XXXIII

236 19 11
                                    

Jungwon and Yona stepped off the bus, their excitement palpable as they approached the entrance of the amusement park

Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.

Jungwon and Yona stepped off the bus, their excitement palpable as they approached the entrance of the amusement park. The air was filled with the sound of laughter and the scent of funnel cakes, adding to the festive atmosphere of the day.

Hand in hand, they made their way through the gates, their eyes lighting up at the sight of the towering roller coasters and spinning rides that awaited them. With eager smiles, they set off to explore the park, eager to experience all the thrills and excitement it had to offer.

Their first stop was the Ferris wheel, where they climbed into a brightly colored carriage and soared high above the park. From their vantage point, they could see the entire expanse of the park laid out before them, a sea of colorful lights and bustling activity.

As Jungwon observed the view, he couldn't help how different the Human realm looked different from 2023, decades back. Technology had advanced, trends have changed, and everything else just wasn't the same. "Isn't it amazing how things change over time?"

Because Yona had Danah's memories, she knew what he was in awe about. "Yeah, it's like we're here now, experiencing all of this together, but there was a time when things were so different."

"Like when you were... just Danah," he chuckled.

"Yeah, it feels like a lifetime ago when I was in that body. Now that I've remembered my past life, I can't tell whether my feelings of beliefs are Yona's or Danah's anymore."

"Yeah, that's tough. What I do wish and know is that you both are happy," he winked.

Yona playfully rolls her eyes. "Thank you for noticing."

"Sometimes, I can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia for my Vampire days. Being a part of that world, even with all its complexities, felt like I had a purpose."

She wondered what he meant by the purpose part, then she realized. "Right, you were supposed to be king. I understand. It was hard for you." In the Vampire realm, he had a career he was motivated for. Here, he was stumped.

"It was hard. But being with you now, in this moment, makes me realize that this is where I belong. With you, Yona."

"I feel the same way, Jungwon. I'm grateful for the life we have together," she smiled. "Though, you should find something to do here since you're stuck. Honestly, I could see you being a business man."

He raised his eyebrows, "Seriously? A business man?"

"Yeah, you're quite convincing. Somehow, you made me fall in love with you twice." Now that she put the idea into his head, he couldn't help but pause and think about it.

As they descended back to the ground, they made their way to the bumper cars, where they laughed and joked as they raced around the track, trying to bump into each other whenever they got the chance. Despite their best efforts, Yona emerged victorious, earning herself a playful victory dance from Jungwon.

Next, they tried their luck at the carnival games, where they spent a small fortune trying to win a stuffed animal prize. After several failed attempts, they finally emerged victorious.

The worker behind the counter smiled and gestured towards the array of prizes on display. "Congratulations! You get to pick a prize," she announced cheerfully, her voice laced with enthusiasm.

Jungwon surveyed the assortment of toys and trinkets, his eyes flickering over the colorful array. Among them, he spotted a familiar sight: a Winnie the Pooh plushie. Instantly, something stirred within him, a faint echo of a distant memory tugging at his subconscious.

He hesitated for a moment, the significance of it not lost on him. There was something about it that felt inexplicably important, though he couldn't quite put his finger on why. Despite the uncertainty gnawing at him, he found himself drawn to the Winnie the Pooh plushie, his hand reaching out almost instinctively towards it.

Yona noticed the sudden change in Jungwon's demeanor and followed his gaze to the Disney toy. "Is something wrong?" she asked, concern evident in her voice.

Jungwon shook his head, trying to shake off the strange sensation that had gripped him. "No, it's nothing," he replied, forcing a smile. But deep down, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this encounter than met the eye. "Maybe I just want this plushie," Jungwon finally admitted, his voice tinged with a hint of uncertainty. Though the words sounded simple enough, there was an underlying complexity to his decision, a sense of longing intertwined with the simple desire for a stuffed toy.

Yona looked at him quizzically, her brow furrowing slightly in confusion. "That's fine," she replied with a shrug, not pressing further but sensing there was more to his choice than met the eye.

With a nod of gratitude towards the carnival worker, Jungwon accepted the Winnie the Pooh plushie, holding it gently in his hands as if it were a precious treasure. As they continued their date, the significance of the plushie lingered in the back of his mind, a silent reminder of memories long forgotten and a past he was only beginning to unravel.

Hungry from their adventures, they stopped at a food stall for some well-deserved snacks. They indulged in cotton candy and hot dogs, savoring the simple pleasure of sharing a meal together amidst the hustle and bustle of the park.

LitN: Running Through The NightWhere stories live. Discover now