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“Dang It! ”
The metal loop clanged against the posts before hitting the ground, leaving Anzu disappointed with her throwing skills.
“You’re still playing this game?” Sara asked as she approached Anzu with a mouth full of popcorn. “You already bought me this popcorn, don’t end up wasting your money.”
Anzu stood back and out of throwing position, and replied, “if it’s spending on you, it’s never a waste!” She fumbled with the shining ring in her hand before getting back into a stance for tossing. “And I’m gonna win that prize for you!” She quickly pointed up at the array of stuffed animals that hung above the booth, a large stuffed panda particularly sticking out.
She hurled the last of her metallic circles at the posts, as it once again bounced between the small poles, creating a noise that was almost like music for anyone who hadn’t had to hear its incessant clamoring over and over and over again.
Anzu took an exasperated groan as she reached into her pocket to grab some more yen, only to be stopped by Sara putting her hand on her arm. “Anzu, you don’t need to get me a prize.”
“But I have to!” Anzu shot back, as Sara held her hand and pulled her away from the ring toss booth.
Have to? “Let’s… try another game then,” Sara suggested, eyes scanning the carnival around her until they excitedly set on on a game of Skee-ball. “Come on!” She went over to the game, Anzu trailing behind her.
“I’ll go first!” Anzu insisted, handing the carnival employee some money, and receiving several beige balls in return. She nonchalantly turned back to Sara, juggling the balls between her hands with a smirk and a chuckle. Sara gave her her own personal applause, before Anzu swung over to the Skee-ball board and confidently threw one of the balls at it.
It touched the ring around the thirty point mark, only for it to pathetically fall into the gutter section, scoring her no points. Anzu grunted as she stomped, Sara giving her a concerned look and setting a hand on her shoulder.
“I’ll get it this time,” Anzu remarked as she lifted Sara’s hand away, taking another hurl. The ball rolled along the rim of the fifty point circle, both Anzu and Sara watching it in a quick anticipation. Surely enough, the ball rolled off and into the no point section.
Trying to prevent Anzu from getting too frustrated, Sara put her hand on the ball Anzu was holding. “Could I try?” Anzu’s grasp of the ball hesitantly loosened as Sara took it from her. She swung her hand back, and flung the ball at the board, Anzu’s eyes following it as it seamlessly fell into the small “Winner!” hole.
Anzu could hear the noise of Sara’s accomplished gasp as the sound of cheerful music came from the machine. “Good job!” Anzu gave Sara a pat on the back with a plaster smile. “Thanks! Now let’s go take a look at the prizes!” Sara bounced over to where the prizes for the game were hanging, and plucked a Hello Kitty mask off the rack.
“Ooh, it’s so cute!” Anzu commented, poking at its shiny red plastic bow.
“And it’s for you!” Sara replied, putting the mask in Anzu’s hands. “I know you love this kind of stuff,” she chuckled, and Anzu couldn’t help but smile at the consideration.
“Th- thanks...” Anzu said, tying the mask over her head.
Sara, being slightly put off by Anzu’s uncharacteristically unenthusiastic gratitude, wanted to try to offer some time to just talk. “What do you say we go on the ferris wheel next? The view will be great this time of day.”
“Sure!” Anzu answered unwittingly, as they got into the line for the ferris wheel. After a bit of waiting, they approached the gondola, Anzu allowing Sara into it before herself. Once they settled down, the ferris wheel started to turn.
Both their gazes were glued to the outside, although they had each other in mind. As they ascended, the soft breeze blew through their hair and the jaundiced light that radiated from the sun gave a nice filter to the carnival below.
“Anzu?” Sara started, lightly tapping on Anzu’s shoulder to get her attention.
“Yeah?”
“Is everything alright? You’ve been acting kind of… off. Is there anything you want to tell me?”
Sara could feel Anzu’s shoulder tense up. “W- what do you mean?” Anzu asked back with a nervous smile.
As a gust of wind flew past them, Sara’s expression changed from inquisitive to something more stern. “This whole time, you’ve just seemed so frustrated… and it feels like it’s a bit deeper than just carnival games.”
Anzu paused and shifted Sara’s hand off her shoulder. She looked down, they were nearing the top of the wheel. Everything looked so small. Every food booth she had bought from, every game she had lost, every prize she wasn’t able to win. She exhaled as she turned to make eye contact with the girl beside her.
“It’s just that- you’re always doing things for me, helping me out, teaching me new things…” she glanced down at the elaborate gestures she was making with her hands as her voice faded. She set her arms down and looked back up at Sara, who was listening respectfully. “I just wanted to do something for you… for once. But I couldn’t.” She sat in the seat beneath the shade of the gondola roof and crossed her arms dejectedly, Sara sitting down right by her.
She thought carefully for a second before replying, feeling the steady motion of the ferris wheel moving them downwards. “Relationships aren’t transactions, Anzu. I would and I will enjoy your company regardless of if you do favors for me.”
“R- really?” Anzu questioned, a small smile perking up on her face.
“Of course!” Sara assured her. Anzu blushed, and quickly hid her face with the Hello Kitty mask, only to end up laughing. Sara laughed along, and the ferris wheel slowly came to a halt.
She helped Anzu out of the carrier, and they both gave themselves a chance to catch their breath.
“So, let’s go play some more games? Just for fun.” Sara said, giving Anzu a kind smile.
“Yeah! It’s always fun if it’s with you!” Anzu cheered, grabbing Sara’s hand to take her to one of the several games she’d been eyeing.
“I feel the same way.”