As the "Dream Wheel" gondola gently glided back to the platform, Leo and Lumine stepped out, faint smiles still gracing their lips, their cheeks slightly flushed from the intimate moments shared high above. They carried with them a quiet excitement and the tender impression of their private interlude.
No sooner had their feet touched the ground than their waiting comrades swarmed them, eyes glinting with mischief and grins full of eager curiosity.
"Lumine-chan! Lumine-chan!" Himari was the first to dart towards Lumine, shaking her friend's arm gently, her big round eyes sparkling. "How was it? How was it? Sooo romantic up there, right? Any progress? Spill all the details, quick!"
Simultaneously, Riku sauntered over to Leo, clapping him heartily on the shoulder. "Yo, Leo! You look mighty happy, my friend! So, tell us, was the view from up there spectacular, or was the 'company' even more spectacular, eh? Hahaha!"
Zeno, never missing a beat, quickly aimed his "Happiness Wave Detector V.4.2" (which suspiciously resembled an old TV remote with an aluminum foil antenna) at Leo and Lumine. "Whoa! The happiness scale is off the charts! The 'Love Pheromone' readings are through the roof too! Something definitely happened up there, I tell ya!"
Ken just smirked, a knowing look in his eyes as he observed his two friends. Iris, though maintaining her composed demeanor, had a hint of an amused smile playing on her lips. Takumi nodded slowly. "A significant fluctuation in emotional levels post-exposure to a sentiment-provoking stimulus... Most intriguing."
The friendly interrogation and teasing continued as they moved, especially when they briefly split up to use restrooms or grab more drinks.
"So, so, so? Did you hold hands? Gaze deeply into each other's eyes? Or maybe..." Himari whispered to Lumine with extreme excitement as they walked to get some water. "Ooh! Were there any... little kisses, Lumine?" She widened her eyes dramatically, feigning coyness, though her gaze was practically burning with curiosity.
Lumine's blush deepened even further. She playfully swatted Himari's arm. "Himari-chan! Don't be ridiculous! We... we were just talking about the view, that's all. Nothing happened." But her slightly trembling voice and flustered demeanor were a dead giveaway.
Iris, who had rejoined them, smiled knowingly. "From the look on your face, Lumine, I can pretty much guess that the 'view' up there must have been truly 'special'." Iris's words made Lumine wish the ground would swallow her whole.
Eventually, Lumine conceded and shared a few (heavily censored) details with her close friends – how Leo had complimented her, and how lovely the atmosphere had been. But the truly important parts about the "promise," she kept quietly to herself.
The boys' corner was no less lively. Riku continued to relentlessly tease Leo while they waited in line for popcorn. "So, it's all settled then, Leo? You two are official? Get ready to treat us all to a celebration feast, buddy! Or hey, want me to start designing your wedding invitations?"
Ken roared with laughter. "So, what did Lumine say, man? Did your master plan to win her heart work out?"
Zeno immediately chimed in with an idea. "If you need to amplify your love connection, I have a 'Trans-Dimensional Love Whisper Amplifier'! I guarantee Leo's sweet nothings will reach Lumine-chan's heart in Full HD!"
Leo tried to keep a straight face, but he couldn't quite hide the joyful smile that kept appearing. "Well... we just talked normally. Nothing much, guys." But the bright sparkle in his eyes told a different story.
Takumi, leaning against a nearby pillar, summarized the situation in his usual flat tone. "Based on an analysis of observable behavioral and physiological data... the probability of a positive romantic development between the two subjects is approximately 87.3%, with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5%... which is statistically significant."
Once everyone regrouped, snacks in hand, the atmosphere grew even more boisterous with laughter and playful banter. This continued until they decided to find a place for a proper dinner in the park's restaurant zone before settling down to watch the grand light and sound show that would cap off their magical evening.
While waiting for the show, Leo and Lumine were "strategically" seated next to each other (again, thanks to Himari and Zeno's not-so-subtle maneuvering). Lumine leaned in and whispered to Leo, a playful smile dancing in her eyes, a sight becoming delightfully more common.
"Hey, Leo... So, you're really not going to run off with some other girl while I'm... uh... thinking things over, right?"
Leo chuckled softly, looking at Lumine with eyes full of affection. "No way. Cub Scout's honor."
Then, the light and sound spectacular began. A kaleidoscope of brilliant lights painted the night sky, and dazzling pyrotechnic effects burst like falling stars. Everyone was captivated by the sheer beauty and grandeur before them. Lumine, caught up in the moment, unconsciously leaned her head lightly on Leo's shoulder as her favorite part of the music swelled, then quickly pulled back with a blush when she realized what she'd done. But that fleeting touch left a distinct warmth in both their hearts.
After the show concluded, everyone was filled with a sense of wonder from the incredible evening. The exhaustion from a full day of adventure was starting to set in, but a joyful, contented atmosphere still enveloped them.
"Today was so much fun! Thanks, Riku-san! Let's all hang out again soon!" Himari said as the group began to disperse.
"My pleasure, always, folks! If another fun opportunity comes up, you can bet I'll drag you all along!" Riku responded cheerfully.
Suddenly, Zeno snapped his fingers. "Oh! Hey everyone! Since we've shared so many epic moments today, and we're all in the same class, why don't we create a Class 2-A (unofficial version) LINE group? For chatting, sharing news, or planning fun stuff! It'll help 'synchronize' our communications!"
Zeno's proposal was met with enthusiastic agreement. Smartphones were quickly produced, and a flurry of QR code scanning and ID exchanging ensued. Leo took this opportunity to formally ask for Lumine's LINE ID, which she gave with a smile, readily offering her phone for him to add her. This simple act didn't go unnoticed by their friends, who exchanged knowing grins and soft, teasing remarks.
Exchanging LINE contacts that night was more than just adding names to a list; it symbolized a new level of openness and a strengthening bond within their group. It also paved the way for more frequent communication during the upcoming spring break – especially for Leo and Lumine, whose "promise" was patiently waiting for its day.
As they all said their goodbyes and waved, Leo and Lumine shared one last look, a gentle smile exchanged that spoke volumes of the "promise" and the hope that now blossomed between them. They parted ways, hearts full, carrying with them the sweet feelings of a day that would be long cherished.
Leo returned to his room, tired but utterly happy. He looked at the small planet-shaped keychain he'd bought, and Lumine's smile filled his thoughts. He could hardly wait for the day he would hear her "answer." He opened the LINE app, looked at Lumine's newly added profile, and couldn't help but smile to himself.
Meanwhile, Lumine was back in her own room. She might have been hugging the little bunny plushie Himari had won (and then gifted to her when she saw Lumine eyeing it) or perhaps admiring the nebula-themed bookmark she'd chosen. She sat at her desk, gazing out at the star-dusted sky, replaying Leo's warm words and actions from the day. Her heart swelled with feelings that were clearer and more confident than ever before. She opened LINE, scrolled through her new contacts, and a soft, tender smile touched her lips as her finger paused on the name "Tsukino Leo."
The enchanting night at Dreamland had drawn to a beautiful close, leaving behind sweet memories and a "promise" that was patiently waiting to bloom...