter how I struggle…

"…The, appearance of a date? I guess? It's maintained, isn't it?"

That's the fundamental issue.

Even with the ridiculously complicated feelings I have about love—if there's a girl next to me who is so cute it doesn't make sense, a guy is just a sad creature whose mood will lift just from that.

Look in a mirror.

I've only been able to look at you directly a handful of times today—Hk!?

"Hey, wait, hold on!? Stop, calm down, that's crossing the line…!"

I complained as Nia, hugging my arm tighter than ever before, began to stride purposefully toward the bus that was boarding passengers.

No—I know.

I know, this is what's wrong, isn't it?

But what am I supposed to do?

Should I act aloof so I don't give her the wrong idea?

Should I be aware that words from someone like me could strike a chord with her and consciously act cold?

That would make me a total jerk, wouldn't it? Someone, please tell me the right answer.

This isn't just about Nia—in this situation, no matter how things turn out, it's my fault, right? With that in mind, let me make a self-serving excuse…

In what world,

fully aware that he is an ordinary person,

an attractive girl who seems completely out of his league,

—is there a man who acts carefully on the premise that she might fall for him?

And a fact even more hopeless that silences that inner complaint.

"Ah, ah… Yes, yes, second floor—wait, you really have to wai—!"

"Enjoy your ride!!!!"

Welcomed by a beaming tour guide, we boarded the still-sparse bus, paraded along in a sort of 'public execution.'

Nia, her fair skin flushed red all the way to her neck, stubbornly refused to stop walking ahead of me, perhaps to avoid showing me her face.

The 'warmth' she directs at me, no matter how much I want to look away… is—happy.

And I kick at that hopeless emotion of mine, thinking, 'What the hell is wrong with you,' but I kick, and I kick, and I kick, and I kick.

But the girl who steals my gaze is just too dazzling.

Ah, I'm the bad guy here—and more than anyone else, I myself am convinced of it.