Story Reader / Festival Event Story / White Wishes / Story
Although this is only one small goal: win a commemoration award and then stop...
But even then, you managed to get third place.
After having so much fun with Liv and Ellie, you hardly realize that the event is about to end.
Alright, but this game...
Liv feels apprehensive about a two-player game by the name of "Rough Seas".
Two players must remain balanced on a shaking platform for a designated time. If either player falls, the game is over.
On top of that, a rope ring is the only thing players can use for leverage to balance on the platform so narrow that it forces the two players to press closely against each other.
Considering the need for safety in the game, only two adults are allowed to participate. Because of that, everyone seemed to avoid it.
Looks like no one has beaten this game…
Yeah.
Wait for us here, Ellie. Okay?
You got it!
She nods earnestly and watches you two walk away.
After signing up for the challenge, you and Liv stand on the platform.
Just as you are about to grab the rope ring, your hands touch Liv's.
...
She doesn't say anything, but her expression is clear.
Hmm...
Liv shyly steps closer.
It's just a commemorative award. Shouldn't we just fail on purpose?
Liv looks back at Ellie standing outside the challenge area. Just like you said, she looks nervously at the platform under your feet as if worried something dangerous could happen.
Liv looks back at the staff member beside her, who is checking the stability and seems worried that the difficulty might be too high since no one has won.
Alright, get ready!
O-okay...
You smile and put an arm around Liv's waist.
Liv blushes as you two get closer.
But right as the machine starts, she grabs onto you tightly out of reflex.
The platform begins to sway slowly like gentle waves, gradually increasing to the strength of a typhoon. However, Liv quickly gets into the rhythm.
Her posture remains firm, and her hands show no sign of letting go.
Commandant...
Sorry for troubling you on a holiday...
...Yeah... Thank you...
...Like family...
The girl lowers her head and covers her face as if on the verge of tears.
Right at that moment, the indicator light next to you sounds an alarm indicating an increase in amplitude.
Careful, Commandant!
Okay...
Holding on to you tightly, you both let go right as the platform starts to sway to the right—
—And fall into the ball pit below.
Challenge failed!
Oh, come on... Maybe we shouldn't have this game next time…
The staff member groans to the console and stops the shaking platform.
C-Commandant...
The soft voice in your arms is trembling. She casts a concerned and inquiring look at you.
Good thing we fell into this ball pit...
Hmm...
Liv seems distracted as if she hadn't recovered from the fall just now.
Are you two alright?
As the barrier of the challenge area opens, Ellie rushes in, not even taking the time to pick up the commemoration award.
Okay!
She lets out a big sigh of relief.
Granny's here, too! Look!
Looking in the direction she's pointing to, a middle-aged woman finishes talking to the staff and walks over with a smile.
Hello, everyone.
Hello, miss.
Here, take these Star Tickets. And here is a "commemoration reward."
Thank you. It was nothing.
These activities themselves are meant to involve children, but you still deserve the reward for your efforts.
You're welcome. Ellie, have a biscuit and play here for a while. I want to talk with this young lady.
Okay, Granny.
Seeing Ellie leave, the lady sighs somberly.
...Thank you for playing with her.
You must've already sensed it by now. This sort of thing isn't anything new in this day and age.
I'm sure she has some idea...
They're still so young, but it's just as I've said. Who can turn a blind eye to it in this day and age?
But I don't want to crush her hopes until she finally recovers from her pain.
Something can only be taken one step at a time.
She bows slightly to both of you.
So I also want to thank you for accompanying her along the way rather than making her face this cruel reality.
You're welcome. She also gave us some beautiful memories.
That's all I could ask for.
She nods and turns to leave.
Off in the distance, Ellie looks at her straw bracelet and smiles brightly.
If only the children here could keep laughing and smiling like this.
You're right... For future peace and a smile on everyone's face.
But also... for you to be... happy... and safe with everyone... I will...
Huh?
...Yes, I am.
...Commandant...
Yes. Let's go.
She looks up and smiles a warm smile of genuine "happiness."
