Junichi, giving in to Sachi's teasing, conceded, "Okay, okay, I was scared! But not of the ride." He clarified, "I'm scared of heights," with an air of seriousness.
Sachi, understanding and empathetic, couldn't help but laugh. She reassured him, "Oh, Junichi, I understand. Everyone has their own phobias, and I completely understand." Her shining demeanor conveyed unwavering support for Junichi.
As the rollercoaster-related banter unfolded, the rest of the group, including Shiriku, Ayaka, and Fuyumi, watched with amusement.
When Aoi, determined to get everyone's attention, clapped her hands together, creating a sudden burst of sound to gather the group's focus. With an incredulous expression, she questioned, "Well, guys, the third mission is done, so we can all do whatever we want for today." Her incredulity conveyed her surprise at the group's desire to continue eating.
Junichi and Sachi, unfazed by Aoi's skepticism, suggested heading for more food. Aoi's skepticism showed on her face, and she couldn't help but ask, "Really? You two want to eat more food?"
In response, Ayaka chimed in with her trademark grace and charm, soothing the situation. She smiled radiantly and added, "Now, now, Aoi-chan, everyone, we all need to energize ourselves too, and besides, I'm kind of feeling a tiny bite is needed." Junichi and Sachi couldn't help but shower Ayaka with compliments. "Ahh, Ayaka-sama is a goddess shining so bright," they praised, their admiration for her evident in their expressions and tone.
Ayaka, modest and humble as ever, let out a soft giggle, She then concluded, "Well, let's go," leading the way as they set off to satisfy their appetites.
But before the group headed to the food locations, Shiriku's eyes sparkled with excitement as he spotted a cute cat mascot. His eagerness to take a picture with it was evident on his face. Shiriku approached the mascot first and struck a pose, forming a thumbs-up sign with the mascot. Aoi, with her powerful latest digital camera, expertly captured the moment.
Junichi and Sachi were next in line for a photo op. Sachi threw up a peace sign while Junichi flashed a "hang loose" hand sign. They had grins from ear to ear as they posed with the mascot.
The third picture involved Fuyumi and Shiriku. Shiriku, asked Fuyumi to join him for a picture with the mascot. Fuyumi, feeling a bit flustered but agreeing nevertheless, created a finger heart sign with a hint of a smile. Shiriku went with his go-to thumbs-up pose. As Aoi prepared to take the picture, the mascot unexpectedly intervened. It adjusted Fuyumi and Shiriku's hand signs to create a connected heart, symbolizing two people forming a heart shape. Shiriku wore a jubilant expression while Fuyumi was taken by surprise and blushed, an expression of embarrassment and fluster captured in the photograph.
Now it was Ayaka and Aoi's turn for a snapshot. Ayaka posed with a finger heart sign, radiating her signature grace. Aoi mirrored her with a finger heart pose as well. Sachi, was the designated photographer.
When Junichi, suggested to Shiriku and Fuyumi to go ahead to the food locations. Shiriku hesitated, wanting to stick together, and he voiced his concern, saying, "Oh, but isn't it much better if we're going together with everyone?"
Junichi, with a reassuring smile, replied, "Don't worry about us; we'll catch up. Plus, you look like you needed a drink, specifically Fuyumi."
Shiriku, swayed by Junichi's caring words, said, "Okay, if you say so, Junichi." He then extended his invitation to Fuyumi, prompting her to come along. Fuyumi looked a bit puzzled, gesturing towards the others who hadn't finished yet. Shiriku assured her, "It's okay. I also need a drink, badly." The two of them then set off toward the food locations, leaving Junichi and Sachi to follow at their own pace.
As Fuyumi and Shiriku strolled together, Fuyumi decided to break the ice by suggesting, "Oh, Shiriku, look, there's a juice stand. Want to try that first since you said you're thirsty?" Shiriku readily agreed, and the two of them walked towards the juice stand.
However, Shiriku's enthusiasm was ignited when he noticed a sign that read "Promotion." He excitedly pointed it out to Fuyumi, saying, "Oh, Fuyumi, it looks like they're having a promotion!"
Fuyumi glanced at the sign, and as she read it aloud, "For a limited time, couples can get 100% off their purchase," her eyes met Shiriku's, both of them silently agreeing not to take the couple discount. But just as Shiriku was about to express this, Fuyumi playfully pinched his side, urging him to go along with the situation. Shiriku sighed, knowing they had played this role before.
With a cheerful tone, Fuyumi responded to the stand owner's question, "Yes! We're a couple!" She put on a playful voice, and Shiriku, witnessing this side of her, couldn't help but smile, although he was quite embarrassed.
The juice stand owner seemed delighted with their response and promptly challenged, "Well, if you're really a couple, as proof, please kiss, right here, right now." A warm smile graced the owner's face.
Shiriku's immediate thought raced, "What?! A kiss? On the lips or a cheek?! I haven't even kissed someone before. I've only seen people kiss in shows, manga, and animes." On the other hand, Fuyumi's reaction was a mix of embarrassment, shock, and confusion. Her inner thought screamed, "A kiss?! On top of that, with Shiriku?" She glanced at him, noticing his apparent calmness, but beneath it all, she could sense he was just as panicked as she was.
**LOCATION: JUICE STAND**
As Fuyumi's inner thoughts raced, trying to rationalize the situation, she reminded herself, "No, I need to keep calm. Ayaka has done that to him two times already, though it was on the cheek. The seller didn't specify if it's on the cheek or lips. If I asked now, the seller would notice we're faking being a couple." Simultaneously, Shiriku's inner thoughts cried out, "What the heck is she doing? Why isn't she saying anything? Come on, Fuyumi, help me out here."