Hey! Long time no see, huh? I hope you all been doing well. I hit a wall after writing I Dare You To... It wasn't until Craxuan suggested a brilliant idea. He knew that writing multi-chapter stories is a brain stresser. One-shots were easier. This story isn't a one-shot at all, but it is significantly shorter than my other multi-chaptered fics.
Anyways, the story originated from an old comedy/improv show called Whose Line is it Anyway? starring Drew Carey, Wayne Brady, Colin Monchrie, Ryan Stiles, and a surprise guest. Everything was made up on the spot. One of the games they played was called Let's Make a Date. Most of the performers were male so someone had to play the role of the female. Laughter ensued, and all hell broke loose. From that game, it spawned this idea. I hope you enjoy it.
-Chapter One-
The Next Show
"Hey! Welcome back to 'Let's Make a Date!' Now is the time in which the lovely bachelorette will now make her choice of which bachelor to date. Remember, the lucky guy and girl will have a romantic evening at the Twilight Town Resort and Hotel sponsored by Scrooge's Ice Cream Parlor."
The game show announcer strolled from the middle of the bright lighted stage to the periphery as the camera zoomed to the girl's smiling face. It was now or never.
In dramatic fashion, the lights dimmed and a single spotlight beaming down on her. A low drum roll could be heard. The crowd grew loud, calling out suggestions as to which boy the girl should choose.
Selphie's eyes grew wide at the upcoming announcement as she swallowed the rest of her popcorn. 'Let's Make a Date' was the top rated game show on television, conveniently slotted in the afternoon. Aside from not doing homework, it gave her something to occupy her time with after school. She followed the show religiously since it first premiered, and it became an instant love. Obviously, the hot guys who were hidden behind the screens were a nice bonus. It was like the producer had a shipment of cute, perfect guys each and every episode.
"I hope she chooses number 1. He sounds really sexy," the girl said with an expectant smile on her face. Selphie scooted closer to the screen, clutching the remote control in her hand as the girl on the television walked towards the silhouettes of her potential suitors. Faces hidden from the public, they sat, answering questions to hopefully entice the girl to pick him. The girl stood next to the third screen.
"Ohmygosh," Selphie squealed. "She's going to pick him! Oh, he seems really dreamy, too. Ah, my little heart can't take it."
"I choose guy number #3," the girl finally said, quelling the drama and Selphie's minor panic attack. The lights suddenly turned on, the sound of lively pop music filling the area. She pulled back the screen, revealing a smiling face and a set of brown eyes. Selphie gasped, he was drop dead gorgeous: tan skin, strong build, and a pretty smile. Those two would make a really cute couple. The crowd cheered at the selection while a chorus of sighs emerged from all the females. The girl reached over and looped an arm around the boy's neck, pulling him into a simple kiss.
The announcer congratulated the pair as he ushered the couple to the back. Pulling a microphone from off-stage, he looked straight into the camera. "I hope you all enjoyed the show today, and we'll be back tomorrow this time but not the same place."
Selphie's thumb froze over the power button on the remote control. She had nearly forgotten that the show's popularity stemmed from mobility, rather than marketability. Thanks to a multi-billionaire owner, each and every show was taped in a different location. Moreover, residents were chosen as contestants. Fundamentally, it was a genius tactic to promote the show by engaging in tours while setting up people together.
"Tomorrow, we'll be hitting the shores of Destiny Islands. So, if you're in the area, drop on by. Maybe you could have a chance to find love. Till then, take care of yourself." The camera zoomed out to show footage of the new couple hugging and smiling together as the credits began to roll down the screen.
Selphie turned off the television and dropped the remote on the couch. She was filled with excitement as a smirk dressed her face. An idea was forming in her mind, and she rushed off upstairs into her room. She couldn't wait for tomorrow.
-KH-
Kairi groggily walked out of her first period class, dragging herself outside of the room. She was evidently tired, rubbing her eyes as she clutched her textbook in her arm. The lesson today was on the Pythagorean Theorem, or was it on Pascal's Triangle? All these triangles were making her head spin. Math is definitely a subject that shouldn't be taken in the morning especially after a pathetic breakfast of glaze donuts downed by a cup of cold milk. Kairi groaned in displeasure, hopefully the next subject would be nicer. As she was about to turn into the hallway, a shrill greeting shot through the building making Kairi feel like she was shot out from a cannon.
"Kairi! Hey, wait up!" a voice called after her.
The tired girl turned around, unfazed and unaware of a bright yellow blur that was coming straight for her. It was Selphie no doubt, pushing a couple students out of the way. One boy in particular hit the deck as if an earthquake drill was in progress. He curled into a ball as the crazy girl stampeded past him. Finding he was still alive, the poor kid scooped up his books and backpack and scurried into the safety of the nearest room.
"Kairi, Kairi, Kairi, Kairi," Selphie panted as she leaned against the wall. Despite her tired state, a small smile was on her lips and her eyes were beaming in excitement. "Guess what?"
"What?" Kairi simply responded as she made her way to her locker to drop off her stuff. It was probably another rumor or the appearance of another hot transfer student. Destiny Island was surely a wonderful vacation spot that attract a lot of tourists and thrill seekers. It was bummer that a school was planted on it.
"'Let's Make a Date' is taping today at Destiny Islands after school. Isn't that great?"
Kairi shoved her book into her grey locker, lips pursed trying to figure out where she heard that name before. A few seconds later, her eyes grew wide as she remembered the first and only time she saw the show at Selphie's house. Bingo! "Yeah, I remember now. It's that show about those cute guys and that girl. This must be a dream come true for you then."
"Nuh uh, not me," the girl stated. "For you."
"For me?" Kairi furrowed her eyebrows wondering what was going on. First the math lecture was completely over her head, and now, Selphie was talking in riddles. This was all too confusing.
"Yeah," Selphie nodded. "I'm not the one who needs a boyfriend."
"But I don't need a boyfriend, anymore," the redhead stated. It was always weird that Selphie, the most flirtatious and boy-crazy person she knew somehow managed to always stay single. Kairi shook her head. I don't need a boyfriend. Boys are stupid.
"Come on, Kairi. You haven't been yourself since you know…" Selphie's eyes darted left and right, cautiously looking out for wandering ears. "…he cheated on you."
Now it was Kairi's turn to scope the perimeter. Finding the hallway nearly empty, she brought her head back down, talking to her best friend like they were in a football huddle. "I never wanted to talk about that ever again. I can't believe you'd bring that up! Cloud is a jerk who only cares about his hair and his stupid motorcycle. I'm glad he's with Tifa."
"I know that," Selphie softly said. "I was there, remember?" She embraced Kairi in a hug, positioning her chin on the girl's shoulder. Selphie knew that Kairi was still bothered by this. She wasn't the cheery, happy girl anymore. Her bright smile didn't glisten like it used to, and her purple eyes seemed to have lost their luster. "That's why I'm saying that you should go and find someone who will make you happy."
Kairi took a step back. She placed both hands on her hips, defiantly. There was some resentment in her voice from the wounds of a broken heart.
"Yeah?" she scoffed, squinting her eyes until they were fine line. "Who?"
-KH-
Sora's eyes shot open and he quickly sprang up from under the shade of the paopu tree. The sound of drills and loud beeps awoke him from his afternoon nap. A few yards away from him, he found construction workers hauling boxes full of lights, chairs, and electrical equipment into the stadium. Confused and somewhat irritated, the spiky brunette walked to the production site evading wooden pillars and giant workers. He finally found the one in charge- a thin framed man in a dark purple tuxedo and bowtie.
"Excuse me," Sora called out, interrupting the man who was busily looking at building plans.
He lowered the document to find a teenager with crazy looking hair and blue eyes.
"Why, hello there," the man greeted. He pulled on his sleeve to look at his wristwatch clicking his tongue all the while. "I'm sorry, kid, male selections aren't taking place for another hour."
"But I-"
"Whoa. It's okay," the man stopped him, placing a hand on Sora's shoulder. "From what I can tell, there are a lot of beauties on this island." He shielded the sun from his eyes, looking out into the distance. "I don't blame you for wanting "in" so badly."
Sora opened his mouth to ask exactly what he wanted "in" for, but an illuminated sign was hoisted overhead. It told him everything he wanted to know. Oh. Dumbfounded, the boy shook his head. You gotta be kidding me. Sora simply stood there remembering the last time he saw this show. While working on a science project with Selphie last year, he was forced to complete the assignment solo while the girl sat and watched tv for the entire week. They did get a good grade, but the memories were something he wanted to forget.
"Hey kid, you alright?" the man asked waving a hand in front of Sora's face. "You know what? I have a genius idea. Let me help you out here. Since you're here early and saved me time from finding a contestant, I'll let you on the show."
"…As a contestant?" There was a slight hesitation and internally, Sora was thinking about passing. However, the man wouldn't have any of it.
"I won't take no for an answer, kid," the purple dressed man said, shaking his head. "Look, you did me a favor, and I'll do you one. It's like the whole back scratching thing. Go on the show, get your fifteen minutes of fame, and you'll never see me ever again. Come on, what do you say?"
"I don't know. I'm not really-"
"Contestants eat freeee," the man slyly butted in.
This guy won't let me get a word in, huh? Oh well. I guess I could do it for the food. I haven't eaten since lunch, and cafeteria food isn't the best in the world.
Sora stuck out his hand and the man happily grasped it. "You got yourself a deal. Now, where's that buffet?"
-KH-
"Are you sure you don't want to do this?" Selphie asked for the millionth time today. The bell had rung, signaling the end of the day. Everyone was heading home. It had been a long day. Unfortunately, Kairi lived on the same block as her yellow loving, chatterbox friend. The walk home slowly turned into a game of '21 Questions'.
Kairi shook her head once again. Her neck was getting a really good work out, but her patience was wearing thin. "For the last time, I'm not interested!"
Selphie frowned. This was supposed to be easy, but Kairi was being more stubborn than usual. All she wanted was to pair the red headed girl with someone who would treat her right and never hurt her. Was that too much to ask for?
"Kairi, I don't want to see you sulking and sighing anymore," the girl softly said. "I miss the old you."
"I don't. The old me was stupid to believe Cloud. If he was here, he'd understand."
"Ah yes, him. But, you know, Sora is not here."
"He really seemed to understand what I was going through, unlike you," Kairi said, rolling her eyes. "I'm sure he'd agree that I don't need a boyfriend."
"Whatever," Selphie said lightly. "You haven't seen that guy since last year. So I say, forget Cloud, and him, and go find someone else."
"I'm not going to find someone else, because I don't need a boyfriend!" Kairi pressed the walk button at the crosswalk.
"Are you sure?"
The redhead sighed. Not again. She took a step off the pavement just as the WALK sign appeared. However, she was held up as a man in a red convertible pulled up beside her.
"Ohmygosh, you're from 'Let's Make a Date'," Selphie gasped.
"You are correct, miss," the driver said, pulling down his shades. He rolled up his sleeve and glanced at his watch. "I'm sure both of you ladies heard that we are filming here today. I was wondering if I could convince one of you to appear on the show."
Selphie gasped again at the turn of good fortune. Excitedly, she nudged Kairi forward. "My friend wants to do it," she chirped.
The man smiled brightly as he opened the passenger door. Kairi took a glance behind her, shooting glares at the innocent and whistling Selphie. "I don't know," the red head said.
"You know, that's exactly what this one boy told me today. Ironic, huh? Boy, the world sure is a small place. I think it would be fate if you two hooked up," he laughed.
"I'm not so sure. I don't believe in love anymore."
"No? But I'm sure you believe in the gold stuff- munny. If you find out that the guys aren't to your liking, we'll give you the munny that was supposed to go towards your date."
"You can do that?" Selphie piped in.
"Of course. However, it never happened before. Love is a powerful thing. You know what they say 'munny can't buy happiness.'"
Kairi rubbed her chin for a moment. Free munny did sound good. More importantly, rejecting every guy on the show would prove to Selphie that was serious about staying single. "I'll do it."
"Yipee!" Selphie cheered. She closed the door after Kairi got in. Once the car rolled down the hill, the girl took out her cell phone. According to the time, she had a good half hour to get home. She wasn't going to miss today's episode. Screw homework! I gotta record this.
Rock out, party hard, live hardcore