Even so, we are living in the present

Chapter 43 – Neko Neko Wonderland

With the check-in at the hotel and their luggage left in the room, the pair headed out to reach their destination, the theme park. The key was a keycard-type automatic lock, and that keycard was entrusted at the front desk.

“Neko Neko Wonderland…”

It was Yuu who leaked out the voice. The amusement park was approximately a 15-minute walk from the hotel. There were attractions with cat motifs scattered throughout the place.

The first thing that captured the attention of the visitors was undoubtedly the Ferris wheel. This adorable attraction was adorned with pastel colors. According to some, the whole theme park will be illuminated at night, presenting a spectacular view from the top of the Ferris wheel.

Although most of the time Yuu was almost asleep on the way to the park, he and Kyosuke were holding hands and moving a little swiftly. Kyosuke wondered if he was really excited for the trip, as he headed for the Neko Neko Wonderland accompanied by his partner. Speaking of which, despite spending extensive time together, Kyosuke realized that the only things he was aware about Yuu was that he liked to dance and that his favorite food was pudding and other sweet treats.

“Do you like this trip?”

“Eh… not really…”

At the question that escaped his mouth before he could think, his partner’s shoulders made a small jerk before releasing the bland words in a voice that sounded like it would fade away. Those words were not intended to be profound, but merely an attempt to acquaint with his partner’s preferences, yet Yuu’s white cheeks were tinted faintly crimson as he averted his gaze and refrained from sharing what was on his mind. Nonetheless, the expression on his face conveyed to Kyosuke the answer he was hoping for.

He could feel that he was keenly looking forward for the trip.

“That’s so like you.”

“Ha? I don’t get it.”

For some reason, Kyosuke showed a serene expression notwithstanding his lack of a proper response, and his partner attempted to hasten ahead by pulling his hand while swearing at him.

Although he was embarrassed and made disparaging remarks, it would be only be regarded as endearing since this was the person he loved.

With this thought in mind, Kyosuke headed towards Neko Neko Wonderland with his hand being pulled.

Little did he realize that in the rear, that same couple was also on their way to the same destination.

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“Oh, I guess it’s not the opening time yet.”

As they exited the parking lot of Neko Neko Wonderland, more than a dozen people could be spotted waiting before the gate that closed the wide entrance to the park. The two of them stopped behind it and joined the others in waiting for the gate to open.

“Kyosuke, let’s first go to the souvenir shop.”

“Hmm? Ah, okay.”

Despite the out of the blue suggestion, Kyosuke, who had never been to a theme park like this before, could only nod his head, uncertain of how things should flow. However, his partner’s profile was joyfully relaxed. As Kyosuke stared at that appearance, he concluded that it would be wise to let the other party take the initiative in this round.

A few moments later, upbeat music began to stream through the hall. It seemed that the opening time of the park was drawing near. While staring at the gate, the staff manually unlocked the gate. Following that, an announcement started to be made.

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your patience. Welcome to Neko Neko Wonderland! Please enjoy the world of cute cats to your heart’s content!”

A cheerful female voice resounded through the speakers installed in various locations, and simultaneously, the gate opened automatically and slowly.

“Kyosuke, let’s go.”

After nodding to the brief words, and receiving their one-day tickets at the back of the gate, they put the wristbands with the one-day ticket cases attached around their wrists and entered the park, hand in hand. Once they stepped inside, a fairy-tale world of pastel colors unfolded.

“… Wow.”

The unrealistic sight caused an involuntary murmur. Aside from the Ferris wheel, there were many attractions that were familiar to everyone, such as roller coasters, merry-go-rounds, and coffee cups ride. For Kyosuke, who had never actually seen one before, he ended up pausing to glance around. His partner, still holding his hand, looked at him in amazement for a while before letting out a giggle.

“Kyosuke, is this your first time at an amusement park?”

“Ah, it’s my first time.”

His parents, who had neglected him from an early age, never brought him out to play. The one with whom he played would always be Yuu.

“…”

Kyosuke’s expression faded somewhat as memories of the past resurfaced in his mind despite his reluctance. Seeing this, Yuu silently squeezed Kyosuke’s hand firmly. When Kyosuke noticed and directed his gaze at him, Yuu’s face was averted.

“That means you’re new to this with me, right? Isn’t the best…?”

Those were the best words of encouragement Yuu could muster, spoken by a person whose face was not even turned to face him.

… I am sorry.

Kyosuke apologized in his heart for having come to a place where his partner was eager to visit in a depressing mood, and squeezed his hand back again as well.

“… Yeah, it’s the best.”

When he replied, that beautiful red eye glanced over at Kyosuke and narrowed gently.

“Yeah… Let’s go to the souvenir shop.”

Nodding at the urging words, he headed for the souvenir store, letting his hand be pulled along. When he entered the desired store, a variety of cat souvenirs were displayed in a narrow space. Although they had only entered the amusement park shortly, Kyosuke was already swept away by Yuu at this point.