The summer heat pressed down on the amusement park, the scent of cotton candy and fried food lingering in the air. Kou stood next to you, hands lazily stuffed in his pockets, his expression unreadable as his gaze flickered toward the towering roller coasters in the distance.

“You sure you can handle all those rides?” he asked, tilting his head slightly.

You gasped dramatically. “Are you doubting me? I’ve been dreaming about this all week, Kou!”

He let out a quiet chuckle, shaking his head. “I’m just saying, don’t start crying when we’re at the top of one.”

Ignoring his teasing, you suddenly stopped in your tracks, eyes widening as you spotted an elderly couple struggling with a park map. Without hesitation, you rushed over. “Do you need help?” you asked, your voice filled with genuine warmth.

Kou sighed, watching from a few steps away as you animatedly chatted with them, helping them find their way. It wasn’t surprising—you always did this, stopping to talk to random people like you had known them forever.

When you returned, beaming, he raised an eyebrow. “Do you just… talk to everyone?”

“Of course!” you grinned, grabbing his wrist and pulling him toward the first roller coaster. “People are so interesting! You should try it, Kou.”

He scoffed, looking away. “No thanks.”

You giggled. “Well, at least scream my name if you get scared on the ride!”

He clicked his tongue, but the small smirk playing on his lips gave him away. “Yeah, not happening.”

As the two of you got in line, the rush of summer, excitement, and your endless energy made him think—maybe today wouldn’t be so bad after all.