Ferris Wheel - Round Two
"The Ferris wheel in Sapporo? Sure, let's go."
It began with a familiar tap on her shoulder and an invitation to go somewhere fun. The Ferris wheel was easy to spot, a landmark of Sapporo city. Its location however was peculiar - attached to the side of a tall building.
"I never would've thought there was a Ferris wheel right in the middle of the city." she remarked. "I wonder what's the history behind this building?"
Memories came flooding back as they ascended many flights of stairs. Rising into the sky, high above the city. The deep red and orange hues of the sunset. Her heart wouldn't stop beating. The Ferris wheel car wouldn't stop creaking and swaying. She was certain her thundering heartbeat was contributing to the jolting. She was also certain that Ren could hear it too but was too polite to make mention of it. Instead he cracked a grin and beckoned her to come closer, effectively unraveling her bundle of nerves.
It was the good kind of nervous if there ever was such a thing.
By the time they reached the top floor, she had packed away those resurfacing feelings of nervousness. This time it would be different. So she hoped.
Ren purchased a couple tickets from the vending machine while Makoto observed the wide, spacious floors.
"There aren't very many people here. Isn't this a popular spot? Where is everyone?"
"Maybe we just got lucky. Look, no lines!" he replied.
"Then again, it is around dinnertime..." she mused. "I saw a lot of restaurants coming up here. They looked fairly crowded."
"Which means we get the Ferris wheel all to ourselves! Yay!" he cheered, handing her a ticket.
She tried to match his enthusiasm but could only manage an awkward smile before taking it.
"Yay…!"
Ren let Makoto choose where she wanted to sit first. She smoothed out the wrinkles in her pants, as was her habit. He leaned back in the seat opposite of hers. The doors closed and they were slowly lifted into the sky.
She gazed out at the nighttime scenery. "The city lights are so beautiful… Thanks for inviting me, Ren."
He simply nodded, gazing at her with that gentle, enigmatic smile of his. She cleared her throat.
"Wouldn't it be funny if all the lights in the city went out all of a sudden? Then we'd be stuck up here, stargazing instead. Just kidding..."
He chuckled briefly. "Yeah."
She coughed into her hand. "I hope this doesn't take too long. I don't want the others to get suspicious. N-not that I'm not enjoying this time with you! I just worry that, uh, never mind. I'm getting worked up over nothing. Again."
"Not at all." was his polite reply.
Ren stretched his legs. He kept his hands at his sides, looking completely relaxed. Makoto fidgeted in her seat.
"So, um, I'm pursuing a degree in law, like I said I would."
"That's great."
"Yeah!" She nodded, albeit a little too enthusiastically. "It's hard work but I'm enjoying it. "
He crossed one leg over the other. "Ah, you did mention you'd be studying like crazy. So, is the work load about what you expected?"
"The very day classes began and we got our syllabus, I was already five textbooks behind on reading! And then I learned more about the history behind Japan's social systems than I ever cared to know. But I somehow managed to get through all that." She laughed wryly. "Oh great, now it just sounds like I'm complaining."
"Sounds like you're doing fine if you have time to complain." he said with a teasing grin.
"Well, it is only the first year of college. They're mostly introduction courses so I'm doing fine for the most part. Right now, I'm learning about how society functions as a whole. Law, education, commerce, culture. When you study them as a topic, they just become abstract concepts. Sometimes I find it difficult to visualize or how I can even apply this knowledge. How it will help me reach my goal of becoming police commissioner."
She closed her eyes in contemplation. Her speech became increasingly passionate yet pained.
"There's so much work to be done within the police force. It's rotting from the inside. They're fighting amongst themselves when they're supposed to be protecting the rights of the citizens. They're taking bribes and letting criminals get away when they're supposed to be defending the victimized. They're abusing their power, holding contempt on an innocent man and forcing him to do their dirty work!"
She looked at him pointedly, almost pleadingly before sighing dejectedly. "Seeing how they treat you makes me feel so powerless. I get impatient with myself. I want to be there already."
"It's okay, Makoto. We'll get through this."
His calmness compared to her outburst put her to shame. Wasn't she supposed to be the older and therefore, mature one?
She flushed red, squeezing her arms. "Sorry. That was a heavy topic, wasn't it? We're supposed to be enjoying our time together."
He shook his head, holding out his hand in encouragement. His voice was compassionate and understanding. "That's why you're working so hard to reach that goal. What you're doing now and what you intend to do is meaningful. If it's you, I know you'll accomplish what you set out to do. You've grown stronger in the past year."
A brief smile crossed her face before she tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. "Actually, I wonder if I might have regressed…"
He switched legs and leaned back. He knew that tone. Studies were not the main worries of his girlfriend but...
"The girls around college are always talking about going to mixers and clinging to their boyfriends. It's a little distracting to be honest."
Ren sat up a little straighter. "You mean it gets in the way of your studies?"
"No. It's just me. I just get worked up thinking about how they're all growing up around me and getting ahead in life. It makes me feel like an overgrown child. Or something like that..."
She laughed awkwardly. He smiled a sheepish smile.
"It's not your fault though!" she cried so suddenly that Ren nearly jumped out of his seat. "I'm thankful for what we have and we're making it work. I do admit, there are times where I catch myself thinking how nice it would be if you were here w-with me. And I know I'm being selfish when I say that."
Ren merely lowered his eyes and shook his head. Both of them were unable to look the other in the eye.
Makoto buried her burning face in her hands and mumbled something between her fingers. What Ren managed to make out caused him to blush and fiddle with his bangs.
"I miss you too. All the time." he whispered.
But it was lost to the hum and rattle of the Ferris wheel.
Makoto lowered her hands, drawing in a long breath to calm herself. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to lose my composure. I thought I changed in the past year but as soon as we disbanded, I went back to my old way of thinking. I thought I had found a balance between my studies and trying out new things but I'm still doing the same thing in college! While everyone else is out there gaining experience and planning for their future, I'm back to having my nose stuck in a book. The only thing that actually changed was my environment."
"That's not true." he said gently. "You've changed, Makoto. You've helped so many people get out of a bad situation, remember? Takao-san. Futaba. Haru. Me. You're not an ignorant child anymore: that's what I told your sister."
Makoto looked at him in wonder, mouth parted slightly. "You told Sis that?"
He nodded solemnly. "I told her what I saw first-hand. Plus you awakened to your Persona. If that wasn't a sign of change, then what is?"
"True. I discovered I had the power to change within me all along. If I hadn't met all of you, the past year would have been different. But now, I'm seeing the good in the things that never change - like how close we've grown. I want to stick with the Phantom Thieves for as long as possible - you, most of all. That's why we have to solve this case and clear your name, no matter what."
Her eyes filled with quiet determination. And whenever she faced him with that unwavering resolve of hers, it put his own doubts and fears to rest.
Ren nodded and smiled warmly. "Thank you, Makoto. I know I can count on you guys. You, most of all."
They both leaned back in their seats. A natural silence settled over them.
Makoto smoothed the back of her head.
What do we talk about next? I've just been talking about myself this whole time. I hope he's not bored.
She snuck a glance. He was gazing serenely out the windows. His hands rested on his thighs, his lithe frame languidly stretched back against the metal seat railing. Coolheaded as always. And deep in thought. The corner of his mouth lifted and she knew he knew she was looking at him. Her eyes flew down to her hands, to the sight of her feet nestled between his. She smiled to herself, noting how her black ankle boots matched his black-and-white sneakers.
Some things never change…
She heard him gasp in wonder before calling her name, followed by the hollow, thumping sound of plastic being hit.
"Makoto, you've gotta check out the view from here." Ren eagerly patted the spot next to him. She got up and gingerly sat beside him. She gazed out at the colorful lights carpeting the city. They were at the apex allowing them to see the beauty of Sapporo at night, unobstructed. The ascent was so smooth she hadn't realized they had reached the top until Ren called her over. But the view wasn't that much different from where she sat. It also reminded her of the view from the Skytree.
"It's… quite the spectacle." She kept her eyes on the distant lights below them, scrambling for another topic of conversation. "I think I can see that building we visited this afternoon from here. What was it called again?"
"Hmm? Where?"
"Um, over th-"
"Whoa!" He kicked back and rocked the Ferris wheel car, causing her to instinctively grab the closest thing for support: Ren himself.
"Don't do that!" she hissed.
"It's not gonna break." he said, eyes dancing with mischief.
"T-that's not the problem!" she stammered. "You're not supposed to horse around! This structure is who knows how old?"
He only tilted his head at her. She knew he was egging her on but she couldn't stop herself if she tried.
"We're more than 78 meters above the ground!"
One eyebrow raised and he pursed his lips innocently.
"And with our combined weight on one side-"
Ren's mouth dropped open.
"Are you trying to tell me I've been eating too much curry?"
"The extra helpings after every meal isn't helping your case." she quipped, narrowing her eyes.
"I burn it off. Look-"
He guided her hand down to his abdominals. She yelped. The results of Ren's training were undeniable. They felt firm and solid, like iron bands. He chuckled as her face grew redder and all she could manage to do was pout (adorably) at him.
It was in that moment they were suddenly conscious of the proximity of their faces. Ren leaned in.
"Wait," she pleaded, eyes darting back and forth between the wide windows around them.
"We're at the highest point. No one will see us." he whispered reassuringly. "Unless you don't want to..."
He began to ease himself back up but her fingers tugging at his collar held him in place. They traveled up his neck and he let her initiate.
For a few blissful minutes, they sensed nothing but the touch of their lips and hands, and the tilt and sway of the passenger car as it rounded the summit.
"Enough time." he said, pulling away with a wide smirk just as their passenger car dipped to ground level.
"You really do know how to make the most of every moment." she murmured, gently stroking his cheek. He sat them both up and kept his arm around her waist. Makoto brushed back a lock of hair.
"I'm sorry if I seemed nervous. It's been so long since we've had some time alone, I wasn't sure how to start again. And now that I've gotten comfortable, the ride's already over... It's always like this with me."
"Really? I thought that was just you being normal."
She scoffed. He grinned at her impishly.
"Well, it's nice to see that side of you hasn't changed." she said, playfully poking him in the chest.
The doors opened and they exited casually if not slightly flushed. To the guests waiting to ride the Norbesa Ferris wheel, they would be none the wiser if they assumed the two had spent the entire ride seated across from each other, enjoying the night view.
Makoto sighed as she took in the view of the rooftop Ferris wheel from outside Norbesa center. "That ride was too short."
"What do you want to do now?" Ren asked, stepping beside her. His eyes followed the car they had just rode. Makoto followed his gaze. It was a comfortably warm summer night. If there were a breeze, Makoto would have sidled up to him under the excuse that it was getting chilly. Instead she casually sidled closer till the sleeve of her cropped jacket and his polo brushed against each other - under the excuse that she was simply getting a better view of the Ferris wheel. The building was in the way after all. Ren smiled knowingly and angled his shoulder so they were touching. Her eyes fell on his wristwatch and taking his hand, lifted it towards her.
"It's getting close to dinner time. Shall we prepare something for everyone?"
"Yeah. What do you have in mind?"
She tapped her chin as she mentally cycled through their current store of ingredients. "It has to be curry!"
"You read my mind." he said, flashing a wide grin.
She ran her finger around the watch's face. "You're using it."
"Ever since I got home." His grin morphed into a teasing one. "Completes the look, don't you think?"
"I did say to take good care of it." Her smile was also teasing but gentle. "But I did wonder if you preferred a digital watch to analog when I was picking it out."
He patted her hand reassuringly. "It's a good watch. Thank you."
She beamed.
"And it's my first Christmas present from you. Of course I'll use it. Just watch, Makoto. I'm gonna take such good care of this watch, it'll become a family heirloom."
"W-well then, let's head back."
With that, she turned and marched in the direction of the Phantom Thieves' trailer.
The back of his hand bumped hers as he fell into step with her.
"You know, I was nervous too."
"You? Nervous? Never."
He laughed quietly. And whenever he laughed like that, she knew he meant what he said but was willing to play along.
"But thank you for telling me. I'm glad it wasn't just me. I just hope I'm not like this every time we meet again." She shook her head. "No, I can't let my nervousness take over. I'm happy when we're together. I want to be able to express those feelings instead."
His hand squeezed hers. "We'll get there."
...
Ren fired up the stove.
"What color was our Ferris wheel car again?"
Makoto handed him a pair of tongs and a spatula. "Huh? Red, right? I don't really remember. Why?"
"Oh, nothing." he smirked. "The tour guide mentioned there was something special about one of the cars. One of them is a different color."
"And what happens if you ride that particular one?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
He shrugged. "Something special, I guess."
"Probably something like you'll have good luck for the whole year. Or the two people who ride together will find happiness together for the next two years." she huffed and plopped a bowl of chopped vegetables in his hand.
A drizzle of cooking oil, a dash of salt, and the onion browning began.
"There's always some tourist spot advertising a chance at happiness, isn't there?" he remarked wryly.
"It's always about money. And we humans can't let go of the idea that nothing can be gained without first giving something in return. Everything comes at a price." she mused somberly, as she stowed the rice away. "Or we have to earn our way there. But there are some things money cannot buy. The things that matter most. The things that take time and effort, and sacrifice."
They exchanged a knowing glance. Ren smiled softly.
"And yet, how often do we take the easy way out; filling our lives with substitutes? When we think what we desire most is sold by other people and can satisfy us?"
They worked in unison, in quiet introspection, with an occasional word or two.
Makoto grabbed a ladle while Ren seasoned the meat and filled the pot with water. "Thank you for inviting me to ride the Ferris wheel. You did it to help me relax, right?"
"You know me all too well." he replied, with that all-too-familiar teasing smirk.
"What if I fell asleep?" she said, returning his smirk.
He took the ladle from her hands and softly kissed her forehead. "That would've been fine too. Thank you, Makoto. All those long hours of driving and not a single word of complaint."
"It's nothing, really. You can leave the driving to me. I want everyone to relax and enjoy this trip. You included." She playfully wagged her index finger at him. "So I don't want to hear you say, 'If only I got my driver's license sooner then I could share the load!' You just focus on graduating and solving the mystery behind these Jails. Got that, Leader?"
He could only smirk. Any 'buts' and 'what ifs' would only be met with hushing and a finger to his lips. So he turned his attention to the now frothing curry and skimmed the foam off the top.
"But I do appreciate your concern, Ren." she said quietly.
"Then, if I can't drive, allow me to be your support." He patted his shoulder, coaxing her to lay her head there, which she did. They continued to work standing in place, attached at the shoulder. Everything was within reach in their neat and compact kitchen.
She tossed in some bay leaves. He stirred the sauce and had it simmer. She checked the time.
"In the event you did fall asleep," he said, offhand, allowing her to angle his wristwatch face up. "I'd just carry you. Piggyback. All~ the way back to our trailer."
Makoto dropped his hand and buried her face in his shoulder. "I will not, I repeat, WILL NOT fall asleep! Not ever on this trip!"
He chuckled a low chuckle. "Okay, okay, no piggybacks. I'll bridal carry you instead. Better?"
She socked his chest. "Geez…"
He chuckled even lower and kept her hand there, running his thumb over her knuckles. "I know you don't want us to worry. So you try to not show how tired you really are when we're all together. But you can come to me whenever you feel worn out."
"I know." she murmured, rubbing the spot where she socked him. "I spent all year learning that about you. Even this trip has taught me how much I'm relying on you."
She smiled to herself. Ren had proved himself reliable countless times. The many dangers, obstacles, and predicaments they went through served to refine their trust in each other. And she knew the bond they shared and the trust between them would continue to grow.
She felt his nose nuzzle her hair. "The same goes for me."
The rice cooker popped. They breathed in the aroma of steamed rice mingled with aromatic curry. She fully rested her head on his shoulder and hugged his arm.
"We don't need things like luck."
He wrapped his arm around her and squeezed her shoulder. "Yeah, you're right."
They were content to remain leaning against each other until the curry finished or if one of their friends showed up.
When the others got back from their own excursions, they found dinner waiting for them piping hot and satisfying to the last bite.