Chapter 81 - Trio
Disneyland, hailed as the happiest place on Earth, never lacks visitors in search of joy. Even though Golden Week was nearing its end, the park remained as crowded as ever.
Waiting in long lines was something Hoshino Gen simply couldn’t tolerate. So, before setting out, he booked the premium guided tour service, which not only allowed him to skip the entrance queues but also granted access to all the attractions via exclusive fast-track lanes, guided by a dedicated tour guide.
At the ticket gate, the staff member accepted the three tickets Hoshino Gen handed over, a puzzled expression flickering across their face. Their gaze shifted back and forth between Hoshino Gen and Liz before they finally couldn’t hold back their curiosity.
“Sir, it seems you’ve purchased an extra ticket? Although the premium guided tour requires a minimum of three tickets, if it’s just the two of you, two tickets would suffice.”
“It’s fine. There are indeed three of us,” Hoshino Gen replied with a smile.
This response left not only the staff member bewildered but also Liz, who blinked in confusion and glanced up at Hoshino Gen.
Hoshino Gen didn’t offer any further explanation, and the staff didn’t press the matter, chalking it up to the eccentricities of the wealthy.
With ticket stubs in hand, they entered the park, warmly greeted by their enthusiastic guide and a chorus of cheerful “Welcome!” from the staff on either side. Hoshino Gen led Liz into the most magical place on Earth.
Blue skies, fluffy white clouds, and the lively buzz of excitement. Castles, princesses, and laughter filled the air.
Costumed characters roamed everywhere, and vibrant, fairy tale-themed buildings painted the landscape in whimsical colors.
Rides whirred and spun, each like a bubble of dreams floating in the air—both fantastical and real.
Hoshino Gen’s phone buzzed softly in his pocket. A flicker of static-like light slipped unseen from his pocket and settled onto Liz.
Liz shivered slightly, feeling a brief chill but nothing more. Yet, in Hoshino Gen’s view, an ethereal face appeared beside her own, quickly merging into one.
It wasn’t possession, but a coexistence—an attachment.
Hoshino Gen chuckled softly, ruffling Liz’s hair. She looked up at him, puzzled by his sudden tenderness, her cheeks flushing pink from the affectionate gesture.
But her rosy face soon turned pale as they plunged on the indoor drop tower of the Tower of Terror. The intense sensory overload left her breathless, with the screams of fellow riders amplifying the thrilling atmosphere.
Despite the indoor setting, the rush of air made her hair whip around. She glanced at Hoshino Gen, who sat beside her with a calm smile, unfazed.
Indeed, Hoshino Gen remained composed. After all, nothing in an amusement park could truly excite him. The drop wasn’t scary; if anything, he found himself instinctively checking above to ensure no stray glowing debris was falling. He even mused about having a cup of tea.
Suddenly, a small, frantic hand grabbed his sleeve. Hoshino Gen glanced over to see Liz, her pale face framed by bright, determined eyes. Without realizing it, her hand slipped from his sleeve to his hand. After a brief pause, Hoshino Gen chuckled softly and clasped her cool little hand in his.
Liz stared at him in surprise, then broke into a wide smile. In halting Japanese, she shouted over the roar of the ride, “Thank you!!”
Then she threw herself back into the experience, her frightened screams mingling with newfound delight.
Time flew by with each adrenaline-pumping drop, every dizzying loop on the space ride, breathtaking views from Soarin’, and daring escapades in the Caribbean pirate adventure.
It felt like a dream woven with fairy tales and adventures, a fantasy land filled with laughter and screams.
As the crimson sun kissed the horizon, a grand sunset painted the sky in brilliant hues.
The parade floats finally appeared, accompanied by a symphony as if heralding the descent of stars, pushing the dreamlike spectacle to its climax.
Crowds gathered along the parade route. Liz, enchanted by the floats, suddenly turned her head, realizing Hoshino Gen was gone.
Panic barely had time to rise before a hand pulled her from the crowd. Hoshino Gen knelt before her, holding a silver crown he’d somehow acquired. He gently placed it atop her head.
Dressed in a simple green dress, light brown ankle boots, and skin as fair as milk, Liz’s golden hair gleamed under the setting sun, her brilliant blue eyes sparkling like jewels. A princess from a fairy tale, returned to her rightful world.
Looking at Hoshino Gen, whose heterochromatic eyes mirrored Rin’s, Liz pouted slightly, her nose tingling with the urge to cry.
The mood was perfect, emotions poised to overflow… but the tears never came.
“Hoshino?!”
A familiar voice called from nearby. Both Hoshino Gen and Liz turned to see Oguri Aino, holding an ice cream cone, staring in surprise.
Liz didn’t recognize her, but Hoshino Gen did—they’d had lunch together just that afternoon.
Oguri Aino’s shout caught the attention of their group from earlier. Kiryu Rakuye spotted them and ran over, exclaiming, “Senpai!” Noticing Liz, she squealed, “Is this the little sister from England you mentioned? She’s adorable!”
The others gathered around, Liz’s big, curious eyes watching these strangers.
“You’re so cute! Can I touch your hair? Oh, wait, does she understand Japanese?” asked Sakurajima Yui, her eyes sparkling with excitement. The first part was directed at Liz, the latter at Hoshino Gen.
“She doesn’t understand,” Hoshino Gen replied politely, effectively cutting off further ‘intrusions.’
Kiryu Rakuye could speak English, but she noticed something unusual about Liz… Was there a ghost attached to this little girl?