Chapter Text
The distance to get food is not too far, but it’s crowded from all the guests heading towards the rollercoasters. Fellow recommends to take a less crowded shortcut for the group to pass by. This path is sided by buildings that can’t be entered as it’s only the back of the buildings shown. The group that consists of Fellow, Gidel, Yuu, Grim, Ace, Trey, Cater, and Lilia walk along the path silently: some browsing their phones, fixing their clothes, or just cooling down and drying off after their recently intense 10 minute long rollercoaster ride.
“No Strings Attached?” Grim slowly read a large sign, causing everyone to look to their side.
“Hm?” Fellow stares at the large flashy sign, “Ah yes, that ride…” His face briefly express a slight grimace before flashing his energetic smile. “This, my bright, green scholars, is a special ride that is-“ A slight pause as if he’s trying to tie the words in his head together, “A brilliant idea insisted by the founder of Playful Land, a special ride where you ride on graceful boats, take in the comfortable ambiance next to each other, and watch a special show performed by Playful Land’s finest animatronics. A ride that the founder believes would strike into the riders hearts.” Fellow finish his statement by creating a heart with his hands over his chest.
“Oh, it’s a tunnel of love ride.” Lilia speaks up. His eye wide as it’s a genuine surprise.
“Ugh…” Yuu looks at Ace, who is sticking his tongue out, grimacing.
“Woah, those kind of rides exist? I thought they only happen in old movies?” Cater starts the camera app in his phone. Trey awkwardly chuckle and Ace pretends to gag.
“Indeed it is. It’s historic ride brimming with culture for fine scholars such as yourselves… Hmmm~“ He smiles amused. ”How about you all take it for a spin?” Fellow eagerly smiles at the group, but each of them have expressions that shows their dismay.
“Even I’m too old for it and I know nobody else would ride it.” Lilia speaks first.
“I rather eat.” Grim expressing better priorities.
“It’s a little embarrassing.” Trey puts on a light hearted smile, but his eyes squeeze in an uncomfortable curve.
“And lowkey… kinda cringe...” Cater frowns sadly.
“Grim is hungry.” Yuu looks to the side after saying that excuse. Ready to move forward the path.
“And it’s gross and boring. Be honest, this ride is a total snooze fest, isn't it?” Ace being the most blunt, clearly expressing his distaste.
Fellow place his hand on his chest looking offended, but the tone of his voice light. “Oh, my young scholars,” Fellow smiles at the group, his eyes squeeze and curve to show his amusement as he try to persuade them. “You’re only young once, you’ll never know what would happen if you don’t take the first step. Are you sure~ you don’t want to ride it with someone close~?” Fellow twirls his cane and catches it. He winks before saying “Why don’t you take that chance? Now’s the time to live it up and have fun in Playful Land like it’s your last. What happens in Playful Land, stays in Playful Land.” His speech is met with hesitation and mumbling, a couple of them looking at each other like they’re considering to ride. Then someone chuckle.
“Kehe, Fellow is right, it could be fun and you never know what would happen in there?” Lilia smiles eagerly.
“Hey! It smells kinda good in there!” Grim sniffs the air towards the ride eagerly.
“I still feel winded from that roller coaster earlier, so slow moving ride could be a nice place to rest.” Trey smile.
“I heard there’s a lot of popularity with animatronics nowadays, I could take pics of the show. And, Whoever sits next to me, be careful not to fall in love with Cay-Cay~” Cater winks to his side.
“Hm…” Ace still hesitates. Yuu looks at him, understanding why he’s still being uneasy and speaks up.
“Hm?” Fellow looks after his cane like it’s broken. Then Yuu speaks up.
“You know, it could be fun if we could go together.” Yuu attempt to persuade him. Ace looks at them briefly, then the corners of his lips slightly curl up.
“Hmm yeah, sure. We could ride together and….” his smile twist into a smirk “We could make fun of it. Ok, I’m in.” Ace smiles lightly.
“Wonderful!” Fellow leads them into the entrance. He twirls his cane and use it to open a gate with a flourish. The group enters to a dimly lit, empty lobby, sectioned by posts connected by velvet ropes like it’s expecting to hold a long line. Fellow and Gidel take turns unclasping the velvet ropes from their posts allowing Trey and Yuu to pass through before clasping the ropes back. The others made it into a race as they either go under or jump over the velvet ropes at the sides.
“I win!” Lilia cheer, he smile proudly to the others.
“Myrah!” Grim yowl in frustration. Clinging to the velvet rope after catching himself from falling.
“I should’ve jumped.” Cater sigh, fixing his very large hat.
“I wasn’t even racing.” Ace say as he went under the last rope.
Fellow opens another gate that shows the water way. A small boat comes forward and waits by the entrance. The boat has a large seat like a small plush bench that can fit two people. The ends of the boat are curved upward and outward until it makes a spiral reaching the height of the back of the seats, showing that its intention is to hide the riders from other boats.
“Me first!” Grim hops onto the boat. “Come, my Henchmen!” He looks excited at Yuu.
“Oh um…” Yuu hesitates as they glance at Ace. Before they reluctantly take a step, they feel someone touch their shoulder.
“Why don’t you sit next to Ace this time?” Lilia smiles at Yuu and Ace then Cater and Trey with a knowing smile.
“Really? Are you sure?” Yuu question Lilia, they glance at his arm, where a previous bite mark is hidden.
“Yeah?…” Ace scowl, not liking what Lilia is inferring. Lilia walks past Yuu and sits next to Grim on the boat.
“Well... I did win our race.” Lilia smiles smugly, looking at the whole group, even Trey and Yuu chuckle in response. Lilia climbs next to Grim.
“Nyahaha, should’ve tried harder to get to ride with me, Yuu.” Grim’s ego getting the better of him as sees himself to be a prize. Yuu, Cater, and Trey chuckle at his switch up. Their boat moves forward. Then Lilia stands up from his seat, poking his head above the seat in the boat to look back at the group.
”You crazy kids have fun.” Lilia smiles clever before sliding back down.
“Kids? I feel like he’s more of a kid than the rest of us.” Ace mumble. Then the next boat pull up in front of them.
“Well, I guess this is your ride. We can take the next one.” Trey smiles at them. “The quicker you ride, the quicker you go.” He looks at Ace, understanding his initial reluctance.
“Hop in, you two!” Cater chuckles. He looks at Yuu and gives them a wink.
After sighing, Ace looks at Yuu and gesture to the boat. “You can go ahead.”
“Thanks.” Yuu takes one step and lost their balance. Ace laughs at their clumsiness.
“Here, let me help.” Trey offers his hand for Yuu to take.
“Thanks Trey.” Yuu grabs his hand.
“Ooo~ What a gentleman you are, Trey.” Cater tease.
“Yeah, what a gentleman.” Ace tease too, but it sounded more low.
“Haha, I’m just helping them.” Trey helps Yuu keep their balance until they sit down. “You would’ve done the same.”
Ace enters the boat at ease and sits next to Yuu. They feel the boat drift forward.
“Go get ‘em tiger!” Cater tease causing Trey, Fellow, and Gidel to smirk and chuckle. Yuu feels the boat bob to the side as Ace lift himself to poke his eyes above the back of the seat in the boat, sending an annoyed glare to his seniors. Ace slides back down and sigh. Yuu also takes a deep breath after realizing Cater’s comment made them stiff.
“I’m nearly regretting this.” He slouches resting his head on his hand, his elbow propped on his knee.
“Nearly?” Yuu mumbles back. The boat enter an archway that blocks the ride from the entrance.