บท 33: Placing Sceneries

Lucas eyes the bike in front of him. "U-uhm, Rex, Sir. What is that?" he asked, finger pointing towards the imposing bike upfront.

Rex looked at Lucas, his brows furrowed while his eyes followed the pointy finger towards his bike.

"Our transportation? We are going to Magic Land, remember? Is something wrong?"

Lucas swallowed hard, memories of his first time experience of riding bikes as big as this one flooded his mind. Noticing the hesitation on his face, Rex felt a tinge of worry.

With a reassuring smile, he grabbed a medium-sized helmet that perfectly fit Lucas's head and handed it to the young man.

"Are you nervous? Is this your first time?"

Rex, making sure that Lucas felt safe around his bike, tried to put up a confident face so that he won't feel uneasy when riding with him.

"No, it's just…" Lucas trailed, searching for the right words to express his nervousness about riding a bike, however upon seeing Rex's expression, he sighed.

"Sorry, it's just that the last time I rode a big bike like this… it was a bit scary."

Rex nodded in understanding and gently took Lucas's hand before guiding him towards the bike.

Bringing him behind the young man, he leaned in closer and whispered, "It's okay, I have got you. I won't let anything happen to you."

Lucas blushed at the gesture but nodded in understanding.

Satisfied with Lucas's reaction, Rex mounted the big bike and tilted it slightly, while helping Lucas climb on it before starting the engine.

A deafening roar resounded from the engine, making it seem like a feral beast, waiting to be released from captivity.

Lucas instinctively wrapped his arms tightly around Rex's waist, his eyes shut tight in nervous anticipation.

Rex chuckled to himself as the bike set off, moving slowly so that Lucas could get used to it.

As he felt the smooth wind brush against his skin, Lucas looked over Rex's shoulder and marveled at the scenery passing before his eyes.

The whole ride was smooth and calm— almost too calm for Rex's liking. But recalling Lucas's apprehension from earlier, he had made up his mind to keep the pace calm.

Although they arrived at their destination a bit later than expected, Rex didn't mind.

After parking the bike properly and safely, he hopped off and helped Lucas to get off the bike as smoothly as possible.

Lucas smiled at the gesture and looped his arms around Rex for support.

"Thanks," he said quietly and received a warm smile in return.

"Ready to go?" Rex asked.

Lucas looked at Rex, whose face wore an unreadable expression. Without noticing the trace of fear on his face, Lucas dragged him towards the park.

The lady at the front desk greeted them with a cheerful smile after seeing them approach the entrance.

"Good morning, welcome to Paradise City. How can I help you?"

"Two tickets for ride-all-you-can, please," Lucas replied, holding up two fingers with an excited grin.

The lady nodded enthusiastically and began excitedly tapping the details on the computer before her.

Her eyes flicked to the man along with Lucas a few many times, more often than Lucas could count. After a while, she handed them the tickets, a flirty smile tugging on her lips.

"Here you go."

With his face tight with annoyance, Lucas stared at her, while Rex could only let out a chuckle.

He took his wallet out and nudged Lucas to take the tickets while he paid for them.

"How much for the tickets?"

Lucas took the tickets while grumbling under his breath as Rex looked at him with fond eyes.

"It will be 350 yuan," the lady replied. "For just an extra 60 yuan, you could see our newest attraction. Maybe you and your brother would enjoy it?"

Hearing her words, Lucas shot her a sideways glance while Rex let out a hearty laugh.

"Oh no, thank you," Rex said with a smirk. "I am pretty sure my husband only wants the rides. Right, sweetie?"

Lucas grinned mischievously as he looped his arm around Rex's muscular one.

"Of course, darling. Should we go?"

The woman's face turned crimson as she quickly lowered her head in embarrassment, avoiding their gaze in silence.

"Sure."

With that, they left the reception hand in hand and headed to the park's entrance.

They tapped the wristbands, provided by the lady upon payment and upon gaining entry, Lucas skipped ahead, his excitement evident.

Looking at Rex with a gleeful smile, Lucas asked, "Which ride should we try first?"

Rex swallowed hard, his nerves kicking in the moment they entered the park, but he forced a smile, hiding his unease. "You pick. I will go wherever you want to."

Lucas eyed him suspiciously before dropping the topic and scanning the park instead.

"Hmm, how about that one?"

Lucas pointed at the Loopty Hoops rollercoaster, known for its sharp turns, triple loops and a reversed drop.

'Ah fuck, you've got to be kidding me,' Rex thought as he looked at the ride and took a deep breath. Lucas noticed his expression shift from nervous to grim and tilted his head to the side in curiosity.

He walked up to him, his eyes not leaving Rex's face before realization suddenly hit him.

"Wait… Rex? Are you scared of rollercoasters?"

Rex took another deep breath, his gaze fixed on the looming ride. He then shook his head quietly, refusing to meet Lucas's eyes, as if mentally preparing how he would conquer the impending death before him.

"Then, why do you look as if you are?"

Rex closed his eyes tightly and then slowly fluttered them open to meet Lucas's concerned face.

"Sorry, it's just…" Rex's voice trailed. He cleared his throat, trying to gulp down a huge lump lodged in his throat. His breaths were staggering as they came in shallow gasps and nervous exhales.

Lucas could hear a nervous tone in his voice and took note of it before looking around for another ride. "How about the Ferris wheel? Should we try that? That won't be too extreme."

Rex turned to Lucas, inhaling a deep breath before exhaling slowly, his lips forming a tight smile as he looked at him with eyes filled with embarrassment.

"Lucas… I am scared of heights."