“Best ride ever.”

“That was definitely thrilling.”

“Yeah, especially the 360 turn.”

“Nah it lacked the umpft factor. ‘Could have improved more on the rail designs and added more loops.”

“’twas awesome, actually.”

“If I knew we were going to be an odd number, I’d have brought a friend.” Thelea spoke rashly as she tried to fix her hair after the speedy ride. “It wouldn’t be nice for someone not to have someone to pair up to. I mean this is like a group date isn’t it? I’d like to pick my date please~” she giggled.

They have just finished riding the rollercoaster when a guy with dirty blonde hair ran towards them.

“Sorry I’m late.” He apologized.

“Daneo, you made it.” Oresa’s cousin said.

“Yeah thanks for inviting me, Nise. Hi erryone!”

“Ehh?” Jace suddenly said, surprised. “I know you. You’re that guy who kept asking me about popularity stuff but then said you’d give up on Thele—”

“There comes a time in a man’s life when they are confused and tend to say the opposite of what they meant.” Daneo cut him off.

Oresa clapped her hands together and spoke, “Anyway since we’re all here. How’s about we try that one.” She pointed westward.

“What…the River of Love?!?” most of them retorted at the same time.

********************************************************************

“Let’s pick who’s going with whom… Any ideas how on how we’re going to pick?” Oresa inquired from the group.

“We’re an even number so pairing up shouldn’t be a problem. How about we just say who we want to pair with?” Rosie suggested.

“Sounds good to me.” Zach said.

“Any objections?” asked Oresa. The seven remained silent. “First to say who they wanna pair up with goes first then~!”

“I’m going with Asari then.” Jace said. There was an extended silence.

“M-Me???” Asari blushed.

“Why with her? I’m a thousand times better.” Thelea protested.

“I agree Thelea, that’s why I pick you.” Daneo said with a small smile.

“What? You’re not even popular.” She said.

“Rosie for me!” Zach grinned widely.

“I feel honored, Zach.” Rosie said with a hint of sarcasm.

“What?!” Thelea was turning red. “Why am I stuck with a nobody? This injustice is too much…why? I must know.”

“That leaves me with my dear ‘ol cousin then.” Oresa said.

“I’m not that old, you know.” Nise commented.

********************************************************************

They finally settled in on the small boat that floated on the man-made river. The scene around them was a beautiful scenery of trees and lovely flowering plants. The fake animals serenaded those who pass by.

“J-Jace… Why did you pick me? I-If you don’t mind.” Asari asked. “I mean… Oresa is responsible and smart… she’s quite cute too. She can be both sexy and cute with her flaming red hair. Rosie is w-witty and intelligent; she’s also good-looking and has this mysterious air around her. T-Thelea… well she’s gutsy and very popular. Girls also l-look up to her… I… I’m…” she was almost trembling, her eyes were tearing up. Her hands were shaking. “Asari’s not even comparable to them.”

He placed his hand on her shaking hands, trying to calm her down. “Don’t worry too much about it. You’re fine the way you are. You have your own charms...”

Asari was flushed. “T-Thanks…”

********************************************************************

“I still can’t understand why I’m stuck with you.” Thelea said, crossing her arms.

“Don’t make me feel too bad please. I know I’m not as popular as Zach and Jace, nor am I as knowledgeable as Nise; but I have my good points too.” Daneo said.

“Good points? Sure...” Thelea said, she brought out her black notebook and stopped at a certain page. “Daneo Chase. Senior. Plays as shooting guard in the basketball varsity team but skills are not very notable as compared to other players. Good friends with Nise Naismith. Looks are not too bad.”

“Haha, that’s harsh.” He said, looking slightly embarrassed. “But I still would like to know you more.”

********************************************************************

The boat rocked back and forth, occasionally Asari would be thrown to Jace’s side, she would just apologize and blush.

“How’s your day so far? I’m sorry if you’re not enjoying it too much.” Jace said apologetically. They have just passed by a group of frogs that were singing love songs. It brought upon series of awkward and tense silences from them.

“It was f-fun. I haven’t been out with friends for a long t-time now. I was always s-scared of people ‘coz t-they sometimes make fun of me… But Oresa has always encouraged me so I t-try my best… like today.”

“That’s good then. My mom always tells me to try my best too. I juggle school, games, and helping out at an orphanage as a part-time job now.” Jace said.

“Wow… that sounds great. You really seem like a good person.”

“Thanks! Hmm, I’d like to ask you about something though. Please be honest with me.”

“W-What is it?”

“Are you Irsa?”