Unspoken

CHAPTER 19 : Seeing magic

THIRD PERSON POV

The lively yet slightly faded fairground came to life in front of Y/n as she took in the vivid sights and sounds. The air buzzed with the hum of old lights, bursts of laughter, and the occasional metallic groan of aged rides. Mikha's hand was warm in hers, gently pulling her forward through the vibrant chaos. Despite the peeling paint and creaking structures, the energy of the place was undeniable—an odd blend of nostalgia and vitality that made Y/n's heart race.

"Are you sure this place is safe?" Y/n teased, her eyes darting to a particularly rickety Ferris wheel wobbling slightly in the distance. 

Mikha glanced back, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "Safe is a strong word. But hey, where's the fun in staying safe all the time?"

Y/n laughed, rolling her eyes. "You really know how to sell it, Mikha. I feel so reassured right now."

Mikha chuckled, "It's just a little dusty. But don't worry—I'm here to make sure you don't fall off anything... on purpose, anyway."

Y/n shot her a playful look. "Oh, I'm sure you'll keep me in one piece... though I'm not sure I'll survive your idea of 'fun.'" She exaggerated a pout, secretly enjoying how Mikha always managed to make everything feel lighter.

Mikha raised an eyebrow, her smirk widening. "Is that a challenge?"

Before Y/n could respond, Mikha pulled her hand and led her toward the carousel. The old wooden horses, gently swaying in the breeze, gleamed under the vibrant lights of the carousel. Nearby, food trucks and market stalls added a lively contrast. It was like stepping into a forgotten world, with just enough life to keep it alive.

The sound of creaking metal filled the air as Mikha swung herself onto one of the horses with ease, her energy contagious. She turned, holding out a hand to Y/n. "Come on, hop on. It'll be fun."

Y/n hesitated for a moment, glancing around at the glowing market and the laughter of families nearby. It was odd to be here in this mix of old and new, but the gleam in Mikha's eyes was irresistible. She gave in with a reluctant smile, stepping up beside Mikha and taking her hand. As she climbed onto the horse next to Mikha's, she felt the warmth of Mikha's fingers linger in hers, a simple touch that sent a jolt of warmth through her chest.

The carousel began to move, slowly at first, then picking up speed with the horses bobbing up and down in rhythm to the turning gears. Y/n laughed, gripping the wooden pole in front of her as the old carousel spun in circles.

Mikha's eyes sparkled with mischief, her laughter blending with Y/n's, creating a shared moment of carefree joy. Y/n caught Mikha's gaze, her chest tightening with the unfamiliar yet warm feeling blooming inside her. She couldn't look away from the way Mikha's eyes softened, the playful spark dimming just enough to reveal something more real—something sincere. For a second, it felt like the world had shrunk to just the two of them—spinning in circles in the center of the fairground, surrounded by color, lights, and life.

"You're really good at making things fun," Y/n said, her voice soft but sincere, as the carousel continued its lazy circle.

Mikha grinned, her usual confidence mingling with a hint of vulnerability. "I guess I'm just good at finding the magic in places like this. Just like you."

Y/n blinked in surprise. "Me? Magic?"

Mikha nodded, her gaze steady. "Yeah. You bring something special to everything you do, even if you don't see it yourself." She paused for a moment, her gaze focused on Y/n's face. "You deserve to have some fun too, Y/n. To just be... happy."

Y/n's heart gave a little leap at the words, the sincerity behind them making her pulse quicken. She opened her mouth to say something but was cut off as the carousel gave a sudden, dramatic lurch, throwing them both into a fit of laughter.

"Okay, maybe this ride is a little sketchy," Mikha laughed, trying to regain her balance.

"A little?" Y/n shot back, her laughter blending with Mikha's, her heart still racing. "I think my life just flashed before my eyes."

Mikha grinned, shaking her head. "I guess I forgot to mention the dangerous part of the ride."

Y/n rolled her eyes but cheeks flushed.

As the carousel slowed, and Y/n glanced over at Mikha, her heart unexpectedly full. The flutter in her chest wasn't just from the ride—it was from the way Mikha's presence made everything feel lighter, as if for once, she didn't have to carry the weight of her own uncertainty. For a moment, Y/n let herself enjoy the feeling of being with Mikha—of letting go of the walls she'd built up for so long.

As the ride finally came to a stop, Mikha jumped down first and offered Y/n her hand, helping her down with ease. The simple touch of Mikha's hand in hers felt like an anchor, grounding her in the moment. When their fingers brushed, Y/n couldn't ignore the warmth spreading up her arm, a sensation that made her breath hitch for just a split second.

"Okay, you survived the carousel," Mikha teased, stepping closer, her smile a little softer now. "Ready for the next adventure?"

Y/n smiled, her heart fluttering in a way she couldn't explain. "Lead the way, Mikha."

And with that, they continued to wander the fairground, sharing laughter, quiet moments, and a growing connection—each step carrying them closer to something neither of them could yet fully define, but both of them felt deep in their chests.