Chapter 123 Tennis 11 Osaka

Osaka's summer weather is perfect for traveling with clear skies and bright sunshine.

It seems that even God particularly likes the amusement park, as if he has turned on a special filter for the sky above the park.

Looking up, the sky looked like a giant blue glass stone, crystal clear, with dreamy white cotton candy clouds floating in it. The sunlight filtered through the dense leaves and sprinkled onto the ground like tiny gilded pearls.

And someone seemed to be particularly favored by God. The black-haired girl with a naturally beautiful appearance had attracted countless gazes since she was queuing to enter the park.

She seemed to have dressed up a little today, wearing casual clothes that were different from her usual Hyotei khaki school uniform.

The bright blue knitted top with a waist and the white lace puffy skirt wrap the girl's slender yet curvy figure. Her legs are straight and slender, and the ankle socks on her ankles, which are the same bright blue as the top, echo each other and are the finishing touch of this outfit.

Under the bright sunshine of the paradise, the visually striking color combination made Kurikawa Sana's skin glow with a whiteness that seemed almost luminous. Her long black hair, usually loose, was pulled back into a bud, revealing her exquisite and perfect facial features. She looked incredibly bright and beautiful.

Shiraishi Kuranosuke could almost clearly hear the inhalation of the tourists around him, as well as the whispers that were suppressed but still obvious.

"Look at that girl, she's so beautiful..."

"Is he a star?"

"The boy next to her is also very handsome. Is he her boyfriend?"

Shiraishi Kuranosuke's tall figure also froze in place.

Soon, Kurikawa Sana's voice brought him back to his senses: "Shiraishi-kun, should we go left or right?"

Shiraishi Kuranosuke: “……!”

The boy raised his hand and coughed softly, "Go to the right."

Kurikawa Sana was looking at the park map with a worried look on her face. Shiraishi Kuranosuke pointed to the lower right corner of the map and said, "Let's skip the Harry Potter land for now, as it's going to be very crowded at first. Let's follow the route to Jaws, Jurassic Park, Minions Land, and the limited-edition Sadako-themed haunted house. Then we'll go to the Harry Potter land around 3 or 4 in the afternoon."

"Finally, we came back here in the evening and rode the Sunset Roller, overlooking the entire Osaka at dusk. The timing was perfect. The only regret is that the Mario Land that's being planned is still under construction and may not open for a long time."

Kurikawa Sana: "!!!"

Should I say he is worthy of being the captain, with such strong planning and execution abilities.

It's so cool to travel with someone who's so good at planning! I feel like I can just let my mind go and leave everything to them.

"Wow, Shiraishi-kun has been here many times, right? He seems very familiar with the park."

Suddenly remembering something, Kurikawa Sana's tone became a little embarrassed. "Sorry, if I do this, won't I make Shiraishi-kun go to a place he's already been to again?"

"No, I just did some homework last night." Shiraishi Kuranosuke quickly shook his head. "This is my first time in USJ too. I've only been to Universal Studios Singapore with my family before."

"Eh? You've been in Osaka all this time but haven't been here before? ...Then wouldn't I have taken Shiraishi-kun's virginity?"

Shiraishi Kuranosuke: “……!!!”

The boy's expression was as if his soul had left his body. "First time or something...!"

Kurikawa Sana said seriously: "First time for USJ!"

There was a "ding" sound.

[Shiraishi Kuranosuke, Favorability +3. ]

"...Very impressive, Kurikawa-san really does have the potential to be funny in a serious way." Shiraishi Kuranosuke slowly gave a thumbs-up. "It's really ecstacy. I still have a lot to learn."

Kurikawa Sana: "..."

How should I put it? You are quite skilled in pronouncing the four-syllable word "ecstacy" in a serious Japanese accent!

And Shiraishi-kun really will gain more favorability as long as he shows his humorous side.

He really likes funny things.

Kurikawa Sana decided——

I'm going to tell him a few more jokes today.

…

*

The first stop is the small town of Friendship Village, which is a park built with the theme of the movie "Jaws".

Sitting in the boat ride of the Great White Shark Park, Kurikawa Sana was still pondering a joke, while the "tour guide" standing at the bow was energetically introducing the past of this small town, creating a very immersive experience.

The tour guide smiled brightly into the microphone and said, "There are no great white sharks in our town now. It's very safe now, haha!"

The child sitting in front of Kurikawa Sana whispered to his mother, "Mom, in the movies they say something like this, a monster will appear in the next second!"

Kurikawa Sana nodded vigorously in her heart, the child understood.

Sure enough, the kid's mouth seemed to be blessed. As soon as he finished speaking, a "boom" suddenly sounded around him!

The boat they were on was suddenly struck violently and began to shake violently! A great white shark suddenly leaped out of the dark waters, its maw gaping. Thunderous sounds echoed, and pale lightning illuminated every sharp, bloody tooth of the great white shark!

Kurikawa Sana: “Ah!!!!”

She was scared to death!!!

She knew it would happen, but she didn't expect the shaking of the ship to be so realistic! And this great white shark doesn't brush its teeth!

My dear, since you have such a sharp tongue when you enter Japan, can you please say, "I wish you success in your strategy and regain your health"?

Sana Kurikawa sat in the front row, where the experience was the most immersive. The great white shark jumped out of the water and fell down, splashing a lot of water. She looked helpless and was ready to get wet.

At the same time, Shiraishi Kuranosuke's eyes were slightly stern. He quickly turned sideways within the range allowed by the seat belt and stretched out his hand to block the oncoming splash for her, showing his gentlemanly demeanor.

A moment later.

The ship started moving forward again, and Shiraishi Kuranosuke maintained his original posture.

He couldn't help but be stunned for a moment.

The sudden shortening and close distance allowed Shiraishi Kuranosuke to clearly smell the girl's fresh and sweet fragrance, and clearly see her amazingly beautiful face.

This distance is too close...

[Shiraishi Kuranosuke, Favorability +3. ]

Kurikawa Sana blinked, her beautiful jewel-like blue eyes looked straight at him, her long eyelashes fluttering.

Shiraishi Kuranosuke's ears felt slightly hot, and just when he was about to say something to explain, he saw the black-haired girl slowly giving him a thumbs up.

Kurikawa Sana: "ecstacy."

Shiraishi Kuranosuke: “…”

For the first time in his life, Shiraishi Kuranosuke realized the destructive power of his own catchphrase.

…

*

After a quick check-in at Jaws, the next park is Jurassic Park, one of the most thrilling rides. It boasts the world's longest and highest-drop roller coaster, the Flying Pterosaur. Its rapid spins and dives are sure to make your brain and stomach churn.

After getting off the flying pterosaur, Kurikawa Sana felt completely dizzy and muttered, "It feels like I was caught by a dinosaur and thrown into a washing machine. I want that Toyama-kun to experience this for himself. This is the real 'Super Invincible, Absolutely Delicious Big Wheel Mountain Storm'..."

Shiraishi Kuranosuke chuckled: "You actually still remember the name of Xiao Jin's move."

Kurikawa Sana: "?"

Hearing Bai Shi's laughter, she felt like she was being laughed at.

Thinking back to when she was riding the roller coaster with Kise Ryouta, she was the one who didn't feel dizzy at all, but now she actually lost!

And when they were on the roller coaster, Kise had given her a huge boost in favorability, which must have been out of admiration for her fearlessness in the face of danger. But Shiraishi hadn't given her any favorability on the roller coaster just now, which must have been because she looked so dizzy and embarrassing!

No, she has to prove herself!

Kurikawa Sana: "I want to play it again, and I won't get dizzy this time!"

Shiraishi Kuranosuke: “?”

…

Twenty minutes later.

When she got off the Flying Pterosaur roller coaster again, Kurikawa Sana's eyes were confused and the flower buds on her head exploded.

Shiraishi Kuranosuke laughed so hard that his shoulders were shaking a little. He pulled the girl, whose steps had become snake-like, over to him and helped her tie up her loose hair.

When the piercing was halfway done, Shiraishi Kuranosuke realized belatedly that this action was a little too intimate.

He often helps his sister tie her hair at home, and it has become a muscle memory for him to do it, so it only takes him three seconds to tie Kurikawa Sana's hair again.

But for them who had only met a few times, such intimate behavior seemed a bit over the line.

Would she... mind?

Shiraishi Kuranosuke secretly looked at the girl.

Then, he saw that Kurikawa Sana still had a dull look in her eyes and a distracted look on her face, and she looked like she had calmed down.

Obviously, she was still dazed and had no idea that someone had just done a hair-tying for her.

There was no ambiguity in her eyes, only sincere awe for the world's tallest height-difference roller coaster.

Shiraishi Kuranosuke: "Pfft..."

The boy couldn't help but laugh out loud, his chest vibrating slightly.

With a "ding" sound.

[Shiraishi Kuranosuke, Favorability +2.]

“!!!”

Hearing this, Kurikawa Sana instantly woke up.

Sure enough, what did she say?

After riding the roller coaster twice and proving his strength, Shiraishi-kun's favorability increased!

system:【………】

Is it possible that this is not the reason? Her thinking is always so magical and amazing.

You're just more funny.

*

After arriving at the Minions Park, Sana Kurikawa was infected by the cheerful atmosphere and music and was resurrected on the spot.

The black-haired girl hopped around, humming a song and rubbing elbows with the chubby little Minion to replenish her health. The plump flower bud on her head, which had been newly tied, also jumped up and down, so bright and lovely that it was impossible to look away.

As the Minions farce ride took off, the girl's slender white ankles fluttered slightly, and her happiness was visibly evident.

Seeing this scene out of the corner of his eye, Shiraishi Kuranosuke curled the corners of his mouth slightly.

Like a child.

Kind of cute.

[Shiraishi Kuranosuke, Favorability +1. ]

Kurikawa Sana: "???"

Hmm? So, does that mean every theme park will increase your favorability?

And why is the trend of 321 gradually decreasing? If this continues, won't there be no more capacity to add to the next park? That kind of thing is not allowed!

But when they arrived at the next park, Kurikawa Sana had no time to care about whether to increase her favorability or not.

I almost forgot - the next park is Sadako themed!

Every year, USJ launches a limited-edition theme park featuring a different IP. The latest collaboration features the horror film Sadako, which features a limited-edition Sadako-themed haunted house. While waiting in line, Kurikawa Sana heard screams from inside, which gave her a shiver.

"If you're scared, why don't we just not play this?" asked Shiraishi Kuranosuke.

Kurikawa Sana: "No, I really want to play and I'm not afraid at all."

No, what if this park can also increase favorability? I can't miss even the slightest opportunity to increase favorability.

And judging from the experience of the second roller coaster increasing favorability, Shiraishi-kun should appreciate brave and strong people, and should not show fear when facing a haunted house.

The more Kurikawa Sana thought about it, the more she felt that her judgment was correct, and her eyes became firmer.

system:【………】

Her train of thought is really good.

However, soon she slapped herself in the face.

“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!”

The girl's heartbreaking screams echoed throughout the haunted house, and the devilish sound pierced her ears.

The NPC staff and Shiraishi Kuranosuke looked at each other in confusion: "..."

Miss Sadako, with her long black hair covering her face and reaching the ground, slowly crawled out from the dark TV set, but she froze halfway up.

Because she saw that the stunningly beautiful tourist girl in front of her screamed, then she climbed over the wall with one hand and climbed over the three-meter-high iron fence. Her movements were graceful and smooth, as if she was filming a martial arts movie.

Sadako in the haunted house: “…”

No, with your skills, why would you be afraid of a haunted house?

Shiraishi Kuranosuke also looked surprised.

Kurikawa-san's athletic ability... is just too amazing!

"Shiraishi-kun, run...!" After Kurikawa Sana flipped over, she suddenly realized that Shiraishi Kuranosuke was still there. After a second of fear, she quickly jumped over the wall and jumped back.

Although she was so scared that tears came to her eyes, Kurikawa Sana suppressed her fear and returned to his side.

Shiraishi Kuranosuke was stunned for a moment: "Why did it turn back again?"

Kurikawa Sana clenched her fists, her voice trembling, "Shiraishi-kun, I won't leave you alone!"

The young man was slightly startled.

[Shiraishi Kuranosuke, Favorability +4. ]

Miss Sadako: “…”

Come on, it's just a haunted house game, it's not that serious.

Miss Sadako silently retracted her head and hid herself behind the TV.

She shouldn't be here, she should be under the car.

…

*

When she arrived at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Sana Kurikawa breathed a long sigh of relief. She returned to the light and felt that she was finally alive again.

When she was hospitalized alone, she was particularly afraid of the dark night and the terrifying atmosphere. She was always prone to overthinking when she was alone at night. The scene just now reminded her of the dark TV hanging on the wall of the hospital room, and bad memories flooded back to her mind.

The system was also stunned.

[Sana, you were already so scared, why didn't you just tell Shiraishi that you didn't want to go to that haunted house?]

"Hmm? What are you talking about, system? There's nothing I can do about it. I'm running out of time. So, even if it's just a little bit of favorability, I'm going to fight for it. I can't give up."

【………】

The system fell into a long silence.

Kurikawa Sana's attention turned back to reality. Shiraishi Kuranosuke was choosing "magic potions". The transparent and textured glass bottles were filled with various potions, which were colorful and dazzling.

She remembered that Shiraishi Kuranosuke's attribute panel said he liked to study plants. Rounding it off, potions could also be considered "plants," magical plants.

"It's so beautiful. Is there sugar water in it?"

"Well, which one do you think is good-looking, Kurikawa-san?"

Kurikawa Sana pointed to the green bottle, which was a very fresh and beautiful emerald green, and seemed to suit Shiraishi Kuranosuke very well.

Shiraishi Kuranosuke nodded, picked it up and took a look. This bottle of green potion was——

Veritaserum.

A magical potion that can make anyone reveal their innermost truths and secrets. Just let someone drink three drops while they're unsuspecting, and they'll reveal all their deepest secrets.

Shiraishi Kuranosuke paid the bill silently.

Kurikawa Sana's attention was elsewhere, and she didn't even notice what the green potion was. Looking at the magic robes of the four houses hanging on the wall, her eyes lit up. "Shiraishi-kun, which house in Harry Potter do you like?"

"I prefer Gryffindor."

"What a coincidence, me too!"

…

Five minutes later.

Kurikawa Sana and Shiraishi Kuranosuke walked out of the shop together wearing Gryffindor robes. The deep red lining and black outer robes were a high-quality texture, and the iconic red and orange scarves were eye-catching. Coupled with their extremely good looks, they instantly attracted the attention of many people passing by.

The whispers of passers-by once again reached Shiraishi Kuranosuke's ears.

"I saw that couple again! They're such a treat for the eyes!"

"Wow, are both of them Gryffindor supporters?"

"Idiot, maybe it's just because you want to wear matching outfits!"

Shiraishi Kuranosuke: “……!!”

Couple...

The boy's fair ears felt slightly hot and he subconsciously looked in the direction of Kurikawa Sana.

It would have been fine if he hadn't looked, but when he did, he saw that someone who passersby thought was his girlfriend looked like she was about to get a heatstroke.

Shiraishi Kuranosuke: “…”

"It's so hot..." Kurikawa Sana took out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat off her face. She was almost fainting from the heat.

Her face was also red, but it was obviously not because she was shy because of what she heard, but because of the heat, the heat in the physical sense.

Shiraishi Kuranosuke sighed silently.

Of course, how can it not be hot, wearing a magic robe and a scarf in the middle of summer with a temperature of over 30 degrees.

"You should take it off first, Kurikawa-san."

"Yeah, let's wear it next time, okay, Shiraishi-kun." The girl's pretty face flushed under the red and orange scarf. "Wait until winter and we'll wear it together."

Upon hearing this, Shiraishi Kuranosuke was stunned for a moment.

——Wait until winter and wear them together.

This is both an agreement and a promise.

It's like a beautiful vision, making people for the first time involuntarily... look forward to the arrival of this special winter day.

[Shiraishi Kuranosuke, Favorability +5. ]

A smile appeared on the boy's face, bright and handsome.

"good."

*

"It's almost time to go ride Sunset Rollercoaster." Shiraishi Kuranosuke glanced at the time. "This roller coaster has two options: forward and reverse. Which one do you want to choose?"

Kurikawa Sana looked up at the sky.

"I want to sit—reverse."

I want to go in the opposite direction and return to the past.

Want to have the healthy body and life of the past.

…

Shiraishi Kuranosuke's guide was perfect. The Hollywood Dream roller coaster at sunset really gave you a panoramic view of the most stunning sunset.

Looking out, the sky was a dreamy blend of pink, orange, and purple-blue, with the clouds transformed into pink cotton candy. The park's towering palm trees were a mere silhouette, while the other rides flashed with colorful neon lights. Everything was as beautiful as if it were something out of a dream.

All the romance and beauty seem to be frozen here.

The height of the roller coaster was gradually rising. The safety belts of the Hollywood Dream roller coaster only tied the tourists' thighs. The feeling of weightlessness was particularly strong, and the sound of tourists gasping for breath began to be heard around.

Soon, the roller coaster climbed to its highest point, and everyone's upper body almost left the back of the seat, and screams rang out one after another.

Shiraishi Kuranosuke turned to look at Kurikawa Sana with some worry, worried that she would be as scared as before -

Even after a long time, Shiraishi Kuranosuke will never forget the scene he saw at that moment.

Kurikawa Sana was not afraid.

At the highest point, the black-haired girl smiled and opened her arms, raising them high. The smile on her face was brighter than ever before, as if she was about to fly to an unknown height.

The orange-red color of the setting sun fell on her face, illuminating her extremely vibrant vitality.

The girl cheered loudly, and her voice seemed to touch the hearts of the other passengers. Following her lead, everyone raised their arms high, fully enjoying this moment that could truly be called a "sweet dream."

Sometimes people live just for one or two moments.

The moment of embracing Osaka from high in the sky is frozen in time and becomes eternal.

As the music "Osaka LOVER" played on the roller coaster seats, the atmosphere at this moment reached its peak.

——"Confession once in a lifetime!"[1]

——“恋しくて憎らしい大阪何度ここへ来てたって”[1]

——"また来るのはあなたがおるからやもん"[1]

Shiraishi Kuranosuke quietly watched the black-haired girl's smile and listened to Osaka Love at this moment.

Something in his heart, like the plant he loved, quietly began to take root and sprout.

[Shiraishi Kuranosuke, Favorability +10. ]