It was a lazy afternoon in the city. No one was out. Everyone chose to stay inside and take in the cold air of the indoors save for one not yet couple - or rather they wouldn't admit it if asked. Adrian and Kathrin.

  They were out on a terrace, cold drinks in hand while the air around bubbled with the heat. Giggling and laughing could be heard from their table while an easy conversation rang in the air. Talking about their hobbies, about sports, stories, everything and anything under the clear blue skies.

  That could be agreed by the bushes right next to them. A small hole opened in one of them on which end a pair of green spying eyes lurked, like that of a cat and mischievous one at that.

  "You didn't think Katie I would let you go without protection." April muttered to herself.

  "Are you going to join any sports club on the campus?” Kathrin asked and sipped her strawberry lemonade. “I heard they have a lot of such clubs.”

  "I'll wait and see a bit, it's still the first week of the semester. I'll wait till things shake up and the puzzle pieces fall into place. Then I'll look into it. Anyway, I'll probably end up going to the gym as I can do that whenever."

  "You going to become a bodybuilder?"

  "As if." Adrian rolled his eyes as Kathrin giggled. "What about you then? And don't laugh too much or else I might end up rescuing you."

  "And what if I want to be rescued?" Kathrin said with humour in her voice.

  "You enjoy getting kissed in CPR?" Adrian smoothly replied and froze.

  They both froze. They ended up looking at each other, their cheeks a healthy red and only getting warmer. In such new silence they sipped at their lemonades while their eyes looked everywhere if it wasn't each other.

  "They're hopeless. And it’s both of them. " April cackled like a witch. "They're like made of the same dough. If there's a perfect couple then this is it." She wiped away the tears in her eyes, she herself didn't know if they rushed out from the sight being so heartwarming or her laughing so hard.

  "What we watching?"

  April abruptly turned around. She wasn't used to getting sneaked on. It was unusual as she was paying attention even if she was mainly looking at the hopeless couple.

  "Who are you?"

  "That's what I'm wondering, you pervert. You're the first female one I met."

  "No, I'm not." April quickly replied, stunned by the reasoning.

  "Sneaking around, talking to yourself, hiding in a bush, spying on people. Then what are you if not a pervert?"

  "I'm..."

  “I’m going to call the police.”

  April ran over what to say to save the situation and it turned out there was no saving it. Telling the truth was all that was left. "I'm her friend. Yes, I'm Kathrine's friend."

  "So that's her name."

  "I'm sorry?"

  "You're sorried."

  "What?"

  "I'm that guy's roommate. Yeah, that guy that’s sitting across her. I was just passing by and saw them. I kinda wanted to say hello, but didn't want to intrude so I didn't. Then I saw you and wanted to know what's this about. By the way name's Jin."

  In silent awe April shook his hand.

  "So, if her name's Kathrin, then what's your name?"

  "April."

  "Okay April." Jin crouched down beside her. "So, what's the current situation? Did they at least hold hands?"

  "No."

  "Did they go for a kiss already? I know that Adrian's got the spirit and hearth if he gets into it." Jin said like an old father watching and awaiting his son’s next step in life. Yes, he was content on being on the sideline as that’s what was needed in teaching kids sometimes.

  "No. I would be surprised if they could even hold eye contact for more than a while." April then went on and on about what she already heard and saw of them both being so clearly into each other, but neither of them being able to take that step further.

  “Do you know how Kathrin’s been stressing all over the place before coming here? I”

  “Hey”

  "They seem to be leaving."

  "Already?"

  "Yes, they already drank their lemonades and paid and are now on their way."

  "Then what are we waiting for. Let’s go after them."

  "Aye-aye captain." Jin said and stepped out the bush for but a moment before landing back on his ass as April reeled him back in.

  "What's the matter?" Jin asked.

  "You can't just go out like this he'll know it's you." April looked out at the street. "This calls for a disguise."

  Jin looked at the shop she was observing.

  "Yes, I tried playing games like that, but it isn't for me. Too much toxicity and hate." Kathrin said as they were walking through the streets.

  "But that's what makes it special."

  "Oh, come on."

  "No, I'm serious."

  "Really." Kathrin skipped right in front of him and then spun around. "I think you just like to make people angry."

  "Just a little bit."

  "I knew it."

  "Can't help it that they get too angry easily."

  "Then I'll have to beware of becoming your target."

  "Not at all." Adrian said.

  "And why’s that?"

  "I don't bully cute... and animals."

  "So that's what I am to you an animal?" Kathrin turned to the side with a hmph and a pout. Her eyes though never left Adrian together with a joking glint.

  "Yes, you're a cute animal." He said. "A little cute Cat."

  The smell of ripeness was in the air. The trees along their way threw blotches of shade on their path while the bees were buzzing collecting pollen from the concrete flower beds that acted as a fence separating the pavement and the street.

  This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  "You know you're the fourth person that calls me like that."

  "Who are the three people that beat me?"

  "My parents and roommate."

  "What is this? I got robbed of a third place by a roommate. I'm not even in the top three!" He said childishness dripping out with every word.

  "No, no she's not only my roommate she's also my lifelong friend.” Kathrin waved her hands around in distress to save a situation that needed no saving. “She's been with me for years and years now."

  "In that case it is tolerable then."

  "It better fucking be tolerable." April said and whispered to herself. "I worked hard for that third place."

  A few people were on the pavement moving about.

  "Isn't this too suave. I mean I dig it. In fact, it was really missing in my wardrobe." Jin said as he tensed the floral string he had around his neck. They bought it as a set with summer Havanan clothes. Shirt, shorts, slippers and sunglasses. Everything in colourful flowers of course.

  "You have a wardrobe?"

  "No. But a theoretical one… And what's that supposed to mean? You say it like you're astounded that I have more than one pair of clothes."

  "It is because I am."

  "Woah, that's hurtful of you."

  "I'm glad."

  "I won't be talking to you."

  "Good." April said. "Why are you even here?"

  "Because you are here. That's why. You going to kick me away?"

  April looked at him and for a moment it seemed she was considering it. "I guess no. But you better act nicely."

  "I don't think I have to remind you who was the first one stalking."

  "We're now on the same boat. The same crime."

  "At least you're admitting it. That's good. Give it time pervert and you'll be cured."

  April right away struck. She grabbed Jin by the neck and squeezed a bit to make him aware of the situation he's in. "Shut up or I'll take care of you. Be good and I'll be good. Capichto?"

  "Capichto."

  "Good." She released him.

  He coughed and breathed heavily.

  "Come on I wasn't that rough."

  "You were rough enough." Jin said with as much of a neutral face as his smile let him. "Just what I like."

  "I should've been rougher." April said matter-of-factly, not turning around to hide her expression. "To choke out the stupidity out of you."

  "You should've been rougher."

  "How about next time I do it tighter and lift you up."

  "That would be preferable, mommy."

  The people around them were throwing them glances as the bits and pieces of the conversation were heard. Their own discussions quietened as if someone lowered the TV volume and this show became more important.

  "I won't get embarrassed no matter what you'll say." April smirked before slowly, letter by letter addressing Jin. "Daddy~."

  "You don't know how happy that makes me."

  "And I'm sure I don't want to know that."

  "Don't be like that mommy. Don't you care about me?"

  "But of course I do. I'll let you feel it how much I care for you."

  "What-"

  Jin moved backward, but that didn't save him from April's claws. He was caught all the same, he closed his eyes and the pain didn't come. Instead, an additional weight landed on his back and made him wobble a step.

  "What are you doing?" Jin asked.

  "Say stupid things, so why not act on them. Treat me like your queen or whatever, yeah? It just so happens I'm tired of walking. Let's start by you carrying me."

  "That's unreasonable."

  "Too bad."

  Jin shook her from side to side. "Go down." He wasn't stopping.

  "I don't think I will." April said and wrapped her arms tighter around his neck like a boa.

  His struggle became weaker and weaker. Like a charm it worked and he stopped trying to throw her down.

  "In this case it is acceptable." He managed to say.

  A man passed by them in that moment with his girlfriend, it was a noisy couple in which it was obvious the woman was dragging the man. From the look, they were going shopping, worse yet for the man it was clothes shopping.

  Jin saw him. They nodded at each other; it was a nod of acknowledgment of the others achievements in life. One that came straight from the heart, it was like looking at a fellow soldier marching to his death and saluting. One thing was different though they were both going with smiles. A flash later the man along with his girlfriend was gone in the crowd.

  “Hey, look where you’re going!” April shifted his head like she was ratatouille cooking. More surprising was it worked. And not only did Jin turn… he also slightly moaned. "You really are a masochist."

  "I guess I am…"

  "I think I'll have to wash my hands when this is all over."

  "Hey that's just plain rude." Jin looked back at April only to see her disgusted look that spoke for itself.

  They spent their time at the arcade, then it was the small shops. Everywhere Adrian and Kathrin had a great time laughing and having a great time. There always were Jin and April somewhere in the back making the most ambiguous and uncomfortable atmosphere that was possible. In lot of cases they were fighting, thankfully when they got into the arcade it was no longer physical. That didn't last though, it lasted precisely three fighting games that Jin won against April. And that was a mistake Then it devolved into real fighting game when April said that he was cheating with spamming buttons.

  The time got late and the sun, pinkish in its hue gave the sky a faraway radiance. Their journey too reached their end with their way to the theme park where they got on a Ferris wheel. First Adrian and Kathrin, then Jin and April into another one.

  "It's been so long." Kathrin said.

  Adrian glanced back at her. She was sitting opposite him looking much farther out and even closer still.

  "The last time I was on a Ferris wheel was with my mum." She sighed. "But that's years back."

  "I'm sure you can go with your mum again. I think if you ask her, she'll agree. Not that I met her or anything, but from your talking I'm guessing she's really good and not some old witch."

  "That's how you call them?"

  "Some. If they are witches or old bi-… ahem. Facts are facts."

  Kathrin turned to facing Adrian as he tried to be as much comfortable as the rickety wood and metal seats enabled. "But yeah, I think I will ask my mum the next time I'll be with her. But what about you. Were you ever on a Russian wheel?"

  "Promise that you won't laugh at me."

  "That's a promise I can't say I'll be able to hold."

  "Then just laugh with reservation."

  "Okay I promise. You're making me too curious as to what is it."

  "Okay." Adrian leaned forward and Kathrin mirrored him. Their faces were mere centimetres from touching. But neither seem to notice as they were more focused on the conversation.

  "I'm afraid of heights."

  They stopped there for a bit looking at each other. Adrian with his worried face and Kathrin with a blank look. That soon turned into a giggle like the sound of bells jiggling.

  At least she isn’t full on laughing, he thought.

  It had the same effect though of making Adrian look aside out of embarrassment. Then see the ground as they were just about to reach the top and turn back to Kathrin that was silent now since a few moments ago.

  "It's illogical I know. There's-"

  "No, no it's quite logical. You're afraid because there's a real chance of dying. But you're the one illogical still." She said. "Why did you agree to go here if you're afraid of heights? We could've gone elsewhere."

  Adrian was without words to say. All he could do was make a silly smile that explained it.

  In that moment the Russian wheel came to an abrupt stop. It pushed Adrian back into his seat while he held the seat with one hand. The other hand was already holding Kathrin as she was thrown towards him. He wrapped his hand around her waist in that split second and held on as the metal squeezed and squashed under them and stopped.

  "You, okay?" Adrian asked.

  "Yes..."

  "I think there's been some problem. The people below seem to be repairing it already."

  Kathrin nodded.

  They sat there one on top of another, holding each other close and not separating even if they could. The city laid bare before them, a river with lights floating in them, the park behind it and farther the flats bustling with life and stories of their own. Whatever window was a new story. Windows to other lives reflected upon the waters, little lights holding strong in the current to not be drowned.

  "Beautiful." Kathrin said.

  "Yes..." Adrian said while his gaze trailed off right back to the moment. "Beautiful..."

  She looked back at him and he at her.

  The world stopped for them; they were frozen in a chaste kiss. Sound, smell, sight was all muted, all disappeared except the both of them going deeper holding each other tighter and the kiss changed to a searching one. But they already found each other and the kiss was just a final seal.

  A trail of saliva connected them as they breathed heavily. Their minds hazy yet resolved for each other. They wanted to continue whenever into the night for each other into time that has yet to come. They went back in for another kiss and stopped as they felt the earth moving again.

  The moment passed just like anything, but in that one moment they were perfect. But perfection is just that. A moment elusive in time.

  There was just one thought on their minds.

  Why couldn't they make it stay?

  The Ferris wheel was turning again.

  A few cabins down were Jin and April. A smell of gunpowder was in the air while they sat opposite eyeing each other. An imaginary clock ticked by, the tension rose, their hands ready on non-existent guns strapped to their non-existent belts. The noon of theirs imaginations was high as they rose to the very top of the Ferris wheel.

  Jin smirked.

  "Don't you fucking-"

  But it was too late as Jin was quicker in drawing his weapon and said. "Wanna kiss?"

  He didn't expect the counterattack though.

  A punch kissed his face.

  Twenty-three seconds later and they were back down and on the uplift. Jin was in one corner of the cabin holding his bruised cheek while sitting in the farthest corner covering from April. And her tyrannical ways as he thought of her.

  Like he, she was looking at him, her legs crossed.

  "Play stupid games win stupid prices." She said.

  "But I thought I had a chance."

  "Keep dreaming."

  “You gotta get some practice in etiquette. You act like a gorilla.”

  “What did you say?” She leaned in while he tried, but was unsuccessful at getting away. He had his back firmly pressed against the seat.

  “An ape that’s how you act.”

  “An ape. You! Take that back.” She grabbed his cheeks and pulled and pulled.

  “Yeash… an Apeh.” He said and found a way to her cheeks with his hands and started pulling the same way.

  “Y ouh t-t-take thath back.”

  “Neverh.”

  For them it was another five minutes of nonstop arguing mixed in with few instances of small physical violence before they all went back to their dormitories. One group content and closer than before, the other… yeah let’s not talk about the other group as they were still giving each other a headache.