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It was a beautiful and warm day in Saga as a duo of vehicles traveled down the cracked roadways of Takeo’s countryside. The soft puttering of an underspoken moped scooter was drowned out by the powerful roar of a sleek custom motorcycle. Its driver stuck out her hand to signal the rider behind it before turning off the path onto a small side street. The scooter followed at a meager distance.
A few more twists and a short time later the pair had arrived at their destination, Japan’s premier forest and squirrel themed amusement park, Marchen-Mura. Its peculiar mascot statue stood on the horizon as dopey as ever. Parking close to the front gate, they shut their engines off and began to dismount. The shortest girl was the first to remove her helmet, shaking her vibrantly-colored ponytail free and grumbling loudly, “Jesus christ your little piss-mobile goes slow.”
Besides her the other driver unclipped her own helmet and scoffed, “Shut up, it goes fast enough. We got here, didn’t we?”
“Just before my hair started to turn gray,” Saki continued to complain.
“How would it have turned gray?” piped up the soft-spoken passenger, taking her time releasing the tight embrace she had on the girl in front of her. “We’re already dead.”
“You’re one to talk, snowflake,” Saki negged as Junko eventually pulled off her own helmet, revealing her white hair.
“It’s okay,” her own passenger took her hand and said. “Think of it as saving our energy for the real rides.”
Saki gave her hand a small squeeze and smirked, “Yeah alright. Those two probably need it.”
Sakura giggled as Ai rolled her eyes. “We’ll see about that.” She helped Junko down from her seat only a few inches off of the ground who then clung to her arm and regarded her affectionately. “Shall we then?” she bid with a gesture towards the venue’s entrance.
“Hell yeah!” Saki bellowed before rushing forward, dragging Sakura as she struggled to keep up along with her. Junko and Ai strolled in casually after them, prepared for an interesting but ultimately enjoyable double date.
The park was abuzz with activity. Stepping into a world of whimsy, the entire space was full of all manner of eye-catching colors and enticing sounds. There were tall landmarks standing above the crowds like ferris wheels and roller coasters as well as smaller attractions such as a carousel and dark tunnel. Stalls lined the walkways offering all the food and games you’d expect to see. Walking around the opening square, this was the first thing to draw the quartet in.
Spotting a familiar sight, an excitable Saki pulled them all over to a modest tent housing a relatively easy looking game and urged them to play. In classic carnival fashion, the challenge involved taking a mock wooden rifle loaded with child friendly ammunition and using it to shoot various thematic targets of ducks perpetually swimming across a treadmill pond. The guns were cheap and heavy to wield but the cartoony cut outs of water fowl were large and moved slowly enough to appear easily hit. As such both Saki and Ai, begrudgingly, anteed up the necessary amount of yen to participate and stepped forward to try their hands.
Saki stared down the cutesy booth’s set up with determination. Calling her shot, she pointed to one of the oversized plush prizes hanging over head and declared, “See that, babe? I’m gonna win it for you,” inspiring a blush from Sakura in the process. With a wide stance, she positioned the rifle’s butt firmly against her shoulder and popped off three rapid fire shots that rang out into the air! And all three vehemently missed the taunting yellow ducks and stuck poignantly to the backdrop behind them with a disappointing thwap.
Saki lowered her firearm and looked on with befuddlement. Somewhere, she could hear sparse chuckles being unsubtly muffled around her and growled unhappily. “Sounds like someone is looking to die today.” The laughter ceased immediately.
“It was a good try,” Sakura offered sympathetically.
The gun was tossed back onto the counter with disgust. “Stupid games are always rigged anyways,” she muttered to herself just before another series of shots were fired off followed by a triumphant fanfare.
“Winner!” The man running the booth cried as Sakura and Junko cheered.
Saki whipped around so quickly she almost lost her head. Ai was crouched in front of the counter, perking up from the gun’s sights with a content smile on her face. Plain as day, three ducks have been knocked down ahead of her with near perfect bullseyes.
“Wh-” Saki started in disbelief. “How’d you do that?”
“Kinetic vision,” Ai replied simply with a wave of her fingers and a smug expression. Saki glared back, but Ai was too busy picking up a prize to notice. The park worker handed her a moderately sized plush seal, which she in turn handed to Junko. Her girlfriend accepted the gift with a soft smile and a big hug. Afterwards she tugged on her winning partner’s sleeve to get her to lean down for a sweet kiss on the cheek that made Ai puff her chest out with accomplishment.
Saki was forced to turn away from the saccharinely affectionate display. Her own girlfriend slipped an arm around her waist and led her away from their sappy friends. “Don’t worry. You’ll win another one.
Saki let her head fall against Sakura’s shoulder. “I totally will.”
From there they progressed deeper into the park and truly explored. Intimidated by the larger attractions, they started Junko off small with an exceedingly understated ride. Even then it took some words of encouragement and a hand hold to get her in line. By the time the safety bar locked her into place, she was beginning to have second thoughts but her bravery would be rewarded. As the car meandered along the level track through wide turns and gentle dips, she gradually loosened her vice grip and found the sensations more enjoyable. An adventurous smile forced its way onto her face until she was giggling with every shift in direction. The others were tolerably bored by the experience, but Junko skipped out of the exit with a fiery new interest she wanted to jump headfirst into.
Together they sought out bigger attractions, teaching Junko how to scream at the highest drops and put her hands up at the most exciting parts while being mindful not to detach from them. The girl was giddy with enthusiasm and a surprising thirst for adrenaline that suddenly became difficult to keep up with. The hunt for more thrilling roller coasters escalated until Sakura and Ai had to surrender to their nerves.
“Cowards,” Saki snarked at them lightheartedly at the entrance to the line.
“I’m surprised you’re even tall enough to be let on,” Ai shot back before Sakura had to step in to prevent someone from losing their head in public, literally.
The less courageous two left them to tackle the scariest ride on their own. Although they did watch for the picture to appear in the exit booth with endearment. Unfortunately despite Sakura’s best attempts, someone did, in fact, end up decapitated. When the photograph of their seat loaded, it showed Junko and Saki during a freefall plunge, both desperately trying to catch Saki’s head before it flew out of reach from their cart. The two grounded zombies then had to scramble to cover up the image before anyone else noticed something peculiar with it. Their partners received quite the firm, but still hushed, lecture upon their return. No more roller coasters today.
In exchange, they then sought out less forceful experiences. A peaceful ride on the carousel provided a nice cooldown. There was even a diversity of animals to choose from. Ai simply perched upon a traditional white horse, but Junko found a large fluffy sheep she looked quite silly on. Sakura thought the dolphin was pretty and Saki’s tiger was very fierce.
It was at this point that they visited another stall. Driven not by competitiveness or showboating, Sakura and Junko sat down at a quaint water shooting game. The smiling faces of several big-mouth goldfish were positioned in front of a pair of clunky hoses that made their partners grimace.
“Are you sure about this one?” Ai asked apprehensively.
“Yeah, it looks a little shotty.” Saki seconded, hoping to dissuade disappointment. “There are other games we can try instead.”
But the other two simply waved them off. “Don’t worry so much,” Sakura nagged. “It looks fun.”
“Yes,” Junko nodded. “We don’t need to win anything to enjoy it.”
“Not that I would ever expect to,” Sakura joked.
“Well I’m sure you could, just at something else,” Ai continued to protest with good intention, but Saki just shrugged besides her.
“Maybe not,” she spoke between the two of them as the girls fired off their water guns. “Man, if everything around here is as shitty as the games we’ve seen thus far then we’d be better off buying stuff from the gift shop.”
Ai gave her a side eye. “What do you mean? I beat that first one just fine.”
“You got lucky,” Saki snapped back with clear derision. “There’s no way something like that is gonna happen aga-”
A triumphant fanfare rang out again.
“Winners!” The woman behind the counter yelled with seemingly genuine shock. Even Sakura and Junko had to pause for a moment of silence that was eventually broken by Ai’s open laughter.
“I’m sorry what’s not gonna happen again?” she threw back mockingly.
Both of their partners were allowed to take sufficiently sized prizes. To Ai, Junko presented a long stuffed snake that she hung around her neck before pulling her girlfriend in for an especially warm kiss on the cheek that made her giggle girlishly.
In a similar vein, Sakura, so enamored with her relief from bad luck, chose the biggest, fattest chicken possible. She nearly toppled over in her effort to carry it over to her partner, who, despite her indignity, accepted it graciously with her own cheek kiss.
They opted to investigate only the food stalls after that. Thankfully the carnival snacks were as cheaply delicious as one would expect. Sakura tossed popcorn at Saki for her to catch in her mouth while Junko and Ai shared a sugary sweet cotton candy. Soon any lingering discontent had faded away. Unfortunately, what also faded was a bit of makeup from Sakura’s cheek, revealing a patch of green underneath.
After a moment of panic, the girls spotted a nearby face painter. Explaining away the tint of Sakura’s skin as an embarrassing condition that she’d rather not discuss, the painter was happy to dab on not just a cover up, but a rather pretty looking pink butterfly followed by little sparkles. It was a delightfully cute image the others d’awwed at before then electing to receive their own decoration. Junko hopped into the seat with enthusiasm and hopped out with a small pink nose, long whiskers, and the silly buck teeth of a white rabbit. Despite Saki’s absolute badgering that she get a lightning bolt, Ai instead walked away with a simple bat in front of a lunar crescent on her temple, while Saki herself chugged her own poison by getting the sickest set of flames the painter could produce.
The sun had passed over the middle of the sky and was now beginning its long descent towards the horizon, Even still, there was a bounty of sights left to be seen. In accommodation of their dates, the two thrill seekers sought out things they could all enjoy. A teacup-style ride revealed that Ai had a particular fondness for the sensation of spinning. Something about the ventricular force made her giggle in the most giddy way, which Junko then found every excuse possible to invoke.
Sakura, on the other hand, insisted they try out the spooky themed dark ride. She found the idea of zombies riding a horror attraction amusing. Although, you’d imagine that if anything a creepy atmosphere such as that would hamper the romantic mood, but Saki had other plans. Dipping her hand into the water to drag down their boat, she saw the lowlit privacy as an opportunity to get away with something. The girl’s supposedly less adventurous partner did her best to nag about the dangers of getting caught, but was quickly convinced into participating, as she usually was. A short time later they emerged only slightly delayed on the other side, looking perfectly in order. This was in contrast to their friends who arrived significantly later looking obviously disheveled yet acted seemingly without awareness or shame.
The ferris wheel on the other hand, typically a classic setting for moments of secret affection, proved somehow less appealing. The four of them had been happy to share a carriage and talk amongst themselves while enjoying the view until they reached the top, where the cart stalled and Junko’s subdued anxiety started to bubble up again. It was easier when the ride was moving too fast for her to think about it, but just sitting and staring down at how far away the ground allowed her courage to wane. “Th-this is making me nervous.” She kept herself turned towards her girlfriend with an extra tight grip on her hand.
Unfortunately, as the seconds began to tick by, their least patient member began to grow bored and fidgety. In an effort to entertain herself, Saki was swinging her legs. At first lackadaisical, but she soon noticed the box jiggle along with her. Without listening to what Junko’d said, she mischievously announced, “I’m going to shake the car.”
“You’re going to do what?” Sakura lifted her head from her hand to stare at her.
Ever the protective partner, Ai was quick to try and interrupt her. “If you do, I’ll kill you.”
But neither succeeded in dissuading what was to come. With a small smirk, Saki started to kick her legs out only to be stopped by Junko suddenly jumping up and grabbing her leg with a vice grip. “Don’t you fucking dare.” She commanded in a growl.
The car was silent as everyone looked on with surprise. After a moment, Saki slowly set her feet back on the floor and quietly murmured a “y-yeah, okay.”
Junko returned to her seat, pressed against Ai’s side and now hugging her arm like her unlife depended on it. Her partner stiffened up with a face that conveyed discreet terror, as if she was being held hostage. Saki and Sakura offered absolutely no assistance whatsoever.
Before long the group had wound their way through most of the park and the sun was nearing its final destination. Dozens of attractions, various snacks, several miles of walking, an instance of Sakura nearly getting hit by one of the slow going work trucks, and so on. And of course, hundred upon hundred of yen spent on every carnival game you could think of. While the others joined in on occasion, they were generally content with the luck they’d had. Saki, on the other hand, had never given up on finding one she could win. No amount of persuasion or negotiation or flattery could discourage her. Each time, she confidently declared her imminent success and each time she grew more pained at the loss.
“Oh my god,” Ai cackled mercilessly at Saki’s latest stumbling failure at a ladder crawl. “Junko, this is the best date I’ve ever been on. Please tell me that everytime we go out together we can bring Saki along so I can watch her blow it at everything.”
Picking herself up from the soft, padded ground, Saki threw her a dagger-like glare before fumbling over the gate to her girlfriend. “Sorry, babe…” she mumbled dejectedly.
Sakura threw up her hands in a stuttering protest, “It’s alright! I don’t need anything, really. You don’t have to keep trying” But Saki only found her dismissal more disheartening. Even still, she was forced to walk away from the game.
With the sun having finally set and the air becoming crisp and cold, the girls’ day at Marchen-Mura had finally come to an end and their double date along with it. Having decided not to stay for the fireworks, the group of four was now making their way towards the exit, eager to start heading back home.
As Ai’s laughter eventually subsided, she spoke up again. “You know,” she began with a smug tone. “If you really want, someone else could always get Sakura a prize for you. I bet I could win another one of these cheap tricks.”
The suggestion immediately elicited an unhappy reaction from Saki. Clearly offended, the former gang leader struggled to convince herself not to tackle her irritating friend right then and there. Instead she generously opted to issue a first and finally warning to the person conveniently standing between them. “Oy,” she barked at Junko. “You better control your arm candy. One more word outta her and she’s gonna get her ass kicked.”
Holding onto her new plush seal, Junko giggled girlishly into her hand as if her partner’s unconcealed boasting was endearing. After a moment, she turned to meet Saki’s gaze with an unintimidated expression and gently responded, “Over my dead body.” From safely behind her fearless protector, Ai stuck her tongue out mockingly.
Saki rolled her eyes in annoyance, “Aren’t you the one who usually reminds us that we’re already dead.
Taking the grumpy girl’s hand into her’s, Sakura continues to try and cheer her up. “You still have the prize I got you,” she reminded her as they snuck through the leftover crowds of visitors. “Unless you don’t like it…”
“Of course, I love Coco Junior,” Saki replied quickly, squishing the chicken in question against her chest defiantly. “I just… you know, wanted you to have fun too.”
“Do you think I’m not having fun?” Sakura questioned.
“I don’t know,” Saki shrugged defensively. “Are you?”
“Of course, I am,” Sakura parroted with a smirk.
Really?” Saki perked up.
“Yeah!” Sakura’s smile grew. “I always enjoy it when we go out together, no matter what we’re doing. You’re a really great date.” She squeezed her girlfriend’s hand affectionately.
Saki’s cheeks flushed slightly pink. “Is that so? Well… alright cool then. I’m happy you’re having a good time…” Although the effectiveness of that reassurance was immediately tested when the group strolled past yet another stall sporting an unforgiving ring toss game. Saki stopped in front of it.
“Hun,” Sakura called for her with worry. “You don’t have to.”
“I know,” Saki agreed with a half laugh. “But how about one last try for fun? There’s not a line.”
“Are you sure?” Sakura pressed with suspicion.
“This one looks even less trustworthy than the others.” Junko commented. “The rings are so small…”
“Shouldn’t you give it a rest already?” Ai nagged.
“Relax, I’m not expecting anything. I just want to.” Saki expressed with more contentment than she’s shown the whole day. Approaching the counter, she emptied the last of her wallet to buy a single round. “At least I can say that I played and lost every single one.” she joked.
“Is that really an accomplishment?” Ai replied.
Saki nudged her shoulder hard enough for her to lose her balance. “Where’s your sense of adventure eh?” Saki snarked back. When the rings were handed to her, she spun away from the stall and tossed them haphazardly towards the lines of glass bottles without even looking. As they clinked behind her, she announced cheerfully, “I am now officially the worst carnival game player in all of Saga!”
A triumphant fanfare rang out. “Winner!” the teenager manning the counter called out with performative enthusiasm.
Everyone looked on in shock. Saki’s face was frozen until she turned around to see what had happened. While most had clattered to the ground, one single ring had landed on the neck of a midrange bottle and hung on for dear life. Lights flashed around her in victory and before she could process it, she was hit by the force of Sakura jumping onto her with joy.
“You did it!” she cried out.
“I did!” Saki repeated with astonishment. Picking her up by the waist, she spun her girlfriend around her. “Hell yeah!”
“That’s wonderful, Saki,” Junko clapped politely as her own partner scoffed with slight disappointment.
“I guess it was bound to happen eventually,” Ai negged before Junko elbowed her. “Er, good job or whatever.”
Thankfully, their little champion was too excited to listen to her detraction. Setting Sakura back on the ground, she pointed at a large, pink, fluffy unicorn plush on the top rack. “Gimme that one!”
“I’m sorry, ma’am you don’t have enough points for that one,” the park worker calmly responded.
Saki’s face fell. A beat passed.
“You can have any one of the prizes on this shelf though.” He indicated towards a lower ledge with a variety of smaller, cheaper items. Before anyone could say anything else, Saki quickly snatched up a vaguely unicorn shaped key chain and handed it to Sakura with no loss of confidence.
“Here you go, babe. I won this for you,” she declared, chest stuck out proudly. When Sakura accepted, she repeatedly tapped on her cheek expectantly until her partner leaned in to give the kiss she so obviously deserved. Right then, the evening firework show exploded to life above them.
Showered in a starfall of orange sparks, Saki had been about to make an unsubtle joke about romance in the air, only to see that Junko and Ai were already locking lips. Ordinarily, she’d chide the rabid lovers, but tonight she thought they had the right idea and followed suit. The sky filled with booms of one color after another as both couples concluded their nights in a spectacular finale.
“This was nice,” Junko commented later as they neared their parking spot in the darkened lot.
Sakura nodded next to her. “Yeah! We should do it again sometime.”
“Are you sure you wouldn’t rather bring the dog?” Saki suggested from the short distance she and Ai were following at.
“I think Romero would much rather go out on a nice park date with Junko and I.” Ai countered through a yawn.
“Man, you don’t know. That little pup loves riding in the front seat.” Saki laughed.
“We’ll just have to see who he runs up to first when we get back.” Sakura proposed, hopping onto the back of saki’s motorcycle.
“Well, between the four of us, I don’t know who’d win, but if it’s anyone against Yugiri, I don’t think he’ll bother getting up out of her lap.” Junko giggled. She handed Ai her helmet.
“Only one way to find out.” Ai clipped her headgear on. “Everyone ready to head home?”
“Absolutely,” Sakura answered with weariness.
“Alright then.” With one turn of her key, saki’s bike roared to life. Pulling back the throttle, she shouted, “See you when you get there, slowpokes!” And before her companions could reply or her girlfriend could protest, she kicked herself into speed and tore off towards the road, leaving the other two in a cloud of dust.
Barely lifting an eyebrow, Ai simply addressed her partner and courteously offered her a hand onto her seat. “You wanna take the scenic route?”
“That sounds lovely,” Junko smiled, taking hold around her waist as soon as she was sat in front of her.
Their quiet little scooter puttered down the parking lot lanes at its own pace, turning out the opposite way of their friends. They would all meet back up at home and enjoy relaxing with the rest of their family after a long, fun day.