Chapter 58
Chapter 58
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 58
Chapter Title: To Fukuoka
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Where's a good spot for a trip to Japan?
A quick search showed that for first-timers, the capital Tokyo was top, or Osaka since it had lots of Koreans and was super Korea-friendly.
Or Fukuoka for its easy access.
Those three cities got the most recommendations.
'Fukuoka looks kinda boring... and Na Da-yeon said she's been to Osaka...'
Tokyo felt intimidating since the city was just too huge.
"Hmm..."
Of course, Japan had more than just those three, but Sapporo seemed better for winter, and Kyoto felt like it'd be more enjoyable after brushing up on history, so I skipped them.
'Not sure if I'll actually study history.'
I did see Okinawa, which didn't feel very Japanese...
'Since it's Japan, I should probably stick to the mainland to get the vibe.'
It seemed more like a resort for relaxing than touring, so I ruled it out completely.
Plus, going somewhere like that with Na Da-yeon might make her feel burdened.
After agonizing over it...
'Fukuoka it is.'
Good access, and it let you feel the Japanese atmosphere. Decision made.
'Tons of flights, and cheap too.'
Lots of flights on top of that.
Prices were reasonable compared to other places.
With the destination set, everything else was easy.
Schedule?
Just match up the times.
Budget was overflowing anyway.
'Do everything we can in the time we have.'
With that in mind, I fired up my dual monitors and dove into planning the itinerary.
Passport?
Ready.
Suitcase?
A big, pricey one, all set.
Taxi to the airport booked.
Cash exchanged generously.
All bookable accommodations reserved, of course.
Really, I could just hop on the plane and be done.
Finally, I checked my reflection.
Gray slacks.
Long-sleeve white knit.
A simple black coat draped lightly over it.
'Okay.'
Not too flashy.
But it showed I put in effort.
The epitome of effortless chic.
Hanging around models so much, I could kinda mimic their style now.
'Speak of the devil.'
My phone buzzed. Lighting it up, a message from Yeon-ah.
====
- Yeon-bi ya
- Have a safe trip~
- (Rabbit doll waving its hands furiously emoticon)
I'll bring back tons of souvenirs -
- (Rabbit doll sending a heart with its finger emoticon)
====
I finished getting ready amid her greeting.
Then a text from Na Da-yeon popped up too.
I headed straight to the apartment entrance.
'There she is.'
Na Da-yeon stood there, tapping her phone.
A long, warm-looking skirt with a slightly thick long-sleeve tee.
A jacket over that.
They say clothes reveal personality.
Judging by her neat outfit, Na Da-yeon was definitely practical and meticulous.
'I knew that from seeing her all the time.'
I chuckled inwardly and hurried over.
She heard my suitcase wheels catch on the sidewalk blocks and turned to me.
She gave an awkward wave.
"H-hey... Yeon-bi ya."
"Seeing you like this feels kinda fresh, unnie."
"Totally. You look even prettier all dressed up."
I cleared my throat at her compliment and looked away.
Her casual address was already a bit embarrassing, and now this praise on top.
We'd agreed to drop formalities since we were traveling together, but...
'Feels weird somehow.'
Never felt this way hanging with Yeon-ah.
Maybe because of the age gap with my old self.
Yeon-ah felt like a real peer.
Short greetings done, we loaded our bags into the waiting taxi trunk.
Then both slid into the back seat.
"Y-Yeon...bi ya."
"Yeah?"
She spoke softly from the side as we settled in.
"I skimmed the itinerary you wrote... Feels like I left everything to you. Sorry."
I smiled at her cute apology.
I was the one who suggested it—what's wrong with the suggester planning?
If anything, I should apologize for deciding unilaterally.
Well, not entirely my way.
I left gaps for her to do whatever she wanted.
Asked ahead what she really wanted too.
So a clean trip—no apologies needed from either side.
"Don't worry, unnie. I'm the one who wanted to go, so this is on me."
"...Thanks. Looking forward to Fukuoka because of you."
"All good. Just think fun times."
"Yeah...!"
That sparked her—she loosened up and started chatting away.
The initial awkwardness from our greeting faded fast.
Just the informal talk felt off—we weren't distant.
Thanks to her opening up, the ride to the airport wasn't boring.
Paid the fare, grabbed bags, chatted excitedly about what we'd do, and headed in.
A bit crowded, but airports are always bustling, so nothing weird.
But that thought...
"Hey!! Move it!! What the hell is this?!"
Vanished with the sudden cursing.
"Wh-what...?"
I muttered in shock.
Turning toward the noise, some middle-aged guys and family travelers were yelling.
Black-suited guards with earpieces blocked them.
Something happen? I stared, but no accident.
"Step aside!! Don't block the way—clear out!!"
"You're the ones blocking! I gotta get to work—what's this crap?!"
Shouts flying across the airport.
At the center: several actors.
Reporters snapping pics, guards, frustrated commuters and tourists jammed up.
The chaos drew a sigh from me.
"Mm... Flight's not for a bit, so let's wait it out."
Na Da-yeon nodded, eyeing the mess with a troubled look.
"Jeez... what a scene."
"Could be good or bad timing—chance to see celebs or not."
She nodded in agreement with a smile.
While keeping our distance from the crowd...
Someone approached me.
"Excuse me. Mind if I ask if you're with an agency?"
Startled, I took his business card on reflex.
Name and Hansol Entertainment printed on it.
This was the actors' agency up front.
So, scouting.
Na Da-yeon glanced wide-eyed between me and him.
A few entertainment reporters nearby started noticing us too.
Obviously, no interest in that life or attention.
So.
"Sorry."
I rejected quick, grabbed my suitcase and her hand, and hurried off.
Soon reached the business lounge.
Quick ID check, left our bags in the lobby, and entered.
They wouldn't follow here.
Sighed in relief, scanned the lounge.
'Huge and nice.'
Spacious like the airport itself.
Reading room, massage chairs, snack buffet at the end—perfect.
Money's the best, I thought, eyeing seats leisurely.
Na Da-yeon looked anxious, glancing around before asking.
"Yeon-bi ya. You didn't splurge too much, right?"
Yeah, pricey—but by normal standards, not mine.
This lounge wasn't VIP-only like a department store either, so I shook my head.
"Anyone with business seats can use it. See that regular family over there? No worries."
She nodded, reassured by the nearby family guests.
Hope she doesn't stress too much.
I'm trying not to overwhelm, but it's tough.
Traveling luxe might strain our vibe.
I came to have fun together.
Not to flex wealth.
'Might be different going abroad with Yeon-ah later.'
Thinking that, I grabbed seats near the snack buffet.
"Ah."
"'Ah'? You sound like an old man."
"Do I?"
Her tease hit home—I chuckled sheepishly.
Old habits die hard.
Sitting, something poked from my pocket.
Fished it out: the business card.
"Isn't this... a huge agency?"
Na Da-yeon peered at it casually from beside me.
I shrugged indifferently at her round eyes.
"Yeah."
"First time seeing someone get scouted like this."
Envy?
Not quite.
If she were the jealous type, I wouldn't have invited her.
More like...
'Seeing an alien.'
Otherworldly gaze.
No distance though.
She'd always said I was pretty, asked if I was an actress.
"Didn't expect to get scouted here either."
I played it cool.
She laughed naturally at that.
We chatted about the blocking celebs till boarding, then saw their articles hit the net.
"Scary stuff. If you'd stalled a bit longer back there, they'd have nabbed you here too."
I nodded at her spooky take, replaying it.
'Yeah, almost.'
Women's intuition is real.
"Oh, Yeon-bi ya—is that our flight?"
Daydreaming, she pointed at the screen.
"Yep. Let's go."
Procedures done, boarded the plane.
Walked the jet bridge, guided by the flight attendant.
'We're really going.'
Finally sank in: abroad.
Trembled since the airport bridge in the taxi, but this felt different.
Like...
That thrill seeing a soulslike game's logo, versus stepping out to vast plains and golden trees.
'Niche reference.'
"Um... Yeon-bi ya."
She poked my arm, pointed at our seats ahead.
Business class, naturally.
"This didn't cost a ton, right?"
Na Da-yeon blinked at the unfamiliar setup.
Heard of it, never done it.
Same for me.
She whispered, but I just grinned.
"Got it cheap. So enjoy."
If you can't dodge it, love it.
No dodging needed anyway.
She smiled but looked uneasy.
Once seated, I added.
"In return, meals on you, unnie. I eat big."
Patted my stomach.
She finally giggled, poking back.
"Won't even make a dent."
"Bet it will."
Dead serious.
Plane eased into takeoff; I leaned back comfy.
First flight since school trip.
First time abroad.
No worries this time.
Sky endless, clouds drifting—I smiled softly.
Short flight over, Fukuoka Airport.
Immigration, baggage—finally navigated the maze to the exit.
Door opened: Rimgr... no, Japan, Fukuoka hit me.
That foreign feel hits outside the airport—now I get it.
Cool breeze.
Strange air.
J Japanese signs and kanji everywhere.
'We really made it.'
Weird mood.
Excited, thrilled, complicated.
'A place I could've come to anytime if I'd wanted...'
Bitter smile.
"Yeon-bi ya. Where to now?"
Alone, I'd start mopey—but Na Da-yeon was here.
Shook it off quick, smiled, led the way.
'Here for fun—like Na Da-yeon.'
No long faces or whining on vacation.
"Follow me."
Said confidently, checked phone, trekked to pickup.
Big black van in the distance.
"That's taking us to the hotel."
She blinked surprised but shook her head resigned, looking at me.
"This one's really cheap."
"I'll stuff you silly today."
Her resolve cracked me up.
She burst out laughing too.
'So glad I'm not alone.'
Solo trip?
Two's way better.