Chapter 25 - Karin and the Date, Part 1
Hello, Hello World is an amusement park located a bit away from the center of our prefecture.
Although it has been over 20 years since its opening, it remains the only amusement park in the vicinity and, combined with its convenient location, still attracts a decent crowd on holidays.
"Hey, being 30 minutes late is just not okay."
It’s absolutely not okay.
I’m already standing here an hour before the appointed time.
"Ah? I don't need those ridiculous character ears!"
He don’t need them.
But let me educate you—those supposedly ridiculous character ears belong to Harowa-kun, the mascot of Hello, Hello World.
This mouse-like character speaks in a high-pitched voice and has an edgy name that might be annoying to job seekers.
"Anyway, let's take a photo! Hey—don't kiss me!"
Seriously.
Don't start kissing in public so lightly.
Just take your photo and get on with it.
Anyway...
Couples everywhere!
Come to think of it, I've never even considered going to a place like this on a holiday. It makes sense that I wouldn't know the crowd demographic. But seriously...
Couples everywhere!
Honestly, it feels super awkward.
It’s as uncomfortable as having both sides of your train seat occupied by people crossing their legs toward you.
Still 50 minutes until the agreed time...
Is there a convenience store nearby?
"Senpaaai! Kouhei-senpai!!"
I turn to see Karin running towards me.
"Sorry to keep you waiting!"
She looks different today.
Her hair, tied in two ponytails, looks more dynamic than usual.
She’s wearing shorts and a fluttery top instead of her usual school uniform, making the contrast even more striking.
"Um, senpai? Do I look strange?"
Realizing I was staring, I quickly look away.
But in my haste, I end up looking 350 degrees around, only to face her again.
"No, you look great, different from usual."
"Senpai, you know, girls are usually happy if you just say they look cute at times like this."
"Oh, sorry. I meant it as a compliment, in my awkward way."
"That's okay! I’ll take it as your clumsy way of complimenting me. I'm very happy!"
And then I realize an astonishing fact.
I’m blending in with the couples I had been annoyed by earlier.
Could it be that I’m now one of them?
Could this be what they call a 'party person'?
"What's wrong?"
"Oh, nothing. You got here pretty early, Karin. There's still plenty of time until our appointment."
"Hehe, I was so excited that I left home early. But senpai, you’re even earlier! I never thought I'd keep you waiting."
"Yeah, well, I got so antsy I couldn't stay still. Before I knew it, I was on the train. I don’t even remember getting up this morning."
We exchange shy smiles.
And thus, I took my first step into what they call a date.
"Welcome to Hello, Hello World! Haha!"
Right off the bat, we encounter something unexpected.
"Are you two a couple? How about a commemorative photo? Haha!"
We got caught by Harowa-kun, the park's mascot.
"How about a commemorative photo? Haha!"
I can hear you! Don’t be so pushy. Your high-pitched voice is already a violation, and that "Haha" laugh is unbearable!
"How about a commemorative photo!? Haha!"
Is this a mandatory event?
It’s like the NPC in Dragon Quest V who insists on guiding you through Renewel Castle despite your protests.
Get lost, will you?
"Senpai! Let’s get our photo taken! It’s a rare opportunity and will help us bond as a couple! Right, right?"
"Oh, okay. If you insist, Karin."
I can’t dampen her cheerful spirit.
"Alright, I'll take it! Say cheesecake! Haha!"
Wait, you're taking the photo? Aren't you supposed to be in it!?
"Wow! Look at this, senpai! Your eyes are half-closed! Hahaha!"
"… What a terrible picture. Let’s retake it. … Huh? Where did the mouse go?"
"That's okay! It’s an important memory!"
"Really? I mean, I look better than this, don’t I?"
"Hehe, this is perfect. Come on, senpai, let’s go!"
Karin looks satisfied. Then there's nothing more to say.
After that, we set out for the attractions.
"Whooooaaaa! Th-this pedal is too heavy!!"
"Haha, senpai, keep it up!"
Choosing the pedal boats just because they were available was a mistake.
The design, which cuts off any retreat, feels malicious.
"Aaaaahhhhhhhhhh!"
"Wheeee! It's pretty fast!"
More than pretty fast, it easily exceeds my comfort zone—the jet coaster.
"Hngggggg!"
"Wow, hahaha! This is amazing!!"
Not content with just dropping from a height, the free fall twists as it plummets towards the ground.
I deeply regret drinking so much water beforehand.
"Senpaaai! Haha, this is so fun!"
"Yeah, I’m watching."
For the merry-go-round, I managed to convince Karin by saying, "I want to see you ride it with that childlike innocence."
It turned out to be a great attraction for me to recover my stamina.
We moved energetically from one attraction to another, and eventually, both of us felt hungry and naturally took a lunch break.
"Ah, this is so fun! A date at an amusement park with you, senpai, feels like a dream!"
Karin looks very happy munching on her hot dog.
"I’m glad to hear that. But are you sure you’re okay with me? There are definitely guys who’d be better at escorting you."
When I said that, Karin gave me a stern look.
"Senpai, belittling yourself like that is the same as insulting the person I like. Even if it’s you, I won’t tolerate anyone speaking ill of the person I love!"
Her words were so logical that I had no choice but to reflect on them.
"You’re right. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you."
"Just understand that and it’s fine! No matter what anyone says, I think you’re wonderful, senpai!"
Her words made my heart skip a beat, a secret only I know.
"I’m going to the toilet for a bit."
"Sure."
Karin left her seat, but even after 10, then 15 minutes, she hadn’t returned.
As a gentleman, it felt wrong to go after her, but I began to worry and went to check.
"Please, stop it!"
I found Karin arguing with a guy who looked like trouble.
It was clear he was hitting on her.
Just to be clear, this isn’t some Showa romance manga—we’re in the Reiwa era now.
Looks like it’s my turn.