Chapter 23: Sweetheart

A bit farther away from the fun rides and game booths, there was an arched tunnel that had a deep, obsidian black belly.

This caught Haru's attention when he neared it.

He slowly slid inside the tunnel's pitch black interior and found himself completely lost.

He knew that it only takes one step to get out, but it felt like he was trapped in eternity.

The moment he was inside, he had lost his sense of direction, thinking anywhere is dark—just darkness.

He took another brave step and the rustle sent shivers through his spine.

He gritted his teeth and tried hastening his pace going in.

Bumping into something, he fell down and injured his arm.

"Aaargh!" Haru screeched at the top of his lungs, gripping his arm.

Rolling slightly around, he let out another shriek when he felt some shards prickling his back.

He cried and groaned, trying to ask for help.

"H-Haru!" A tiny, hesitant voice reached out. It's Ali. "Haru! A-Are you… okay?"

Haru sighed and yelled back, "Ali! I need help! Please bring Camille or Mr. Wang over here to pull me out! I can't see anything and I'm injured!"

"O-Okay!"

Haru heard the little steps that the boy took and soon it faded away.

He laid there, waiting in pain, breathing heavily in fear.

He could hear his breaths clearly and keeping his eyes opened felt scarier more than anything else at that moment.

Soon, help arrived and they were able to quickly get Haru out of the tunnel.

Ali led them to a circus tent, which is a few meters away, which he seemed to stumble upon during their exploration earlier.

There are other circus tents around as well and in each of them, there was an individual bedding set and a cabinet beside.

Mr. Wang walked off as soon as they laid Haru on a bed.

Ali stayed with him, while Camille went out to fetch Alicia.

Ali looked restless and flustered.

"S-Sorry," The little boy was shaking. "I-I'm so... sorry."

Haru looked sideways and chuckled, "What are you apologizing for? I was the one who went into that tunnel, so I'm the one to blame."

Ali's shoulders drooped and stared at Haru worriedly.

Soon, Alicia came over, looking appalled at Haru.

She began nagging and scolding him, while Camille just stood behind, giggling.

"It's a good thing that there's no bleeding and your arm injury seemed to be just a sprain," Alicia sighed, inspecting Haru's back if there are more shards left piercing through his flesh. "And the shards are also small and shallow, so it didn't do too much damage."

"Just what on earth were you up to earlier to have those injuries and wounds? You were just looking around!" Camille exclaimed in disbelief.

"Well, that's…"

"I'll get some ice from the food booths," Camille volunteered. "I think I've seen some over there."

"Thanks," Alicia said. "Get me some long, clean cloth as well. I'll make a DIY sling for his arm injury."

Camille nodded and left.

"There are a lot of circus tents nearby," Haru smiled at Alicia. "You can stay there until we figure out the next portal."

Alicia flicked his forehead. "Worry about yourself right now, kiddo. Just look at your state!"

He just smiled sheepishly and laid down comfortably.

"If it's alright with you…" Haru hesitated. "May I ask how old is your son right now?"