I took the last few steps to Jessica’s house, hands on my pockets, acting natural. I was shaking inside though. How was I supposed to act around her? If I just act like a best friend, she’ll think that I’m not taking her seriously…I should act like a girlfriend but…how? I still can’t even process the fact that she loves me. Everything is such a blur.

 

    Entering the front lawn made my heart suddenly race. My normal breathing rate retracted itself and my throat felt dry. This is so amazing. I’m about to meet Jessica for our first date. 

 

    I forced my body to walk forward and ring her doorbell, mumbles can be heard from behind the door and a familiar voice shouted, “Yuri?” 

 

    “Yeah!” I shouted back.

 

    The door opened and I found Jessica with messy wet hair as if she just got out of the shower and she was obviously in a hurry to put on her clothes. “You’re early! You’re not supposed to see me like this!” She sighed and stomped her foot lightly, scratching her head, messing up her hair even more. I laughed and calmed her down. 

 

   “Like I haven’t seen you like this before.” I grinned and pulled her towards me by the waist. As I touched her, I suddenly had the urge to hug her tightly and kiss 

 

her…saying to myself how much of a dream come true this is. I slid my hands up, cupping her face, smiling. “I missed you.” I whispered. 

 

   She looked at me with a shy expression and blushed, whispering back, “I missed you too.” I smiled wider, hearing her reply back. She smiled back and we slightly melted into the moment but suddenly her eyes opened wider and stepped back. “My hair’s still a mess and our date is due in 10 minutes.” She mumbled worriedly with a squeal before hopping up the stairs quickly. 

 

  I chuckled at her combination of cute and silly. I walked to the living rooms which lead to the dining room, hoping to greet her folks. I found her mom doing the dishes while her dad was reading the paper. I entered quietly and bowed, showing respect. “Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Jung.” 

 

   Mrs. Jung turned as soon as she saw me; she put on a smile and wiped her hands on a dish towel before walking towards me for a greeting hug. “Good morning, Yuri!” 

 

She greeted with glee while squeezing me into a hug. 

 

    Mr. Jung looked up from his paper with a smile and nodded. “Morning, Yuri.” 

 

   “Did you have breakfast already? Want me to cook you something?” I shook my head, declining politely with a smile. 

 

   “I already ate, Ma’am. Thanks for the offer though.”

 

   “Alright so I heard you and Jessica are gonna be out for the day, you know the rules.” She said with a confirming squeeze of my arm. I nodded, still smiling. “Good. Head on upstairs then, Jessica must be complaining about her hair not being straight as she always wants it already.” We both laughed lightly before I bowed in respect to leave the premises.

 

   I climbed up the stairs and opened the door to Jessica’s room to find her putting on a headband along with some clips and there were other hair accessories on the table as well. I sighed and walked towards her. “You don’t need this~” I took off her clips. “You don’t need this~” I took off her headband. “And you don’t need these.” I pushed away her other stuff. 

 

“W-What? I wanna look pretty for you, it’s our first date!” She argued with a pout. I smiled at her sweet thought but I shook my head at her silliness.

 

 “You’re beautiful without hair accessories, make-up or anything else. All you need is yourself.” I smiled wider and tapped her nose playfully.

 

 “You’re too sweet for a girlfriend, Yuri.” She mumbled and avoided eye contact as her face blushed even more. 

 

 “Then you’re lucky to have me.” I grinned cockily and stood up straight, pulling her up from the chair. “C’mon, you’re perfect. Let’s go out.” She looked at me for a moment with sparkling eyes before nodding as she smiled.

 

   So far so good. This date has not been messed up. Yet. But of course, nothing has really been happening since all we’ve been doing is walking to the main street. I’m not making any moves or anything because I’m a wimp like that. 

 

   Throwing a mental face-palm at myself, a mini version of myself popped up in my head, telling me to get a grip and open my mouth to speak. So, I gripped my hands until pain erupted in my knuckles, forcing myself to get a sentence out. “Have any ideas where to go today, Jessica?”

 

  She turned to me with a calm face. Oh God, she’s not even nervous at all, is she?! “Hmm…” After looking at me for a few seconds as she thought, she turned back to the view in front of us and said, “Well the amusement park has discounts today.” She suggested.

 

  “Oh. But it’s Saturday…and with those discounts, it’s gonna be even more packed than usual.” 

 

   “So…?” 

 

   I turned to her, confused. “I thought you didn’t want to go to amusement parks when they’re crowded.” Jessica giggled, even making me more confused. 

 

   “I didn’t want to go ‘cause you weren’t going. I lost the excitement when you said that you can’t come. And…after you mentioned Tiffany…” She mumbled, glancing at me 

 

as she said Tiffany’s name. “Jealousy took over me.” 

 

  “Oh…” I managed to say as I tried to process the new information in my head. I had a head rush for a second or two. As the information went in my head, so did many realizations and conclusions to many questions I’ve had but forming more questions. I just decided to leave them alone for a while and focused on my date with Jessica. “So let’s go to the amusement park?” 

 

  Jessica grinned and nodded. “Ne!” 

 

~~~

 

   About one block away from seeing the entrance of the amusement park, the mini version of me started throwing tantrums. It doesn’t feel like a date so far, it’s still only like we’re best friends. All we’ve been doing while we walk is talk. The topics weren’t anything special…in fact, they were about anything anyone can talk about. 

 

  “So yeah, that was probably the reason why.” Jessica said, ending her story. My mind was too busy on thinking how could I make this feel more like a date that I forgot to keep listening. “Yuri?” She called out, breaking through my thoughts. 

 

   “Hm?” I replied, turning my head to face her. 

 

   “Are you okay? You seem a little…distracted.” 

 

   “O-Oh. Yeah, I’m fine. I was just thinking of something.” I mumbled, sheepishly.

 

   She smiled slightly, glancing at me. “What were you thinking about?” I scratched my cheek lightly, not wanting to meet her gaze. 

 

   “Uhm…It’s nothing.” I mumbled to save myself from embarrassment. 

 

   “Huh? C’mon Yuri!” She pouted. 

 

   “It’s not even that interesting~” I argued. 

 

   “Even so.” She just kept arguing back like she wanted to know this top secret information until I finally gave up. 

 

   “Well…I was wondering how can I make this feel more like a date. And on the top of my head, about a second ago, all I could think about is this.” And by my last word, I intertwined my pinky with hers and slowly held her hand, intertwining the rest of my fingers with hers. 

 

   She turned to me with a slightly surprised face and looked down at our hands holding each other, once she looked back up, I smiled widely as I felt my cheeks get warm and red. She smiled back and squeezed my hand lightly, stepping closer to cling on to my arm. 

 

   I couldn’t stop smiling. And even more was the mini version of myself never stopping its smile. I was just so happy that I actually got the courage to take her hand. Most of all, it’s not just a best friend thing. I’ve never felt any happier. 

 

~~~

 

    After lining up at the admission booth, we finally stepped in the park and we both stared at everything, wondering which ride should we go in first. 

 

   It’s quite a bit of trouble…since I was right about this place being packed. Every ride was lined up by at least 50 people. The waiting time must be at least half an hour. 

 

Maybe this really isn’t a good place to have a first date…but I can’t back out now since we already paid for our admission. 

 

  I brought out the map of the whole park that was given to us at the admission booth, I sighed as I realized that it’s gonna be a long day. Walking through the crowd, waiting 

 

in line and everything else is really tiring. 

 

  Jessica stepped aside, letting go of my arm and look at the map with me.” Hmm…” She hummed. “You wanna take a left or a right around this place? Well, this place revolves in a circle so it’ll be the same either way.” She stated, looking at the map with focused eyes. I was surprised at the way she was taking everything with the heat and people. 

 

    “You’re different today.” I chuckled with a smile. 

 

     She looked up from the map and turned to me with a confused yet innocent expression. “Huh?”

 

     “Normally, you’d whine to me by saying, ‘Wah! Yuri, this place is too crowded! Let’s go somewhere else! It’s so hot here!’ And then jump on my back as we walked to the exit.” I giggled. She looked away with red cheeks, shaking her head. 

 

     “Sorry for always being such a spoiled burden to you…” She mumbled, looking down. 

 

     “What? Jessica, no, I didn’t mean it that way.” I chuckled and crouched to her eye level. “Don’t get upset. I meant that I was just surprised that you’re not acting yourself today. Where’s the Jessica I know, huh?” I grinned, doing my best to cheer her up. She was still refusing to meet my eyes and kept on hanging her head low. I pressed my lips together, thinking what way could put a smile on her face. “I’m just saying that the Jessica right now isn’t the one I fell in love with.” I whispered and placed a light kiss on her head by simply pressing my lips against the top of her head for a second.

 

    Jessica lifted her head up and I stood straight, she pouted at me and folded her arms. “Fine.” She agreed so stubbornly that it made me laugh. “But this place will do. I wanna have some kiddy fun and this place is perfect.” She stated and swiftly stepped behind me, jumping on my back. 

 

   She moved so fast that I didn’t even realize her intentions. “Oof!” The moment she brought herself on my back, she pushed all the air out of my lungs. “Ah!” I breathed deep 

 

and quick while catching her legs then bounced her up into a more comfortable position for the both of us. “So here’s the Jessica I know.” I mumbled, sort of regretting my earlier statement. 

 

   “Well I’m the one you fell in love with.” She whispered against my ear and let out a little giggle. I smiled to myself and started making my way through the crowd.  

 

   First date…here we go.

 

~~~

 

   “Uhh…Jessica, I don’t know about this.” I uttered nervously the moment I realized that we were one of the people who were next in line for the biggest roller coaster in the place. 

 

   Meanwhile, next to me, stood a hyper girl hopping in her place as she couldn’t get any more excited about this ride. She was too busy staring at everyone scream as they climbed up high in the air and dropped down in an insanely high speed. Just taking a glance at it made my knees go weak and my stomach to flip…I never liked roller coasters if you haven’t noticed. “Jessica…” I mumbled, feeling a bit weak. 

 

  “What?” She replied, not taking her eyes off the ride. 

 

  “I’m not sure if I can handle this…” I breathed in and out. I felt like I was gonna get sick and I wasn’t even in the ride yet.

 

   “Of course you can! It’s gonna be fun!” She grinned, hopping in her place again. 

 

   I sighed. “Do it for Jessica, Do it for Jessica, Do it for Jessica.” I chanted to keep my spirits up. 

 

   I almost sprinted away from the place when the carts pulled up and everybody was released, making way for the next people to ride…a.k.a, us. “Alright, next group.” The manager announced and opened the gates for the people to start choosing their seats. 

 

   “C’mon! C’mon!” Jessica squealed like a little kid and pulled my hand to the front cart.

 

   “F-Front? H-Jessica, are you sure?” I murmured under my breath. 

 

   “Yep!!” She shouted in excitement, pulling the metal bar that served as our safety.

 

   I turned to the right and literally felt my soul escape from my own body as I saw the employee push a button and the ride started to move. 

 

  The ride started out slow, climbing higher and higher into the sky and I just see my death awaiting me. I was gripping onto the metal bar, thinking that my heart will explode the moment we drop. 

 

   The moment our cart reached the top, my heart stopped for a split second and my mind raced to a million thoughts. 

 

   I was never the type of person to have a scream that was high pitched like every other girl. The last time I used it was probably when I was a kid. And at this moment, well…

 

   “OH MY…GAAAWWWWDDD!!!” I screamed as we all dropped down from the high area, sending a weird tingling sensation throughout my body. My foot started to shake and my hands just gripped the metal bar tighter. 

 

   It was all such a blur, I was screaming my lungs out as we went through the twister, loops and everything else. I think my soul died about 3 times. 

 

   When we reached the station again and we were released, I pressed my lips together; not allowing a whimper to escape and Jessica grabbed my hand. “You okay?” She asked, smiling sweetly. “That was fun. Wanna go again?” She asked while we were going down the escape ramp and walked back to the main street of the park. 

 

   I shook my head slightly.

 

   I couldn’t feel any warmth…Am I dead? 

 

   “Yuri? You’re pale…” Jessica mumbled worriedly. I looked at her as she looked back at me worriedly. 

 

   After a few blinks, I finally got back to my senses. Breathing normally and finally gaining proper control of my legs were two things I don’t ever want to lose again. I breathed deep before replying to Jessica with a half-forced smile. “Yeah, I’m good.” 

 

  “Wanna go again?” She squealed, about to hop back into the line.

 

   “N-No!!” 

 

~~~

 

   The rest of the hours in the morning flew by as we walked around the place, trying every ride we could see. As we got down the merry-go-round, I heard a funny rumbling sound. It took me a second to realize what it was but as I did, I couldn’t help but giggle a little while turning to Jessica. “Hungry?” I said to her, still grinning.

 

   She was blushing with embarrassment, turning to look away. “Maybe…” She mumbled. I laughed again and couldn’t help but back hug her; she was just so adorable. 

 

   “What do you wanna eat, hm?” 

 

    “I-I don’t know…” She mumbled once again. I giggled, leaning my head sideward to see her face. She hung her head low, still having a red face and pouty lips.

 

   “Oh c’mon, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about.” I smiled and released her, tugging at her hand and pulled her to the food court. 

 

    20 minutes later, here I am sitting on a wooden bench, eating on a wooden table in front of Jessica. I watched as Jessica dug into the hotdog she held in her hands with a big grin. I smiled, seeing her happy just because of a hotdog is quite cute. 

 

    She chewed for a few seconds before noticing my staring and stared at me right back. “What?” She said with a full mouth. I chuckled and shook my head. 

 

   “I’m just surprised how a well-mannered Korean and American-cultured girl can find herself talking with a full mouth and have ketchup and mustard on each sides of her mouth right now.” I laughed, getting a napkin to wipe the condiments off. 

 

   She continued chewing before finally swallowing and replying to my comment by sticking her tongue out. I stopped giggling, just continuing the grin I had on my face and pat her head lightly before taking a bite of my own hotdog. 

 

   “So how’s this date so far?” I asked after swallowing a bite. She looked at me, still chewing, asking with her eyes to repeat the question. “How’s our first date?” I asked again in a louder voice and a smile. She looked away to swallow her food before turning back to me and replied, 

 

   “I can’t decide just yet.” She winked.  I sighed at the cliffhanger answer.

 

~~~

  

   We were exiting the Ferris wheel and I noticed the orange glow on the floor, when I looked up, I found that it was already sunset. I turned to Jessica, wanting to announce that we should go home, but the poor girl already had her eyes half-closed, looking for some sleep. I giggled and pulled her closer, afraid of her tripping as she walked sleepily around the park. “Let’s go get a taxi now, hm?” I suggested with a gentle voice. She smiled and nodded.

 

 

   I hailed a cab and opened the car door, letting Jessica enter the vehicle first as her head was getting light headed and she was barely moving her feet anymore.  I couldn’t help but smile as her sleepy face continued to progress, until finally she was in the stage where she had no control over her facial expression. 

 

 “Jessica, you’re drooling.” I whispered to her as I also got in and closed the door. She woke up slightly to wipe off the drool dribbling on the side of .  I chuckled before turning to the driver, announcing our destination. He nodded and started to drive. 

 

   I looked out the window, having a last glimpse of the amusement park, taking in the memories. I’ll always remember this. After all…it’s my first date with my girlfriend. I smiled to myself. 

 

   About after 5 minutes of driving, I felt a sudden weight drop on my shoulder. I turned to the source out of surprise, finding Jessica fallen in deep slumber with her head on my shoulder. “Hmm…Yuri…” She whispered; I guess it was sleep talk. I smiled and slowly turned, not wanting to disturb her sleep. 

 

   “Hey, sleepyhead.” I whispered lightly and leaned, kissing her top of her head gently. “You can sleep on my lap if you want.” I said slightly louder, a tone she can hear as she sleeps. 

 

   Her eye half-opened, glancing at me before moving down then she placed her head on my lap. She positioned herself into a comfortable place, her head balanced on my lap and her right hand placed on my knee, gripping it slightly before going back to sleep. She just wouldn’t stop making me smile. 

 

   After a minute, she finally seemed deep in sleep and had a relaxed expression. I couldn’t help but her hair. She was just so perfect. 

 

   It was already night time when the cab driver pulled up at Jessica’s house. And by the time we arrived, I couldn’t bare to wake the adorable girl on my lap. 

 

   I bit my lip, finding a way. 

 

   I smiled silently as a bright idea popped in my head. I gently lifted her body up into a sitting position and got out of the cab, went around it and opened the other side to Jessica. “Jessica…Jessica.” I whispered, rubbing her arm to wake her up. 

 

   Her eyes fluttered half-open, looking at me sleepily. “Hm…?” She hummed in confusion to where she was.  I chuckled.

 

   “You’re home, c’mon, I’ll take you up. Jump on my back.” I said and turned around then crouched. She slowly climbed on my back, wrapping her arms around my neck 

 

before I grabbed her legs gently. At times like these, there’s no other solution but a piggyback ride. 

 

~~~

 

    “Here we go…” I whispered, gently placing Jessica down on her bed. She yawned, grabbing the pillow next to her, getting comfortable immediately.  I smiled one more time then pulled her blanket up to her neck. 

 

   She slept peacefully with a smile on her face. My heart felt relief; I was completely happy that I ended this date well. “Goodnight, Jessica.” I whispered and kissed her forehead. 

 

   “…Mhm …kiss…” She mumbled, her eyes opening slightly. “Goodnight kiss, Yuri…” She whispered, managing to give out a slight smile. I chuckled.

 

   “Something tells me I’m going to spoil you a lot in this relationship…” I joked before leaning to peck her lips goodnight. “Nighty-night. I’ll call you tomorrow.”   

 

   She nodded before mumbling back, “Nighty-night.”