Disclaimer: RahXephon and its characters are the property of their respective owners. This piece is not for profitable purposes.
Chapter 34: A Day at an Amusement Park
I lean back in my chair, bored of working on my summer homework for math. I am strongly considering taking a break when I hear the phone ring.
I pick it up and say, "Kamina residence."
"Kamina-kun, it's me!"
"Mishima? How nice to hear from you."
"How is your summer break going, Kamina-kun?"
"It's going well, thanks.
I'm enjoying and learning a lot from the art class I'm taking. How about you, Mishima?"
"That's good! I've had extra piano
lessons, worked on my homework, watched tv, and spent time with Yukino and
Arimi."
"That sounds nice."
"Yep! I was actually calling to see if you'll be free this Friday."
"Let me just check my class schedule." I look at my datebook and note that I don't have class that day.
"Hmm, I don't have class, so I should be free."
"Great! You see, I entered a contest at the market for two tickets to the amusement park near where we are, and I won!"
"That's great, Mishima. I'd definitely like to go with you."
"It's a date then! Let's meet there at noon on Friday, Kamina-kun."
"Sure, Mishima, I'm looking forward to it."
As I stand in the train headed towards the park, I think about how much time we'll be able to spend there before I have to leave to be sure to be home before my parents return from work. I decide that there should be plenty of time, and stop worrying about it.
When I come upon the gate to the park, I see Mishima already waiting there, looking excited. Today she's wearing jean shorts with a light purple t-shirt, a headband that matches her shirt, and her gray sneakers. She sees me approaching and walks quickly over.
"Kamina-kun!"
"Hello, Mishima."
She grabs hold of my hand and says, "Hurry, Kamina-kun, it's going to open soon!"
"Ok, Mishima."
I smile, thinking of how excited she looks. The gate opens and Mishima and I enter after having given our tickets. She takes my hand again and sets off running, even faster than usual.
"I want to go on the roller coaster first!"
"Sure."
We make our way through the rapidly growing crowd and arrive at the line at the entrance to the roller coaster. I watch Mishima as she stares in awe at the roller coaster as it speeds through turns and up and down the slopes.
She looks at me and says, "I can't wait, this is my favorite ride here!"
I smile as I respond, "I'm sure that it will be fun, Mishima."
As we enter our seats, having waited so that we could sit up front, Mishima smiles at me as we put down the restraints. The ride shoots off quickly and I notice Mishima lift her arms into the air. I smile as she screams and laughs as the ride continues, and claps when we return to the station.
When we exit, Mishima encircles her arm around mine and says, "Wasn't that fun, Kamina-kun?"
I look at her and smile as I respond, "Yes, definitely, Mishima."
After having gone on more rides, I notice that Mishima's face looks flush and she seems tired.
"Mishima, would you like to take a break at the café there?"
"Ok, Kamina-kun."
We walk over and Mishima orders an ice cream while I choose a soda. We sit down at a table underneath a bright yellow umbrella.
"Are there any rides in particular that you'd like to go on, Kamina-kun?"
"Hmm, I think we've been on all of them already, Mishima, so whatever you want to do is fine with me."
"Ok!" She answers as she gives me the thumbs up sign.
I watch her as she scans the vicinity. She stops eating suddenly and smiles.
"Kamina-kun, let's go on the carousel next!"
"Sounds good, Mishima."
After she makes her decision, Mishima quickly finishes her ice cream and jumps up from her seat. I follow her and we wait in line for the ride. When it is our turn, she quickly inspects the horses on the ride and chooses a pale yellow one with white roses interlaced in the mane and arranged across the saddle. I sit on the one next to hers.
The ride begins soon afterwards, and Mishima smiles as she looks at the park, at the other horses and riders, and at me, as the ride goes in circles.
When the ride finishes, Mishima and I wander around the park. We eventually reach the carnival game area. To my surprise, she stops at one stand and I notice her looking at a stuffed animal.
She is about to continue walking when I say, "Mishima, I think I'll try my luck at this game."
"Really, Kamina-kun?"
I shake my head yes and she smiles in return. I look closer and see that it's a game where you throw softballs to knock down objects, I think I can do this. I give the person running the stand the money and am given three softballs. While two of the balls hit their targets, all three need to in order to win.
"Oh, too bad, Kamina-kun."
"I think I'll try one more time."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah."
"Ok!"
The first ball hits, and then the second. I look at Mishima and smile, noticing the excited look on her face. I throw the final one and successfully knock down the remaining target. Mishima claps.
"You did it, Kamina-kun!"
I grin as I look at her and say, "Would you like to choose a prize, Mishima?"
"Thank you so much, Kamina-kun!"
She looks at the person in the booth and says, "I'll take the pink bunny, please."
The person takes the stuffed animal down and gives it to her. She inspects it and compliments it for being cute.
"I'm glad that you like it Mishima."
She looks at me and shakes her head yes. As we walk hand in hand, I glance at my watch, and notice that we'll have to be going soon.
"Mishima?"
She looks at me and responds, "Yes, Kamina-kun?"
"We'll need to be going soon, is there one last ride you'd like to go on?"
She squints as she thinks, and her eyes widen and she smiles as she says, "I know! The ferris wheel!"
"Ok, sounds good."
After waiting in line, we climb into the car and the ride starts soon afterwards. We both admire the surroundings, the park and the sky as the sun sets.
Mishima takes my hand and looks at me as she says, "Isn't it beautiful, Kamina-kun?"
Instead of answering, I lean in and kiss her. When I move away, she falls forward and hugs me.
"I've had a wonderful day with you, Kamina-kun."
"I have too, Mishima."
I calmly smile at her as she places her hand on my cheek.
"I love you, Kamina-kun."
"I love you, too, Mishima."
We smile and gaze at each other and at the sun until the ride comes to a stop.
After leaving the park, we walk together and reach Mishima's house.
We say good bye, and as she turns away to walk inside, Mishima turns around again suddenly so that she is facing me.
"Mishima?"
"I have a great idea, Kamina-kun! The two of us should go on a picnic in the park that's not far from my house."
I smile and respond, "That sounds like a good idea to me, Mishima."
"Great! Do you think you could do it on Wednesday at noon?"
I try to remember my schedule, and realize I'm free then.
"That should be fine, Mishima."
"Ok, I'll see you then, Kamina-kun!"
"Sure, Mishima, good bye."
"Bye!"
After Mishima goes inside, I walk away, looking forward to seeing her again.
Author's NoteI chose to have Ayato win Haruka a pink rabbit stuffed animal because there is one in a basket with two teddy bears in the scene in episode 9 when Haruka is cleaning her room.
Next ChapterA Picnic
