Page 55 of Grumpy Bossy Doctor

"I wanted to clear my head," I replied. "You?"

"Same thing," she uttered.

"I see."

We were quiet. It wasn't awkward but one of us needed to say something. I wanted to ask her to spend time with me…just as Ian. No personas, just me.

"Are you going to be busy after this?" I asked.

"No not really," she replied. "Have any plans for us?"

"There's a mini carnival holding at the park in an hour or so. Would you like to check it out?" I asked.

I didn't plan for this. I just noticed the flyer and her coming here was coincidental but why waste the opportunity. If she didn't want to go, I could always ask her as Ethan. No, I'm not supposed to rely on that. I'm supposed to be myself with her.

"Sure, why not?" She shrugged and announced, "I need the proper break too."

"You're sure?"

"Hmm?"

"This isn't a prank or a trick to get my feelings up and then you give up halfway?" I asked sincerely.

She laughed and placed her hand on my cheek, "Who hurt you, Ian?"

"I…"

"I'm going to the mini carnival with you," she replied. "No questions no doubts. Just me you and the sound of you crying after you lose all the game we'd play."

"What makes you think you'd win?"

"Princess privileges," she smirked.

"Right," I smirked in return.

It was this easy.

****

The carnival started, and we took a look around. We had a simple contest to see who'd get the most wins in any festival games. I wish this was one of those situations that you'd deliberately lose so the other person would look good. Neither of us were good at any of the games.

The ball toss.

Shooting games.

Ring toss.

Nothing.

"Are you serious?" I couldn't help laughing as I took a piece of the cotton candy I had bought for both of us.

"It's not funny!" she insisted as she frowned, "I can understand you not winning anything, but how did I lose? I'm very good at archery."

"You are?"

"Yeah, one time I shot at the target and hit the instructor who was standing at my left," she replied with pride.

"What the hell?" I chuckled. "You have terrible aim. How did you pass Rosemary's embroidery classes?"

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