“Well it’s getting dark so it’s best to go and ride the Rainbow Eye.” Oresa spoke. “The view of the city lights will be breathtaking.” She glanced at the rotating upright wheel with passenger cars, with rainbow colors bursting out the darkness of the night that was creeping in

“Same pairs?” Zach eyed Oresa questioningly.

“Yes please.” Thelea and Daneo spoke at the same time. They looked at each other and smiled generously.

“Hmm, same then. I’m with Rosie again!” Zach said, with much gusto.

“No offense bro but I think I’d like to take Rosie this time.” Nise said.

“Ow. It’s ‘kay.” Zach sighed. “I guess I can part with my dear sister for a while. I mean she still has the right to hang out with other guys than me, I approve of you anyway.”

“Oh shut up, Zach.” Rosie said.

“What?!” The lot of them reacted. “You’re siblings?!”

“I thought you two were going out…” Thelea spoke.

“Same here.” Daneo added.

“Stop with those revolting thoughts, please. Yes, this redhead is my step brother.” Rosie shifted her eyeglasses up her nose bridge. “Our parents recently married but it was a very private affair. I’m burdened to practice my patience with him all throughout my life now.”

“Don’t be so mean, Rosie.” Zach pouted.

“She’s actually endearing when she’s all lofty and mean like that.” Nise said.

“That’s very flattering, thank you.” Rosie chuckled.

“Well if we’re exchanging the pairings, I’ll choose Asari then!” Zach said. “I’ve always found shy and cute girls as attractive.” He beamed at her. “You won’t mind, right, Asari?”

“E-Eh?? W-With Zachary Marte?”

“Mhm. If you decline, I’ll take it really badly. It’d also be bad for my image.”

“Eeeeep. T-then… I’ll a-accept!” Asari managed to say.

“Good!” Zach flashed his intoxicating grin. “Well, I’m kinda thirsty. I think I’ll buy a drink first. Who else wants a can o’ soda?”

“Me, please.” Some of them replied.

“A-Anything is alright w-with me. I’m a little thirsty too…” Asari whimpered.

“I prefer water.” Rosie said.

“I’m good, thanks.” Oresa spoke.

“Alrighty, I’ll get the drinks so we can be refreshed before going on the Rainbow Eye. Who wants to go with me?”

“I’ll come with.” Jace volunteered.

Zach and Jace started walking through the crowds of kids, families, friends, and co-workers. Jolly music was played all over Rainbow Land and children were running about. Jace suddenly stopped walking.

“Zach…”

“Yup?”

“I just found out that Irsa is Asari.”

“I’m not surprised. This was organized for you two, right?”

“Yeah… Well, she just confessed to me; I didn’t know what to say.”

“Well you’re still such a newbie at this so I’m not surprised about your reaction. But then again no one ever gets used to these things, not even someone like me.” Zach smiled. “‘Grats on that anyway.”

“Nothing to congratulate there. Anyway, I still remember that person…” Jace was somber. “…perhaps out of guilt.”

“Don’t think too much about it. Who knows, maybe if you give it time it will happen as it should. Don’t rush yourself. Haste makes waste as they say.”

“I think Rosie’s wisdom is rubbing off of you.” Jace grinned back at his friend. “She must feel proud.”

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

Zach and Jace returned with cold drinks at hand and gave those to their friends.

“Hmm, I think I’ll go with Zach instead.” Oresa said, standing up from a cloud-designed bench. “We still have some things to talk about.”

Zach briefly raised an eyebrow but quickly bore a smile a second later. “Yup! I’m sorry Asari dear, let’s pair up on the next ride then.”

“I-It’s okay…” Asari said.

Thelea and Daneo were the first pair to enter their passenger car, followed by Rosie and Nise. Jace and Asari got in the third one.

“I guess you’re stuck with me once more.” Jace was the first one to speak. The gondola started to ascend slowly.

“D-Don’t worry, I’m enjoying it…” Asari shyly spoke.

“You said you were gonna say one more thing right?”

She nodded.

“What is it then?” he asked. “Can you tell me now?”

“Y-Yes… But before that I’d like to thank you for today. I really had fun and felt happy that I was able to tell you directly how I felt.”

“You’re welcome. But really, I should be the one thanking you. I’m really flattered by all this. I mean I’m just a normal guy who tends to be introverted so I didn’t expect anything like this.”

“T-That’s not true! You’re very kind and hardworking…” she said. “Unlike me… I-I’m a liar.”

“What do you mean?”