Chapter 1: Graduation day at the Theme Park
Date: 6th January 2008
Davis: Cheers for our graduation!
Davis raised his cup and the rest of the group followed suit. Davis, Ken, TK and Kari had finally graduated from junior high school. Yolei and Cody were at the party as well even though it wasn't their graduating year. Yolei graduated 1 year ago and Cody has 2 more years to go.
Davis: What should we do later? We got the whole day to ourselves!
TK: The theme park that opened 2 weeks ago sounds like a great idea!
Kari: I heard they've got some exciting rides there!
Davis: Sounds like a plan, Ken are you fine with the idea?
Ken: Sure, why not?
Davis: Then let's go!
The group grabbed their bag packs and sling bags and went to a bus stop where they took a bus service to the train station where the shuttle bus service to the theme park is provided. After a 40 minutes ride altogether, they group arrived at the theme park. The theme park was huge, it has over 30 rides with a 5 storey shopping mall just next to it.
Yolei: Wow this place is huge!
Cody: I've never seen a theme park this big before in my life.
Davis: Well enough of a welcoming surprise, let's go get our entry tickets already.
The group nodded in agreement and proceeded to get their tickets, to their surprise, the entry ticket was not cheap at all. Cody and Kari didn't brought enough cash to purchase the entry ticket. The ticket cost 3000 Yen, TK seeing the situation decided to lend both enough for them to enter the theme park.
Kari: TK, why do you have so much money with you?
TK: Well, it was my savings, I was planning to buy a new headset with it but what's more important than our celebration now? You can pay me back later, no problem! *winks*
Kari: Thanks TK, I owe you one.
Cody: Yea, thanks a lot TK!
TK: Don't mention it. We're friends right? Haha
The group managed to enter the theme park after 10 minutes as the queue was quite long and the theme park was fairly crowded that day. Yolei and Kari picked up a brochure with the map of the theme park along the way. As the theme park was very big, the group was discussing which ride to go on first.
TK: I guess we could split up, since we all have rides that we want to go on first.
Davis: Fine, who's going to 'Jumbo Tornado' ride with me?
Ken: I'm in.
Yolei: Me too!
Davis: Kari, do you wanna come with us?
Kari: Nah, I'll go with TK to the roller coaster. *holds onto TK's arm*
Cody: I'll go with them.
Davis: But Kari… fine… but remember to meet back here in an hour!
The group split up into their two respective groups and continued to the rides they wanted to try out.
TK: I'm pretty sure that made Davis jealous. *snickers*
Kari: He'll get over it, it's not the first time anyways.
Cody: Hey, come on, we got a ride to catch.
TK: I sure hope the queue isn't long… at least not as long as an hour.
Kari: There are four roller coasters in this theme park, so which one are we going?
TK: How bout this one *points on the map*
Cody: Let's go!
Upon arrival at the roller coaster, the sight of the queue was rather disappointing for the three of them. The queue ended at where a sign showed '30 minutes from this point'. The group discussed about whether they should go for another ride or just queue for the roller coaster.
TK: What do you all think?
Kari: I guess we could wait, we would be wasting time if we go around finding queues as long as this.
TK: Right, guess we'll queue up for this then. I'll be right back, stay in the queue for me.
Kari: Where are you going?
TK: I'll be grabbing some gumballs, it's gonna be boring to queue for 30 minutes doing nothing.
TK rushed off to the nearby shop about 50 meters away from the queue. He picked up a small box of gumballs about the size of a phone and three cans of soda. He went back to Kari and Cody and rejoined the queue afterwards.
Kari: Wow, thanks TK!
Cody: TK, you don't have to spend so much on us…
TK: It's fine really, just make sure you all finish your drink before it's our turn. It clearly says no food and drinks on the ride.
After 20 minutes of queuing, it was their turn for the ride. TK gathered the empty cans from Kari and Cody after they finished drinking and threw them into a trashcan at where the queue starts. The ride was a single car four seater, two in the front and two in the back.
Kari: It wasn't that long, looks like the queue cleared faster than it was supposed to be.
TK: Hey Cody, you mind taking the front sit by yourself? Kari and I will take the backseat.
Cody: Okay, but where are we suppose to leave our bags?
TK: We can leave them at the exit point, the marshal will look after them for us and we'll pick them up after the ride is finished.
TK, Kari and Cody left their bags at the exit point in a basket provided. They got on the ride and locked in the safety gear that kept them restrained to the seat. The ride began shortly as the roller coaster escalated to about 25 meters before it slowly made a turn at the top. Shortly after, the roller coaster swooped down with extreme speed.
TK: This is s…scary. I think I'm gonna faint…
Kari: TK? Did you really faint? TK?
Cody: Kari what's going on back there?
Kari: I think TK blacked out… TK!
TK didn't replied and the ride went on for about another minute until it comes to a halt. The safety gear loosens and releases the three of them from the restrain and Kari immediately turned to TK seeing his eyes closed. Kari got off her seat and started shaking TK's arm.
Kari: TK, wake up, TK, the ride is over. TK!
TK suddenly opened his eyes and started laughing.
TK: Kari, chill. I'm awake alright, com'on we better get off, there are still people queuing for the ride. *trying to hold laughter*
The three of them grabbed their bags that were inside the basket provided and left the roller coaster station.
Kari: Don't you ever scare me like that again…TK…
TK: Hey I'm sorry, I don't think you're in the mood for another ride I guess, well let's go grab some food instead. I'll pay for you all.
Cody: Err, my stomach is aching, can I find a washroom first?
TK: I believe they should have one in the café.
They walked to the nearby cafeteria and upon entering Cody headed straight for the washroom.
TK: Wait Cody! What do you want to eat, I could order for you first.
Cody: Anything will do! With orange juice if there is!
TK and Kari found a table for four and settled down.
Kari: TK, please don't ever scare me like that ever again. I was so wo…
TK: Worried? *smile*
Kari: wo…wondering if you were okay…
TK kept silent for a brief moment just to look at Kari who was unable to look at TK in the eyes.
TK: Kari, what would you like to eat? I am gonna order some food for us.
Kari: I don't really feel like eating… Just a drink will do.
TK: Well, what drink do you want?
Kari: Orange juice will do.
TK (thinking): What's up with everyone taking orange juice?
TK: Okay, I'll be right back. Grab the gumballs from my bag if you feel like chewing on something since you don't wanna eat right now.
TK went to the service counter and ordered three glasses of orange juice and with two bowls of chicken ramen. The total cost was 760 yen and he took out a 1000 yen note went back to his seat after footing the bill. He saw Kari looking at her camera which she carried around with her all the time.
TK: Hey, what are you looking at Kari?
Kari: Oh, just some photos we took back in the past. Come to think of it, we haven't taken any photo ever since we entered the theme park. Do you mind taking a photo with me TK?
TK: Yea sure, but let me tidy myself for the shot first.
Kari: You don't have to be so vain TK. *chuckles*
TK: Well okay I'm done.
Kari: 1…2…3…say cheese!
Just as they finish taking the photo, Cody came back from the washroom and rejoined TK and Kari.
TK: Welcome back Cody, feeling better?
Cody: Yea, much better, anyways, what did you ordered?
TK: Chicken ramen with orange juice? Is that fine with you?
Cody: Yea, you're the one buying, I shouldn't be too picky.
TK: Don't put it that way, I would rather you have something you like than forcing down something that you don't.
Cody: Chicken ramen is fine TK, really. What did you two get then?
TK: Well, I got the same, Kari doesn't feel like eating so I only got her a drink.
Right after TK finished his sentence, the food arrived and TK and Cody began eating while Kari took her drink and continued viewing the photos of her camera. As she was scrolling through her hundreds of photo which she labeled in alphabetical order, she saw a photo under the T section which read "TK Sleeping in Class". She showed the photo to TK.
Kari: Hey TK, look at this photo. *snickers*
Upon seeing the photo, TK nearly spit out the ramen that was already in his mouth and choked on it. He quickly took a sip of the orange juice and swallowed down the mouthful of noodles. Unknown to TK, Kari was taking another picture of him at the moment.
TK: *Cough* *Cough* Damn, Kari, when did you take that photo?
Kari: It was the week before our math exam, you told me the lesson with Mr. Koguchi was very boring, in fact, everyone was bored. Then 15 minutes into the lesson, you fell asleep, so I just took a quick snap with my camera.
TK: Oh please, tell me you don't have any more photos of me.
Kari: *Chuckles* In fact I do, though it's just a few.
TK: *Taking a sip of orange juice* How many are there?
Kari: Erm… I'm not sure, maybe about 50?
TK's eyes immediately open wide as he forcefully swallowed down the sip of orange juice and turned to Kari.
TK: 50?! When did you take them? How did I not realize I was camera-sniped so many times by you?
Kari: Most of these were taken when you were busy doing your own stuff.
TK: Can I take a look at the rest of them?
Kari: Erm… You should probably finish eating your ramen first. I'm afraid you might throw up half way while eating when you see the photos.
After TK and Cody finished their meal, TK browsed through the photos of him taken by Kari. He couldn't help but laugh at some while giving Kari the dead face when he saw the photo of him falling off a chair during art class and the palette of paint stained his entire apron.
TK: Did you really have to take this photo? *dead face*
Kari: I couldn't resist, it was too funny! *holding laughter*
After a short moment of rest, they have to regroup with the rest in 10 minutes time. TK and the rest picked up their bags and left the cafeteria briefly.
TK: Com'on we better be faster, we don't want the rest to be waiting for us.
After reaching their original meeting spot, they saw Davis and Ken. Davis immediately struck up a conversation.
Davis: Hey, how was the ride?
TK: Good, I guess. Where is Yolei anyway?
Ken: She went to get some cotton candy.
Davis: Kari, you should have come with us, the 'Jumbo Tornado' ride and 'Fallen Angel' ride were amazing.
Kari: It's all right, I had fun too.
Cody: How many rides did you all try out already?
Ken: We tried four rides in total, though the 'Maze Factory' wasn't really a ride and it was boring. It was all Davis' idea.
Davis: Hey, what gives? You guys agreed to it in the first place.
Yolei: Sorry guys, went to grab some cotton candy, here, have some!
Davis: It about lunch time, let's go grab a bite!
TK: Err Davis… Kari, Cody and I had already eaten, so how bout you all go ahead, we'll go for some other rides for the time being. You said the 'Jumbo Tornado' ride was fun right? We'll go try it out, right Kari?
Kari: Yeah…
Davis: Dude, how can you just go for lunch without us, this is our celebration and what's the point if we keep splitting up instead of spending time together? Kari you knew that too, why didn't you told TK?
Kari: I'm sorry Davis…
Davis: Oh Kari… *sigh* Never mind, you guys can go ahead, we'll regroup after we finish lunch. Please be back in half an hour, same place.
Yolei: If we are getting lunch then we better be quick, Ken is a rather slow eater.
Ken: Do you really have tell the world?
Cody: Hey, let me go with you all!
Davis: I thought you already ate Cody?
Cody: I just feel like tagging along.
Yolei: Well then it's settled, so TK, you and Kari are gonna try out the rides, while Cody is coming with us, you fine with that?
TK: Uh-yea, sure.
Davis, Ken, Cody and Yolei head out towards a seafood shack located near the cafeteria that TK and the rest ate at before. With only TK and Kari left they decided to walk aimlessly around the theme park.
TK: Kari, what should we do now? We should go and try some rides rather than just walking around like this.
Kari: I don't know… TK, can we just like… sit down? I'm tired.
TK: Okay… You feeling okay Kari? Com'on, let's go find a seat so you can rest.
TK and Kari managed to find a seat near the entrance of the theme park. They sat side by side and moment they settled down, Kari started a conversation.
Kari: TK.
TK: Yea?
Kari: We are the best of friends right?
TK: Yea Kari, why the sudden question?
Kari: Just asking… Can we rest here till the rest gets back, I don't feel like going for any rides now. I'm sorry TK, I didn't make full use of the ticket you paid for me…
TK: It's okay, I'm the one that willingly paid for you. You really don't have to take it to heart. Like you said, we are the best of friends, don't worry about it.
Kari: Thanks TK, you're the best.
Kari closed her eyes and placed her head on TK's shoulders. TK's face blush red immediately.
Kari: TK… Let me rest awhile.
During this time, TK took out his hand phone and played some games while waiting. After 10 minutes, TK's phone battery indicated '20% battery remaining'. He decided to keep his phone and turned to Kari.
TK: Kari, Kari?
TK (thinking): Man, she's fast asleep. Guess I've just gotta wait for the rest to come back, it's only five more minutes.
TK decided to not wake Kari up anymore and just sat there while waiting for the rest. He slowly drifted away in thoughts and woke back up with idea. He took out his almost battery-dead phone and took a quick snap at Kari while she is still sleeping on his shoulder. It wasn't long till the rest come back from their lunch. When TK saw the rest coming back, the sight of Davis made him panic slightly.
TK (thinking): Oh no! If Davis sees Kari sleeping on me, he's gonna be dead jealous, I better wake Kari up now.
TK: Kari wake up, please wake up already. The rest is back. *shake her arm*
Kari woke up to realize that she was sleeping on TK's shoulder the whole time.
Kari: Sorry TK, I didn't knew I would fall asleep.
TK: Haha, it's okay, I woke you up as the rest are already back.
TK and Kari rejoined the group right after like always, Davis was the one to strike up a conversation.
Davis: So how were the rides?
TK: Actually, we didn't really…
Kari: It was fun! The queue was long though.
Davis: Told you that you should have come with us at first. The food at the shack was awesome as well!
TK knew Kari lied so that Davis and the rest wouldn't question what they did when they didn't go and try out rides. Which essentially saved them from an awkward situation trying to explain what they did during the half an hour.
The day continued in the theme park as the group. They managed to try out almost all the rides before the sun is down and called it a day at the theme park and went for dinner together at a restaurant nearby the theme park before heading back home. TK decided to send Kari home at Highton View Terrace as it was already dark by the time they took the bus service back home. Upon reaching the Kamiya's apartment…
Kari: I'm back!
TK: Hey Kari, guess I'll go back now, see you tomorrow?
Tai: Hey TK! What makes you drop by?
TK: Erm… I was just sending Kari home as it was already late.
Tai: So are you going back already? Wanna stay for dinner?
TK: No thanks, actually I've already eaten.
Tai: Are you sure you don't wanna stay with Kari for a little while longer? *giggles*
Kari: Tai…! *blushes*
TK: Erm, I've gotta go, see ya Tai, bye Kari!
TK left in a hurry and went back home. He took a quick bath and changed to his night wear. The first thing he took notice of after changing was his phone, '1 new message'. It was from Kari and it reads, "Sorry TK, Tai can be obnoxious sometimes, I hope you didn't mind. I'll see you tomorrow! Good night!"
TK smiled as he read the message and replied one, "Hope you had fun today Kari, see you tomorrow! Sleep well!". TK went to bed for the night with a soft smile on his face.
