Chapter 12: A Fair To Remember

The fair buzzed with energy, vibrant lights casting a magical glow across the sprawling grounds. Sameer and Alya wandered through the maze of colorful stalls, their laughter echoing amidst the bustling crowd. Their banter flowed effortlessly, an unspoken bond growing stronger with every teasing remark and shared smile.

Alya stopped suddenly, her eyes lighting up as she pointed at a ring toss game.

"Hey, let's try this, pervert!" Alya said excitedly, her enthusiasm earning an immediate reaction from Sameer, who hurriedly covered her mouth.

"Don't say it so loud," he whispered, glancing around nervously.

Alya grinned mischievously, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Yeah yeah. Let's try this ring toss, okay?"

Sameer puffed out his chest, confidence radiating from him. "This is a piece of cake. I'm great at aiming, you know."

"Oh, really?" Alya challenged, raising an eyebrow.

"Just watch me," he declared, picking up the rings with determined precision.

Sameer carefully aimed and tossed the rings, only to miss every single one. Alya burst into laughter, her hands on her hips as she mocked him.

"Wow, impressive. You totally missed. Want me to show you how it's done, Mr. Expert?"

"It's rigged, I swear!" Sameer grumbled. "The bottles have anti-ring technology."

Still laughing, Alya picked up a ring. "Excuse me, my turn." With a quick toss, the ring landed perfectly on a bottle, and the stall owner handed her a small plushie as a prize.

"Look, I got a prize!" Alya teased, holding it up triumphantly. "Want me to win one for you too?"

"Nah, keep it," Sameer said, grinning. "It'll remind you of my excellent coaching."

They moved on, their steps taking them to a cotton candy stall. Alya's face lit up again, her excitement palpable.

"Let's get some cotton candy," she said eagerly. "It's been ages since I had one."

Sameer smirked. "Cotton candy? That's just overpriced sugar, you know."

Alya shot him a pointed look, her tone sharp but playful. "And you're just an overpriced pervert, but I still hang out with you."

"I was just kidding, you know," he said, laughing nervously raising his hands in mock surrender. "Okay, let's get some cotton candy."

He bought two, handing one to Alya. They walked together, enjoying the sweetness as they took in the sights and sounds of the fair.

After a while, Alya's attention was drawn to the Break Dancer ride. She beamed with excitement.

"Look, the Break Dancer! Let's ride it!"

Sameer hesitated, his nerves creeping in. "Y-You go ahead. I'm fine watching."

"Are you scared of this ride?" Alya smirked, crossing her arms. "Be honest, pervert."

"No," Sameer protested quickly. "I just don't feel like it. You go."

Alya gave him a mock pout. "Okay, but if someone else sits beside me…"

Realizing what she was implying, Sameer straightened up. "You know what, I suddenly changed my mind. Let's go ride it together."

They boarded the ride, Sameer nervously sitting beside Alya, who looked thrilled.

Inside Sameer's head. Oh man, this ride is so scary. I don't like it at all. But someone else sitting with Alya? I won't let that happen. Realizing, panic swirled, Wait… we're so close to each other!

"Hold tight, pervert," Alya said as the ride started.

As the Break Dancer spun wildly, they were pressed close to each other, the centrifugal force eliminating any space between them.

"Ho hu! So much fun!" Alya yelled, her voice filled with joy.

Sameer, on the other hand, was a wreck. Now there's no gap between us, he thought in a panic. Her leg and shoulder are touching mine. This is too much! I can't handle it.

Alya turned her head, her laughter infectious. "This is fun, right, pervert?"

Sameer stammered, his voice shaky. "Y—Yeah, totally fun," But inside, his thoughts were anything but calm. When will this end? I'm dying here.

When the ride finally stopped, and they stepped off. Alya looked delighted, while Sameer was pale and unsteady.

"That was amazing! Right?" Alya asked, smiling at him.

"Y-Yeah, totally amazing," Sameer replied weakly.

Noticing his condition, Alya frowned. "Hey, what's wrong?"

"Nothing," Sameer said, attempting a smile. "My head's just spinning."

"Is it because of the ride?" Alya said apologetically. "I'm sorry."

"Hey, don't apologize. I'll be fine," Sameer assured her. "I just need a cold drink to refresh myself."

They found a bench, and Sameer quickly downed his cold drink.

"Feeling better now?" Alya asked, concerned.

"I will," he said. "Let the drink spread through my body."

Before he could react, Alya gently pulled him down to rest on her lap. Both of them turned red, their faces flaming with embarrassment.

"A-Ahh…" Alya stammered. "I read somewhere that liquids spread faster through the body when lying down."

Sameer froze, his heart racing as he looked up at her face.

"Don't look up," Alya said quickly, her blush deepening as she turned his head forward. "It's embarrassing. Just rest, okay?"

"A-A-Alright," Sameer stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.

"You're such a pervert," Alya said softly, a shy smile playing on her lips.

Inside, Sameer's thoughts swirled as he rested his head on her lap. Man, her lap is so soft… and warm. It feels so good.

The fair buzzed on around them, but in that quiet moment, it felt as though time had slowed, leaving just the two of them in their own little world.

At the Shooting stall the air buzzed with excitement as a young man took his position, aiming carefully at the row of cans. One after another, he shot five times, but three of the cans remained untouched, wobbling slightly before settling back in place.

Suzein sighed audibly. "Not again, Paul."

Paul lowered the gun with a shrug. "Oh, come on! From this distance, hitting all the cans is impossible."

At that moment, Sameer and Alya arrived at the stall, their casual banter silenced as they approached.

"Huh, what's impossible, Paul?" Sameer asked, stepping closer.

Paul turned around, his expression lightening. "Oh, it's you guys."

Suzein's eyes lit up as she dashed forward, wrapping Alya in a warm hug. "Alya! I missed you so much. And wow, you look so adorable in this outfit!"

Alya returned the smile, hugging her back. "I missed you too. And thanks, you're looking adorable as always."

Sameer interrupted, his curiosity piqued. "So, Paul, what's impossible again?"

Paul gestured toward the cans. "Shooting all the cans from this distance. It's just impossible."

Sameer smirked. "Impossible? It's super easy."

Alya folded her arms, her tone mockingly playful. "Yeah, yeah, Mr. Expert. You're so great at aiming."

"Hey, don't mock me," Sameer retorted, feigning indignation. "Fine, let me show you all."

With that, he stepped forward, picking up the gun and taking his position. "So, Alya, what do you want me to win for you?" he asked confidently.

Alya tilted her head, pretending to consider. "Hmm, in that case, that pink rabbit."

Sameer nodded, turning to the stall owner. "How many do I need to knock down for that?"

The stall owner smiled. "You need to hit eight."

Sameer's confidence didn't waver. He flashed a grin. "Piece of cake."

In mere seconds, Sameer shot all eight cans in a perfect streak. The stall owner's jaw dropped, and the crowd gathered nearby burst into cheers.

Paul's mouth hung open. "Unreal."

Alya's eyes widened, her delight evident. "Wow! You're really great at aiming, Pervert!"

Paul and Suzein exchanged puzzled looks at her words.

"Wait… what did you just call Sameer?" Paul asked, eyebrows raised.

Both Sameer and Alya started stammering, their faces flushed with nervous laughter.

"P-P-Parrot! She said parrot," Sameer blurted out. "But Alya, that's a rabbit, not a parrot."

"Y-Yeah, my bad," Alya added quickly, avoiding their gazes.

Just then, Tom arrived at the stall, his curious eyes scanning the group. "Hey, what's everyone up to?"

The group turned toward him, their excitement spilling over.

"Tom, you should've been here a minute ago!" Suzein exclaimed. "Sameer just pulled off a god-level shooting performance."

Tom nodded knowingly. "Oh, I already know that. He's a sharpshooter." His gaze shifted to Sameer, and he smirked. "Hey, though, why are you carrying a ladies' bag?"

Sameer's ears turned red as he fumbled for words. "Oh, it's Alya's. She asked me to hold it."

Tom chuckled, turning to Paul. "And you too, Paul? Let me guess, that bag is Suzein's."

Paul sighed dramatically. "Yeah, man. Having a girlfriend is great, but the bag-carrying duties come with the package."

Hearing this, Sameer and Alya's faces turned crimson, and they avoided looking at each other.

"A-Ah, Sameer, I can take my bag now," Alya stammered, holding out her hand.

"Y-Yeah, you're right," Sameer replied, hurriedly handing it over.

Tom grinned, pointing toward a lucky draw stall. "Guys, let's try our luck."

"Good idea, but me first," Suzein declared enthusiastically.

The group gathered around the stall as Suzein spun the wheel with energy. The wheel slowed, finally stopping on a green marble.

The stall owner handed her a keychain. "Green marble, you win a keychain."

Suzein shrugged, inspecting her prize. "Well, it's cute. I'll take it."

Paul stepped up next, spinning the wheel. It landed on a pink ball, and the stall owner handed him a handkerchief.

Paul held it up, unimpressed. "A handkerchief? Seriously? Well, I guess it's useful since I forgot mine."

Tom smirked as he took his turn. "Alright, watch and learn."

The wheel stopped on a black marble, and the stall owner handed him a comb. The group erupted in laughter, except for Tom, who frowned.

Paul clapped his shoulder, mocking him. "Man, you really hit the jackpot there!"

"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up," Tom grumbled, pushing Sameer forward. "Your turn, bro."

"M-Me?" Sameer stammered, hesitating. "Hey, come on…"

"Just spin it," Tom insisted.

With a resigned sigh, Sameer spun the wheel. It landed on a white marble.

"Better luck next time, young man," the stall owner said sympathetically.

The group burst into laughter, leaving Sameer looking thoroughly frustrated. "What's the big idea?" he yelled.

Suzein grinned, nudging Alya forward. "Now it's your turn, Alya."

"Oh, come on. My luck is terrible," Alya protested, laughing nervously.

"Luck doesn't matter. It's fun! Just roll it," Suzein insisted.

Alya sighed but relented, spinning the wheel. To everyone's shock, it stopped on a red marble. The stall owner rang a bell loudly.

"Congratulations, pretty lady!" he announced. "You've won the first prize—a one-week beach trip with two rooms, including lunch and dinner!"

The group stood stunned for a moment before erupting into cheers.

"Oh, lucky girl Alya," Suzein exclaimed.

Tom's excitement was evident. "A beach trip? That's awesome! You're taking us with you, right?"

Sameer smiled warmly. "Wow, Alya, you're amazing."

Alya forced a smile, but unease flickered in her eyes. "Guys, you take the tickets and enjoy the trip."

Sameer's brow furrowed. "What? What about you? Aren't you coming?"

Alya hesitated. "A-Ah, I can't. I have some work to finish. Sorry."

Sameer's smile didn't waver. "That's okay. If you're not going, then neither are we. Right, guys?"

Tom nodded firmly. "Absolutely! We can't leave you behind."

"You're my bestie," Suzein added. "It won't be fun without you."

"We're a team, Alya," Paul said. "No one's going without you."

Alya's gaze softened, her eyes glistening with emotion. "You guys…"

Sameer stepped closer, his voice gentle. "We'll wait for you, Alya. We can go another time when you're free."

The stall owner interjected hesitantly. "Pardon me, but the tickets expire after tomorrow."

The group collectively gasped. "What?!"

Alya's resolve hardened. "That's why I'm telling you all to go without me. I don't mind. I've already had so much fun today. That's enough for me."

Sameer's smile turned teasing. "No way. We're not going without you. Next time, we'll just pay for the trip ourselves."

Tom, Paul, and Suzein nodded in agreement.

Sameer added with a playful smirk, "And since you're from the Rose family, Alya, you'll cover the expenses, right? You're practically royalty."

Alya stared at him, stunned, her emotions threatening to spill over.

Tom checked his watch. "Hey, we're going to miss the fireworks!"

"Totally forgot!" Sameer exclaimed, grabbing Alya's hand. "Let's go, Alya!"

He pulled her along, and Alya followed, her heart racing as she glanced at his laughing face. Her thoughts whirled as she tried to make sense of her feelings.

Why? I don't understand why you do this for me?

The crowd at the fireworks venue was massive, and the group quickly realized they were late. Sameer looked frustrated.

"Dammit! We're late," he muttered.

Paul scanned the area and sighed. "Yeah, at this rate, we won't even see the fireworks properly."

Tom, always the adventurer, pointed to a nearby hilltop. "Guys, what about up there? That spot looks perfect."

Sameer raised an eyebrow. "Are you serious? Do you even know if it's safe?"

Tom shrugged nonchalantly. "How would I know? That's why we should check it out! Besides, it'll be an adventure."

The group exchanged glances before nodding in agreement, and they began the climb. Ice creams in hand, they walked uphill, chatting and laughing along the way. Tom led the group, followed by Paul and Suzein, with Sameer and Alya trailing behind.

Alya turned to Sameer with a mischievous smile. "Hey, pervert, can I taste your ice cream?"

Sameer stammered, his face flushing slightly. "A-Yeah, sure. If you want to."

Alya opened her mouth expectantly, catching Sameer off guard.

Inside, Sameer panicked. She… she wants me to feed her?!

Gathering his courage, he carefully scooped a spoonful of his ice cream and fed it to her. Alya savored the taste, a satisfied expression lighting up her face.

"Hmmm, it's so yummy! Is this milk flavor?" she asked.

Sameer nodded. "Yeah, it is. I like milk flavor."

Alya teased him. "Oh, you're such a kid. Still drinking milk, huh?"

"Come on! I'm not a kid—I just like the flavor, that's all," he retorted defensively.

Alya laughed and offered her own ice cream. "Here, taste mine."

Sameer hesitated, his thoughts racing. Wait, her spoon… it touched her lips. If I eat this, it'll be an indirect kiss! But… I really want to taste it.

After a moment's hesitation, he took a bite. Alya watched him expectantly.

"So… how is it?" she asked with a smile.

"It's really good. Strawberry flavor," Sameer admitted.

Alya nodded. "Yep, my favorite."

Inside, Sameer was struggling to keep his composure. Man, the ice cream tastes even sweeter because it touched Alya's soft, sweet lips. I can't handle this…

They finally reached the top of the hill just as the fireworks began. The sky lit up in a dazzling display, and the group stopped in their tracks, gazing in awe.

"Wow!" Tom exclaimed.

"So beautiful," Suzein murmured.

"Magnificent," Alya whispered, her eyes wide with wonder.

They sat down on the grass, soaking in the moment as the fireworks burst across the night sky. Everyone seemed genuinely happy. Alya smiled, her face illuminated by the colorful lights. Unnoticed by the others, tears quietly rolled down her cheeks.

Later that night, Alya sat in her dimly lit bedroom. The only light came from the streetlights outside her window. She picked up a pill and swallowed it with a glass of water, then threw a bunch of empty medicine packets into the dustbin.

Her phone buzzed, breaking the silence. She picked it up and answered the call.

"So, had fun with your friends at the fair?" Freya's cheerful voice came through the line.

"Yeah, so much," Alya replied, her tone equally cheerful.

"I'm glad to hear that," Freya said.

"Thank you so much, Freya," Alya said sincerely.

Freya chuckled. "Mention not, Alya. By the way, did you check the reports?"

"Yeah," Alya replied, her voice softening.

"As per them, you need to stay in the hospital all day tomorrow," Freya informed her gently.

Alya muttered under her breath, "I was hoping to go shopping with him."

"Huh? Did you say something?" Freya asked, her tone curious.

Alya quickly stammered, "N-Nothing. I'll be there."

"Good. By the way, when are you going to introduce me to your friends? Especially him," Freya teased.

Alya froze. "W-What do you mean?" she asked nervously.

"Oh, don't act shy! I'm talking about your boyfriend," Freya said with a laugh.

Alya turned beet red, stammering. "B-Boyfriend? I-I don't have one!"

Freya laughed heartily. "Oh, come on! I've noticed how much happier you've been lately, and you're always messaging someone. It's obvious."

"Freya! Shut up! It's so embarrassing," Alya exclaimed, unable to keep a smile from creeping onto her face.

Freya's laughter filled the room as Alya blushed, her heart full despite the teasing.