They had a lot of things to do in Bummie's town.
Bummie had never been so grateful for his overly dramatic and eccentric town. It was like each different street was a different high trip. Bummie was happy to let Jae go on every single trip the town offered.
Technically, they would be going on the trip together because the more time he spends with the mermaid the more he loses his sense of reality.
This time, they would be going rollerskating.
Which was fun, but Bummie almost decided against it. The mermaid had just learned how to walk and they were already getting on wheels? Bummie figured that Jae would be fine and he was exaggerating.
The place was about a half-hour away. There were not many buildings around it, but that's because the buildings that were around it were huge. The other building being an arcade with five floors.
Bummie thought that would be too much excitement and left the idea for another day.
The other building wasn't an actual building, more of a park. At least that was what Bummie had heard. Rumors told that they were building an amusement park that would be ready just before Halloween.
Seemed interesting.
The rollerskating rink was humongous. Which was expected because the area was designed to fit over thirty people. It had to be big.
Jae was once again left in the dark about their destination. He did know that they would need special shoes with wheels on them. Bummie had taken the opportunity to buy Jae some skates. He figured they would start with four wheels and move on to rollerblades later. Bummie didn't even know how to skate with rollerblades so that will be something they will learn together.
Bummie opened his backseat door and retrieved their skates.
Jae got out of the car and waited for the lifeguard. Something Jae had been doing a lot lately, getting out the car himself. Bummie didn't think it was dangerous or anything. Jae wasn't stupid, but Bummie wanted to be a gentleman. Bummie knew Jae probably just liked the feeling of being independent after so long.
Bummie carried their rollerskates in his hand. They were in pretty bags that Bummie had purchased with the skates. Jae's was a bright rainbow color that matched the skates. Bummie's was a dark black that matched his skates as well. The skates showed their differences in their personalities as well.
The duo entered the building and Bummie paid for their tickets. Bummie stopped right after going through the doors. The mermaid peered at the lifeguard curiously and he texted. Bummie notified Yugy that they had arrived and dragged Jae over to a table close to the entrance. The two waited patiently.
As Jae looked around he spotted Yugy walking quickly their way. Jae tugged on Bummie's sleeve. Bummie looked to where Jae pointed. He smiled at the sight of Yugy.
The two stood up and greeted their friend.
Yugy was dressed in a work shirt with pink and blue stripes. The logo on the building's billboard was printed on his shirt pocket. He wore a hat that matched. This was Yugy's part-time job. As a broke college student, he had to find a way to survive.
Ironically, San worked this job with Yugy as well.
"Heyyy, San is working at the moment but he said he'll come to see you later." Yugy pointed towards their friend stationed at the food stall.
Bummie nodded, "That's fine, but how's work?"
"Man it is hectic between the bad kids, touchy couple, idiot adults, and clumsy ones who fall every other second." Yugy rolled his eyes as he led them to the furry blocks.
Bummie laughs, "Seems tough."
Yugy nods in agreement.
Now sitting at the furry blocks, Bummie and Jae chat with Yugy as they put on their skates. Yugy does some basic walking training with Jae on the carpet before they head over to the mini rink. It was in a person's best interest to start with the beginner rink.
The beginner rink was empty. Bummie was happy to get the small area to themselves. He figured this would be a lot less overwhelming than skating with all those people. People were rude and stupid. In Bummie's mind, that was not a good learning environment for Jae.
The lifeguard figured they would do at least thirty minutes at the mini rink before heading to the big rink.
This plan did not end up being accurate. Jae was awkward for about five minutes, but after simple instructions, he was getting smooth. The two would probably go to the big rink in a few minutes.
The mermaid had been holding on for these first five minutes, but finally felt comfortable letting go.
"How do you feel? Are you having fun? We can stop anytime." Bummie was getting concerned because Jae was getting quiet.
"It's difficult, but I feel like I'm getting better! I want to stay and learn because it seems fun! When I don't stumble." Jae's gaze is fixated on his feet and how it moves against the smooth floor.
Bummie nodded, "Ok, tell me when you're ready to leave here."
"Yeee!" Jae cheered as he skated back over to Bummie and grasped the lifeguard's arm.
Jae did tend to initiate skinship a lot. In this situation it was practically required, anyone could understand that. However, Bummie felt good that Jae knew to rely on him for stability. The mermaid ventured off on his own, but always came back when he needed to. Jae also wasn't afraid to call out when he needed help.
With that, Bummie felt comfortable to let him be independent.
"Ready!" Jae bumps into Bummie slightly.
"Ok, but hold on to my arm for the first few minutes." Bummie stretched out his arm.
Jae nodded and grabbed Bummie's arm.
The duo slowly entered the main rink. They stood on the sidelines for a minute gathering their thoughts. There was a lot different about the main rink. The ground was smoother, it had fewer lights that weren't as bright, and it had tons of people. It took a few minutes for Jae to adjust, but soon he was skating happily with Bummie.
Jae had felt more confident skating on this rink. Descending from Bummie's arm, Jae moved farther to Bummie's side. Jae skated alongside him, parted from his arm, but still holding his hands.
"You can let go if you want to, just be careful." Bummie gave his approval.
Jae shook his head, "I like being with you."
Damn, Jae said those things a lot. Why was it that Bummie freaked out, even more, every time? At least he was getting better at keeping himself composed.
Bummie chuckled, "I like being with you too!".
Jae cheered and sped up.
Bummie liked to reassure Jae as well. He wanted Jae to know he felt the same way and ten times more. It was important for him to tell Jae directly. A lot of normal humans can't depict feelings through actions. Why would he expect a mermaid too?
It made them both feel good so it was a win. Bummie and Jae spent the rest of their night skating and vocalizing their affection. These moments were so sweet to Bummie and it gave him hope.
Maybe, he had a chance with Jae.