Morning light streamed through the window, the cold wind outside shimmering faintly. At the table, Kasumi nibbled on her toast, Shion sipped his coffee, and little Miyu lazily stirred her juice with a straw.
Sayaka joined them.
"By the way, Kasumi… Uncle called."
"Uncle Hiroshi?" Kasumi asked through a bite of toast.
"Yes, the one from Osaka," Takeshi answered. "He said if you're all on vacation, we should meet up."
"You three must be bored at home anyway," Sayaka added with a smile.
Miyu squealed. "OSAKAAA~!? Amusement park!? Takoyaki!? Rollercoaster!?"
"We're all going?" Shion said softly.
"Yes. A two-day trip. Osaka has something to see at every corner," Takeshi confirmed.
Kasumi looked at him, seeking approval. After a small pause, she nodded.
"Yay! I'll go to the haunted house first!" Miyu cheered.
Sayaka laughed. "Okay, I'll book the tickets now. Flight's tomorrow morning."
Shion looked out at,Excitement buzzed in the background, but his face carried a gentle nervousness—images of the new place already forming in his head.
---
At the domestic terminal, people in jackets sat on benches. Kasumi, Shion, and Miyu waited with their travel bags.
"Yaaay! Plane! Window seat! Cotton candy!" Miyu bounced.
"Relax, Miyu. The gate isn't even open yet," Kasumi said calmly.
Shion smiled softly.
"Who can stop you when you've got 'sky dreams'…"
Kasumi smiled too.
Announcement: "Flight to Osaka boarding in ten minutes."
Kasumi leaned toward him.
"You okay? Nervous?"
"A little… but I'm fine because you're all here," he said.
She gave a small, subtle reaction. The plane sat outside, visible through the terminal window, snow drifting around it.
---
Osaka's energy felt different—noisy, crowded, alive. The trio stepped through the arrival gate.
"This place looks like a —!" Miyu exclaimed.
"More people, more noise… but it's fun," Kasumi added.
"Yeah… kinda loud. But it's a good feeling," Shion observed awkwardly.
A cheerful face appeared—mid-forties, holding a name board.
"Kasumi~! Miyu!" he called warmly...—"And who's this handsome boy?"
"Uncle—this is Shion. He's my classmate. He's with us on vacation," Kasumi introduced.
Uncle Hiroshi extended his hand. "Welcome, Shion! Don't worry—no formality here. Osaka's open for you!"
Shion accepted the handshake with slight hesitation—nervous, but grateful.
---
Uncle's duplex felt warm and cozy—wooden floors, books, and souvenirs everywhere.
"Make yourself at home! Your room's the guest room upstairs. Miyu's bed is in my study," Hiroshi announced.
"Yesss! Osaka room~!" Miyu cheered and jumped.
Shion set down his bag and said quietly,
"This place is different, but cozy."
Kasumi smiled softly. "This trip's going to be unforgettable."
Three backpacks lined the hallway. Outside, Osaka's city lights spread like a warm glow.
The next day trio arrival in amusement park gates of the glowed with color.Uncle Hiroshi had some work, so only the three of them headed for the amusement park
The sun was soft, crowds bustling, excitement everywhere.
"OSAKAAA!! Look—rollercoaster! Haunted house! Cotton candy!" Miyu squealed.
Kasumi tugged her jacket and laughed.
"Slow down or you'll turn into the haunted house yourself."
Shion looked around, a little overwhelmed.
"It's… really loud here."
"But beautiful too," Kasumi smiled.
He gave a small nod. Slowly, the energy of the place began to sink in.
---
Rollercoaster Ride
Miyu screamed her lungs out in pure delight.
Shion tensed at first, but when they reached the peak, a rare smile broke across his lips.
Kasumi sat beside him, watching his reaction with quiet joy.
---
Ring Toss Stall
Shion accidentally won. Miyu begged for the prize.
But he handed it to Kasumi instead.
"For me?" she asked, surprised.
"You didn't even try," he said simply.
Kasumi blushed, smiling softly.
---
Carousel
Miyu picked a horse.
Kasumi chose a bench. Shion sat quietly beside her.
Soft music played as they circled—peaceful, small, warm.
---
Takoyaki Stall
Steam rose from the tray.
Miyu stuffed one whole. "Hot… but sooo good!"
"Slow down, Miyu! You'll burn your tongue," Kasumi scolded.
Shion took a bite. "Softer than I expected."
"takoyaki magic," Kasumi replied with a grin.
"Next—the haunted house!" Miyu bounced.
Shion inhaled. "…That's optional, right?"
"Don't force anyone," Kasumi said calmly.
"Fine! Sister and I will go!" Miyu announced.
Kasumi threw Shion a soft smile. Silent… but the bond between them deepened.
---
Haunted House
The entrance was dark and foggy. Creepy music thudded.
A zombie actor jumped out.
"AAAH!" Miyu shrieked.
"wooww!" Kasumi jumped too.
Shion said flatly, "Costume looks synthetic."
The actor froze, confused.
In the next room, skeletons dangled.
Shion tapped one. "Plastic."
Kasumi laughed. "Feels like childhood."
A ceiling ghost dropped.
"Aaaah! Cute ghost!!" Miyu squealed.
"Looks like it needs repairs," Kasumi said casually.
"This is… a ghost?" Shion asked, genuinely curious.
"YES! Pretend fear!" Miyu snapped, frustrated.
Final scare—a vampire actor lunged.
"I want your BLOOOOD!"
"Physiologically impossible. Blood intake causes toxicity," Shion replied calmly.
"…What?" The actor blinked.
Kasumi and Miyu burst out laughing.
"Looks like we scared the haunted house," Kasumi said between laughs.
---
Park Exit – Evening
Lights blinked as they left.
"Best haunted house—without horror!" Miyu declared.
"I thought someone would scare Shion… but he confused the staff instead," Kasumi chuckled.
"It was educational… and fun," Shion said softly.
Miyu rested her head against Kasumi's bag. "Now I want cotton candy…"
"Water first. Then candy," Kasumi said gently.
"So… ghost means pretend fear?" Shion asked.
"Finally got it, Professor?" Kasumi teased.
They leaned against the railing. Sunset painted the Ferris wheel. A lo-fi guitar strummed in the distance. The day ended with laughter and warmth.
---Chapter 21 end---