episode_0048

Finally, the long-awaited summer vacation arrived. On the day of the trip to Japan with Yuhee, we decided to visit Tokyo for 4 nights and 5 days. It’s true that it’s a bit disappointing not having been on a plane at this age, but I’ve lived frugally for Yuhee all this time, so I don’t feel any inferiority complex or anything like that. Just being able to go with Yuhee is satisfying enough.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please fasten your seat belts for a safe journey before takeoff.”

Following the announcement, I fastened my seat belt. I’ve taken the KTX train many times for business trips, but flying on a plane is a first, so I felt excited for some reason.

“Vroom.”

The plane started with a loud noise. It felt similar to the sensation of a roller coaster starting, with the seat shaking and moving, giving a floating feeling.

“Oh…”

Looking out the window, the sea below the clouds was truly magnificent. It reminded me of childhood dreams, understanding why so many people want to fly on airplanes.

“……”

On the other hand, Yuhee’s expression in the distance was not good. It wasn’t because of motion sickness. If it were, she would have called the flight attendant.

“Sigh…”

The reason Yuhee was like that was that our seats were separated.

—

30 minutes earlier.

“I’m really looking forward to today~”

“Yeah.”

From the accommodation to the travel itinerary, Yuhee had everything reserved. I was shocked every time I received a text saying money had been spent, wondering when I memorized my card number again. At least it’s all interest-free for 3 months, so I felt relieved for now.

After check-in and security check, we sat on the round sofa with a rectangular backrest, waiting for boarding time.

“Vroom.”

It was the first time seeing planes landing or taking off up close. Perhaps because I’m a man, whenever I see mechanical things like this, all sorts of sci-fi movies come to mind, leading to a mental marathon of imagination.

20 minutes before boarding time, an announcement came over the speaker.

“The K203 flight departing from Incheon at 10:10 to Tokyo, Narita, will be replaced by another aircraft due to a mechanical issue.”

Replacing with another aircraft, it’s a relief that there was no accident despite the issue. Imagining what would have happened if there had been an accident is horrifying.

Then, at boarding time, we received new tickets with Yuhee. The problem started from there.

“Where are you sitting, honey?”

“I’m… in 30A.”

“What!?”

“Why? What’s the problem?”

“I’m in 28D!”

“28D…?”

A and D were far apart and not even on the same row. Since the aircraft changed, the seats seemed to have been randomly assigned. The line kept moving, and in the end, we couldn’t say anything and sat separately.

And back to the present.

“I’m so angry… but it’s too late now.”

Of course, we can’t communicate via phone on the plane. Even if we switch seats, it won’t make a difference, but turning on data itself is a nuisance, a matter of manners.

“I hope we arrive quickly…”

If Yuhee were next to me, we could lean on each other to sleep or quietly chat, making the journey enjoyable. It feels like something went wrong from the beginning.

Moreover, the person next to me was a young lady dressed in revealing clothes, causing a reaction below, even though I knew it was inappropriate.

“Just for tonight…”

Well, I endured a week for this day.

—

Fortunately, we landed safely at the airport without any incidents. Perhaps because it’s a neighboring country, seeing Korean signs everywhere made me feel strangely familiar.

Of course, immigration and most papers were in Japanese and English, causing some trouble, but Yuhee had written everything for me, which was fortunate.

“Arigato gozaimasu.”

I greeted the staff in Japanese I had briefly learned from Yuhee, and the staff replied in the same way. Hearing it directly made the experience more profound.

After passing through immigration, I met Yuhee again at the baggage claim area, and she immediately linked her arm with mine.

“Yuhee…”

“What’s wrong?”

“Oh, it’s nothing.”

Maybe because she was sitting apart from me earlier, she now stuck closer to me. It wasn’t unpleasant, but openly showing affection in front of so many people made me feel a bit embarrassed.

After waiting for about 20 minutes, we found our luggage and headed out.

“Where do we go now?”

“Well… we need to pass through customs first, then get a transportation card and take the train.”

“Ah, I see…”

Even though it was probably Yuhee’s first time here, she seemed to know a lot. Thanks to her, we were able to easily get a transportation card and she quickly bought the pass with her limited Japanese.

The pass allowed us to travel around Tokyo without using a transportation card for 24 hours. Unlike in Korea, where there are transfer discounts, using the pass in Japan saved us a lot of money.

“Narita Skyliner”

We went down to the train platform at Narita Airport and boarded the Skyliner heading to Tokyo. Fortunately, this time we were able to sit together without changing seats.

“Ah… finally sitting next to you.”

“Lucky us.”

The seats were similar to KTX, but they felt a bit more comfortable. Maybe it was because we were in a foreign country, but everything felt fascinating, starting from the feeling of stepping into a different place.

“This train is bound for Ueno. Ueno.”

The screen at the front of the car displayed in Korean as well. I was once again amazed by this.

Suddenly, something touched my shoulder. It was probably because I couldn’t sleep earlier. Feeling a bit uncomfortable, I adjusted my posture and leaned back comfortably.

Feeling Yuhee’s warmth through my shoulder, I started to feel drowsy.

“Well, we’ll be getting off soon anyway…”

And with that, I achieved the small goal of falling asleep leaning on Yuhee.

—

“It’s hot.”

Being indoors all the time, I had forgotten, but Japan being located south of Korea made it incredibly hot in the summer. The intense sunlight pierced through the sunscreen armor and reflected off the streets, making it unbearably hot.

“Is it this way?”

“No, this way~”

“Wow~”

We arrived at Ueno Station, the final stop of the Skyliner. From Ueno Station, we transferred to the Yamanote Line and headed to Kanda Station as Yuhee explained. Since there were trains going to the airport, there were many Koreans around.

“This way, honey!”

“Oh, okay!”

To avoid the risk of getting separated, Yuhee and I held hands tightly as we walked.

“No one’s sitting here…”

I had noticed it since earlier, but unlike in Korea, even when there were empty seats, people didn’t sit down. There didn’t seem to be a concept of priority seating like in Korea, and I wasn’t sure if it was a case-by-case basis or a unique Japanese cultural norm. Since it was only 3 stops to Kanda Station, we stood without sitting. And I felt like sitting would draw unwanted attention.

“We’ve arrived.”

“Phew…”

Our accommodation was a few minutes away from Kanda Station. We had rented a whole apartment. Oh, was it called a mansion in Japan?

It was an apartment, but not as spacious as apartments in Korea, more like a studio with a kitchen and living room.

“I’ll take a shower first~”

“Okay.”

It was so hot in Japan that I couldn’t bear not to shower with sweat dripping everywhere. While Yuhee showered, I turned on the air conditioner and lay down on the king-size bed in the middle of the room.

“Wait a minute…”

It had become somewhat of a routine for Yuhee and me to shower together and then go to bed, but today she didn’t make that request. I wasn’t sure if it was because of the heat or if she just didn’t feel like it.

After living a life of abstinence for over a decade, it was quite self-deprecating for me to feel this way after just a few days of not doing it.

Of course, there are no plans to force myself on her. She might get hurt, and I’m not dating Yuhee just for sex.

“Sigh….”

As the room started to cool down, my eyes began to droop. I shouldn’t get tired already, or I’ll end up wasting the whole day without even going sightseeing.

I shook myself awake and stretched like a cat, extending my body as if I were yawning.

“What are you doing, honey…?”

“…!”

“Oh… I’m just stretching.”

Yuhee, who had already finished showering, chuckled at me. It wasn’t a big deal, but seeing her laugh made me feel a bit embarrassed.

“What’s wrong with that~”

“Well, it’s just….”

As I got up, I was taken aback by Yuhee’s appearance, which I hadn’t seen as she had her back turned.

She wasn’t wearing a towel, nor was she wearing underwear, and she hadn’t even put on a single piece of clothing.

“Yuhee, your clothes….”

“Oh, I forgot to grab my underwear…. You’ve already seen everything anyway.”

“Well, that’s true but….”

“Why~? Are you excited?”

Yuhee smirked and said. I couldn’t say anything and just nodded quietly.

“Is that so?”

Then she opened her carry-on and started picking out clothes to put on. I felt like a fool for expecting something more. Yuhee must have noticed because she put her hand on my back and said.

“Why are you just standing there? Are you expecting me to do something for you?”

“Oh, no….”

“Lies.”

“….”

Feeling embarrassed, I tried to get up from my seat, but Yuhee came closer and whispered in my ear.

“I’ve prepared something amazing for tonight, so can you hold off for now?”

“…!”

After hearing that, I had to continue showering to maintain my erection.