--
The sun poured through the window.
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!
"Wake uppppp!"
Kota's eyes snapped open. He groaned and rolled over, glaring at the alarm clock.
"...I forgot to turn it off."
As he reached to shut it, a memory flashed in his mind—
> Airi stood in the clubroom, calm as always.
"You'll date her for two days. That's the deal."
She showed her phone with a pinned map.
"Here's the meeting spot. Don't be late."
Kota frowned, remembering.
"Why me..." he muttered.
---
☀️ Scene – Kota's Apartment
He walked to the closet, grabbing clothes one by one.
"This is gonna be my first date... huh."
He sighed, got dressed, and stepped outside. The street was alive with sound—cars driving by, students chatting, people walking past with snacks and shopping bags.
---
🎡 Scene – Ferris Wheel Park Entrance
Kota walked with his hands in his pockets, his eyes dull. Finally, he stopped in front of the park.
Standing near the entrance was Rina—wearing a soft pink dress. Her hands were clenched tightly on the hem, her eyes darting nervously.
When she saw him, she stiffened.
"He-Hey..." she stammered, fingers fidgeting. 👉👈
Kota raised an eyebrow. "You don't have to be that nervous. It's my first time doing this too."
She blinked. "...Really?"
He looked away, scratching his cheek. "Yeah."
For a moment, the air between them went silent. Uncomfortably so.
Kota broke it with an awkward laugh. "So… uh… where do you want to go first?"
Rina flushed. "I… I don't know…"
Kota sighed, voice softening. "Okay. Then tell me—what kind of place makes you happy?"
Rina paused at the question, surprised. Then she slowly looked away and whispered:
"...The Ferris wheel."
Kota blinked. "There?"
She nodded, her cheeks still red.
"Alright then. Let's go."
---
🎡 Inside the Ferris Wheel Cabin
The view stretched far above the city. The sun painted everything in gold.
Rina leaned against the glass, eyes wide with joy. "It's so beautiful up here…"
Kota glanced at her, a little surprised.
She turned, smiling brightly. "Being this high up… it feels like I can breathe. Like I'm free."
Kota looked away, quiet.
"...Huh."
---
🌇 Afterward – Evening Streets
The sun dipped below the buildings. Kota and Rina walked side by side, quiet.
"That took longer than I thought," Kota muttered. "I should head home. Want me to walk you?"
Rina's eyes widened. "Y-Yeah…"
They walked through the busy street. Around them, couples were laughing and holding hands.
Then—
Rina suddenly stopped, eyes wide.
Across the street, a boy and a girl walked together, heading into a concert venue.
It was Kael Aratake—her crush.
Rina froze.
Kota noticed. "Is that him?"
She nodded silently, her expression unreadable. Then—
She ran.
"Rina—wait!"
Kota followed, dodging people until she stopped behind a wall near the venue.
Kota caught up, panting. "Jeez... you're fast."
He looked over the edge with her.
Kael stood in front of a girl with long pink hair.
"I… I love you," the girl said, closing her eyes. "Will you go out with me?"
Rina's breath caught.
Kael blinked in surprise—then let out a soft chuckle.
"Sure."
Rina's heart dropped. Her hands shook.
She turned and ran past Kota, tears forming.
"Rina—!"
---
💔 Near the Alley – Moments Later
Rina collapsed near the wall, covering her face. She sobbed quietly.
"Why... why does this hurt so much…"
Kota slowly walked over, crouching beside her.
"Love hurts," he said. "It doesn't always go the way we want."
She sniffled. "But I… I thought... I thought he was different…"
Kota sighed, looking up at the sky. "Sometimes, people shine so brightly that we forget they're just human too. Like fire—get too close, and you get burned."
Rina wiped her tears. "Then what's the point…"
"There are other people out there," Kota said. "People who'll like you for real. You're not alone."
She looked up at him. "...Thanks."
He stood up, stretching his back. "So, we can stop this whole fake dating thing now, right? I can finally get my nap—"
"No."
Kota froze. "What?"
Rina stood, her expression fierce.
"We're going to keep dating."
"...Why?!"
"I'm going to make Kael jealous."
She gave a bold smile.
"See you again tomorrow."
Kota stared in disbelief.
"You've got to be kidding me…"
---
💭 Kota's Thoughts – As He Watches Her Walk Off
> "I signed up for a nap… and somehow got dragged into someone's heartbreak, fake romance, and now a revenge plot. This club is cursed."
Next Time: "Jealousy Strategy Activated."