When people talk about amusement parks, what do you imagine? A place of joy? Fun rides? A paradise for children? At first, I thought so too. But reality doesn’t always match expectations.
Hot.
The sun scorched me from above the blue sky, as if it held an eternal grudge against me. And since I couldn’t fight the sun, I was also forced to wait in line—still outside the amusement park, crammed in with other people.
“Sorry, Ren. I didn’t think it’d be this crowded...”
Saying that, Yona, who was queueing with me, took off her hat and put it on me. Her face was full of guilt.
“It’s okay, I mean, it’s Sunday after all. It’s normal for it to be crowded. Everyone wants a holiday.”
Just so you know, Yona, compared to this, queueing for a newly released popular game is worse, and I’ve experienced it over and over. I even once camped overnight just to wait for the store to open.
“...If you feel unwell just say so, okay? I’ll tell the staff.”
Nodding to Yona, we continued waiting in line.
Luckily, Yona’s concern didn’t come true and there was no need to call the staff. Though it took a while, our turn finally came and after handing over the tickets, we were allowed to enter.
“Woah! You can’t really see from the outside, but it’s really big inside! There’s even a new ride that doesn’t exist in the amusement park in our city.”
“True...”
I had already forgotten what the amusement park there was like, so I just agreed with Yona without further comment.
But she was right. This amusement park was pretty big. Besides the Roller Coaster or Ferris Wheel, there were many other rides I didn’t recognize.
Honestly, I was starting to feel a little excited.
Yona then looked at me.
“Since we just got here, how about we get some snacks to fill our stomachs? Or... Ren, do you want to try a ride first?”
“...I’ll follow your choice.”
Shaking my head, I replied. Because today was actually dedicated to Yona, I wanted her to have fun first.
“Hmm, in that case, let’s get food. Your stomach must be a little empty too from all that queuing earlier, right? Look, there’s someone selling crepes over there!”
Then, Yona pulled me over there. Since there were no other customers, she was immediately served by the seller.
“Ren, what flavor do you want?”
“The same as yours.”
Hearing me, Yona rubbed her chin while reading the menu and told the seller:
“...Then two strawberry flavors, please.”
“Okay, you got it! By the way, your outfits are quite matching—are you two a couple? There’s a 20% discount if you are!”
“Yes, we’re a couple.”
Before Yona could open her mouth, I answered the seller first.
The ponytailed girl looked at me with wide eyes.
“Ren...”
Sorry, Yona. But a discount is a discount. If I can reduce my expenses, I’ll gladly take it!
Not long after, the seller handed us the crepes. However, Yona was the one who received them and paid.
“...Um, Yona. How much was it?”
“Don’t worry, it’s my treat.”
Yona smiled. Looking to the side, I saw the woman seller giving a wink.
“Don’t embarrass her, kid. As your girlfriend, it’s only natural for her to treat you.”
With that, Yona handed me the crepe.
I blinked, a bit confused. Honestly, I kind of regretted it—like, why did I bother claiming we were a couple just to get a discount if in the end Yona was the one paying?
...Though at least Yona paid less.
We then continued walking. Enjoying our sweet crepes, her grip on my hand grew tighter.
“It hurts.”
“Hmm? What’s wrong, Ren?”
“No, it’s nothing.”
I can’t say she’s using her strength too much, can I?
A few minutes later.
After throwing away the wrappers in the trash, Yona pointed at one of the buildings.
“Ren, let’s go into that Haunted House. It looks fun.”
“...Isn’t it kind of crowded?”
“Eh? Only four people are in line there. Or... Ren, don’t tell me you’re afraid of ghosts?”
“No way.”
I’m a gamer who’s cleared the entire Silent Hill series—there’s no way I’d be scared of fake ghosts that are just people in costume.
“Then let’s go!”
Getting dragged by Yona, I didn’t even have the strength to resist.
Now, I might really regret this. Why couldn’t I just be honest?
---
Coming out of the Haunted House, I sat on a bench. The sun was still clearly visible, blazing—but my legs trembled like I was freezing.
Returning from a vending machine, Yona brought me some water.
“...I didn’t expect you to be that scared. Sorry.”
D—Don’t apologize to me! You’re rubbing salt into the wound, Yona!
Gulping down the water she gave me, my heartbeat slowly returned to normal. My legs stopped shaking, and I took a deep breath—exhaling.
“The ghosts didn’t scare me. It was just the way they popped out that startled me. Compared to the monsters in Silent Hill, they’re nothing.”
“Alright, alright. For now, let’s just rest here. Sorry for forcing you into the Haunted House.”
I told you not to apologize! A wounded pride can’t be healed, Yona!
Leaning back on the bench, my energy was almost gone. Entering the Haunted House felt like it instantly drained half my life.
Then, I felt Yona’s hand gently stroke my back—making me turn to her. A small smile formed on her lips.
“If we go home now, I wouldn’t mind.”
“...I’m really fine, Yona. I’m not so weak that I’d lose to some fake ghosts.”
Hearing me, Yona shook her head. She continued:
“That’s not what I meant. It’s just... even though we’ve only been out for a few hours—shopping for games, chatting on the train, and now at the amusement park, I feel like I’m already full of happiness being with you.”
“...”
Why is Yona saying so many embarrassing things today? Doesn’t she realize she’s been making my face burn with embarrassment since morning!?
My heart might not be safe if I keep staying with her.
Looking away, I drank more water—large gulps, like someone drunk and stressed.
Then, we didn’t continue the conversation. We just sat, watching other visitors at the amusement park.
Until—I saw a family of three: father, mother, and child. They came out of the Haunted House, with the child bouncing toward the mother, looking like they wanted to go in again.
...Seriously? They went into the Haunted House and came out unscathed? And why is the kid even excited?
Honestly—
“I’m jealous of them...”
“Ren...?”
“Sorry, I was just spacing out a bit.”
I’m jealous of them. The fact that I finished the Silent Hill series isn’t a lie, but because of my fear of ghosts—I spent months trying to get through them all.
That's why I jealous of them—being able to complete the Haunted House without a single trace of fear.
Ugh, for some reason my head is getting dizzier. Maybe it’s from too much screaming in the Haunted House? I kind of feel like I need to pee too.
“...I’m going to the bathroom for a bit. So Yona...”
Standing up, I said that to Yona—while looking at our still-linked hands.
“Ah! Y—Yeah.”
Why the stutter?
Because I was starting to feel the urge badly, I didn’t think much of Yona’s stammer.
Turning around, I walked quickly toward the bathroom.
... But, when I was in the middle of the crowd—the world suddenly started spinning too fast.
So fast, that the ground beneath me—was already in front of my eyes when I realized it.
Did I... fall?
My breathing was heavy, and my vision began to darken.
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