Chapter 59
Chapter 59
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 59
Chapter Title: Better Two Than One
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This trip wasn't about indulging in luxury.
If that had been the goal, I would've come alone, leaving Na-yeon behind.
'If I had, she might still be moping around feeling down.'
Coming solo would've let me splurge freely on the trip, but no amount of money could've shaken off these feelings.
"Riding in the car is so much more comfortable, though."
Having someone next to me sharing little comments like that made all the difference.
So, does that mean there's something more precious than money?
If anyone asked me that, I'd say no.
Na-yeon wouldn't even be here if it weren't for money—she's someone I never would've met, let alone gone on this trip with.
Bottom line: nothing trumps money.
You could make connections without it, sure, but the chances would've been slimmer and tougher than now.
That thought brought back memories of old friends I'd grown distant from because we never hung out.
They'd all talk about their recent trips, and I couldn't join in since I hadn't gone anywhere.
Anyway.
My main thought right now is to make sure my dear friend Na-yeon doesn't feel burdened.
'Not that I'm gonna skimp on spending.'
Of course, I'm not planning to act like some cheapskate.
Splash out when needed. Otherwise, keep it normal.
I reaffirmed my resolve and stole a glance at her in the seat next to me.
Excitement. Anticipation.
And a hint of worry.
Her profile was a mix of emotions. I got out of the van first.
Stepping out revealed the grand, old-world elegance of the hotel stretching before me.
'It's huge.'
It felt even bigger than in the photos.
I'd stayed in grander places before, but being overseas gave it this indescribable sense of pressure.
As I mulled that over silently, Na-yeon took her time getting out behind me.
"Whoa, this hotel is amazing."
She gaped openly, her reaction straightforward.
I was tempted to stick my finger in her mouth like Eun-a used to do to me, but decided I was too old for pranks like that.
Instead, I rested a hand lightly on her waist, striking a deliberately smug pose.
"I splurged a bit here. Gotta have a nice place to crash."
I said it with a small smile.
She looked back at me with a soft laugh.
Any trace of burden or guilt had vanished from her face.
Of course, I was half-joking.
Na-yeon knew the rough cost since she'd insisted on chipping in for the room.
'Talking it up like this should keep her from feeling more pressured.'
By framing it as pricey, she'd probably think it was on par with the flight tickets.
Sure enough, her expression relaxed, a touch of ease settling in.
'That's the beauty of a little white lie.'
Now we could both focus on having fun.
It's tough. Tougher with two.
But tough is more fun than easy.
Lost in these random thoughts, we strolled slowly toward the entrance.
Inside, a vast lobby opened up.
Na-yeon, following behind, stopped to take it all in.
"Wow..."
I nodded lightly in agreement, sharing her awe.
This was a hotel in Fukuoka's Tenjin area—an established four-star spot built ages ago.
The lobby was massive and elegantly atmospheric.
One wall held a few classic Japanese paintings.
VIP waiting areas and potted plants dotted the space.
"Yeon-bi, they've even got a garden here."
I trudged over to where she'd wandered to a window.
"No way..."
And sure enough, a little Japanese garden lay beyond.
More like an ornamental pond with trees, but it was intriguing all the same.
"There's a restaurant inside... and a café too..."
Being four-star meant tons of facilities.
We could probably spend our whole Japan trip here.
'A Japanese hotel staycation sounds fun.'
While admiring the lobby, I mentally added it to my bucket list.
Anyway, time for check-in, right?
"Whoa, they've got one of these here too..."
Na-yeon was still wandering, exploring like a puppy on its first walk.
"Let's check in first."
"Okay!"
She scampered right over at my call.
'She really is like a puppy.'
I held back from saying it aloud and headed to the front desk.
Check-in was quick with basic English and awkward gestures.
We grabbed our bags and headed up to the room.
For our two nights and three days in Fukuoka, it was a twin with two big beds.
A reasonable 250,000 won per night.
Sure, a four-star has royal suites too.
But booking one would've made Na-yeon faint—or pace around uncomfortably like a dog desperate to poop.
I didn't want a trip like that.
It'd turn me into someone dragging along a caretaker, not a friend.
I can do luxury trips in Japan anytime I want.
So, save that for solo or with Yeon-a later.
'Yeon-a would understand.'
For now, focus on the person beside me.
I could do luxury with Na-yeon once we're closer.
Just not the right time yet.
'Still wanna hit the department stores, though.'
One thing I wasn't giving up: department store shopping.
Japan's packed with Japan-exclusive products you can't find in Korea.
Unique items, brands only here.
Not just clothes or bags—foods, premium snacks too. Even more reason to go.
'Gotta grab some wagashi for gifts...'
We're here—might as well browse and shop.
Tenjin, where the hotel is, has tons of department stores.
Not why I picked it, but they're close, so I'll roam freely.
'Need some free time for shopping.'
Can't go wild buying in front of Na-yeon, so solo time it is.
I eyed Na-yeon's excited stride ahead, plotting my department store spree.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ We dropped our bags in the room and headed out, hands much lighter.
Outside, a chilly wind heralded winter's approach.
The sky was clear, sun blazing, but it wasn't warm.
"Wind's picking up."
It whipped my hair across my vision.
Na-yeon chuckled softly at me, pulling out her phone.
She opened the map and searched for our next stop: the gyukatsu place.
"Full belly means less cold. Let's hurry."
With that, we quickened our pace toward Fukuoka's famous gyukatsu spot.
Gyukatsu.
From my planning searches, it was like tonkatsu grilled on your own personal hibachi.
No clue on the taste from looks alone.
Maybe like tonkatsu. Or crispy steak?
"Unnie, you tried gyukatsu before?"
Na-yeon nodded vigorously.
"Yeah! It's so good! Kinda... tonkatsu-ish, but super tender and delicious... You grill it yourself to your liking, so you control it... Anyway, you're in for a treat. And I'll cover it—order freely!"
So, tender tonkatsu? It teased at my mind but wouldn't click. Frustrating.
'I'll know once I eat it.'
Talking food made my stomach growl loudly.
In this state, I could probably polish off a whole cow, no exaggeration.
We arrived at the gyukatsu joint, stomachs rumbling.
Being popular, the building gleamed invitingly.
One glance at the entrance screamed "I'm so hungry now"—but one issue.
"Whoa, the line..."
The line.
It was endless.
Even for late lunch hour.
'Argh.'
Seemed like 30 minutes' wait, so we joined.
Suddenly, a staffer handed us a paper with a QR code, mumbling in Japanese.
"Uh... yes?"
Half-understanding, I saw "42" bolded on it.
Don't tell me it's what I think.
"So, um..."
As I geared up to ask in English and Japanese if it was our waiting number, the staffer beat me with broken Korean.
"Waiting number 42. QR code, when 4~6 come, call."
I shut my eyes.
Choi Yeon-bi.
Dying right here.
At least we didn't have to stand here forever.
'Would've been miserable.'
Starving in the cold wind, endless wait? Torture.
Small mercy. Staring at the gloomy "42" paper, Na-yeon tapped my shoulder.
"Super hungry?"
"Yeah... No, I'm fine. Let's wait at a café or something."
"Café... Café, huh."
She looked around, then lit up, furiously searching her phone.
"Yeon-bi. Know what kissaten is?"
"Kit... what?"
I tilted my head at the unfamiliar word.
Kissaten? No idea.
"Kissaten. Like a café, but they do salads, light meals. You can chat casually with the owner."
A teahouse vibe popped into mind.
Never been, not my generation, but I got the gist.
Hmm.
Perfect to kill time and fill up lightly.
Travel pros are essential.
"Sounds good. Let's go."
"Yeah. Rest there a bit."
I hustled after her as she navigated.
How long did we walk?
We zigzagged alleys to a small café—no, kissaten.
Quintessential Japan, but the old Western-style building vibe hooked me.
"So cool..."
"I'll... go in first?"
She gripped the door handle like it was a big decision.
I clenched my fist unconsciously.
First-time kissaten.
First Japanese building besides hotel and airport.
A cozy chat spot with the owner, like a teahouse. Curiosity and nerves hit.
I watched her open the door.
A pleasant jingle of bells rang out.
Inside, a kindly white-bearded grandpa.
"Irasshaimase."
He greeted us warmly.