episode_0017

“Please give us the couple discount.”

“Ah, Yuhee….”

Being called a couple feels a bit awkward. Did Yuhee mention it on purpose to get a discount…?

Well, the fact that the attendant brought up the term “couple” means… to others, it seems like we look like a couple.

Hmm… do we really look good together…?

“Got it~”

Yuhee glances over this way. Hmm… yeah. It’s nice to enjoy things at a lower price…. Yuhee replied to enjoy at a cheaper rate. There are no other feelings involved… probably.

Successfully getting a 20% couple discount and an additional 50% card discount, we were able to enter at a very cheap price.

“P-Phew… luckily there was a double discount.”

“….”

Yuhee, who mentioned being a couple herself, just nodded her head as if embarrassed.

“So, what should we try first? Maybe the roller coaster?”

The world’s tallest wooden roller coaster, third longest in length, boasting various records that place it among the top attractions globally. If people come here, it’s safe to say they came specifically to ride this roller coaster.

Moreover, waiting times range from a minimum of 1 hour to up to 3 hours, so one must choose the right timing to stand in line. If luck isn’t on your side, you might end up waiting only for operations to halt due to technical issues.

Despite being almost the same age as Suhyun, the fact that it still operates well is evidence of good maintenance. Some other rides have been left abandoned after being shut down. The spinning swing, discontinued five years ago. When will something new take its place….

“No.”

Hmm… I thought we would head straight there, but Yuhee had a different idea. It probably wasn’t the best time to ride it right now; after all, we haven’t eaten much since breakfast.

“…This.”

Yuhee handed me a pamphlet, pointing to a spot where a comically designed white horse with a regal mane was playfully laughing.

‘A carousel…?’

Well… honestly, it doesn’t seem that exciting, but since Yuhee wanted to ride it, I couldn’t refuse. I found it somewhat cute that she wanted to ride such a gentle attraction unexpectedly.

The facility that operated until ten years ago has been discontinued and renewed. The horse’s paint job is well done, and safety measures have been added to prevent children from falling off when riding alone.

And not just carriages, now there are also long black horses that can accommodate up to two people.

With short operating times and few people waiting, we quickly got on.

“What do you want to ride, Yuhee? Dad will ride next to you.”

Small or ordinary rides were taken by parents and children, leaving us with the black horse, carriage, and a gaudy gold horse. The safest bet seems to be the carriage… but who knows what Yuhee prefers.

“….”

Yuhee started walking towards the carousel without saying a word. Following her, there was a slightly elongated black horse with a gleaming appearance.

Well… if Yuhee wants to ride it, I can’t say no.

“Oh.”

Just as I was about to get on the black horse, a couple who appeared to be returning from the opposite side were already trying to take their seats.

“Let’s ride this!”

“Come on~”

Oh, how embarrassing. Well… it’s understandable for young people to act like that. Some couples even openly kiss here.

“Yuhee!?”

Suddenly, Yuhee walked confidently towards them, surprising the couple and making space for her.

‘What did she say….’

Watching from afar, it seemed like Yuhee wanted to ride first, so she took a seat at the front. I did suggest choosing, but it feels a bit awkward to ride together from behind…

“Not riding?”

“I-I’ll ride….”

In the end, Yuhee boarded the back of the black horse she chose to ride.

~~~

Usually, amusement park rides are accompanied by staff with lively remarks. However, for the carousel, there were no such comments, and it started without any special announcement since it was mainly for children.

“Ha!”

“Ugh.”

Thanks to that, I had consciously tried to avoid contact with Yuhee while riding. But due to a sudden start, my body ended up touching her back.

“Uh, sorry….”

“…..”

Perhaps because of her thin clothes, I could feel her slender figure, and a subtle scent of shampoo tickled my nose. The heat almost made me lose my composure for a moment, but fortunately, I steadied myself as the ride swayed.

‘Phew….’

Even if they are family, when a man and a woman press against each other, it evokes strange emotions. Moreover, Yuhee, being an adult woman, might have developed some aversion towards me.

Yuhee also seemed embarrassed, bowing her head deeply. Her ear sticking out from her sideburns was turning red.

“Hoo….”

Thankfully, the carousel ended without any response from my body. If it had reacted, it could have been a real disaster.

Exiting, I noticed Yuhee fanning herself with her palm, seeming a bit warm. Here, I…

“Yuhee, wait a moment.”

I hurriedly entered a nearby souvenir shop, bought a mini fan, a handheld fan, and even some drinks.

“…There’s no need for this…”

My heart raced as she seemed to refuse, but thankfully she accepted the fan and drank the beverage eagerly.

‘Somehow, it feels exciting.’

While I had come to the amusement park with Soohyun before, that time was uncomfortable, even experiencing a stalking incident, making it not enjoyable. But with Yuhee, it felt entirely different.

From the weather to everything else, today was undisturbed. I felt closer to Yuhee as time passed. To maintain this feeling, I needed to put in more effort.

I spoke to Yuhee, who was naturally using the mini fan.

“Where should we go next?”

“…Here.”

Yuhee looked intently at the pamphlet and suggested going to Safari World inside. I had been here many times, but I had never visited Safari World, so it was a fortunate opportunity.

However, a problem arose.

“Yuhee, this… requires a reservation, right?”

Smart reservations. You book in advance through a website or smartphone, then board the scheduled ride at the appointed time. If done correctly, you can even ride the same attraction twice in a row.

Of course, continuously riding may seem a bit selfish, taking away opportunities from others… I should reflect on my past actions.

“I’ve made a reservation.”

“Really?”

“Because I wanted to come here.”

So, she planned for us to ride the carousel with a short waiting time.

Since Yuhee had everything planned out, there was no need for me to do anything. It was a relief, although it felt burdensome at first.

I followed Yuhee to ride the safari. A bus painted with tiger stripes. A sign next to it read, ‘The windows are made of reinforced glass, so you can rest assured.’

It certainly looked sturdy at a glance, with iron bars attached, instilling confidence. It gave off a military bus vibe.

“We’re departing.”

With the deep voice of the driver, the bus began moving. As we turned a corner on the road, one by one, wild animals started appearing.

“Wow~!!”

Given the high entertainment value, many children and parents were seen enjoying this. Perhaps due to its novelty, high-pitched excitement could be heard all around.

I, too, was impressed enough to let out an exclamation. The lions seen up close were truly magnificent. While I wanted to lean out for a better look, doing so might lead to irreversible consequences.

“Oh…!”

As I tried to watch calmly, the sight of the bear moving closer made me gasp in the end. Why does that happen? Like children’s movies that adults find more enjoyable. Is this also the same thing?

“Yoohee, look at that! The bear is──”

“…!”

…Did I get too excited?

I naturally wrapped my arm around Yoohee’s shoulder and said. Yoohee wouldn’t be pleased.

“Oh, that’s….”

Yoohee avoids my gaze. What should I do… If it continues like this, it will become awkward again.

“It’s hot.”

“Yeah. It’s hot, right? Haha……”

For no reason, my face feels flushed, as if a fever is rising. Yoohee must feel hot too; she casually placed the fan against her face.

And neither of us knew that the bus had the air conditioning blasting.

—

─Vroom.

As soon as we got off the bus, a call came from the new team leader. I thought about declining but fearing the consequences of Monday, I decided to answer for now.

“Hello.”

“Manager. Is it okay to talk now?”

“Yes, what… If it’s a short call, it’s fine.”

“A short call!”

The breathing on the other end sounded slightly rough. Not rough, but more like hesitating in speech, unlike our usual team leader.

It’s probably something not going well or maybe he’s asking about a business trip.

“What is it?”

I bluntly replied to end it quickly. It seemed like Yoohee was paying attention here. Even I would be a bit annoyed if someone other than my parents called during a date.

“I see some noise around your place, so it seems talking won’t work. Are you free tonight by any chance?”

“No, I can’t today. I’m on a date.”

“What!? Oh… I see. Then, are you free tomorrow?”

“If it’s tomorrow… well….”

“Then, I’ll call you again tomorrow.”

“Okay. Take care.”

Seeing the phone ringing and the loud noises on the other end, it seems the team leader has arrived at work. Poor guy.

After hanging up, looking at Yoohee again, her ears were bright red.

“Yoohee?”

She lowered her head deeply, looking elsewhere. Is she curious about someone else?

“Just someone from the office. We agreed to talk later.”

“Haha…!”

Oh, this isn’t the right moment. She’s still bowing her head deeply.

“Look over there! It’s hot!”

“Oh… yeah….”

I don’t know what I did wrong. Did I make a mistake in speaking…?

I recall the words spoken during the call.

“Hello.”

“Yes, what… If it’s a short call, it’s fine.”

“What is it?”

“No, I can’t today. I’m on a date.”

“If it’s tomorrow… well….”

…I think I know what I did wrong.