I hear a knock on the door. That must be Luna.
"Hey."
"Hi. You ready? No rush if you aren't."
"Oh—no, I'm ready. Let's go."
Luna looks so cute today. She's wearing short shorts, a simple white shirt, and a cap. I really like how simple she is. Not in a bad way—definitely not. She just wears comfortable clothes, unlike others.
Starlight City is about an hour away, but thankfully we only need to take one subway. Hopefully Rin and Ivy won't show up. I told them this was supposed to be a date between me and Luna. Okay, fine—Luna doesn't know this is a date, but I don't care. It's just her and me. I want to enjoy today with her.
Just thinking about it makes me feel warm.
But... I'm so tired. I barely slept. I kept overthinking what to wear. Now I have puffy eye bags. Ugh. I'm just really nervous.
We get on the train, and Luna lets me take the window seat. I know she likes the window. She usually sits near it and just looks outside. Is she being extra nice to me? Wait... does that mean something? No. Calm down. I'm overthinking again.
Luna grabs her bag and takes out a sandwich. I can't help staring. She looks so happy just eating it.
Wait... what is that?
Oh. Bacon, egg, and cheese croissant.
It smells so good.
"Eline?"
"Oh—yes?"
"You're staring... and you're really close to my sandwich. Do you want some?"
"...Oh geez..." I lean back. "Uhm—sorry. It just looks so good."
"You haven't eaten yet, huh?"
She opens her bag again. "Here. I made an extra, just in case. And yeah... looks like you actually want one."
"...Ahh..." I feel my face getting hot. "Thanks."
I take a bite.
Oh.
Oh my.
This is so good.
"You like it?"
"Yes—oh yes. Where did you get this?"
"I made it."
"What?!"
"Yeah. I added a secret Luna sauce, so you can't get it anywhere else. But if you want it again, I'll make it for you."
...Oh gosh...
"That's... really sweet. Thank you, Luna."
"Anytime. Here—I also got you a drink."
She hands me an iced coffee latte, smiling, and we continue eating.
Then— we start talking about random stuff—movies, then somehow vampires and werewolves. I didn't know she liked that kind of stuff too.
Her phone keeps buzzing. I try to peek, and of course she catches me.
"It's my grandma. Sorry. She's been busy and just got back to me about something I asked her a few days ago. Let me reply."
"Oh—yeah. Sorry. Go ahead."
The coffee isn't helping. We still have like thirty minutes left.
At some point, I fall asleep.
When I wake up—
My head is on Luna's shoulder.
...Oh no no no...
My face feels so hot.
I can't move.
There's no way I can move.
So I just stay like this. Pretend I'm still asleep.
Then I feel her adjust me slightly... making it more comfortable.
She moves a little closer.
...Eeeeeee....
I definitely don't want to get up now.
—
We arrive at the ticket kiosk.
"Eline—no, I'll pay for my ticket."
"No, I got you. Please, let me pay. I insist."
She looks at me. "Hmm... you won't change your mind, huh?"
"Nope. Besides, you made me that delicious sandwich and the iced coffee latte. That's more than enough."
"...Hmm." She nods. "Okay. Then I'm paying next time—for food or snacks. Deal?"
I chuckle. "Okay, okay. Deal."
As we walk inside, I start to feel nervous.
"Oh—look," Luna says, pointing ahead. "They have Sails Away. Let's go."
...Wait.
I didn't tell Luna I'm actually afraid of heights.
Ahh... but we're already here. There's no turning back now.
It's fine... I'm okay.
This one should be okay. It's not that high.
During the ride, I start screaming. Luna, on the other hand, is laughing. At some point, I grab her hand without thinking. She holds mine back.
When we get off, I feel like my soul just left my body. Everything feels cold.
"Eline? Are you okay?"
"Luna... don't laugh, okay? But I'm actually afraid of heights." I take a breath. "But that doesn't mean I can't ride anymore. I just need a break in between."
"Oh—I'm sorry, Eline." She looks worried and pulls out a bottle of water. "Here. Drink some."
We sit on a nearby bench. Then, she pours a little water onto a napkin and gently dabs it on my face.
That definitley made me blush. I didn't know that actually helps... but it does.
Then —
"I told you it was them. Heeey!" Rin shouts.
"Hi, Luna. Hi, Eline," Ivy says.
"Oh—I didn't know you guys were coming," Luna replies.
...Of course they're here. Ugh, there goes my date.
"Eline," Rin grins, "you don't look too happy to see us."
I side-eye them. They both start laughing.
"Are you okay?" Ivy leans in. "You look kinda pale... wait—did you just—"
"Yes, I did, okay? We just rode Sails Away."
"Wow," Rin says.
"Yeah," Luna adds softly. "I didn't know she was afraid of heights. I'm really sorry."
"Hey, don't worry about it. I'm okay. I just need a bit, then I'm good to go again."
"Oh yeah?" Ivy smirks. "Then let's go to Tower of Death."
"Wow, Ivy, you're so mean," Rin says, already laughing. "But... yeah, let's go."
"Right? Plus Luna's here. She won't be alone this time."
Luna turns to me. "Are you okay? We can sit this one out."
"...No, I'm okay."
"Sure?? Don't worry," she says softly. "I'll be next to you."
"...Okay."
We get on the ride. I did not expect it to be this high.
My chest already feels tight just looking up.
"Ready?" Luna offers her hand. "You can hold it."
I grab it immediately.
...That helps.
The ride starts going up.
Higher.
Higher.
At the top, Luna looks at me.
"Here we go. You got this, Eline!"
"...Okay!!"
Then it drops.
We're all screaming.
"Oh my god, oh my god, I don't want to die! Get me out of here!" Rin yells.
"Giirl, shut up—your saliva, eeweee!" Ivy shouts.
Luna and I are just screaming and laughing at the same time.
When it stops, my legs aren't even that shaky.
"That was so much fun!" I say. "I actually like that ride."
"I told you," Luna smiles. "You got it."
"Oh my god, that was insane!" Rin laughs. "I thought I was going to die."
"Rin, you were screaming like someone was about to chop you into pieces." Ivy says.
Rin rolls her eyes. "Girl, be quiet. You were screaming just as loud—you even choked on your own saliva."
Rin and Ivy are at it again. I glance at Luna, and she's just laughing with them.
"Hold on. Noo waay!!! Look at that rollercoaster," Luna says.
"Oh yeah," Rin grins. "That one's called the Goliath!!"
"Mhm," Ivy nods. "We've been too scared to try it, but I think it's time to face our fears."
"Okay—I'm up for it. Let's go."
Rin looks at me. "That's the spirit."
As we got closer to the ride, my knees start to shake a bit. I really got cocky after two rides. What was that? I'm up for it? Oh geez...
"Luna... do you love thrill rides that much? Aren't you scared even a bit?"
"Eline, I'm actually scared of heights too," she says. "But that adrenaline—it feels rewarding. Like I'm proving to myself I can do it. I've got this. But I'm probably just as scared as you."
She looks at me—and she means it.
"Is that why you offered your hand to me?"
"Yeah. Somehow... it calmed me down."
"...Me too."
We both smile.
As we get on the ride, it starts moving slowly, the clicking sound getting louder as we go up.
Four seats per row.
Rin's already panicking, screaming too early. Ivy looks terrified too, making the sign of the cross and mumbling something. I turn to Luna and she's breathing heavier than usual.
"Eline... damn... I think I'm going to throw up!!"
We both start laughing.
"Hold my hand. We got this." I say.
"Yeah... we got this."
"Oh my god," Rin says, voice shaking. "You guys—I love you all, just in case."
We reach the top.
...It stops.
...Click!
We all start screaming.
After the ride, Rin and Ivy both look pale. Luna and I are still laughing.
"Hey, you two okay?" Luna says. "You guys look like zombies."
"Yeah," I laugh. "Looks like you two are more afraid of heights than me."
"Eline..." Rin's tearing up. "I thought I was a goner up there."
"Giiirl," Ivy groans, "I couldn't even focus on the ride—your saliva got on my face. But yeah... that ride scared the shit out of me too."
We keep walking until we finally reach the haunted mansion. Yeah... this is something I'm not scared of at all. No ghost is going to faze me.
"Okay, now it's my turn to lead. Let's go to the haunted castle!"
"Yes, yes," Rin says. "I need a break from all those rides."
"Same," Ivy mutters. "I still can't feel my legs."
I look at Luna, and she looks a bit off.
"Are you okay, Luna? Is something wrong?"
"Eline... I'm scared of ghosts and stuff..." she says, making that cute, almost crying face.
I laugh. "Don't worry. I'll protect you this time—just like what you did for me with the dead frog."
"...Okay! I trust you with my life."
We step inside. It's dark... really dark. Looks like they remodeled the place too.
"No shit." Rin mutters. "Since when did they remodel this place? I already memorized where they pop out."
"You guys..." Ivy whispers. "I'm actually scared now. Eline... you go first."
Rin and Ivy fall behind us.
Luna stays close... really close. She's holding onto the back of my shirt.
Then—
Something jumps out from her side.
"ELINE!!!"
She shrieks and immediately shoves me forward—
Straight toward the ghoul.
I burst out laughing.
Then —
Something jumps out beside Rin.
"Aaahhh—you stupid ghoul!"
Ivy starts laughing at Rin—
But... something jumps out beside her too.
"Mf!" Ivy yells. "You scared me!"
...
We keep walking. And it keeps happening.
Every time something pops out—
"ELINE!!!"
She grabs my arm, my shirt—sometimes even pushes me forward like I'm some kind of human shield.
...I'm actually enjoying this way more than I should.
Seeing Rin and Ivy scream is already funny. But Luna clinging onto me like this?
...Oh my, yeah. I'm not complaining.
By the time we get out, Luna's bent over slightly, hands on her knees, breathing hard. Then she straightens up and smiles.
"Thanks, Eline."
"Of course."
"I get startled really easily... sorry if I screamed too loud. I hope I didn't make you deaf."
"Of course not," I laugh. "I had fun being your shield. I didn't know you had something you're really scared of."
"Yeah..." she exhales. "I'm not gonna lie—I was fighting for my life back there."
We went on a couple more rides before deciding to have dinner.
We found a table.
"Eline, I'll order for us. My turn. What do you want?" Luna asks.
"Oh—yeah, I remember. Hmm... maybe just a burger, fries, and a soda."
Rin raises a brow. "That's all you're ordering?"
"Hey—yes, that's all."
...Hmm. I kinda want that strawberry milkshake though. But after what happened with the strawberry shortcake... yeah, no. It's fine. There's always a next time.
"Are you sure that's all, Eline?" Luna asks.
"Yes, thank you!"
Ivy laughs softly. "Hmm... that's new, Eline."
She turns to Rin. "I'm getting the usual. You got it, right? Don't forget my chocolate milkshake."
"Yeah, I got you."
After a while, Luna and Rin get up to grab the orders.
When they come back, Luna sits beside me. Then, we start eating.
After I finish my burger and a few fries, Luna places a drink in front of me.
"Here you go, Eline. I got you a strawberry milkshake. I figured you like anything with strawberry... like the strawberry shortcake. You know, it's actually good if you dip your fries in it. You should try it."
"...Thanks, Luna. You really got this for me?"
"Of course."
"...I do love strawberry milkshakes."
"...I know."
She smiles. "Next time, don't be shy to say what you really want."
She really got it for me without me even saying anything.
...Oh no... I'm melting again.
—
I had fun today. But... seeing Eline laugh and smile like that...
...yeah.
That alone made everything worth it.
Although... She definitely enjoyed the haunted mansion a little too much.
I did laugh at her when she looked at the dead frog like it was about to jump at her.
...Payback?
...
A phone rings.
...Eline's. She gets up to take the call.
"...I wonder who that is," Ivy says.
Rin smirks. "Probably one of her suitors."
Ivy lets out a quiet laugh. "This late? Wow."
She glances at me. "Luna, you know Eline has a lot of people interested in her, right?"
"...Yeah... I know..."
"...What do you think about that?" Ivy asks.
"Hmm... I'm not surprised at all. Eline is basically the campus goddess. Anyone would fall for her."
"Exactly!" Rin says. "Don't you think someone's already making a move?!?"
"Mhm," Ivy nods. "Mira is definitely one of them. She's been pursuing Eline since first year."
"Oh yeah," Rin adds. "Last Hearts Day, she gave her a box of chocolates, right? And a necklace."
"Yeah," Ivy says. "Ooo, and that necklace looked expensive too. I mean... she's from the Land of Coin. She's rich, next in line, and her family has really strong political ties."
She leans back slightly. "You know how that goes—once someone's next in line, people can't really keep it quiet. It just spreads."
Before anything else can be said, Eline walks back.
"What did I miss?"
Rin stretches. "Oh, nothing. I'm ready to bounce."
"Same," Ivy adds.
"...Okay," Eline says. "Let's go."
...
...Is Mira that far ahead already?
...What am I even thinking.
I never really stood a chance to begin with.
I'm from the Land of Truth... that alone is probably more than enough for Eline to turn me down.
...
My feelings for her are strong... stronger than I expected.
But it seems like all I can do is keep them to myself... and not say a word.
I just hope that, in my own small ways... she knows she's special to me.
Very special.
...
I press my hand lightly against my chest.
There's a quiet sting there—
one I can't ignore.
—
We all decide to commute back to the dorm together.
The ride back is quieter this time. Everyone's tired, but there are still small conversations here and there, a few soft laughs slipping through. Rin and Ivy end up sitting across from us, and before long, both of them fall asleep.
I pull out my phone, scrolling through tomorrow's clan agenda, trying to focus—
Then I feel it. Luna's head resting on my shoulder.
...Oooo... My breath catches for a second, my face immediately heating up. She's deeply asleep, looking so tired... so I gently adjust her, moving her head into a more comfortable position.
And then—
She's facing up slightly.
...Oh my.. god..
I can see her whole face now. We're so close. My heart starts pounding again. I can feel her breath against my cheek, soft and steady, and my eyes drift down—
...her lips.
I want to kiss her on the lips so bad. Ugh... calm down. No. It's better when we're both aware.
...I'll wait for that day to come.
Instead, I pull out my phone and quietly try to take a picture of us together.
When we finally arrive, we slow down near the entrance.
Rin stretches. "Alright, I'm beat."
"Same," Ivy says. "I'm definitely not moving tomorrow."
I look at Luna for a moment.
"...Goodnight, Luna."
"...Goodnight, Eline."
—
I get back to my dorm, still thinking about today. It really was an amazing day.
"Silk, I'm back," I call as I step inside.
Before I can even settle in, there's a knock on the door. I open it and see Rin standing there.
"Oh—Rin? What happened? Is something wrong?"
She scratches the back of her head. "Hey, Luna. My bad—I forgot to give you the souvenir you bought from Starlight. Here ya go."
"Oh, right. Thanks!"
From behind me, Silk speaks up. "Hey, who's that?"
"Oh—Silk, this is Rin. Rin, this is Silk."
Rin jaw drops and suddenly she's... shy.
"Oh—uhm—hi... I'm Rin, nice to meet yah..." she says, reaching out her hand, twirling her hair and shifting her foot a little.
Silk smiles. "Hi, I'm Silk."
"Uhm... Silk... is it okay if I take a picture with you?"
"Ah—sure, yeah. Why not!" Silk laughs lightly.
Rin immediately turns. "Uhm, Luna... could you take a pic of us?"
"Yeah... alright. 1, 2, 3... cheese!"
They both lean in a little closer as I take the picture.
"Omg—we look so cute together!" Rin beams, then glances at Silk, cheeks turning pink. "Thanks, Luna... uhm... thanks, Silk."
Rin starts squirming, and I already know what's going on.
"Uhm, Silk... seems like you've got yourself a fan. Mind walking her out?"
Rin perks up. "Gosh, Luna, you didn't have to say that—but thanks."
"Haha, sure. Let's go, Rin?"
"Y-yeah, let's go."
They head out together, and the door closes behind them. I smile to myself. I guess that's how Silk and Rin's love story starts.