Wings to Japan: Puppy Goodbyes and Lost Smiles
This is delicious...
A few days had passed since I'd decided on the Japan trip. My days were packed with thorough preparations—heading to the police station for an international driver's license, booking flights, reserving a rental car. Of course, every time I habitually checked the community forums before bed and saw my meme floating around, I'd kick the blankets in frustration.
"Finally tomorrow, huh..."
My first trip to Japan—and my first overseas trip ever. The main goal was more about escape than excitement, but I couldn't deny the anticipation bubbling up.
I turned my head and looked down at the floor beside the bed. Maximus was sleeping soundly, oblivious to the world.
"Sorry, Maximus. We'll be apart for just a few days."
The little guy was snoring away, clueless to my inner turmoil. He'd just hit 100 days old, and his vaccinations were mostly done. Once I got back from Japan, it was time to start walks... maybe even a pet-friendly campground? Nah, too early for that. What about a pension? There were plenty of pet-friendly ones these days. I'd have to look into it.
For now, I needed to sleep early. Tomorrow morning, drop him off at the station, then straight to the airport...
Early morning at the station's editing room. I carefully opened the door, carrier with Maximus in hand.
"PD? You here?"
Rustling sounds came from inside, and Park PD stumbled out. Dark circles still shadowed her eyes, but her face didn't look exhausted.
"Ah, Areum. You're here."
"Yeah. Sorry to bother you so early."
"No worries. I was up anyway."
A brown fluffball scampered out from behind her. That must be Ppukku. Way cuter in person.
I gave Ppukku a quick pet, then opened the carrier door. Maximus cautiously poked his head out.
Is he nervous?
His movements were tentative. But soon Ppukku bounded over, tail wagging, sniffing him. Maximus hesitated, then sniffed back, his own tail starting to wag.
"Looks like they hit it off... Maximus is so tiny. Ppukku was that small once too."
Seeing Park PD's smile eased my worries. She really loves dogs.
"Then I'll leave him in your hands."
"Don't worry. I'll keep them playing in the office. He won't get bored with Ppukku around."
"Thanks. See you later!"
I waved to Maximus and Park PD as I left the editing room. The pup was too busy playing with Ppukku to even glance my way.
...A little hurtful? But better than separation anxiety whines.
Out of the station, back to the airport. Seoul's scenery blurring past the window felt strangely unfamiliar.
I'm really going.
Double-checked my passport and wallet. Half tense, half thrilled—my heart was pounding.
Incheon Airport hit me with a sea of people the moment I arrived. Sun hadn't even risen, and it was packed. Dragging my suitcase toward check-in, I felt the stares.
Um... kinda overwhelming. Spotting a few approaching fans, I whipped out my phone and called Im Nana.
"Nana? You there yet?"
The approaching crowd hesitated as the call connected. Phew.
"Yeah! I'm right in front of the burger joint!"
Burger joint...? I scanned around and spotted the glaring red burger shop. Hung up and headed over—there was Im Nana, stylish in her coat, standing tall.
Whew, not mid-burger at least. Dressed to kill today: brown boots, dark skinny jeans, white turtleneck under a beige coat. Her signature wavy shoulder-length brown bob suited her perfectly.
Airport fashion, huh? Meanwhile, me...
Cough. Hoodie and jacket aren't bad. Warm and comfy is king.
As I closed the distance, she spotted me and waved, rushing over.
"Areum! Over here!"
Full of energy as always. Dragging her massive suitcase, yet her steps were light.
"You got here early."
"Duh! Can't be late for an overseas trip. Eaten yet?"
"Not yet."
"Check-in first, then food! I'm starving. No call, and I'd have scarfed a burger solo."
...So if I hadn't called, burger apocalypse?
Under her urging, we breezed through check-in and baggage drop. Immigration done, into duty-free—now it felt real.
Grabbed seats at the food court.
"But Nana, you really good at Japanese?"
I had my doubts.
Honestly, how many folks claiming 'good Japanese' actually studied properly at academies? Most pick it up from anime. Including me.
Biased? Maybe. But true.
Reading my skeptical glance, she chomped tonkatsu and declared confidently,
"Yup! Native level, swear. Learned chatting with a friend."
"Hmmm... I'll trust you."
That confident? Should be fine.
Food and chat flew by—boarding time. Economy seats were snug.
"Mind if I take the window?"
"Go for it."
She claimed window, I took aisle. Next to me: a young Japanese-looking couple and their five- or six-year-old boy.
The kid stared at me the second he sat down.
...What?
Eye contact? No flinch. Those round eyes drilled into my face.
Did I miss rice from bibimbap? Wiped my mouth—nothing.
From takeoff to seatbelt light off, his gaze never wavered. Awkward, I pretended to peer out the window.
Then he tugged his mom, mumbling in Japanese. Couldn't catch it—returning home, maybe?
Mom burst out laughing—Pfft!—and relayed to dad. Both turned to me. Dad bowed,
"Sorry."
"Uh, yeah...?"
Awkward smile at the sudden apology. What the heck?
Glanced at Nana stifling giggles, hand over mouth.
"What? Why laugh? What'd he say to make dad apologize?"
I whispered. She leaned in,
"Pfft, wanna know what he told mom?"
"What?"
"Said when he grows up, he wants to marry a sister like the one next to him."
"...Kek."
Nearly choked. Kid already falling hard...?
Cleared throat, side-eyed him. Hmm. Good eye, kid. Playful mood hit—I flashed a sweet smile.
His face went beet red; he buried into mom's lap.
Pfft, adorable.
Two hours later, Fukuoka Airport. Deplaning toward immigration—scenery strange yet familiar.
"...This Japan?"
"Huh? Why?"
"Why so many Korean signs?"
[Arrival]
[Transit]
[Restroom]
Right in front of me: massive Korean signs like those.
Half the passersby spoke Korean.
"Fukuoka's always like this. Close to Korea, tourist magnet."
Still, too much? Some signs had Korean bigger than Japanese or English.
"City streets? No lie, one in five Koreans."
"......"
What...? Escape plan foiled.
I wanted somewhere no one knew me.
My darkening face got a shoulder pat from Nana.
"Relax. Our campsite's total boonies—no Koreans. Step outta city, good luck finding any."
"...Promise?"
"Yup! Hotel first. Drop bags, then move."
"Right. Rental tomorrow, so taxi for now..."
Heading to taxi stand, a sob echoed from the corner. Turned— the plane kid, alone, wiping tears. No parents.
...Lost child?
Keep walking? Feet wouldn't move. Sigh... Lately, why so many crying kids?
Little Areum too.
"Nana, check that out."
"Huh? The kid from next to us?"
We approached. Nana crouched to eye level, Japanese flowing,
"Aww, why cry? You're ruining that super cute face!"
"Lost mom..."
He sniffled back. Whoa, Nana's Japanese legit? Fluent accent. Kinda different from anime tho—dialect? Energetic vibe.
"Lost mom. Now what?"
"Info desk best bet..."
His tears tugged at me. Candy calm him? Pocket rummage—got one.
"Here, want this?"
Nana freaked, slapping my hand away.
"Wait, Areum! What candy's that?"
"Just for bored mouth..."
"No—what flavor?"
"Nurungji..."
Smack! Back of my head stung.
"Ow! Why?!"
"You nut! Kid'd love scorched rice candy? Not some grandma hoarding that!"
"Sniff... But tasty... Nutty and savory..."
Lip jutted out, wronged. Nurungji candy's delish—sweet, toasty... Picky modern kids?
Nana sighed, dug in her pouch, pulled colorful bear gummies.
"Here~ Eat up and stop crying pronto~ Deal?"
He nodded eagerly, grabbing them. Better reaction than mine.
Held his hand to info desk—parents there, pale, grilling staff.
"There! His folks?"
"Yup! Lucky."
We neared; he yelled "Mama!" and bolted. Parents hugged tight, tears of relief. Spanked bum, scolded—but he grinned wide, safe.
I smiled unwittingly.
Glad it worked out.
Time to go, but dad spotted us, approached bowing,
"Thank you so much. We met on the plane, right? You saved us."
Uh...?
What'd he say? Thanks... ish?
"Ah... um... yes?"
Felt like an idiot. Nana smoothly jumped in,
"No biggie~ Kid was smart as heck, found quick~ I just stood by."
They chatted warmly. I stood like a scarecrow, dazed.
Where am I? Who am I? Language barrier huge.
Without Nana... translator app couldn't match that natural flow.
Bowed to President Kim Manho's foresight again.
Chat ended; dad handed a business card.
"Let's go!"
"Huh? What'd he say?"
"Family runs restaurant in downtown. Visit anytime, they'll treat."
"Ooh, restaurant?"
"Yup. Looks legit—good reviews."
"Swing by tonight? We were gonna hunt tasty dinner spots anyway."
"Yes! Free food!"
Nana cheered. Free meal with her appetite? They'd go red ink day one.