Chapter 88. Their First Real Date

The next morning, Ayaka stirred from a restless sleep, her body heavy with exhaustion.

The sharp chime of the doorbell pierced the quiet, dragging her from a haze of half-dreams and lonely thoughts.

Still in her nightgown, her hair an obvious, tousled mess, she shuffled sleepily downstairs, rubbing her eyes.

The memories of the night before clung to her like a second skin—the subtle kiss that had left her heart in even deeper turmoil.

It had been warm.

It had been soft.

But it hadn't been Akihiko.

It left a hollow, aching emptiness that no amount of warmth could fill.

She reached the door, her hand hesitating briefly on the handle.

A small part of her wondered—hoped—that it was a dream, that maybe if she opened the door, she'd find the one her heart still secretly clung to.

But when she pulled it open, it was Makoto.

And he was standing there, cradling a massive bouquet of fresh flowers in his arms.

Blooms in shades of soft pinks, whites, and vibrant yellows spilled over the edges, alive with color against the cold morning air.

For a second, Ayaka simply stared, blinking in surprise.

Before she could even find her voice, Makoto spoke first, his words tumbling out, low and sincere.

"I came to apologize for yesterday..." he said, his breath visible in the chilly air.

His green eyes were serious, almost pained. "I was... impatient. Possessive. That's not my style. And I hate that I made you uncomfortable. I don't ever want you to avoid me Ayaka, or feel awkward around me. I'm sorry."

Ayaka's chest squeezed tight at his earnestness.

She reached out and took the bouquet carefully, her fingers brushing against his, and gave a small, genuine smile.

"These are beautiful..." she murmured, gazing down at the colorful blooms.

"I'm glad you like them." Makoto replied, a flicker of relief crossing his features.

Then, gathering himself, he added, his voice stronger, filled with a gentle fire, "Ayaka... I promise you. This time, I'll make you fall for me—" he paused, smiling faintly, "—but the right way. Slowly. Patiently. No shortcuts. No pressure."

Ayaka's heart twisted painfully at his words.

She could see the sincerity radiating from him, and it only deepened her guilt. Her heart was still tethered to Akihiko—still bruised, still waiting.

"Thank you, Makoto." she whispered, cradling the flowers to her chest.

"I appreciate everything you're doing for me. Really." She forced a softer smile. "Shall we go inside? It's freezing."

Makoto gave a short, warm nod and stepped in after her.

"Sorry, I just got up..." Ayaka said with a small, sheepish laugh as she hurried toward the kitchen to find a vase. "Do you want something to drink? Coffee? Tea?"

"I'm good." Makoto said, watching her move around the cozy space, sunlight slipping through the windows and catching the edges of her hair, making her look almost ethereal.

Actually, he thought, 'I just want to be where you are.'

"I'm here because..." Makoto pulled out two tickets from his jacket pocket and held them up with a boyish grin. "I wanted to ask you out today. I got us tickets to the amusement park. It's a 'ride-all-you-can' promo."

Ayaka turned, eyes lighting up with a genuine flicker of excitement for the first time that morning. "That sounds fun!" she said, smiling—a real smile this time. "Give me a few minutes to get ready!"

She darted upstairs, hugging the bouquet to her chest, leaving behind a soft trail of floral scent.

Makoto watched her go, his heart both heavy and hopeful.

He leaned against the wall, slipping his hands into his pockets, and whispered under his breath, as if making a vow to himself.

"Bit by bit... piece by piece... I'll win your heart, Ayaka."

Even if he had to patiently rebuild what someone else had left broken.

Even if it meant loving her quietly until the day she finally chose to look at him—and only him.

------

Before they reached the amusement park gates, Makoto waited by the car, checking his watch while rocking back on his heels.

The morning sun casts a soft glow across the lot, the chilly breeze stirring the hem of his jacket.

When the passenger door opened, and Ayaka stepped out, Makoto froze mid-breath.

His jaw almost dropped.

For a second, the world around him blurred—the bustling sounds, the cool air, the distant honk of a car horn—all of it muted when she came into view.

She looked breathtaking.

The soft beige cap sat perfectly on her head, her silky hair cascading in loose, effortless waves.

The cream sweater she wore hugged her gently, tucked neatly into a light brown pleated skirt that fluttered around her legs with every step she took.

Her white sneakers gave her a youthful, charming vibe, and the light tan crossbody bag she wore only made her look even more delicate—more touchable.

Makoto could swear he felt the beat of his own heart hammering up into his throat.

It was unfair—how someone could look so ethereal and real at the same time.

Ayaka brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear shyly when she noticed him staring, her cheeks tinged pink from the cold—or maybe embarrassment.

Makoto blinked and quickly looked away, coughing lightly behind his fist to cover up his stunned reaction. 

He cleared his throat, struggling to sound casual. 

"You—uh—you look amazing..." he muttered, voice slightly hoarse despite the mask covering his mouth.

Ayaka gave a soft laugh, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Thank you. You look good too, Makoto."

Makoto shook his head in disbelief, pulling out a second face mask from his pocket.

He stepped forward, reaching up carefully to hook the mask over her ears, his fingers brushing her skin with a feather-light touch that made Ayaka's breath catch.

"We better cover up that pretty face." he said lowly, playful but earnest. "Otherwise, I might start a riot."

Ayaka blinked up at him, stunned, but before she could react, Makoto had already tugged the brim of her cap lower, ruffling her hair with a boyish grin hidden beneath his own mask.

"Come on." he said, offering his hand briefly before stuffing it back into his jacket pocket like he thought better of it. "Let's go make some memories."

Ayaka smiled underneath her mask, her heart squeezing unexpectedly at the sweetness of it.

And just like that, side by side, they disappeared into the vibrant crowd of the amusement park—two shadows beneath caps and masks, a little too close, a little too drawn to each other to pretend it was just a casual day out.

By late morning, the two of them stood at the middle of the bustling amusement park, a sea of families, couples, and groups of friends swarming around them, their laughter and chatter carried by the cool breeze.

Ayaka adjusted the soft beige cap Makoto had tugged gently onto her head earlier, her long, silky hair spilling from underneath in loose, delicate waves.

She wore a cream-colored knitted sweater tucked into a light brown pleated skirt that swayed just above her knees, paired with white sneakers that gave her a casual, sweet look.

A light tan crossbody bag hugged her side, completing her effortlessly pretty ensemble.

Beside her, Makoto cut a striking figure.

He wore a crisp, black bomber jacket over a white hoodie, the hood slightly peeking out at the collar.

His slim-fit dark jeans and clean white sneakers gave him a laid-back but undeniably handsome air.

He had also pulled a matching black cap low over his blonde hair and slipped a black face mask over the lower half of his face—still, nothing could fully hide the casual coolness he carried just by standing there.

Now, as they moved with the crowd toward the park's colorful rides and booths, the two of them blended into the crowd like ordinary friends on a casual outing—but there was an unmistakable closeness between them, like an invisible thread tethering their steps.

Ayaka's fingers lightly brushed against Makoto's sleeve as they walked and Makoto's hand twitched like he was restraining himself from grabbing hers.

He wanted to.

God, he wanted to.

But he remembered his vow. 'No rushing. No pressure. No mistakes this time.'

He turned to her instead and grinned beneath his mask, voice playful but soft. 

"Alright." he said, nodding toward the rides towering in the distance. "Where do you want to go first?"

Ayaka's eyes sparkled as she looked up at the enormous Ferris wheel, then toward the roller coasters twisting high into the sky.

It had been so long since she felt this kind of freedom.

And maybe—just maybe—it was okay to enjoy this moment with someone who stayed.

Someone whose presence was as steady and warm as the late morning sun.

------

The line for the Ferris wheel was short, and the breeze had started to warm as the day went on.

The park buzzed with energy, the sound of excited voices, laughter, and music mixing with the scent of popcorn and cotton candy.

Ayaka and Makoto stood side by side, enjoying the view of the park from the ground up, the colorful booths and rides shimmering in the sunlight.

Makoto looked over at Ayaka, noticing how she seemed so at ease in her quiet demeanor, even with the crowds around.

Her eyes sparkled with curiosity, and there was something undeniably beautiful about the way she looked when she was absorbed in the simple things—the way the sunlight played off her skin, how she absentmindedly adjusted her cap when a breeze blew through her hair.

The Ferris wheel cabin arrived, and they stepped in together, the door closing with a soft click behind them.

It was just the two of them, alone in the enclosed space, with a stunning view unfolding before them.

As the wheel slowly ascended, Ayaka let out a soft gasp, eyes wide as the entire park began to stretch beneath them, the landscape of the city on the horizon.

Makoto couldn't help but smile at the sight of her expression, so genuine and pure. It made his heart beat faster in a way he didn't want to admit.

"Ayaka..." he started, his voice low, "This is... nice, isn't it?"

She turned to him, her face alight with a soft, sweet smile. "It's beautiful up here. The whole park looks different from this height."

She paused, looking at him more thoughtfully. "Thank you, Makoto. For today."

He gave her a warm smile, though something more intense flickered behind his eyes.

He looked out over the landscape, the wind brushing his face, but his thoughts were all on her.

"Anything for you." he said softly.

As the Ferris wheel creaked and slowed at the top, the world below them seemed so far away, there was a long, quiet moment.

Ayaka's breath seemed to slow, her eyes lingering on the distant horizon as she leaned against the edge of the cabin.

Makoto's heart raced, and for a second, he considered saying something—something he'd held back for far too long.

But before he could speak, the Ferris wheel began its descent.

The moment slipped away.

When they disembarked and wandered through the park again, Makoto led the way toward the roller coaster, the familiar rumble of the track overhead making the anticipation build in the air.

Ayaka hesitated slightly, but Makoto grinned at her and gave her an enthusiastic thumbs-up. "It'll be fun, trust me." he said. "We're in this together."

"I don't know…" Ayaka muttered, nervously glancing up at the towering structure.

But Makoto was already pulling her along, a playful spark in his eyes. "Come on, Ayaka. You'll love it. I promise."

The line for the roller coaster was longer now, and the crowds were starting to grow, but Makoto didn't mind.

They stood side by side as the line slowly moved forward, their feet brushing now and then in the crowd.

Ayaka could feel her pulse quickening just from the energy around her, and she couldn't decide if she was more excited or terrified.

Once they reached the front, they were ushered into a pair of seats.

The ride began with a loud clatter, and as they climbed higher and higher, Ayaka's heart leaped into her throat.

Before she could even process it, they were hurtling down the tracks at breakneck speed, and Ayaka couldn't stop the excited scream that escaped her lips, her hands gripping the sides of the seat.

Makoto's laughter rang through the wind, a sound so carefree and infectious.

She stole a glance at him, her chest tightening.

His eyes were gleaming with excitement, but there was something else there too—something she couldn't quite define.

The roller coaster twisted and turned, its speed throwing them into sharp curves.

When they finally coasted to a slow stop, Ayaka was breathless, her heart pounding from the adrenaline.

She turned to Makoto with a grin. "That was... amazing!" she said, still catching her breath.

Makoto laughed and looked at her with an intensity in his gaze that was undeniable. "I told you you'd love it."

As they continued walking through the park, the crowds grew thicker, pushing them closer together.

Ayaka felt the rising sense of claustrophobia that came with the masses, and she instinctively reached for the sleeve of Makoto's jacket.

Makoto turned to her immediately, noticing her discomfort.

"Hey, it's okay." he said, his voice low but comforting. His eyes softened. "Let's not get separated in this crowd."

He reached for her hand, gently taking it in, his grip firm yet warm.

Ayaka looked up at him in surprise, her heart skipping a beat.

But there was no hesitation in his touch, only a quiet certainty.

Makoto's eyes met hers, and for a moment, everything around them seemed to fade away.

"I won't let go." he said softly, his thumb brushing the back of her hand.

Ayaka's breath caught in her throat, but something in her chest loosened.

She nodded, not trusting herself to speak, as they pushed through the crowd together, their hands entwined.

With each ride and each moment they shared, Ayaka's walls started to crumble a little more.

------

The sun had started to set as Ayaka and Makoto left the amusement park.

As they were on the car, headed back to Ayaka's place, both of them were laughing, a little out of breath from the day's adventures.

They had talked endlessly about the roller coaster, the Ferris wheel, and the chaotic maze of crowds that somehow didn't seem so bad when they were together.

"That last ride was insane!" Ayaka said with a laugh, her voice still tinged with excitement. "I thought I was going to lose my voice screaming."

Makoto grinned, his hand focused on driving.

"I warned you, didn't I?" he teased. "I told you you'd love it. But the look on your face when we got to the top was priceless."

Ayaka gave him a playful shove. "Stop, I was just surprised! It was more the speed than the height."

"Right, sure." Makoto teased back. "You were practically white-knuckling the rails!"

Ayaka laughed again, her eyes sparkling under the fading light.

They reached Ayaka's apartment, Makoto opened the car door for her then he stopped in front of the door, his expression softening a little as he let go of her hand to pull his phone from his pocket.

"Well..." he said, with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, "I guess this is it for today. I had a great time."

Ayaka smiled up at him, her heart fluttering. "Me too. Thanks for the tickets. And for everything, Makoto. I really needed this."

"You're welcome." His voice was quiet now, sincere.

He hesitated for a moment, then added, "I'll see you soon, okay? I'll be around if you need anything."

Ayaka nodded, giving him a small, genuine smile. "I'll be fine. Don't worry about me."

As she turned to head inside, she felt a strange sense of warmth in her chest, something different from the lingering ache she often felt when thinking of Akihiko.

The day with Makoto had felt like a small escape—a brief, uncomplicated happiness.

Just as she stepped inside the house, Makoto's phone rang.

He pulled it out of his pocket, glancing at the screen with a frown.

"Hello?" he answered, his tone suddenly more guarded than before.

Ayaka glanced back at him one last time before disappearing inside, the door closing softly behind her.

Makoto's eyes darkened slightly as he spoke into the phone, his voice low and clipped. "Who's this?"