episode_0019

Time had quietly passed 4 o’clock. According to the ongoing broadcast, there would be a parade around 7 o’clock. It seemed like a good idea to rest or have dinner while waiting until then.

Walking out of the cafe hand in hand, we fell into a brief silence.

Though it was summer, the sky was as clear as autumn, without a single cloud. It was hot due to the lack of shade, but still better than a gloomy, overcast day.

However, it didn’t feel that way between us right now.

“……”

“……”

Awkward silence filled the air.

It’s inevitable to feel awkward after such a public display of affection. Even though no one was looking at us directly, it felt like a prickling sensation… Anyway, that’s how it was.

Although we held hands naturally, I could sense tension from the way Yoohee’s hand trembled. Of course, I was nervous too.

In situations like this, I should be the first to speak.

“Umm….”

“Oh.”

“I’ll go first…”

Three consecutive interruptions… Already feeling heated, the extra interruptions only made me sweat more.

Since Yoohee also had something to say, she nodded for me to go ahead and speak first.

“I didn’t make any reservations… What ride do you want to go on?”

“Well… How about this one?”

Pointing to the pamphlet she held, Yoohee indicated a picture of a circular disc with a pillar attached. This ride had been temporarily suspended before being repainted and put back into operation.

“Oh, right…”

After speaking, I realized I had forgotten that Yoohee was weak when it came to these types of rides. I wondered if she would be scared again… What should I do?

“Got it.”

“Oh…”

“Why are you like that?”

“It’s just… I thought you might refuse.”

“…I’m not scared.”

As it was afternoon, slowly but surely, people started to leave one by one. The waiting time had definitely decreased compared to lunchtime.

Still, we had to wait for another hour, so I bought some drinks and stood in line.

“By the way, you mentioned getting a part-time job, right?”

“Yeah.”

Even though I covered Yoohee’s tuition and everything else, she insisted on working part-time to earn her own spending money. With trends showing that people are becoming independent at a later age according to the internet, seeing Yoohee’s determination, it was evident she would succeed greatly.

“What kind of job are you looking for?”

Part-time jobs vary. Some are easy with good pay, while others involve heavy lifting and pay based on the amount of work done. When I first did heavy lifting, it was so exhausting that I ended up vomiting all the snacks I ate at midnight.

Yoohee probably wouldn’t choose such a job, but I still wondered if it might be dangerous.

“Just something like working at a cafe…”

“I see.”

If it’s a cafe… I’m relieved. As long as the manager or other staff don’t bother Yoohee, she is always welcome.

“Alright. Don’t push yourself too hard.”

“…Okay.”

Unconsciously, my hand reached out to pat Yoohee’s head. I was momentarily surprised, but I didn’t stop. It’s natural for a father to pat his daughter’s head when she’s doing well.

And it seemed like Yoohee liked it too.

“Oh, it’s our turn.”

After exchanging a few more small talk conversations, it was finally our turn. Well… Most of the discussions were trivial, but I knew that Yoohee was doing well in university.

In the center of the spinning disc that everyone was watching, there was a thick pillar, and the ride moved back and forth like a Viking ship.

We sat down next to each other. Yoohee seemed a bit scared again.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah…”

Well… She managed to ride the famous roller coaster without any issues, so she should be fine on this one too.

“Departing~ Whooooosh~”

Perhaps because the ride was named after a typhoon, the staff member announcing the departure made a sound mimicking the wind. The pillar began swaying gently, and the disc started rotating slowly.

The sensation of the wind brushing through my hair. It felt like standing right in front of a strong wind machine, instantly relieving me from the heat.

“Kyaaaaa!”

“Waaaaa!”

As the altitude increased and the disc spun wildly, the entire view of the amusement park ride became visible. People screamed, adding to the excitement.

“Ugh…!”

Just as I feared, Yuhee tightly gripped the safety bar, closing her eyes tightly. Despite that, perhaps due to gravity making her legs slightly float below, she couldn’t even scream, trembling in fear.

“Phew….”

Finally, as the spinning and pendulum motion stopped, and the safety bar lifted, Yuhee’s legs felt weak as she staggered. I held her hand for support.

“You don’t have to overdo it…”

“I-It’s not overdoing it!”

“Y-Yeah….”

Although there was still time left to ride more attractions, I decided to wait just for Yuhee.

Following the path deeper into the amusement park leads to a square at its heart. Various musical performances and parades take place in this square.

“Where should we go….”

The pamphlet mentioned a zombie horde that would be coming, promising a spine-chilling experience. The pictures seemed quite elaborate. After an hour-long parade, there would be a fireworks display… Personally, I’m more excited about that than the parade.

Although there was still some time left, people were already slowly gathering at the square. Yuhee and I found a good spot and waited for the show to begin.

“Yuhee.”

“Yeah?”

“Aren’t you feeling hot?”

“N-No, I’m fine.”

She clearly looked hot. Despite the fan running, she was sweating profusely, fanning her clothes back and forth enough to reveal her bra.

Even though she had taken off her cardigan, she never took it off completely. I don’t know why, but she adamantly refused to remove it. Maybe she thought her pink bra would show if she did… Ah, is that why?

“In a moment, the zombie attack will commence. Spectators, please stand orderly in your places.”

Is it starting now? Of all times, why now when I need to use the restroom…

“Y-Yuhee, I’ll be right back, going to the restroom…”

“Okay.”

Upon returning, there was no trace of Yuhee in that spot.

—

“Yuhee!”

After returning from the restroom, Yuhee was nowhere to be found. Surrounded by people, it was even harder to search. This spot should be correct, but did we move because of the crowd?

“Let me try messaging her first…”

“Yuhee, where are you?”

It felt like about 3 minutes had passed, but the ‘1’ didn’t disappear. Could something bad have happened…?

“Yuhee!!!”

Calling out in the square, Yuhee was nowhere to be seen. With the loud background music blaring from the speakers, I doubted if my voice could even be heard.

If that’s the case, I have no choice but to call her.

*Ringing tone* *Ringing tone*….

It only rang without connecting. Did she still have me blocked…?

Even if the number is blocked, I can still message her, but I had forgotten that fact. I hadn’t fully realized that Yuhee hadn’t completely accepted me yet.

“Darn it.”

I quickly hung up the phone and started searching for Yuhee. She might be somewhere in the audience looking for me, or maybe she gave up and is watching the parade right now.

“Uwaaaah~”

“Captain! The zombies are coming!”

“Shoot them all! Everyone, aim your weapons at the zombies too!!!”

It was so noisy that I couldn’t concentrate. People collectively shot at the zombies on the square, making loud bangs with their mouths.

“This performance isn’t important right now….”

If only I had an automatic rifle, I’d want to shoot them all and get rid of them. I need to find Yuhee, but I keep getting interrupted.

Where are you, Yuhee, darn it.

*Bam. Boom.*

The sound of a cannon firing is heard, making it feel like the ground is shaking. With the audience being called in, the situation became even more chaotic.

It’s not completely dark yet, but the sun is gradually setting. Soon, twilight will arrive, a time when even with lights shining, people become invisible. Before that happens, I must find Yuhee without fail.

“Squeee!”

Even a baby’s cry can be heard. My nerves are on edge, almost wanting to curse. However, doing so here might lead to trouble.

“Sigh….”

I consider just giving up. It’s hot, noisy, and irritating. Moreover, as twilight approaches, people are starting to disappear.

And Yuhee is not a child; she’s a grown adult who, even if she gets lost, will quickly find her way back. Even if she can’t find her way, she’ll manage to return on her own.

“……Nevertheless.”

Despite everything, I made a promise. I promised not to abandon Yuhee.

To give up on finding Yuhee within a few hours of making that promise? That would be absurd. Even if Yuhee doesn’t come looking for me, I have to find her.

Stepping out of the crowd, I grabbed a drink from the vending machine and gulped it down, clearing my mind. I need to check the outskirts again, examining each person to find Yuhee—

“What are they doing?”

Two strange men are surrounding a woman. It seems like they’re harassing her, but the woman in the middle looks uncomfortable.

In a white T-shirt and a brown cardigan similar to what I usually wear, with long, slender legs. It was undoubtedly Yuhee.

“Yuhee!”

Pushing through the crowd, I reached Yuhee. The men stared at me as if I were an intruder.

“…What did you do to Yuhee?”