Disclaimer: I do not own any of OreImo's features such as the characters, stories, rights, etc. as they are the property of their respective owners.

Serene Days | Chapter 5: I Won't Run Away Anymore!

Kyousuke:

It still felt like a dream. I'm not sure if I'm the only one having this sort of crisis, but I still am in awe that I am no longer a high school student. Was my time as one really that important? Well, a lot of good things happened but… It was a very difficult feeling to describe, however, there was no point in mulling over about it.

As I sluggishly pulled myself out of my bed, a quick glance at my calendar reminded me that today was the 'date' with Kirino. It became one after she had strongly insisted that the trip to the amusement park today be only between the two of us. To be fair, it makes sense that she will miss me a lot seeing that we've become more closer nowadays, however, I still personally thought that amusement parks would be more fun with more people. Maybe she has a surprise in store?

After changing into a simple navy polo and black slacks, I went to go to my desk to go organize the work I'd do after I came back from the date until it hit me. What am I doing? I don't have any work to organize anymore… no work…

A smile crept up my face. It has been a long time since I didn't have to worry about work after coming back from activities with the gang or my friends from school. It'll be only around a few weeks or so until this period of jubilance is replaced by university work, but I guess there's no point in worrying about that now either.

I opened my door with the intent to go relax on the couch until I saw Kirino down the hallway who coincidentally, opened the door at the same time as me. Using the opportunity, I examined her outfit. Wow, she looks really different today, how can I put it? She looks… more mature.

I must've been inspecting her choice of clothing for too long as she glared at me in a puzzled manner. "Hello? You there? Stop staring and get walking, we're going to be late". I quickly glanced over at my watch to check the time: 9:31 AM.

Before I could say anything in response, Kirino grabbed my arm and yanked me down the stairs as she rushed over to put her shoes on. "Mother! We're off!" she announced. I put on my shoes in a lightning-fast manner to match her haste as we practically bolted out of the house and power walked to the train station.

As I walked beside my sister, I couldn't help but notice how good she looked. As seen from earlier, her over-the-shoulder top gave out a mature feel but also contrasted nicely with the vibrant red color of her skirt. It was a clothing combination that screamed 'look at me'. Usually, I wouldn't notice these sorts of things, especially since I don't pay much attention to my own choice of clothing, but thanks to all those eroge games I've played, I learned that the characters in-game seem to really care about the protagonist noticing and complimenting their clothes. I wonder if Kirino wants me to comment on her clothes? I can't tell if she'll either smile or call me a creep… ah well, here goes.

"By the way Kirino, that's a nice, new look you got there. You really do look like a high school student now." I tried to flash my nicest brotherly smile to keep the vibe normal. Thankfully, I wasn't labeled a creep, instead, Kirino just looked the other way and blushed. After a few seconds, she finally managed to say a quiet 'thank you'. Right on the money, looks like those eroge games are useful huh…

The amusement park wasn't that far away by train, and in this day and time, the train wasn't that crowded which allowed for us two to have a pleasant trip as the stations passed by. Kirino remained silent as she sat beside me on the train seats. I couldn't tell if she was deep in thought or still shy from the compliment I gave earlier. Was it *that* uncharacteristic of me?

After continued silence, we finally reached the entrance of the amusement park, prompting Kirino to beam brightly at the sights of all the attractions, stands, and people. It was a really playful atmosphere, very fitting for our recently graduated status. Before I could walk or say anything, Kirino grabbed my arm yet again and ran forward taking me with her. "Let's go! There's no time to waste!". She was smiling ever so happily at me as if she were waiting for this moment for a long time. It was such a bright grin that I couldn't help but smile back in the same fashion.

Our running brought us to the ticket booth to get our lanyards with our priority passes on them. It would be unwise not to get them as they may be expensive, but the spring holiday is usually the window for a lot of visitors to come and as a result, make the wait times incredibly long. I gazed over at the first attraction closest to the ticket booth. Supreme Loop? Holy crap, look at that track… I don't remember this monstrosity of an attraction being here…

The first time I came to this amusement park was when I was still in primary school, of course, it was a vivid experience as I munched on snacks and ran around the park with my friends. Back then the amusement park was a place where you'd go to meet your friends first and have fun on attractions as a secondary thing. Nowadays, it's flipped and so these sorts of crazy rides were born.

"Let's ride this one! It looks exciting!". To my horror, Kirino pointed at the Supreme Loop attraction. I gulped and questioned if I would come out of the ride alive. I was pretty nervous, but I had promised myself that today I'd do what Kirino wants since she was pretty serious on these last days I spent with her before I moved out. "Fine… let's go". With false enthusiasm, I followed Kirino as we entered the priority line.

After only a few seconds, we made it to the area where we start to fill the coaster seats. I was about to go sit into the middle row until Kirino yanked me by the arm. "What are you doing? We're sitting in front! I don't want some random people to block the great view alright?". A look of dismay befell my face. Oh, I am so dying on this ride…

Luckily for me, there was a pocket in the seat for barf bags so now all I need to worry about is not acting like an utter coward. Kirino sitting beside me was the complete opposite of me. She was literally bouncing as she waited for the start of the ride. How hyper do you have to be in order to be so excited about this deadly attraction? Is this just a girl thing or what?

With the sound of gears turning in conjunction with a loud 'thud', the roller coaster car started moving forward at a slow pace. I looked ahead to see what the tracks were like but all I saw was a small straight track which later goes straight up in a 90-degree incline.

The car then started its upward descent as we slowly moved further and further from the ground. Kirino's hair was fluttering behind her head like a unicorn's mane due to the angle we were sitting at. She was still beaming as well much to my dismay.

After what seemed like forever, we finally reached the top of the vertical increase. I made the mistake by leaning over to see what was next and dreadfully, it was a straight drop followed by a bunch of loops and curves. Oh, you got to be kidding me…

"Kirino how are you not nervous?" I asked frantically as I turned my head to her in desperation, keen on learning her secret as to why she wasn't scared. "It'll be fine, you don't do this all the time so you gotta let go of your fears and enjoy it! Besides, you're here with me so I'll be fine!". Kirino continued to smile as the car got ever so closer to the edge. So I'm the reason? How am I going to calm myself now? That only works for her dammit!

With that thought, the car finally dropped and Kirino and I were blasted down the track at ferocious speeds. The air punched us in the face as the car moved down the tracks like a lightning bolt before we began our first loop. My stomach felt heavily pressured as the sky and ground flipped. Everything I was looking at was moving upside-down or left and right, it was terrifying.

After the first loop, the car approached nearer to the arch. Taking advantage of the brief break of sorts, I looked over at Kirino to see she was totally fine as the car began its unnatural turn. If Kirino isn't scared, I'm not scared. I got to be the bigger man here. I'm the 'onii-chan' after all.

The car felt like it was going to fall sideways as it blasted through the arch, despite that though, I barely managed to remain stoic as we continued to pass through the remaining loops and curves at rapid paces. I didn't really remember much of final moments of the ride as it went by so quickly with loops inside loops and all that insane stuff but somehow, I had managed not to look like a scaredy-cat by the end of it.

As I exited the cars with Kirino, I noticed my legs became spaghetti as I was barely able to stand upright. I must've also looked pale as well because Kirino was looking at me pitifully as I struggled to walk behind her to the next attraction. "Brother, was the rollercoaster that draining? Do you need a break?"

I nodded my head as we found a bench to sit on. I took a large gulp of water from the bottle I brought along and sat as I tried to solidify my legs again. Kirino, on the other hand, looked perfectly fine, in fact, I bet she could ride the rollercoaster again and still be alright. Luckily for me though, that attraction was the harshest one in this amusement park so whatever other ones we take it won't be this bad.

After the adrenaline and nervousness from the ride disappeared, I stood up and gestured to Kirino that I'm fine and that we can keep going. As we were walking through the next attraction though, the crowd kept increasing and increasing as the time neared noon. It was so crowded that you can easily bump into people since the place we were going to next was near the dining areas.

Suddenly, I felt a tug on my sleeve again as Kirino looked up at me with puppy eyes, highlighting her sparkling blue irises. "Can we hold hands? It's getting kind of crowded so…". Despite being a bit haughty when we exited the rollercoaster minutes ago, she returned to a meek demeanor again with another request.

It wasn't unreasonable though, and despite some reluctance, I decided that after all, holding hands with your little sister in crowded public places is indeed a brotherly thing to do. "Sure, no need to be shy to ask, it'll be troublesome if we were separated after all."

After hearing my response, she smiled brightly and took my hand as we walked carefully to the next attraction: The Haunted House. From the outside, it looked like a broken-down mansion painted stone blue to emphasize the spooky atmosphere. I looked over at Kirino to see if her enthusiasm would match her previous levels before we entered the rollercoaster car but this time it was the exact opposite.

I felt her hand tremble slightly in mine as we walked closer to the entrance. "You know Kirino, we don't have to go inside if you're feeling uncomfortable or creeped out". In response, she grasped my hand tightly as she pouted at me. "I'm not scared! We're going in! After all, I promised myself that we'd go on all the attractions!". As per her request, we proceeded inside the haunted mansion.

Kirino:

I acted so brave in front of him but I'm really a scaredy-cat aren't I? The rollercoaster was super fun because the quickness of it is what makes it fun instead of scary but this… you have to experience it slowly and I hate that. You're more susceptible to getting spooked if you go through slowly instead of quickly…

I tried to stop my slight trembling as I waited in the priority line with my brother, still grasping his hand. It was really warm and soft unlike what I expected of a boy's hand. It helped calm me down a bit though because his big hand can completely cover mine and that sense of envelopment is as consoling as hugging a teddy bear. If we were a couple… we would be able to this every day. That'd be so nice…

After only a few minutes, it was finally our turn to get into the cars. It was similar to the rollercoaster cars except for its only two people at a time, additionally, the tracks on the floor of the mansion are straightforward and slow, so it shouldn't be anything to my brother. Usually, with these sorts of activities, my brother isn't one to be creeped out, he's more susceptible to the high-motion ones I guess…

We then sat on the car and after a few seconds, it slowly moved along in accordance with the eerie atmosphere and the low sinister music playing from the hidden speakers. It was like something from a nightmare, exploring a creepy mansion with barely any light. I looked right to examine how my brother was faring so far and as expected, he wasn't fazed at all as our car started to pass some fake cobwebs and skulls.

Those small things don't scare me, but what does scare me is the overall atmosphere these minor details create. It was just plain spooky, and since I wasn't holding my brother's comforting hand anymore, I started to break out in a nervous sweat.

Suddenly in my peripheral vision, a door creaked open with a large, dark figure on the other side. It was a sudden movement out of stillness so of course, I overacted by jolting up and grabbing my brother's arm. He turned to look over at what I was shocked by but he didn't notice it as the door closed quickly after it opened.

"Kirino are you really that bad at this stuff?" he asked, mimicking my earlier condescending tone. "Shut up baka, just let me hold you like this…". He didn't say a word as I continued to cling onto his arm, not taking any chances in case sudden things like that happened again. Back when we just started to become close again, he'd start to complain about me being too clingy or unreasonable, but now, he seems to be more patient with me as now he's just smiling to himself. When did he become so manly?

As we turned a few corners of the mansion, I slowly started to get used to the scary pranks the attractions had in store. There were some skulls hanging from the ceiling, moving skeletons in the windows, a painting that started directly at you. All was going well until suddenly the hallway became pitch black.

I tightened my grip on my brother's arm as our car continued into the unknown murkiness. After several seconds without being able to see anything, a sudden projection of a ghost lady jump-scared us out nowhere with the loud screaming noises blasting from the speakers.

I screamed in surprise and flailed onto my brother as the car took a quick descent down the mansion as we passed by many fake cobwebs and skulls with flashing eyes. I continued to stick to my brother as the car moved quickly down the now steep tracks. I wasn't scared by the sudden fast movement of the car but of the multiple projections that were flashed at our faces as we descended down the mansion.

At the end of the steep decrease though, the car finally moved along a flat surface at a slow pace again as the lights came back on. Shortly after we neared the exit my brother tried to squirm free of me. "Uh Kirino, we're at the end now so you can let go now I think…". Shocked that I didn't realize I was still clinging heavily on my brother in front of the park employees, I quickly let go as we exited the mansion.

"Boy that was fun, I didn't see the jump scare coming haha". My brother was scratching the back of his head and laughing in a relaxed manner as he always does. How was he not shocked by that projection It was so sudden and loud! Is it just me that's scared or is it just a boy thing?

After questioning my brother's mental durability, I noticed that he offered his hand to me. "C'mon, this will help, right? Let's go find a place to sit down and eat before we carry on". Wow, he's taking the initiative for once in his life… Following his suggestion, I put my hand on his as we walked around the plaza section of the amusement park in search of a good restaurant to eat at.

After we sat down and ordered some food, a sudden voice from the crowd caught my attention. "It's onii-chan! I found onii-chan!". A little girl with short black hair ran up to my brother and smiled at him. At first, I thought she looked familiar until my brother said: "Oh if it isn't Tamaki, are your sisters here?". Sisters? Who does he know who has sisters? Wait, isn't she-

My suspicions were confirmed when I saw Ruri run in our direction with her other sister Hinata in tow. Usually, she'd be wearing the same old goth outfit, but this time her clothes of choice consisted of a white sundress and a large straw hat. "Tamaki, don't go running like that, you might get separated from us."

Ruri then looked up at us, just noticing who her sister ran towards to. "Oh so that's why she ran off, I didn't even see you two, what brings you two to this amusement park today Kyousuke-senpai, Kirino?

"Nothing much, Kirino and I haven't been here in a while and since I'll be busier once I start going to university, I thought we might as well come when I'm still free, how about you?".

"Tamaki really wanted to come here for the live-action Meruru skit they're having soon so I decided to come with Hinata to check out the rides in the meantime". Meruru skit? I didn't hear about this! Me and my brother then looked around the plaza to see there indeed were some people wearing Meruru t-shirts and accessories, heck even Tamaki was wearing a Meruru hoodie. How did I not know about this?

"A Meruru skit huh? Was that the underlying reason why you wanted to come here with only me today Kirino?"

"I didn't know at all! I just wanted to invite you to a typical date at the amusement park, that's all!". I tried to make my plea to my brother so that he didn't think I dragged him along to yet another anime-related event, but it seems what I said intrigued Ruri as she was muttering to herself quietly.

"Well, are you going to go to the Meruru thing then Kirino?" my brother asked me gently in an effort to curb my excitement down as perhaps I was a bit too loud in defending myself. "Well, we don't have to go if you don't want to, but… if you're ok with it then I'd like to go".

To my surprise, my brother was fine with it. At first, I thought that I've taken my brother along to Akihabara and other anime-related places too many times against his will but it looks like he doesn't seem to mind anymore. You know you can just say 'no' right, stop making me so happy all the time… baka

After saying goodbye to Ruri's two younger siblings, I caught Kuroneko looking at my brother from behind her sisters in the corner of my eye. I couldn't tell if it's just the lighting or if she was blushing, but I guess there's no point in worrying about it, after all, I have Meruru to look forward to!

Kyousuke:

Kirino and I sat on the chairs at the plaza together as we waited for the Meruru show. By reading the event program, I could tell it was just simply a chance for little kids to interact with Meruru in real life, however, I didn't plan on bursting the bubble for Kirino who despite isn't a little kid anymore, is still enamored with seeing cosplays of Meruru and other characters.

After the show began, it was exactly as I expected it to be. Someone in a big Meruru costume rather than cosplay showed up and started reading out some voice lines alongside a prop of the comet side-kick. I looked over to my right to see if Kirino would be acting like the excited little kids in front, but to my surprise, she wasn't as captivated by the performance.

"What's up Kirino? Do you not like it?". I continued to look at her to see if I could figure her out. She wasn't pouting, but she wasn't smiling gleefully like she usually does with all things Meruru. "It's good but… it's nothing like what you'd see at the conventions in Akihabara…". Well, of course, this is just an amusement park version, it'd be moderate at best…

Despite the show being mediocre, we managed to sit and watch the whole thing rather than go to a different attraction. Perhaps we were just lazy to get out of the seats… "I'm going to go to the bathroom real quick, so wait here ok!". I then watched as Kirino scurried into the restroom area.

As I closed my eyes and brainstormed what attraction we should go to next. I felt someone tap on my shoulder. I turned out to see who it was, it was none other than Kuroneko. "Hello senpai, how did you like the Meruru show? Was it as boring as I thought it'd be?".

"Somewhat, it's ok though, I don't mind watching it if Kirino wanted to". Upon hearing what I said, Kuroneko gave me a quizzical look as if she were trying to figure me out for something. "Say Kyousuke-senpai, why don't we go ride that attraction over there, I have something I want to talk to you about".

"Can't we do it here, Kirino is wai-" before I could finish my sentence, Kuroneko caught hold of my arm and started walking towards the ride. In the end, I reluctantly followed her. I quickly pulled up my phone to text Kirino to wait at the same place so that she didn't kill me for disappearing on her without telling.

As I got nearer to the cave-like attraction, it turns out Kuroneko brought me to the 'River of Love'. "Why do you want to ride this one? Isn't this one for couples?" Kuroneko did not answer my question as she kept on pulling me to the priority line. It was only after we lined up that she started talking.

"The rides are quiet and peaceful, so I thought it would be a good atmosphere to talk, that's all". What does she want to talk about that requires this sort of atmosphere… wait, it can't be *that* can it? After a minute or so it was finally our turn as we climbed into the swan-shaped boat and slowly drifted into the cave.

After sitting for a few seconds in awkward silence, Kuroneko shifted closer to my right shoulder to break the deadlock. "Kyousuke, I haven't really bothered you about it since then but, do you still know how I… feel about you?". I knew it! I didn't think my prediction would come true…

The words didn't come out of my mouth. I tried to speak, but nothing came out and I couldn't tell why. Kuroneko seemed to be slightly embarrassed for asking such a question as I saw her continue to look the other way in the direction of the calm waters.

"You know, our soul contract still hasn't been broken right? That's… that's because I still love you Kyousuke". Kuroneko then planted a hand on my shoulder and looked directly into my eyes. Her blue-gray eyes were uncharacteristically glistening with emotion like the fake stalagmites above us as she waited for my reaction.

She still loves me… of course, how could I not know. Despite being her boyfriend back then, I still couldn't tell after she moved away if she still liked me or valued her friendship with Kirino more… it was both all this time. I'm such an idiot, aren't I? I've left her waiting all this time.

I gently directed her hand away from my shoulder and stared at her back with resolve. "Kuroneko, I'm sorry. I had forgotten about your true feelings since the incident at the hot springs like a fool. I don't think I have a right to be your boyfriend anymore, especially since I've made light of your feelings like that".

I looked away, scared to see how Kuroneko is reacting to what I'm saying. "Additionally, I don't think I can reciprocate-". Before I could finish my sentence, Kuroneko put her finger on my lips as a gesture for me to stop talking.

"It's ok, I understand. No matter who you like more, or what course of action you take, the contract between our souls will never waver, it'll be there forever so don't say anymore." I then looked down at her to notice she was barely containing herself. Tears were forming in her eyes above an evident blush, but despite that though, she was still firm and intent on telling me how she felt. I'm such a bad person, looking away like a coward while Kuroneko is barely holding herself together for me…

Feeling sorry for her, I gave Kuroneko a big hug. She initially squirmed in surprise, but then let it sink in. "Kuroneko, you knew all along didn't you, about how I felt". She then pulled herself away from my embrace and gave me a warm smile. "Of course, I've been watching you all this time after all…"

"Thanks, Kuroneko, I know what I have to do now" but in response, she just shook her head as if to say 'there's no need to thank me'. Our swan boat suddenly got slower and slower and then the light at the end of the tunnel signified that the attraction has finished. As I got out of the boat, I turned back to the boat to look at Kuroneko before she gestured for me to go on with her hands.

I felt bad for leaving her like that, considering how much I've hurt her feelings all this time, but she's given me the boost I needed. My eyes have been opened now, I shouldn't think of these feelings lightly anymore, or else, I'm just going to end up hurting everyone around me. I'm not going to run away anymore! I'm going to do it, I have to tell Kirino my true feelings.

I ran all the way from the River of Love to the fountain at the plaza where I told Kirino to wait for me. It was the fastest I've sprinted in a while and it goes to show how out of shape because I was as I started wheezing once I got to the fountain. "What were you doing to be so out of breath?". Kirino looked at me with a slightly irritated look, but it was justified, after all, I've made her wait quite a while.

"Nothing, just a friend that was here needed some help, don't mind it though, let's continue going around the rides". I stuck out my hand to her as an invitation. She didn't take it instantly, but after looking the other way and blushing for a bit, she finally grabbed it and so our journey across the amusement park continued.

For the next few hours, we went on every single ride in the amusement park. The remaining rollercoasters, the spinning teacup seats, the museum of unusual artifacts, and so on. I couldn't help but smile as we went through them because even though I made her annoyed while waiting for me, she was back to her happy self, for example, laughing as one of the flowers in the museum sprayed me with water.

After having a lot of fun, we realized it was starting to get dark, thankfully though, we managed to experience every single attraction in the amusement park, all but one. "Let's go on the Ferris wheel! Quickly, before the sun sets!". Like always, Kirino grabbed my arm and sprinted to the waiting line.

As I ran behind her, I reminisced about how many times I've been dragged along like this. Jeez, this is so nostalgic. To think that I'll be too busy in the future to go on trips like these… perhaps Kirino was right, it would be wise to use all my free time effectively before I start university, otherwise, I'll have painful regrets.

After a short waiting time, we got onto the Ferris wheel's passenger cars and sat down on the seats opposite from each other. After we got high up enough, we were treated to the beautiful sight of the sky during the golden hour. The sun was scintillating like a bar of gold and the sky around it was a magnificent display of blue and orange strokes. The scenery was just like the ones you'd see in a famous piece of art, it was truly an inspiring sight.

But prettier than the scenery was the person in front of me who was looking at it. Her blond-orange hair matched well with the color of the sky as it streaked down her shoulder. Her ocean eyes glistened with awe with hints of the sun's gold reflecting on it. My little sister was truly beautiful, and I've never thought otherwise.

As the passenger car got higher and higher, I continued to observe Kirino until she looked back at me and realized I was gazing at her. "W-what are you looking at, baka!". A blush appeared on her face as she struggled to cope with my smile. I couldn't help it, I was already grinning like an idiot as I watched her sitting there all embarrassed and quiet.

"You. I'm looking at you". Usually, I would be too embarrassed to be completely honest like this, but for some reason, I'm very calm and tranquil, like nothing can go wrong anymore. It was an odd feeling, but it was just the one I need to tell Kirino what I've been feeling for a long time.

As Kirino was looking away in shyness, I took advantage of the situation. The two of us sitting in a Ferris wheel together during golden hour literally screams romance, so I might as well say it before the sun sets. I didn't mean for it to be so perfect but, I'm not complaining.

"Kirino". With one mention of her name in a firm manner, she looked at me, still red as a rose. "You know, throughout all this time I've spent with you, I've never realized how much I've cherished it until now. At first, I thought that it was just me becoming a brotherly figure to you again and that being close as siblings was all I wanted after you stopped talking to me, but that soon changed and now, I can't help but look at you in a different light because… I love you, in *that* way".

For a few seconds, Kirino stared at me with a surprised reaction, but it later changed as she started laughing her head off much to my bewilderment. "W-what! It took all my courage to say that and out of all the options you laugh?". As Kirino continued to giggle, my confident facade diminished and soon I found myself blushing as well.

"I can't help it, you were so sappy hahaha!". After a few more laughs Kirino finally stopped and wiped tears from her eyes. "I'm so happy… after all, I thought I was the one that was going to confess." Eh?

"W-wait you mean…" I suddenly realized the massive implication of those words. The pressure was extreme as if I was carrying the entire planet on my back. It was like for every millisecond before she could finish her sentence, I was being bombarded with anvils.

"Yeah… I love you too Kyousuke". Kirino looked at me directly with the same confidence I had when I confessed, her blue eyes radiated her sparkling resolve. After hearing those six words, I finally gave out and slumped on my seat, emotionally and physically drained.

Noticing my exhaustion, Kirino walked over to sit beside me and leaned against my shoulder. "You did good today aniki. Thanks for making today one of the best days of my life". Sitting in this passenger car with Kirino leaning against my shoulder had such a romantic feel to it. I kinda expected her to offer her lap to me as a pillow, but her resting her head on my shoulder isn't bad either. The moment was so wholesome, these sorts of times were something I yearned for so long.

"I had fun too". I patted her head softly much to her amusement and as a response, she smiled in approval of the head pats. "So, we can do this… more often right?". Kirino's meek question in conjunction with her cute puppy eyes was super effective, it melted my heart instantly as, despite her maturity, she still found ways to appeal to my 'moe' side.

"Of course, since you're my... girlfriend now... right?". It felt so unreal saying that. I always knew I had these feelings inside me, but I kept running away from them, scared that this great life we've had so far would fall apart due to my selfishness. I was wrong though, I was a coward for thinking I was the only one that felt this way. If I confronted the situation with my true feelings, I should've known that the only result would be in my favor because even if Kirino didn't feel the same way I did, I'd still smile in the end knowing that I didn't lie to myself any further.

After a while, the Ferris wheel ride ended, and as we exited, we noticed that the golden hour was now replaced by a young night sky. "We should probably go home, mom has probably started preparing dinner for us now". Having done literally everything possible at the amusement park, we walked back home hand-in-hand.

Not in the normal way, but the lover's way.

AN: Sorry for the long wait! Initially, I planned for the contents of this chapter to be separated into two chapters, however, seeing that I went against my weekly promise, I decided to write it all up into one long chapter so that you wouldn't have to wait for the big moment! I hope you enjoyed this special chapter as it really sets up the content I have planned for future chapters as I have been yearning to write about this budding romance for a while now. I hope you continue to stay tuned to Serene Days and I'll try to get back on track and continue to release the chapters within a week or less. As always, feel free to leave a review about what you liked or what you think I can improve on as whether it be something I did good or something I can fix, it makes my day when someone comments :)