Chapter 45

As Carla and Joshua exited from Gyeonghuigung Palace, they were greeted by various rides commonly seen at an amusement park, including the Ferris wheel, roller coaster and pirate ship ride. They thought of trying the bump cars, and they stayed for 30 minutes colliding with each other as well as other guests of the park. Then they decided to go around the area again. They reached the end of that side of the amusement park, where the grand carousel is located. 'You wanna…?" Joshua asked Carla, pointing at the carousel. 'Why do you seem amused as to the idea of riding the carousel?" Carla asked. 'Not really. It's just that it's just the plain, boring merry-go-round," Joshua explained. 'Only the kids get thrilled at that ride." 'I think that's quite exaggerated," Carla commented. 'So, you want to ride?" asked Joshua. 'Anyway, only a few are riding, so no one will take notice." Carla looked at the carousel. Only a few guests are on it, and most are children being accompanied by their parents. There are also lovers who are sharing some romantic moments together. That kind of turned her off. 'Why don't we just look for something to drink?" she just said as she looked around. 'Is there a place where we can buy some refreshments or something?" Joshua also looked around. 'I think I'm seeing some vending machines over there." He pointed to the direction he's talking about. But Carla saw something else. 'Have you seen the Korean drama Coffee Prince?" She looked at Joshua. 'What is that?" Joshua asked. Instead of answering, Carla pointed to what she saw. It's a coffee shop, and the name on the signage in front is Coffee Prince. They went to the said coffee shop. It was really similar to the coffee shop where it was based. From the place itself, to the uniforms of the barista and waiters. It really looks like the one from the Kdrama. Carla and Joshua sat on a table for two. They immediately ordered two iced coffee because of the hot weather. 'You also watch Kdramas?" Joshua asked. 'You mean, Coffee Prince? That was back in college. I don't have time to watch anymore. I'm too busy," Carla explained. 'I guess saving lives is more important than gushing over Lee Min-ho," Joshua joked. 'How about you? Don't tell me you don't watch Kdramas? Why do you know Lee Min-ho?" 'He looked so good in Coffee Prince," Joshua said. Then he leaned towards Carla. 'He's the lead actor in Coffee Prince, right?" Carla laughed at what he said. Joshua realized the answer is no. He just smiled at his innocence when it comes to Kdramas. 'Truth is, he is Caith's super crush," Joshua said. Carla's laughing slowly stopped. She took a sip of her iced coffee to avoid the awkwardness of the situation. 'Though I really don't know him," Joshua continued. 'I know him ‘cause he's famous, but I don't know any of the movies or series that he did." Carla suddenly felt curious about Caitlyn Soriano. After all, Joshua already mentioned her twice today. 'Do you still think about her?" 'Lee Min-ho?" Carla giggled. Joshua knows whom she meant. After all, Lee Min-ho is a ‘he' and not ‘her.' He just thought of joking around. 'Honestly, I don't," Joshua said seriously. 'I just thought about her today because she's the only one I know who is really into Kdramas. But having random thoughts about her, no, I don't have. Actually, if I did not remember her earlier when I saw the palace, I will not remember her again now. I just remembered that I saw that place because of her. Just that." 'You don't need to explain," Carla said, though she's glad he did. She kind of felt glad that he does not think of his ex-girlfriend who hurt him before. She's happy to know that he has moved on from the pain that he experienced before. She's glad as a friend. That's what she told herself when she suddenly questioned her concern about him. 'Maybe," Joshua agreed. 'But I hope you won't say that it's too soon. It has only been three months, if I'm not mistaken, when it happened." 'Three-month rule, right?" Carla said. 'Popoy, Basha?" 'That I remember!" Joshua exclaimed, as if he just solved a very substantial mystery. 'One More Chance. I've watched that. Promise, I've watched that." Carla laughed at his reaction. The next attraction they visited was the horror train that was based on the movie Train to Busan. 'Are you sure about this?" Joshua asked Carla. 'Of course," Carla answered. 'You're not afraid of zombies?" Carla pictured on her mind how the zombies look like. 'They kind of look like decaying humans. And in med school, we study cadavers. So, how can I be scared of them?" Joshua did not answer and just stared at her. 'Come on! I'll be fine." Carla didn't even wait for Joshua's answer and went on to enter the horror train. It really resembles the train on the movie it was based, though the one on that park is a miniature version, and only a few passengers are on board. Only then did Carla notice their companions. Aside from a group of teens, the only other passengers were three couples. She suddenly realized how she and Joshua look like. Just like the other couple in the train, they are also sitting side by side. And that's when she remembered what usually happens to two persons on a date when they go to horror attractions like that train. 'You know, we still have time," Joshua said. 'If you want, we can just try other attractions." 'No! We will not leave. We will stay here." Actually, Carla really wants to back off already. No, she's not afraid of zombies. She just hated what she suddenly thought earlier. The horror train started immediately. Its speed was just normal, then suddenly it seems to slow down. Until it finally stopped running. Then they heard a voice over announcement. 'To all our passengers, we regret to inform you that KTX 101 encountered some technical problems and could not continue. May we request everyone to please leave the train and proceed to the exit of the tunnel. Thank you and sorry for the inconvenience." The passengers began making nervous noise as they went out of the train. The tunnel is quite well lit because of the light post on both sides of the rail. 'Should we run?" Carla looked at Joshua, but she did not see his face because suddenly, the surroundings began to dim. Some women even shrieked because of surprise. It seems that Carla is the only one who did not panic. Actually, she's starting to panic as well. She's not afraid of the dark, or even the zombies that are bound to appear any moment now. She's afraid of what she might do out of panic, just like holding on or clinging to Joshua. She promised herself to not get scared or surprised by the zombies' attacks. Suddenly, the lights to where the train came from earlier lit up. The lights are dim, but everyone can clearly see what is going on from that direction. And since that is the only lit up portion, everyone looked there. And there they saw the zombies come out one by one. Everyone decided to run, but they halted when the zombies came out from where they are going. So instead of going forward, everyone retreated. Until the zombies started coming out from all directions. Carla felt irritated when everyone shouted because of fear with the zombies. They all panicked because the zombie started running after everyone. Although, the creepy crawlers do not touch them, probably as a rule of the amusement park. But the zombies really stayed close to them that's why everyone is having a hard time running away. And what Carla feared finally happened. Because of the chaos inside the tunnel, she wasn't able to prevent herself from getting close and holding on to Joshua. 'Are you okay?" Joshua asked. He seems rather agitated himself. Carla moved away from him. She just nodded as an answer to his question and continued walking to get away from the zombies. Suddenly, she heard Joshua scream. Carla looked at him. Joshua came running to her, and he even held onto her after. It took a while before Joshua realized what he just did. He stared at Carla embarrassingly. 'O-one of the zombies pulled me," he explained. But Carla is not buying it. She gave him that suspicious look because she's beginning to know the reason why he is panicking. 'Let's just go! Come on!" Joshua said. Carla can't do nothing but follow Joshua as he started walking away.