Episode 9: The Ferris Wheel Keeps Turning

“Well, that was fun, wasn’t it?”

As the sun began to set, Shinohara stretched her body widely and said.

“Yeah, it’s been a while since I came here, and it’s pretty great,” I replied, cracking my shoulders. The day’s fatigue seemed to hit me earlier than usual.

The amusement park “Porando” was just a few dozen minutes away by train. Though it couldn’t compete with the scale of major theme parks, it was well-known nationwide and a popular spot for young people. I’d visited a few times when I was dating Reina.

Riding the merry-go-round, spinning in the teacups, and watching the mascot dance show—hours passed in the blink of an eye.

Now, we were in line for the most popular attraction we’d saved for last: the Ferris wheel.

“The churros you get at amusement parks are just so delicious, aren’t they?” Shinohara said, staring at her churro with admiration.

“True. I only eat them at amusement parks, but when I’m here, I have to get one.”

“Right? Senpai, wanna swap?”

Shinohara held out her plain churro toward me.

I hesitated for a moment, but since we were technically in a trial relationship, I reached out to hand her my cocoa-flavored churro.

Her eyes sparkled.

My gut screamed danger, but it was too late.

My churro was already engulfed by Shinohara’s small mouth, deeper than I expected. I yanked it back.

“Fubobe!”

With an unfamiliar sound, the churro was freed. But as expected—

“Hey, that’s embarrassing!” Shinohara said, before biting into my churro again.

…The churro was more in a near-death state than rescued, so letting her finish it off might be kinder.

In retaliation, I planned to eat just as much of her churro, but she snatched it from my hand.

“Hey, you!”

“Henpai, your mouth’s filthy!”

I think the one making me curse is the problem here.

Shinohara gave me a half-lidded glare, but I stared back just as hard.

Then, she suddenly closed her eyes.

“Hyai.”

“…What’s that supposed to mean?”

I knew exactly what it was.

The classic couple cliché—the Pocky game, but with churros.

“…Keep your eyes closed.”

“Fue?”

When I pressed her, Shinohara flinched but squeezed her eyes shut tightly.

Before she could open them, I quickly snapped the churro sticking out of her mouth in half and popped it into mine. A faint sweetness spread across my tongue.

“Yup, cocoa’s the way to go.”

“…Senpai.”

“What?”

“You’re heartless!! Toying with a girl’s feelings, toying, toying!”

“That’s what you always do, so why act surprised now?”

“I only do stuff this extreme once in a while!?”

“You do it, though!”

As I protested, a voice called from behind, “Next customers!” Turning toward the Ferris wheel, our turn was almost up.

“Let’s go, our turn’s coming.”

“I got played, played, played!”

“Scary, okay, my bad!”

Apologizing half-heartedly, I grabbed Shinohara’s hand and moved forward.

“Grabbed” might be more accurate than “held.”

Muttering resentful words like a curse, Shinohara followed as I dragged her along.

Feeling a slight chill, I boarded the gondola as the staff guided us.

The moment we both got in, the door closed behind us.

It had been a while since I’d ridden a Ferris wheel.

“Alone with Senpai! Alone with a pervert!”

“Just sit down!”

Puffing her cheeks, Shinohara plopped down messily across from me. The staff faded from view as the scenery expanded.

The amusement park spread out below, and the higher we went, the grander the view became. It was more breathtaking than I’d expected. No wonder the Ferris wheel, not the roller coaster, was Porando’s main attraction.

The gondola was a confined yet romantic space.

Chatting and enjoying the view as a couple was probably the ideal way to experience it. Of course, that’s not the only way to enjoy a Ferris wheel, but it’s undeniably a situation everyone dreams of at least once.

…If you can control the mood, that is.

This Ferris wheel takes about fifteen minutes for a full rotation, so an awkward atmosphere could make for a painfully long ride.

Suddenly, a memory from a few months ago resurfaced.

When I rode with Reina, conversation flowed effortlessly.

We talked with a bit more excitement than usual, and at the top—

I smacked my head to stop the sweet memory from bubbling up.

Shinohara, startled by my action, leaned back.

“Y-You don’t have to feel that guilty. I was just joking about being mad…”

“Oh—yeah, good to know.”

I gave a small reply and let out a breath.

Sometimes, memories hit me out of nowhere. Back when I thought I’d been cheated on, only bitter pre-breakup memories came up. But lately, it’s mostly the happy ones. My brain’s too optimistic, I swear.

“Senpai?”

“Yeah?”

“Nice view, huh?”

“Yeah. It’s… emotional.”

“For you to say ‘emotional,’ it must be something.”

Shinohara chuckled, kneeling on one leg by the gondola’s window.

The gondola swayed irregularly with a clunk. Sunlight streamed through the glass, not blinding but warm enough to make me drowsy. Then, Shinohara spoke up.

“Senpai, how do you usually fall for someone?”

“Hmm… naturally, I guess.”

“Oh, naturally.”

“Mostly just how things play out.”

“I see. Yeah, that’s how it usually goes, right?”

Shinohara exhaled, sounding unimpressed.

Did she want some dramatic, movie-like trigger?

Unfortunately, I’ve never crashed into a high school girl with bread in her mouth on a street corner. The most dramatic thing was bumping into a Santa handing out flyers… which was pretty intense, but since I’m not in love with Shinohara, it doesn’t count here.

“By the way, Senpai, they say couples who visit this amusement park end up breaking up.”

“Pfft, that’s a nostalgic rumor.”

As we neared the top, I couldn’t help but laugh.

Back in high school, Porando was teased as a breakup spot for couples.

But we’re university students now. That kind of rumor is just something to laugh off.

“Speaking of, I broke up with Yudo-senpai the week after coming here with him.”

“I broke up with Reina two months after we came here.”

“…I know I suggested coming here, but it’s not exactly auspicious, is it?”

Shinohara’s expression darkened slightly.

I shrugged at her reaction.

“That’s just how it goes. Most couples break up eventually. If a lot of couples come here, the breakup count naturally goes up.”

“Right, right! Good point, Senpai!”

Shinohara sometimes gets swayed by gossip like this. Considering she never misses that dating reality show, it makes sense, but her straightforward personality makes it feel inconsistent.

Well, if someone her age had everything figured out, life would be too easy.

“We’re university students. Breakups are just about the people involved, not some curse.”

“True. You and Reina were like that, right?”

“Don’t dig at old wounds. I’m reflecting, okay?”

Her timely jab made me give a wry smile.

But Shinohara replied in a surprisingly serious tone.

“I said this before, but do you really need to reflect?”

“Huh? Of course I do.”

“Not… entirely, I guess. But do you need to change? I mean, I don’t want you to change.”

“You said that earlier too.”

“Oh, you heard that?”

Shinohara stuck out her tongue, looking a bit embarrassed and slightly regretful.

“Can I ask why you think that?”

“It’s not… some grand reason or anything.”

I didn’t respond, just waited for her answer.

The gondola’s faint vibrations came through the floor.

Shinohara swung her legs for a bit, then I heard her take a small breath.

“Let’s change the topic.”

Clearing her throat lightly, she continued as if to reset the mood.

“What, you’re dodging it?”

I couldn’t help but say it. I didn’t want to force her to talk, but ending it there left me itching.

“Don’t make that face. I’ll tell you eventually. But today, I came prepared with something serious to ask you, so I want to prioritize that.”

“What about my itchy feelings?!”

“Just listen! I want to ask how to fall for someone of the opposite sex!”

“You already asked that.”

“I want a more constructive answer!”

Shinohara waved her arms and continued.

“Senpai, what do you like about me?”

“Huh!?”

“As a person! As a person, I mean!”

“Oh, got it.”

I nodded, relieved. It’s annoying to admit, but I couldn’t deny her question. If I didn’t like her, I wouldn’t let her into my house multiple days a week.

My home is my sanctuary. I wouldn’t let someone I didn’t like step foot in it, not even for a day.

As I thought about it, Shinohara stood up, looking anxious.

“Y-You do like me, right!?”

“Obviously. If I didn’t, I’d lock you out.”

Her face softened, and she sat back down with a small smile.

“So indirect.”

“I was pretty direct, actually. Was that really what you wanted to ask?”

“‘Obviously,’ huh? Our bond’s gotten pretty deep… I’m happy.”

“Shut up, idiot.”

“Don’t call me an idiot!!”

Shinohara leaned forward, smacking my thighs with both hands.

Was it my imagination, or was she gentler than usual?

With no choice, I voiced my thoughts.

“I tend to fall for someone when conversations flow well or when I get a certain spark.”

“Totally unhelpful. Try again.”

…Even if she says that, I can’t lie. She might be searching for some relatable feeling, but a fake answer won’t help.

“Sorry, but that’s really how it happens.”

I said flatly.

Shinohara moved her mouth like she wanted to say something but looked down.

Maybe she was genuinely hoping for something from my answer.

Hoping it would shift her perspective or align her values with what she wanted. I don’t know why she’s so desperate to fall in love.

Sure, love can add color to life if it fits, but you can live a fulfilling life alone too. Modern society has plenty of tools for that.

“I’ve never gotten this close to a guy before. I’ve dated, but I wasn’t my true self… Actually, I’ve never fallen for a guy romantically.”

“What about your elementary school crush?”

“The me now was shaped much later.”

Saying, “I’ve always wanted to ask,” Shinohara stood up.

“Normal people fall in love so easily. From friends to lovers, or even from strangers to lovers. I want to know what kind of emotions drive that.”

She rattled off her words and leaned in close.

I tried to dodge, but her arms pinned my head, trapping me. Getting walled in by a younger girl—what does that say about me as a guy?

“Senpai, teach me about love.”

Her sweet breath brushed my ear.

The spot tingled with warmth.

“Tch, too close.”

“…Don’t you feel your heart race?”

“I do. Anyone would.”

“I see… I’m feeling it too.”

Shinohara tugged lightly at her collar.

Despite being younger, her curves caught the corner of my eye. I tried looking up, but she leaned closer, blocking me.

“Here’s a question.”

“W-What?”

“Is this racing heart love? Or just a physical reaction to being close to a guy?”

“How would I—”

Know? Even if I could peer into her brain, deciphering it would be near impossible.

Love is only love if you recognize it as such. If you don’t, it’s not. It’s just a vague concept with a pleasant ring to it.

Trying to pin it down with an act—

“Would a kiss tell me?”

“Idiot, absolutely not.”

I stared at her.

This date was strictly within the bounds of a trial relationship. If it was a trial with marriage in mind, maybe, but a kiss during a student’s trial relationship? No way.

Besides, Reina suggested this trial. It started with her idea. Kissing in a relationship that began like this would be wrong.

“Look at me.”

Shinohara closed the distance even more.

“Are you worried about Reina? She sent me here, so she must’ve considered this possibility.”

“That’s not—”

“Look at me.”

She wrapped her arms around my neck. The soft sensation hit my senses, making me catch my breath.

“Look only at me right now. Think only of me.”

“Wait, hold on. I don’t want our relationship to change.”

Did that sound like an excuse? I wanted to be honest with her, not hide behind pretty words. But saying it out loud felt so hollow, and I bit my lip.

“Is that… about change for the better? Or…”

“For the worse. No one knows what’ll happen. There’s no guarantee. That’s why I don’t want it.”

“I want to try… even so.”

“Are you serious?”

I grabbed her arms to pull her away, not hard, but hoping my feelings would get through.

My tone was stiff, but resisting her allure took serious effort. It was right there, within reach. She’d probably accept my hand.

Until the gondola was visible to others, acting on instinct might be forgiven. Knowing that, suppressing those urges was tough.

Even with rationality holding me back, the primal desire was undeniable.

Shinohara stared at me for a while, then softened her expression.

“…You’re right. I was testing you a bit.”

With that, she pulled away.

The soft fragrance that had tickled my nose faded.

“You’re right. You’re not someone I can gamble with so easily anymore.”

She sat back down, gazing at the scenery through the glass.

I felt a deep relief.

…That was close. The closest call I’ve ever had.

I was definitely seeing her as a woman just now.

Trying to calm down, I looked out the window.

The gondola had passed the top and was descending.

The sunlight had turned vermilion, signaling dusk.

Suddenly, the sunset seemed to sway.

In that instant, a soft, glossy sensation touched my forehead.

Her pale throat brushed my nose, delaying my grasp of the situation.

The warmth of another person. The signal from Shinohara spread through my body from my forehead.

Instinct screamed to hold her. To confirm that warmth in an embrace.

I could feel my body heat up.

After her soft lips left my forehead, I was frozen for a few seconds.

That eternal moment felt fleeting once it ended.

Seeing my expression, Shinohara’s lips curved up.

“…I messed up. You didn’t hate it, did you?”

“Y-You… do you realize what you—”

“I know. I kissed your forehead.”

“That’s not what I mean.”

“That it could change our relationship?”

She echoed our earlier conversation.

“You’ve probably felt this about someone before, right? Taking half-hearted, forceful actions to change things… You’ve experienced it already.”

She murmured, her profile lit by the sunset, her expression unreadable.

“That’s why you keep telling me to stop. Because staying the same is your answer.”

Her words brought Ayaka to mind.

Now that I thought about it, Shinohara’s action—potentially changing our relationship—was exactly like Ayaka’s during the hot spring trip.

In other words, Shinohara genuinely cares about our relationship. She said she wanted to confirm something before this trial. This kiss was her way of checking.

The possibility that our relationship could deepen.

It might be conceited, but I’ve long felt she likes me as a person.

If her actions mirror Ayaka’s toward me, my only answer now is to maintain the status quo.

As Shinohara said, that’s my answer.

But deep down, I know.

My answer isn’t some perfect solution to improve everything—it’s just a way to prolong this happy status quo.

I don’t know what’s ahead for someone who’s become so significant to me so quickly.

I don’t have a single confident answer to her questions.

Still, there’s one thing I can say. One thing I should say here.

“I think you’re incredibly important to me. That feeling won’t change.”

The gondola shook heavily.

In the corner of my swaying vision, Shinohara’s eyes seemed to glisten.

It was a cliché phrase.

One everyone’s heard somewhere, worn out from use.

Yet Shinohara looked down, chewing on it. I could tell she was replaying my words in her head.

Her next words sounded faintly hoarse.

“Why do you always say exactly what I want to hear?”

“Because you told me not to change.”

Her eyes widened in surprise.

The Ferris wheel’s mechanical sounds seemed louder.

Another silence settled in, broken by Shinohara’s laugh.

“That’s worth laughing at?”

“It’s just… such a blunt response.”

“That’s me, right?”

“Yeah, it is. I like that about you.”

She said it casually, turning her gaze outside.

I followed, looking through the window. The ground was close, signaling the end of this extraordinary time.

“We didn’t look at the view much in the second half, huh?”

Shinohara chuckled softly and stood up.

The staff unlocked the door with a long pole, and she stepped lightly onto the ground.

“Senpai!”

She reached out her hand. Her delicate hand waited eagerly.

“Yeah.”

I took it, feeling her warm body heat. Unlike before, it was a comforting warmth.

Following the signs to the plaza, Shinohara spoke in a clear voice.

“This trial relationship can end now.”

I replied, “Got it.”

It wasn’t surprising.

She’d initially wanted the trial to last a week, but something changed in her heart on this Ferris wheel.

“Knowing you’ll always care about me was enough. This trial was worth it. Heh, you really care about me.”

Her candid words embarrassed me, and I snorted to brush it off.

“Shut up.”

“Why the cold shoulder all of a sudden!”

Puffing her cheeks, she lightly smacked my arm. Did she look reluctant to let go of my hand, or was that my imagination?

“So, Senpai, one last thing. Until we get home, call me by my name. Girls don’t exactly love being called ‘you.’”

I stopped in my tracks.

“Wait, I’ve been calling you ‘you’ a lot, haven’t I?”

“It’s usually fine with you, Senpai. But I’m still your girlfriend right now, so I want my boyfriend to call me by my name. Just once, since it’s the end.”

“Got it. I didn’t think about that.”

“Okay, Senpai. Go ahead.”

She stepped forward and turned to face me.

Smiling, she waited eagerly for my words.

“…It’s kinda hard when you make it so formal.”

“Go ahead.”

Her bright smile made me give up and steel myself.

Opening my mouth to say her name, it felt like both an eternity and a fleeting moment.

“…Mayu.”

Just two syllables, but more embarrassing than I expected.

Unable to bear it, I looked away.

Then, she lightly touched my chest.

“Yup. I’m Mayu Shinohara, the girl who’s attached to Yuuta-senpai.”

The mischievous kouhai looked up at me with a carefree smile.

It was the first time her upward glance nearly stole my heart.

A spring breeze swept through, carrying the heat in my heart into the evening sky.

…I can’t tell her that thought.

Exhaling, I passed my kouhai and kept walking.

The Ferris wheel keeps turning.