Reverie and Nightmares

7

"Mikan, you ready to get this going?" Ryuga asked while preparing his bicycle. "We don't have all that much time ready for us, you know? I know it's two in the morning, but this isn't a motorcycle; it'll take an hour and a half to get there.

The blonde girl asked him to wait just a little longer since she was preparing her helmet, and wearing hair accessories in the back of her head required her to dismantle it each night, but this wasn't night; Ryuga and Mikan were going to make the best of the last few days of summer vacation. And they weren't alone either, as Shinoa and Sabato had their bikes to follow. Shinoa decided to take a cruiser, while Sabato took a mountain bike.

The night before, he'd insisted he'd go with a scooter, but Ryuga had to explain that it'd be a massive pain in his knees, and he would be left behind due to the speed differences between a bike and a scooter. He agreed after a little of a fuss, but after he did, it was like it never happened.

Ryuga's grandma insisted that he'd take Sabato with him, and if he were already going, why would he not bring Mikan's new little friend? It's not like school was in session, and with the correct number of breaks and energy bars, they could make it to their destination in time.

"Big brother, why don't we just go to the beach? It's so hot, and the weather is perfect for it..." His brother complained, hoping Ryuga would take his suggestion, but it was out of the question. The beach was far too far to bike there; if they did, well, let's say that it would realistically take days without a doubt. "I want to see the ocean."

"Oh, Sabato... You realize we can probably see the ocean from one of the rides in the park, right? Oh, but that would require you to be able to go on them, right? I wonder if you're taller than when we'd gone with grandma." Ryuga said, patting Sabato on the head. "Of course you are. It's been two years since then, huh?"

Sabato agrees, and Shinoa is already eating one of the popsicles that Ryuga's grandma packed with them. His grandmother thought of everything: napkins, forks, food, water bottles, leftovers, and whatnot. She knew that if they were going in four, they'd require a good equipment supply. The night before had been a little tricky, however, since Ryuga and his grandmother hadn't gotten the 'proper' moment to speak about what happened in the principal's office. Still, his grandmother didn't want to hear it and almost pushed them out of the door. Hell, it's as if she wanted them to go outside.

Ryuga laughs thinking about this, and Mikan sits on the back of his bike. The issue about lacking the fourth bike was that Ryuga would need to take that person there, meaning Mikan would have to catch a ride behind. It wasn't much more of a problem than slapping away some sweat (and rightfully needing so with this hellish weather), and Ryuga saw it as a form to show his gratitude. Shinoa and Sabato would have ridden behind, but Ryuga counted Mikan first; after that, there was no more point in arguing.

Mikan's hair flows along with the wind, its shine almost blinding to Shinoa. Ryuga brought along a map using his phone, but since he was the leading rider, he lent it to Mikan, who'd need to use his GPS there. He wasn't aware that Google Maps had a feature where an AI would speak the proper directions since he hardly needed the app until then.

"Is the seat fine, Mikan!" He yelled, since the speed they were going required them to. "I had to find that extra piece last night, so I hope it isn't too bad."

"It's fine!... I g-guy-got used to it, so keep going!" Mikan said.

She held close to Ryuga's stomach, as let's face it. Otherwise, she'd fall and probably break her nose and a few bones to her neck. Plus, it wasn't too bad of a gesture since she had to. Ryuga didn't understand what he was feeling. What is this feeling I'm getting? Never mind, I got to focus on the road. There's no point in letting something as simple as catching a ride be important, huh? He thought.