episode_0109

Jiwoo, who had always shown a clear rejection, began to display a more ambiguous attitude at some point.

The reason for choosing the amusement park as the date spot instead of the usual downtown was to confirm his true feelings.

Unlike the initial shyness, the cohabiting vampire now boldly approached me.

I wanted to know if it was because he had feelings for me or if he was just playing around.

The original plan was to have fun and confess once the right moment presented itself.

I wanted to do it in a playful way to make Jiwoo feel comfortable.

I planned to try it cautiously in a light-hearted atmosphere to avoid any awkwardness if rejected.

However.

“…It feels like we’re trapped in a maze.”

Throughout the date, Jiwoo never once showed an ambiguous attitude, unlike usual.

He treated me strictly as just a ‘friend,’ reverting back to before the confession.

…What does this mean exactly?

Does it mean he has firmly decided not to accept my feelings?

In the restroom where soft classical music played.

I splashed cold water on my face and let out a long sigh.

“Ha…”

Should I just close my eyes and go for it?

A foolish thought briefly crossed my mind, but I immediately shook my head.

…It’s probably going to fail miserably, so there’s no need to try and make it awkward.

“Is it about an hour left?”

Checking the clock on the wall, there was about 30 minutes left to enjoy the rides.

After briefly considering the possibilities, I chuckled and started walking out of the restroom.

“Let’s wait until it’s more certain… until it ripens, then let’s confess.”

Once again.

Suppressing the suffocating feeling as if my breath was being cut off.

Did I clear away any lingering regrets and come out of the restroom?

Jiwoo, who had been staring blankly at the clock tower, turned his head towards me and expressed concern as he scanned my body.

“…Are you feeling better now?”

“No, I’m fine now. Sorry for making you wait.”

“It’s urgent, so there’s no need to apologize. If you’re feeling better, that’s all that matters.”

Letting out a relieved sigh as if to express gratitude.

After checking the remaining time once again, I asked him about the next destination.

“30 minutes… no, now there’s only 25 minutes left. It’s a bit too short to ride two, so we should probably ride just one. What do you want to ride?”

“Um… that one.”

“The Ferris wheel?”

“Yeah, I’ve always wanted to ride it. I’ve never been able to because of various reasons, but today, I really want to ride it.”

…The last ride being the Ferris wheel, is he really wanting to ride it out of curiosity?

With a complicated expression, I alternated between looking at the vampire and the Ferris wheel, then slowly nodded my head.

“Alright, let’s go ride it.”

Well, regardless of the intention, we can at least leave with one good memory, right?

Whether as friends or in some other relationship.

Without knowing what the near future holds.

I followed Jiwoo towards the Ferris wheel.

—–

“Ah… enjoy your time, you two~”

Perhaps because it was close to closing time, the tired voice of the staff exuded exhaustion.

As soon as the repeated phrase ended, the Ferris wheel doors closed with a click.

The soundproofing seemed to be nonexistent, as the constant faint noises continued to echo.

But perhaps due to getting used to it quickly, a chilly silence began to settle inside the Ferris wheel.

“…”

“…”

It wasn’t the first time we were alone in a confined space like this.

And it wasn’t the first time we sat facing each other, looking into each other’s eyes.

Why was it?

There was an awkward and uncomfortable atmosphere between him and me.

Just a moment ago, you were chatting away happily, so why are you hesitating like this now?

How should I start the conversation?

Lost in thought, staring outside without a word, I was relieved when the vampire who had been watching me for a while finally spoke up.

“…I’m already feeling anxious.”

“About what?”

“Tomorrow. I have to go to work.”

“Oh, right. Tomorrow is Monday, isn’t it?”

Was it because I was too happy, or because I had other thoughts on my mind, that I had forgotten the bleak reality awaiting me tomorrow?

Imagining myself working hard tomorrow, the vampire let out a sigh, and I could see a bitter smile forming on their face.

“Shouldn’t we have done things differently back then?”

“…How many times do I have to tell you that it was the right thing to do?”

“But what can we do about feeling worried? It’s not an exaggeration to say that our business suffered because of that.”

“It was a place destined to become famous. You know that, right? How unique our cocktail bar is compared to others.”

Not only do we use high-quality drinks, but our prices are not even half of what other places charge.

And what about the atmosphere of the bar?

It’s elegant yet serene, a perfect place to momentarily forget about the harsh reality.

If it weren’t for the owner’s desire for natural encounters, we wouldn’t be located in such a secluded place. We would have become famous much sooner and stayed that way.

So if there’s any fault with Jiwoo, it’s just that they accelerated the timing of our fame.

…Am I wrong to say this?

Anyway.

“I’m just facing a future that I have to face a little earlier. So, don’t blame yourself too much.”

“…Thanks for saying that.”

“Am I the only one who comforts you like this?”

“Well, that’s a bit…?”

As we continued the conversation with light banter, the atmosphere gradually relaxed.

Without realizing it, I found myself staring blankly at the beautiful night scenery outside the window. I slowly turned my head to Jiwoo and asked a question.

“How was today? Not bad, right?”

“It was really fun coming after a long time. Or maybe it’s because I came with a friend I get along with?”

A friend we get along with…

Upon hearing that answer, I couldn’t help but feel unable to smile, so I quickly averted my gaze.

That’s right, it seems like I’m still not ready in my heart.

Maybe… they don’t see me as more than a friend.

My mouth felt dry.

Deciding to postpone the confession, I closed my eyes pretending to be tired.

Watching me quietly, Jiwoo once again showed concern for my well-being.

“Are you very tired?”

“Oh, maybe I played too hard, that’s why I feel a bit sluggish. If only I were 10 years younger, I’d be full of energy. I guess I’m just getting old.”

“Haha! If someone hears you, they’ll think a 60-year-old grandpa is talking. Well, if you’re tired, there’s nothing you can do. Let’s go straight back to your place without stopping anywhere else.”

“That’s a good idea.”

Since I’ll just keep lingering outside, I’ll only accumulate more regrets.

Answering weakly, I opened my eyes slightly and looked out the window, where the fireworks at the top of the mountain were getting closer.

I gazed at the dazzling lights outside the window and suggested to Jiwoo that they should see the breathtaking view as well.

“Hey, look outside. It’s really a sight to behold.”

“Where? Wow, it’s amazing… Oh, right! A picture! Hey, come sit next to me quickly!”

“Huh? Oh, okay.”

Perhaps feeling unsatisfied with just seeing the scenery in front of us, Jiwoo quickly took out a selfie stick and attached it to their phone.

As they were preparing eagerly, I sat next to them awkwardly, striking a pose.

“Hey, is the angle right?”

“What?”

“Get closer! People might think we’re fighting if they see us!”

Lost in thought, I must have looked quite frustrated, as the vampire forcibly pulled me closer to their side.

“Aren’t you going to smile?”

“…Sorry.”

Confirming my awkward smile, they leaned their head on my shoulder and immediately pressed the capture button.

Click!

It all happened in the blink of an eye.

As I looked bewildered and tilted my head, Jiwoo chuckled and showed me the photo they had taken.

“See! It turned out really well, right?”

“…I guess.”

A girl leaning her head on my shoulder, smiling softly, and a guy with a flushed face awkwardly smiling.

How on earth does this look like a normal friendship?

It’s truly confusing.

Is this a mean prank, or is it their way of expressing affection?

My mind was in turmoil as I stared blankly at the photo, and Jiwoo sneakily took their phone back from my hand, looking satisfied. Nodding repeatedly with a content expression, Jiwoo furrowed their brows and muttered under their breath.

“…Why isn’t it reciprocated even after going this far?”

“What did you just say?”

“Oh, nothing! It just looked like it shook slightly, that’s all! Hmm! Hmm! It didn’t shake after all! Well, who would take a shaky photo anyway!”

Rambling like a broken record, Jiwoo suddenly slumped back in their seat, as if exhausted. Then, gazing out the window, they mumbled something incomprehensible.

“Jaehyuk.”

“What?”

“…Doesn’t the moon look particularly beautiful tonight?”

The vampire gazed at the night sky with admiration in their eyes.

I turned my head in the direction they were looking, but all I saw was pitch-black darkness.

The moon wasn’t even visible, so why bring up the moon all of a sudden?

Wait a minute.

Are they trying to trick me?

I chuckled at the thought of being fooled.

At the same time, I tried to scold Jiwoo for their childishness in a weak voice.

But.

“Hey, how old are you to still be playing these pranks, uh…?”

The softness of their words as I turned my head made it impossible for me to scold Jiwoo any further.

…What is happening right now?

My mind was becoming more and more blank, either from embarrassment or confusion.

All I could do was feel the cool yet soft lips of the vampire.