Reiri’s POV
Two years after senior high school graduation
We are now on our way to the city. A smile has never left my lips since we left. Because I finally got the chance to wander around and mingle with humans. This is one of the things that I have been wishing to experience for a long time.
Summer break is really one of my favorite long days.
I took a glance at the guy beside me. I was surprised to notice that he was already looking at me.
My eyes fell to where his right hand was. I saw it slowly crawl towards mine, and when our hands finally met, he intertwined our fingers.
We just looked at each other. Gradually, he started to smile too. Everything feels so perfect. Until...
“How many times do I have to tell you that holding hands is not allowed?”
But just like any other dream, you will suddenly wake up to the truth, and the fairy tale-like story will come to an end. The feeling is so enchanting that it makes me forget that it’s not just the two of us who are here.
I glared in my brother’s direction. We are in his car, and he’s the one behind the wheel.
“What’s up with you, Vince? You’re ruining the moment. Can’t you just focus on driving?”
He frowned before glancing at me through the rearview mirror. But before he could speak, Steph reached over and pinched him with her fingers. My brother winced a little, and I just laughed.
“Will you stop overacting? Let the two of them have a life,” Steph lectured him.
The setup is usually like this. Whenever Hiro and I have a date or go out, my brother always wants to come along. But because he wouldn’t agree to be the third wheel, Steph ends up joining us too. It always turns out to be a double date.
Though I didn’t mind at all. But when Vince acts overly protective like this, I can’t help but feel irritated.
I will be an incoming first-year college student already, for Pureblood’s sake! But my brother still treats me like a kid who still needs looking after.
“That’s right, best friend! Get used to it because in a few years, I’ll become your brother-in-law.” Hiro tightened his grasp on my hand and smirked beside me.
I could feel my cheeks heating up. His words sounded like assurance to my ears.
Somehow, I was secure about what would happen in the future.
“Dream on, Mr. Playboy.” Suddenly, the two small stuffed toys on the dashboard flew up and landed on Hiro, who quickly caught them.
Steph just shook her head, and I rolled my eyes. It was like being with children.
After a while, the car stopped. I looked around in amazement after getting out. I didn’t remember the last time I was here at an amusement park.
I scanned my surroundings. It was filled with humans. I can’t see or smell a single vampire around.
The thought excites me. It feels like I’m in a different world.
Steph and Vince walked ahead. His right arm was protectively wrapped around her waist. Meanwhile, Hiro and I were holding hands and hopping towards the ticket booth. If we have one thing in common, it’s being childish.
I ran inside excitedly as soon as we bought a ticket. Since it’s “ride all you can,” I’m sure I’ll get tired of the rides and everything else.
The first place we visited was the haunted house. My brother even gave me a weird look, but I just shrugged.
I pulled Hiro inside, and I felt the others quickly following. It was really dark inside, and as soon as we entered, a white lady suddenly appeared in front of me. Startled, I held onto Hiro. He laughed and quickly put his arm around my shoulder.
“Damn, Rei! It’s just a fucking white lady! You’re clinging onto Hiro as if your life depends on it,” Vince said as he tried to separate us.
I ignored him and continued. Every time we encountered different creatures, I couldn’t help but be startled and hold onto Hiro. He seemed to enjoy it because I often caught him grinning.
The darkness didn’t stop us from moving forward. We didn’t mind it at all, maybe because our vision was clearer. Steph, on the other hand, seemed somewhat accustomed to the darkness.
But I think I’m the kind of vampire who easily gets scared.
Until we reached the end, I didn’t let go of my last embrace with Hiro. But I furrowed my brow when I felt something on his chest.
I groped for it, and the crease on my forehead deepened when I felt something big. I was surprised when he suddenly slapped my hand.
When we finally got outside, I looked up and saw Steph’s face instead.
Because of that, we immediately distanced ourselves from each other. I was about to speak when we heard a commotion behind us.
“What’s wrong, best friend? Aren’t you being a little too possessive? Why did you pull me from Rei? And where’s Steph?” Hiro scanned the area, and when his eyes met mine, he smiled.
“There you are, ladies!”
“Vincent Clarkson!” Steph stomped her foot in frustration as my brother approached. He just gave her an innocent look.
“What? I was just keeping my sister away from that pervert.” He pointed at Hiro, who seemed unfazed by his comment.
I rolled my eyes. I must have been so preoccupied with my surroundings that I didn’t even notice I was clinging to someone else.
But I couldn’t help but wonder. How did my brother do that?
Next, we went to the basketball shooting area. The two boys both stepped forward when the previous players left. They exchanged glances before each grabbing a ball and starting to shoot.
We kept shifting our gaze between them. It wasn’t a fast-paced game because all you needed to do was score points. There was no prize involved, so I couldn’t understand why their hands seemed almost like a blur due to their speed.
“They’re acting like kids,” Steph murmured beside me.
I looked at her and noticed she was restraining herself and extending her patience.
Their actions caught the attention of others. We were amazed at how they didn’t miss their shots, no matter how fast they were firing.
In the end, they ended up with a tie score. They were about to play another round, but Steph and I grabbed their arms and walked away. We felt they wouldn’t stop until one of them outperformed the other.
They couldn’t do anything about it. But when I looked at them, they were still glaring at each other. If looks could kill, both of them would be dead on the spot right now.
We tried a few more rides, but their bickering continued. Whenever Hiro and I held hands, my brother would suddenly come between us to separate us.
But at the same time, I’m still grateful to Steph because she’s really patient when it comes to my brother.
We went on the roller coaster, Viking ship, wild river, and carousel. Several hours passed before we decided to eat. Steph and I settled ourselves at a four-seater table in one of the food stalls.
“Ladies, what do you want to eat?” My brother asked.
I looked up at the menu board. “I’ll have three slices of pizza and a can of Coke,” I answered, continuing to look around.
“I’ll have a burger, fries, and water,” I heard Steph reply.
The two of them nodded. They were about to leave when my brother suddenly stopped.
“I’ll be the one to buy. You stay here and keep them company,” he insisted.
Hiro shook his head. “No. Let me do it. You stay here and watch over them.”
I blinked and turned to Steph. She had an indescribable look on her face as her eyebrows furrowed.
Once again, we watched the two of them argue with each other. If they had left earlier, we might have already finished eating.
Steph stood up with her hands on her hips. “Can you please stop this? We can take care of ourselves, so we don’t need a babysitter! Let us just buy the food and be done with it!” she shouted, causing them to pause.
I could feel the eyes of almost everyone around us looking in our direction, so I just covered my face.
The two of them sighed and left together. Even when lining up at the counter, they were still competing with each other.
When will we ever have a romantic and peaceful date?
***
Stephanie’s POV
It’s really frustrating! Do they have to argue even when buying food?
We are now eating in silence. No one dared to speak.
“Hey, are you still mad?” Vince nudged my side, and I just ignored it. I continued eating.
He didn’t say anything further. Doesn’t he notice anything? I’m just waiting for him to say the magic word, and I’ll be alright.
But it’s Vince we’re talking about. The word “sorry” is not part of his vocabulary.
I glanced at the couple sitting across from us. I smiled as I saw Hiro feeding Reiri, her mouth wide open with excitement. I knew she was happy now because she could move freely.
“Do you still want some? I can buy you more,” Hiro asked when he noticed her plate was empty.
Rei shook her head. “No, I’m full already. Besides, I’m excited to ride more attractions!” she said, and Hiro just patted her head.
“Okay. We’ll try almost all the rides here until you get tired.”
After we finished eating, we immediately stood up. Vince was about to grab my arm, but I walked away from him.
“Steph,” he called my name in a warning tone.
I closed my eyes. “Please, Vince, when are we going to have a date alone?”
I don’t mind double dates, but does it always have to be like this?
When he didn’t respond, I just followed in the footsteps of Reiri and Hiro.
Even though Vince has been in love before, I know that this kind of date is new to him. But I’m sure we can manage if he just lets us.
A thought crossed my mind, and my chest tightened. Why were he and Mica able to spend time together alone before?
We didn’t speak to each other until we reached our next destination. Reiri ran towards the bumper cars.
Although the cars were small, two people could fit in each car. However, since most of the players were children, the space inside these toy-like cars wasn’t that big.
We paired up, and the boys started driving off.
“What the!” I was startled when Vince suddenly collided with the car driven by the other two. I saw Rei glaring at him, but Hiro just smirked.
“Oh, please, not here!” I muttered in horror as I saw their car heading towards us. I noticed Rei scolding Hiro, but he wasn’t listening to her.
I just shook my head as they collided with us this time. The impact wasn’t strong, but that wasn’t the issue.
“What the hell are the two of you doing?” I shouted at Vince.
He looked confused. “What? We’re riding bumper cars, so we should bump into each other’s cars, right?”
I bit my lower lip and massaged my temple. They just needed to make sure they controlled their powers, or they might end up hurting someone because of their actions.
I knew that from the perspective of other people, it was just a simple and typical game. But we knew better.
If only I could jump out of here and run away.
But I couldn’t. Not when the small cars were filled with adorable kids.
I closed my eyes and tried to calm myself as they continued to collide with each other’s cars. I knew Reiri was doing the same.
After what felt like forever, our time was finally up.
We quickly got out and walked away from the bumper cars. We’ve had enough.
We both stopped as they suddenly blocked our path. I crossed my arms and raised an eyebrow at them.
“Get out of our way.”
Vince looked serious as he stared at me. “And where do you think the two of you are going?”
I frowned. “As if you care?” I grabbed Reiri’s hand and walked past the two of them.
“They make me feel exhausted!” Rei sighed beside me.
“Me too.”
We continued walking until Reiri suddenly pulled me in a certain direction.
“Steph! Let’s try there!” Reiri exclaimed, dragging me towards the booths where there was karaoke inside.
We walked past several booths until we found an empty one. Thankfully, we entered quickly. But before I could fully close the door, the two of them hurriedly entered.
“I’ll sing first!” Vince declared as he grabbed the songbook.
But Hiro swiftly snatched it from him. “No! Me first! You have a terrible voice, my best friend.”
“Can you keep your fucking hands away! I’m the one who gets this first,” Vince scowled.
“No! I was the first one who saw this!” Hiro countered.
Reiri and I exchanged glances and let out a sigh simultaneously. If I’m not mistaken, it was only supposed to be the two of us here.
Soon, a familiar melody started playing. Vince had the mic in his hand, and it seemed like he had won their argument.
In an instant, the irritation I was feeling vanished upon hearing his complete and deep voice. I looked at him, and our eyes met. Then suddenly, I felt overwhelmed.
But he only reached the halfway point of the song when Hiro quickly snatched the microphone away and continued singing.
It could have been okay, but what was I expecting?
I wanted to scold myself. Why did I even fall in love with this guy?
I stood up, and I felt Rei following me. I already knew what would happen. They were so preoccupied with their microphone struggle that they didn’t notice us leaving.
“I feel like, Steph, we should have been the ones on a date,” Rei said, crossing her arms.
I wrapped my arms around hers and chuckled. “I feel the same way.”
As we passed by a frappe shop, we quickly bought something. It seems like I need something sweet right now.
We continued walking until we had to stop because we saw one of the most beautiful attractions here.
The Ferris Wheel
For me, this is a ride that nobody should miss while being here.
We looked at each other and nodded. Then we joined the line and waited for our turn. But I don’t think we’ll ever have a peaceful ride here.
“You jerk! If you hadn’t snatched the mic away, my score would have been perfect!” I heard Vince say from behind.
“It’s not my fault if your voice sucks, man!” Hiro said teasingly.
They continued their argument behind us. People were already looking at them, and I just wanted to pretend that we weren’t with them and that we didn’t know them.
These guys have incredible senses. They quickly found us.
A few more minutes passed, and finally, it was our turn. As we entered the opposite cabin, I immediately closed the door, just as they were about to get in.
“Go to the next one,” I said, trying to be patient.
They couldn’t do anything about it. Soon, our ride started moving slowly. As we went higher, I couldn’t help but be amazed by the beautiful scenery of the city lights.
I looked up and smiled upon seeing the stars. I raised my hand towards them, pretending as if I were actually holding them.
“They’re still arguing.” I turned to Rei, who, despite the wonder in her eyes, still had a frown on her face.
I am no longer surprised that she can hear both of them even though they are in separate cabs. The perks of being a vampire.
I shook my head and diverted my attention again to the outside. “They will be fine. Maybe they just missed their old shenanigans, that’s why they were acting like that.”
Somehow, seeing how Vince can adjust to my world and express his feelings freely made me feel relieved. He’s slowly returning to his old self.
He’s no longer the type to sulk or go to a place alone. He doesn’t like having many people around him, especially if they are humans. He’s starting to play around and show various emotions.
“Indeed. It’s better that way compared to before when my brother was snobbish and quiet.” She placed her right hand under her chin. “I hope Mom and Dad can also join us when we come here.” Her face saddened.
Their parents are currently in another country. Hiro and Kira’s parents too. But I know that even though they are used to that kind of setup, they still long for their presence.
“I’m sure you will,” I assured her.
We were so amazed by the view outside that we didn’t realize the ride was almost over. Suddenly, the cab started to slow down, and when it stopped in front of the waiting crowd, I immediately stood up and got out.
Rei and I are patiently waiting outside for the next one to stop. But I became alarmed when I saw them seemingly arguing inside again.
“Oh, no! What the hell is their problem this time?” Rei and I exchanged worried glances.
We were about to run towards them when I saw Hiro stomp his foot. My eyes widened in horror when, in a split second, their cab slowly split in the middle and fell apart. The scene elicited a loud gasp from the people around.
I slapped my forehead and wished that the ground would open up and swallow me.
I guess a double date means double trouble.