Roller Coaster at Dusk
February 14 (Sunday)
February 14th - Valentine's Day - just so happened to fall on a Sunday. When the special festivities being held were taken into consideration, the chilly season proved no obstacle to the popularity of the amusement park, teeming with people. Koutarou and Kiriha found themselves surrounded by lovers and families whose faces were adorned with joyous smiles as they enjoyed this rare holiday with the people they loved most.
"So Kiriha-san, what's the plan? You mentioned you'd found a clue of some sort... what exactly is it that you discovered?"
"Calm yourself, Satomi Koutarou. There's a time for everything - there's no need to rush."
The main reason Kiriha had brought Koutarou to the park with her today was to find someone. This was not the first time such a thing had happened, and so Koutarou had readily agreed. As far as Koutarou was concerned, after all, Kiriha was a dear and irreplaceable friend, and so he had no reason to refuse. Moreover, the person she sought was her first love; Koutarou had no intentions of refusing her aid. Finally, this time Kiriha had even announced that she'd finally caught hold of a clue at long last, which further stoked his enthusiasm to find this person.
Kiriha led as they entered the park, Koutarou trailing behind her. As the two made their way into the deepest parts of the park, Kiriha continued to lead, never giving so much as a hint of their eventual destination. Wordless laughter was her only reply as the confused Koutarou sought an answer to his confusion.
——Still... Something seems off...
As Koutarou watched the back of Kiriha before him, he was struck by the impression that something was different. By the time they'd set out from Corona House, the sun had already begun to set, and the deep orange sunlight drew out long shadows behind them. The sight tracing itself into his eyes stirred his memory, and an indescribable feeling of nostalgia burned in his bosom.
——This must be because we've done this so many times now.
This was hardly the first time Koutarou had visited this park with Kiriha. With the exception of the first time they'd visited this place on a "date," they'd made similar trips on numerous occasions searching for someone. Perhaps it was due to the fact that their date had left such an impact on him that this feeling of familiarity arose within him? Whatever the cause, it was indisputable that the scenery passing before him instilled him with a deep nostalgia. A memory of something long past, of something that had immeasurably matured him. As he followed Kiriha, Koutarou searched his memory for the source of this feeling.
"We're here."
Kiriha stopped before one of the amusement park's attractions. Kiriha, turning back to face Koutarou, wore an expression of excitement and a bright smile, looking for all the world like a child eagerly waiting in line.
"This is..."
The attraction before him was none other than a roller coaster. He raised his head, catching sight of a tram bearing a load of passengers tracing a path at great height.
"This is what I want to do today.