Midway through the latter half of summer break, approaching its final stretch, was a certain day.

I was standing in front of the entrance gate to an amusement park located at Ueno Park.

Today was supposed to be my date with Ichika. Earlier, there had been this phone call:

“Mitsuhiko-kun, do you have any plans to go out somewhere next week? There’s something I’d like to talk about. If it could just be the two of us... i-is that okay?”

And so, it was decided that we would go to the amusement park. “Mitsuhiko-kun ♡ Sorry to keep you waiting.”

While I waited at the entrance, Ichika arrived dressed up for the occasion. She looked neither overly flashy nor too plain.

She was wearing a shirt and chinos, a snug cut that made her body's lines stand out.

“I’m sorry, making you take a day off on a weekday like this...”

Ichika works at the Harushino residence.

Her days off aren’t fixed; she works on a shift system.

Apparently, today was the only day free in August.

I guess that’s unavoidable, since she serves as the bodyguard for the leader of the Akita Group. It’s only natural she’s busy.

"Don't worry about it. I was actually just figuring out how to use up the leave from when I had to work a day off during Comiket, too."

Our SR Bunko team participated in Summer Comiket.

We're launching a new label soon, so we distributed a trial doujinshi at the event to test the waters.

"I read the doujinshi. It was great. Shirou-kun's new work," Ichika said with a smile.

It's really nice when people say that.

The Prince's new book was something he and I worked on together.

"Huh? How did you manage to get your hands on the doujinshi?"

"I had my brother grab it for me... well, I asked Saburou. He said he was going to Comiket."

"Well, if you'd just asked, I would've shared some with you."

"I didn't want to be a nuisance or anything..."

"There's no need for that. Come on, let's go."
"Yes, alright."

The two of us stood side by side and headed toward the ticket sales area.

I bought tickets valid for a full day, covering Ichika’s share as well. “Let me pay for my half,” she said.

“Nah, it’s the guy’s job to treat on a date.” “…………!”

Ichika clenched her fists tight, gugugu, vibrating with suppressed emotion. “What’s wrong?”

“W-What? No, that’s not…! I’m just realizing we’re actually on an amusement park date, the kind I’ve always dreamed of, so I’m a little... excited?!”

Ah, so she is hyped up... I handed Ichika the tickets.

“Did you ever visit an amusement park with friends back in school?”

“I have, but only with my girl friends. This is my first time going on a date with a guy. You’re the first, Hikohiko-kun.”

We’ve gone out with Prince and the other three, I suppose, but it feels like this is indeed the first time Ichika and I have gone on a proper date, just the two of us.

“Which is why... hehe, I'm really looking forward to today..." “Ichika?”

She nearly collapsed on her knees with a gaku— “Hmph!”

She executed a flawless front flip in place, landing with a soft shush.

“W-Wow... what got into you all of a sudden?”

"I'm sorry, I was up late..."

"Were you trying to sleep standing up? ...Why were you up so late?"

Ichika’s cheeks flushed pink as she answered shyly.

"I couldn't sleep because I was so excited about my date at the amusement park with Mitsuhiro-kun."

Ichika laughed, looking genuinely happy.

So that's how it is... She was excited to the point of losing sleep over it. "I've been working two shifts in a row, but my stamina is fine!"

"Don't push yourself too hard..."

Not being able to sleep for two days straight from excessive anticipation... just how excited was she? ... "Let's go." "U-um..."

Ichika blushed and fidgeted. "What's wrong?"

"N-no! It's nothing! Let's go!"

Ichika followed behind me.

"...Stupid me. Why can't I be the one to say we should hold hands first..." "Hm? What's wrong?"

「Oh no, I'm fine! Nothing at all, really!» Ichika steps in next to me.

Without thinking... I took her hand. "Hyaah...!"

Ichika flinched back with exaggerated drama. "W-What are you doing...?"

"Ahh, uhm, sorry... I just startled..."

I even ended up assuming a karate stance or something…… "Was that gross?"

"No! Not at all! On the contrary, please do!"

Ichika smiled and came back to stand beside me.

I held her small, pale hand. "~~~♡"

Ichika let out a squelching, melting smile.

"Hehee ♡ H-Hey, my boyfriend is holding my hand~…… ♡" "Is it really that fun?" "O-b-v-i-o-u-s-l-y!"

Ichika squeezed, causing pain-pain-pain-pain-pain! "Ah, s-sorry, Mitsuhiko-kun!" Ichika let go abruptly. "I slipped..."

"P-Please be careful with your strength..."

"Yeah, sorry... gomen ne... go easy, go easy." We held hands.

Ichika’s lips curved into a smile as she looked up at me.

"It's like a dream... I might even die happy..." "Nah, don't die on me."

"Obviously! It's fine! Even if someone kills me, I won't stay dead!"

Considering Ichika's tough hide, she really didn't seem like the type to actually die, no matter what.

"Haa... I'm so happy I might faint."

"That's probably just because you're sleep-deprived, isn't it?" "You know me too well."

When Ichika made that nonsensical remark, my heart unexpectedly settled into a calm state. "Where should we go first?"

"I want to do everything. We have time, after all." "Yeah. It's a weekday, so it's not crowded."

First, we headed toward the zone with the Ferris wheel and other attractions.

The Korakuen amusement park is divided into two sections.

Across the road lie the major rides, like the roller coasters and the Ferris wheel.

There are a lot of playthings, mostly stuff geared more toward kids.

I walk along, spreading out the pamphlet.

"Looks like there's a haunted house," Click. "What's wrong?" "Wha-! Wha-what is it?!"

"I don't know, but you're sweating buckets, aren't you?"

Ikka shakes her head vigorously, trembling.

"hahaha! It's not like that at all!"

I have the feeling she's getting weirdly hyped up.

"Don't worry, there are no ghosts, ghosts are just a lie. Sleepwalking people mistaking things for them!" "...Could it be you're scared?"

Ikka goes rigid with a squeal of shock.

"N-no way! I'll crush any ghost with my fists!"

"Ghosts don't have physical bodies, but please don't do that in a haunted house." Ikka hangs her head. "If you're not good at it, let's skip it."

"N-no! It's the classic date activity. The haunted house! I'll go... well, I will certainly go..."

Like a veteran mercenary marching into battle, Ikkahana spoke with the resolute look of someone who had made up their mind.

"It's just entertainment, so don't take it too seriously."