Trial Lover 36 (Patreon)

Main Story 35 - Ferris Wheel

RAW

After finishing lunch too, the six of us continue to go around the attractions.

We spend the afternoon visiting classic amusement park attractions like Teacups and go-karts, and riding the roller coaster for the second time. All the while, I feel happy seeing Hiori smiling so much.

But, the fun time passes quickly.

Before we know it, it is evening and the sun is starting to set. The scenery of Dome Town is turning into a faint shade of madder red.

“It's already evening, so it's about time for the last ride. I have a suggestion, how about we ride that one for the last ride?”

As Kazuo says that, he points towards the Ferris wheel.

“A Ferris wheel, huh? I think it's good, Kazuo-kun!”

“I also agree. The Ferris wheel is one of the classics, so I want to ride it.” (Kyoko)

“It’s nice-ssu!” (Saaya)

“I also agree.” (Hiori)

“We mostly go around on thrill rides after all, I think finishing with a leisurely ride on the Ferris wheel is nice.” (Akito?)

“Yeah! I'm glad you guys agree! Then, let's go to the Ferris wheel!” (Kazuo)

Kazuo looks really happy.

With Kazuo, the one who suggested it, at the lead, we start walking toward the Ferris wheel.

Perhaps because it is now evening, the number of customers has calmed down. Some may have left early because they have work or school tomorrow.

When we arrive at the Ferris wheel boarding area, there is a waiting line. We line up at the end of the line. The line has two people in one row, so just like with the roller coaster or Freefall, we line up in these combinations: Kazuo and Shimizu-san, me and Hiori, Himura-san and Hazuki-san.

According to the staff manning the line, it will take about 20 minutes until we get on the Ferris wheel. Since it is a standard attraction, there are many people who want to ride it. Also, since it’s evening, there may be a lot of people who want to see the city center illuminated by the setting sun.

“Come to think of it, Kazuo-kun. For the Ferris wheel in Dome Town, can six people ride on one gondola? I feel like it wasn’t that big though.”

“I certainly don't remember it being that big. It might be because my body is big though. I'll go ask the staff.”

Kazuo leaves the line and goes to the staff member at the head of the line.

Seeing the Ferris wheel gondola, I feel like it isn’t that big. It was 7 years ago, but I remember riding it with my family of 4 and it was just right.

When I look at the Ferris wheel... it’s moving quite slowly. When I look up on my smartphone how many minutes it takes for one turn, it’s about 15 minutes.

Kazuo comes back with a jog. He is a short-distance runner in the track and field club, so his form is very beautiful. Partly because of his big body, many people in line are looking at Kazuo.

“They told me. It seems the gondola can accommodate up to four people.”

“I see, Kazuo-kun. It's a shame that we can't all ride together, but it can't be helped if the capacity is fixed.”

“That's true, Shimizu-san. The maximum is 4 people, huh? How should we allocate them?” (Akito)

“...Um.”

With a swish, Hiori raises her right hand up to her face.

“How about riding in pairs of the two people lining up next to each other? Actually, I have something that I would like to talk about with Akito-san alone. I'm being selfish, but...”

Hiori makes such a suggestion. Next to each other means Kazuo and Shimizu-san, me and Hiori, Himura-san and Hazuki-san, separated like that, right? There are two couples here, so this one seems safest.

Also, what does she want to talk about alone with me? I wonder if it’s about updating the trial period.

“I think Hiori's suggestion is good. There are two couples here anyway. Besides, if I ride the gondola next to hers, I think I'll be able to see Hiori enough.”

Himura-san expresses such an affirmative opinion. Even though Himura-san is the only one out of the six of us who seems like she’d express an opposing opinion. Because she wouldn't be able to ride with Hiori. I wonder if she's being considerate to the couples, me and Hiori, and Kazuo and Shimizu-san.

“I also agree with Aoyama's opinion.” (Kazuo)

“I also agree with Hiori-chan's opinion.” (Miu)

“I think Hiorin's idea is good-ssu!”

“Me too, since I get to ride with Hiori. Then, shall we ride using Hiori's suggestion?”

“Everyone, thank you very much.”

When saying her words of thanks, Hiori smiles kindly.

Then, until we get on the gondola, we talk about the attractions we’ve gone to today. Every attraction was fun, so we get quite excited.

And then, just as the staff member said, after about 20 minutes of lining up, it’s our turn.

“Then, see you again on the ground!”

“We’re going first!”

The first to ride the gondola is Kazuo and Shimizu-san. There's quite a difference in their physique, so it looks like the gondola is tilted towards Kazuo... are they going to be okay? Let's pray that we can meet safely on the ground.

“Next couple, please.”

“Yes. Then, we’ll go first. Himura-san, Hazuki-san.” (Akito)

“I'm off.” (Hiori)

“Go have fun-ssu!”

“Let’s meet again on the ground.”

Hiori and I get on the next gondola.

Since 4 people can sit here, we can sit next to each other or facing each other. But, Hiori said there was something she wanted to talk to me about, so for now I sit facing her.

The sight of Hiori sitting in her seat, exposed to the setting sun, is extremely beautiful. We've been with everyone all this time, so this situation where it's just the two of us makes my heart pound.

Also, I can see the next gondola behind Hiori. Himura-san and Hazuki-san are just about to get on it.

“H-Himura-san and Hazuki-san are also getting in.”

“I see. From my side, I can see Miu-san and Kuraki-san.”

When Hiori turns around, Himura-san and Hazuki-san wave happily at her. We also wave our hands toward those two.

When I turn around, I see Kazuo and Shimizu-san in the gondola in front of me. When we wave our hand toward them, they wave back to us.

“Somehow, it feels like we're alone, but we're not alone. Wait, is that a contradiction?” (Akito)

“Fufu. But I think that's an accurate expression.”

“I see.”

“...Let's get straight to the point. What I wanted to talk about with Akito-san alone... is about our trial lovers relationship. Originally, the plan was to talk on a video call after we got home, but I wanted to talk about it in person. Is that okay? Akito-san.”

“Of course, it’s okay.”

As I thought, what she wanted to talk about was our trial lovers relationship. I suddenly feel nervous. My back naturally straightens.

Hiori smiles kindly and looks me firmly in the eyes. Because she is illuminated by the setting sun, the sight of her is really beautiful. I end up watching in fascination.

“Akito-san, after you started dating me on a trial basis... how is it?”

“Every day is so much fun. The time I spend is like a dream. And ever since the at-home date at Hiori's house, I've been able to see you smiling and laughing. I'm very happy about that.”

“I see. I'm happy you said that.”

As if to show that the words she just said were true, Hiori's smile turns into a happy one. Seeing Hiori like that, I find myself feeling relieved.

“How about Hiori, what do you think after you started dating me on a trial basis?”

“I also feel the same way. The time I spend with Akito-san is enjoyable. I have a lot of fun talking about books, anime, cats, etc. The at-home date and the Hagikubo date, our time today too, is a lot of fun.”

“I see. That makes me happy.”

I'm really happy that she feels the same way as me. My heart is getting warmer and warmer.

“I was nervous when I talked about my middle school days. But Akito-san sincerely listened to me. And you accepted my smile. I was happy that you told me you would protect me. I think the reason I'm able to show my smile now is because I feel at ease knowing that Akito-san and the others are by my side.”

“I see. I think the other 4 people who came with us will be able to support Hiori if something happens.”

“I believe so too.”

After saying that, Hiori looks at the gondolas in front and behind her.

Himura-san, Hazuki-san, Kazuo, and Shimizu-san. They will become Hiori's reassuring allies. Perhaps because of their presence, Hiori showed a lot of her smile today. I can tell that she is enjoying her time in Dome Town.

“As we spend time together, Akito-san's presence grows stronger in my heart. When I'm at home, I think about Akito-san more and more. I also feel a warm feeling, like when you confessed to me, many times. Even today, I still don't know for sure what it is but... I think there's a possibility that it’s affection.”

Regarding that warm feeling Hiori felt when I confessed to her, Hiori said that, “I don't know if this is affection or not.” That's why, when she said, “There's a possibility that it’s affection,” I felt really happy.

Also, after hearing what Hiori said and recalling how Hiori is so far... I feel like the possibility that the reason for that warm feeling is affection is quite high. No, I wonder if I'm being too self-conscious.

“I would like to spend time with Akito-san like I am now. During that time, I want to make my feelings for Akito-san clear. Therefore, I would like to extend the duration of our trial lovers relationship. Akito-san, what do you think?”

“Of course, I’m okay with it. Then, the extension is decided, I guess.”

“Yes.”

Hiori firmly nods.

When she told me that she wanted to extend the trial duration, I felt both happy and relieved. So I can still spend time with Hiori tomorrow. I’m so glad.

“When should we update the duration next?” (Akito)

“Today is May 5th, so... how about the end of this month?”

“I think it's a good idea. Then, let's discuss it on May 31st. Also, about your feelings for me, Hiori should think about it at your own pace.”

“Thank you. Please take care of me from now on too.”

“Please take care of me as well.”

We bow to each other.

For the time being, our trial lovers relationship will continue for the rest of this month. Will I ever hear from Hiori about her feelings during this time? It would be best if she says that she likes me and wants to officially date me. What I can do is spend my days trying to make Hiori think it's fun to be with me.

“Akito-san. The view is very nice, you know.”

“...It really is.”

Because we were talking about updating the trial duration, the gondola has already reached quite high. Because of that, we are presented with a wide view of central Tokyo from the gondola. It is illuminated by the setting sun, so it feels very beautiful and luxurious.

Both Hiori and I take out our smartphones and take photos of the view from the gondola. And of our friends on the gondolas in front and behind us.

“I took a lot of good landscape photos.” (Hiori)

“Me too.”

“...Akito-san. Can you please move closer to the wall? Either one is fine.”

“I got it.”

I move to the left side of my seat.

When I do, Hiori slowly stands up from her seat across from me and sits to my right. As a result, I can faintly smell her sweet scent. I can feel Hiori's warmth on my right leg and right arm, making my heart pound even harder than before.

“The seat is spacious, so I wanted to sit next to Akito-san. Akito-san, thank you very much.”

“So that’s how it is. I too... wanted to sit next to Hiori.”

“I see. I'm happy.”

My heart flutters when I see Hiori giving me a smile from a point-blank range, and a strong heat spreads from my heart to my entire body.

Hiori places her left hand on top of my right hand resting on my thigh.

“Earlier, I told Saaya-san and the others that there is something I would like to talk about with Akito-san alone. That was the truth. But, the number one reason is... I wanted to spend some time alone with Akito-san while we’re in Dome Town. Spending time with everyone is nice, but I thought it would be really nice to be alone with Akito-san.”

Hiori says that in a sweet voice, and she gently rests her head on my right shoulder. My body twitches at that. The sweet smell of shampoo coming from Hiori's hair tickles my nostrils. Also, I get a glimpse of Hiori's cleavage. My heart can't stop pounding...!

“Hi-Hiori-san?”

“...Akito-san's warmth... feels nice. That time at the haunted house too, I felt safe once I snuggled up to you.”

“I'm happy you said that. I also... think Hiori's warmth is nice.”

“I’m glad. Can I stay like this until we get off?”

“Of course.”

“Thank you very much.”

The closest we have ever been, and Hiori and I laugh together.

“Hey, Hiori. Can I take a photo of us right now with my smartphone?”

“Okay. Can you send it to me later via LIME?”

“I got it.”

I take out my smartphone and take a photo of ourselves with its front camera. As I do, Hiori makes a peace sign with her right hand and I take the photo with her cute smile.

Looking at the photo, we find out that we are snuggled quite close together. Hiori seems embarrassed by this. Also, Himura-san and the others are looking at us from the gondolas in front and behind us. Even so, Hiori doesn’t move away from me until just before we get off the gondola.

────

Previous | Next