Chapter 22: Amusement Park
They were finally inside the amusement park.
Colorful lights blinked everywhere, laughter echoed around them, and the smell of food drifted through the air. Aijin looked around, taking it all in.
"It's already afternoon," he said. "We don't have that much time left."
Yasmine nodded softly. "Yeah."
"Then let's enjoy every moment," Aijin said with a small smile.
She nodded again.
"So," he continued, turning to her, "where do you want to go first? Any ideas?"
Yasmine hesitated. "Um… anywhere is fine."
"Nope," Aijin said quickly. "It's your birthday. You decide."
She looked down, thinking for a moment. "…Then… can we go to the rollercoaster?"
"R–rollercoaster?" Aijin repeated, his expression stiffening for a split second.
---
They stood in line soon after.
"Aijin," Yasmine asked quietly, "will you be okay?"
He forced a confident smile. "Don't worry. I'll be fine."
The cart slowly climbed to the top of the hill. The wind grew stronger, and before Aijin could even react, it plunged straight down.
Yasmine laughed, fully enjoying the ride.
Aijin, meanwhile, felt his head spin.
---
Once it was over, Yasmine immediately turned to him. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah—yeah," he said, though his face was pale. "Just… wait. I'll be back."
He rushed toward the washroom.
After a few minutes, he returned, breathing a little more steadily.
"Are you really okay?" she asked.
"Yep," he replied. "So, where to next?"
---
They spent the next hour moving from ride to ride. The teacups left Yasmine laughing again, they shared cotton candy, and inside the haunted house she clutched his sleeve for a moment before quickly letting go, embarrassed.
By the time they stepped outside again, Aijin stretched his arms. "That was pretty fun."
"It really was," Yasmine said softly.
"So… should we head home now?"
"Wait," she said.
"Hm?"
"Can we… go on one last ride?"
"Sure. Which one?"
She pointed ahead. "There."
"The Ferris wheel?"
"Y–yeah."
Aijin grinned. "You know what?"
"What?"
"Let's see who gets there first." He suddenly took off running.
"Hey! That's cheating!" Yasmine shouted, chasing after him.
Even though Aijin reached it first, he slowed down just enough to let her win.
"You did that on purpose," she said, catching her breath.
"Of course," he admitted. "But I also cheated earlier, so it balances out."
She blushed.
---
Inside the Ferris wheel cabin, the city slowly shrank beneath them.
"Wow," Yasmine murmured. "The city looks so small… just like before."
"Yeah," Aijin agreed.
"It's really beautiful."
He found himself staring at her instead.
Why am I feeling like this? he wondered. I wonder what the others are doing right now…
---
At the same time, far away—
"FINALLY! I finished all my homework!" Kei shouted.
"Same here!" Jirou replied.
Both of them collapsed onto the floor.
"You two look like you survived a war," Mui said, watching them.
"Homework is worse than war," Kei groaned. "We should celebrate."
Mui sighed. "I just hope Aijin and Yasmine are having a good time."
---
They'll be fine, Aijin thought.
"We're at the top," Yasmine said.
"Yeah."
She pointed toward the horizon. "Aijin, look."
The sun was setting, painting the sky in orange and gold.
"It's so beautiful," she said.
Aijin looked at her, framed by the sunset. "Yeah… it really is."
---
Once they got off the ride, Aijin smiled. "That was fun."
"Aijin," Yasmine said hesitantly, "before we leave… can I use the washroom?"
"Sure. Want me to wait outside?"
"No, it's fine. I'll be back soon."
"Alright."
---
Inside the washroom, Yasmine washed her hands and looked at her reflection in the mirror.
That was… a really nice day, she thought.
She took a deep breath and turned to leave.
Suddenly, a hand grabbed her arm.
"W–wait… who are you?" she tried to shout.
"You'll know soon," a low voice said.
Her heart started pounding.
What should I do?
Should I scream?
But… there's no one around…
---
Outside, Suddenly someone came towards Aijin.
"Aijin? Is that really you?" a familiar voice said.
He turned. "Wait… Ryo?!"
Ryo grinned. "Didn't think I'd see you here."
They high-fived.
"What are you doing here?" Aijin asked.
"My parents got transferred," Ryo said. "I live here now. I came to check out the park. And I suddenly saw you. How are you here?"
"I got free tickets,"
"Alone?"
"No. I came with a friend. She went to the washroom."
He paused, frowning. "She should've been back by now."
"Let's check," Ryo said.
---
They went to the women's washroom.
"Excuse me," Aijin asked a girl coming out, "did you see this girl?"
She shook her head. "No. There was no one inside."
Aijin felt his chest tighten. "Yasmine… where did you go?"
"Don't panic," Ryo said. "We'll find her."
---
They searched different areas, asking people, scanning every corner. Nothing.
Then, near the edge of the park, Aijin stopped.
"…Wait."
He saw her.
Yasmine was standing with two boys.
Aijin's eyes narrowed.
"Yasmine…" he whispered.
Then recognition hit him.
"Those two are…"
---
Who were they?
Why were they with Yasmine?
And what was about to happen?
[ End of Chapter 22 ]