In preparation for the weekend date, I consulted with Jessica to decide on the details, primarily accommodating her wishes.
The days passed as usual, with nothing noteworthy about the end-of-term test results. Emily, being busy, hasn't been attending school, and according to Erika, she doesn't have any proper time off in December or January.
Since I often spend either Saturday or Sunday with Jessica, I adjust my schedule for intimate moments with my other slaves accordingly. With Nanako, due to limited time after school, it typically happens on weekends when I don't have plans with Jessica.
Today is Sunday, and our plan is a date at the amusement park.
The destination theme park is beyond Jessica's house from my place, and we can get there by train. I informed her of the train's departure time and car, and she joined me at the nearest station.
"Good morning, Ethan."
"Good morning, Jess."
I returned the greeting, calling her "Jess" instead of "Jessica." This is a precaution to avoid drawing attention, and she agreed to this in public settings.
Her name, Jessica White, is quite rare, and calling her that could attract attention from those who know it. My name is common, so there's no such concern for me.
Even in the crowded train, her exceptional beauty drew glances. I stood next to her, holding onto the handrail to shield her, and we continued our quiet conversation until we reached the station near the theme park.
"There's not as many people as I thought."
"Probably because it's winter and cold."
Using the tickets I had purchased online in advance, we entered the theme park. Naturally, as I invited her for the date, I paid for the tickets.
We looked around the relatively spacious area just past the entrance. Although the crowd was smaller than expected, there were still plenty of visitors.
This theme park is known for its good security, with few troublesome people looking to hit on others. However, with Jessica's presence, even those few might flock to her, which is both worrisome and troublesome.
Under normal circumstances, there wouldn't be much I could do, but I have magic at my disposal. I used spells to make us less noticeable and deter those with ill intentions from approaching.
With the worries addressed, I turned to the slightly anxious Jessica and asked.
"Where should we start?"
"Hmm... maybe that one first?"
She pointed to the most popular thrill ride in the park. Surprised by her unexpected choice, I couldn't help but ask,
"Do you like thrill rides?"
"...Yeah, actually."
"Is that so? Well, time is limited, so let's go."
Trying to maintain a natural demeanor, I took her right hand with my left. She let out a small sound of surprise, and her cheeks turned a light shade of red.
"Ah..."
"Was that okay?"
"Yes! I'm fine with it..."
"Good, I'm glad..."
Holding hands, we headed to the attraction. Her hand felt cold, likely due to the winter chill.
"Next, let's try that one..."
Jessica smiled brightly and tugged at my hand. Her demeanor was entirely different from the aloofness she showed in class, making her even more captivating and setting my heart aflutter.
"Alright, let's hurry."
"Yeah!"
When we reached the attraction, the estimated wait time was thirty minutes. While waiting in line, we chatted and laughed together.
"I never expected you to like thrill rides so much, Jess."
"Does it not suit me?"
"Well, it's hard to picture, I guess."
"What about you, Ethan?"
"Me? I'm so-so. I usually go along with what my companion wants."
Normally, the long wait times for rides would be agonizing, but today was different. Being with Jess, an exceptionally beautiful girl, I felt I could wait for hours.
"Then today, please accompany me."
"Got it. As your boyfriend, I'll prioritize your wishes."
We shared a laugh over our conversation, making the thirty-minute wait time feel much shorter. When our turn came, Jess looked up at the ride—a free-fall attraction—with sparkling eyes, clearly excited.
"This is going to be fun..."
"You really do like this, huh..."
As I boarded, I silently vowed not to let Jess hear any embarrassing screams from me.
***
We spent the morning riding thrill rides and had lunch at a casual restaurant. I had hoped Jess might bring a homemade lunch, but she decided against it, as it would be inconvenient while riding the attractions. She promised to do so another time.
In the afternoon, we started with a calm ride, as riding thrill rides right after lunch would be too much. However, it wasn't long before we resumed our thrill ride adventures.
As evening approached, it was time to start thinking about heading home. While I didn't mind staying out late, Jess had a curfew.
Our final ride was the Ferris wheel, a classic choice for couples. It wasn't particularly large, taking just over ten minutes per rotation. Still, it offered a secluded, intimate setting for the two of us.
"Jess, did you enjoy today?"
"Of course! It was so much fun! How about you, Ethan?"
"Same here. Honestly, any place is fun if I'm with you."
"I feel the same way with you..."
"I'm glad to hear that."
As we continued our conversation, the Ferris wheel gondola neared the top. Jess grew quieter and more nervous, likely anticipating what might happen in this private setting. The romantic ambiance of a Ferris wheel at sunset naturally invites certain expectations.
"Hmm..."
"Jess..."
"Y-yes!?"
I called her name, staring into her beautiful, moist eyes, her pale skin flushed with anticipation. Reaching out with my right hand, I gently placed it on her cheek, leaning forward.
"Ah..."
I cupped her face with both hands, and she, seemingly bracing herself, closed her eyes slowly. Interpreting this as consent, I softly pressed my lips to hers. As we kissed, the ferris wheel reached its peak, with the sunset casting a golden glow around us.
"Mmm..."
"...Ha..."
The kiss was tender and brief. Pulling back slightly, I looked into her eyes and expressed my feelings.
"...I love you, Jess."
"...love you too!"
She wrapped her arms around me, overjoyed, and we kissed again, savoring the moment until just before the Ferris wheel attendant could see us.
As we exited the ferris wheel, Jess's flushed face drew a complex look from the male attendant, likely envious of our relationship.
Even on the train ride home, we held hands, sharing our thoughts about the day.
"...It was amazing! Let's come again, okay?"
"Definitely. Maybe next time, we can visit another theme park?"
"Yes! It's a promise!"
As we reached her station, I insisted on walking her home since it was already dark.
"Thank you."
"It's only natural as your boyfriend."
"Y-yeah..."
Her shy reaction to the word "boyfriend" was endearing. As we neared her home, she turned to me to say her thanks.
"You can stop here."
"Are you sure?"
"...Thanks for today. I had a great time."
"I'm the one who should be thanking you."
"Fufu~! See you at school tomorrow."
With a smile, she leaned in for a quick kiss, her face glowing with bashfulness afterward.
"...See you, Ethan. Bye-bye~"
"Y-yeah..."
Jessica jogged towards her house, giving me a final wave before entering.
"...Things are progressing well, I think?"
Hoping to make our relationship official by the year's end, I started planning as I made my way back to the station.