Chapter 27: The Last Day (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 27: The Last Day (1)
*
Early evening.
We returned to the hotel after finishing our scheduled trip to the aquarium. It was finally time for dinner at the hotel buffet.
"Hnnngh—!"
As soon as we stepped off the bus, two arms shot into the air as someone let out a long stretch.
"That was so much fun!"
Ji Nuri twisted her body from side to side, lengthening her spine. Her face was full of life. She naturally turned toward me and asked, "The aquarium... it was better than you expected, right?"
Definitely. I had to agree with her on that.
"Especially the whale shark."
"Right? That thing...! It was seriously huge!"
The image seemed etched into Ji Nuri’s mind. She gestured wildly, tracing the massive shape of the whale shark in the air, radiating pure excitement.
"..."
On the other hand...
I glanced slightly behind me.
"..."
"..."
Two people were getting off the bus in total silence: Lee Sol and Shin A-young. They were like two parallel lines, unable to even meet each other's eyes.
— I know I messed up... but what exactly was the mistake...?
Shin A-young’s Mini-Me was darting its eyes around anxiously.
As for Lee Sol...
— No— matt— er— — — —
The static was still ongoing, so I couldn't make out what she was thinking. It was impossible to grasp the situation like this. I suppose I’ll just have to watch and wait for the right moment.
The awkward atmosphere remained unchanged even after we entered the restaurant.
"..."
"Oh, this looks delicious."
In the midst of the tension, I couldn't help but envy Ji Nuri, who was peacefully picking out her dinner.
— Nom. This is great.
Ji Nuri’s Mini-Me was happily devouring sushi. Salmon, shrimp, tuna... she had a massive pile of various kinds on her plate. Considering how much she usually ate at school lunches, Ji Nuri seemed to be the type to really get her money’s worth at a buffet.
"Oh, right."
As if she had just remembered something, Ji Nuri stopped eating and pulled out a small notebook. A notebook? That’s a pretty old-school vibe.
She twirled her pen and asked, "Is there anything you want to do tomorrow? If there is, I’ll write it into the itinerary in advance."
Tomorrow’s destination was Universal Studios. It was the highlight of the school trip. Since it was the final day, Ji Nuri was more determined than ever. She looked like she wouldn't allow a single second to go to waste.
"Somewhere I want to go..."
Now that she asked, nothing came to mind immediately. Since we were at an amusement park in Japan, I wanted to enjoy things I couldn't experience back at Everland in Korea.
Thinking along those lines...
"Oh, I’d like to see Dotendo World at least once."
"Dotendo World? That’s going to be pretty tough, though..."
"Really?"
"It’s so popular that they say it’s hard to get in if you don’t do the opening rush. What time did they say we’re arriving tomorrow?"
"Around seven? They said we’re leaving early specifically because the lines are long."
"Then we might actually make it if we’re lucky."
That was good to hear.
— I should set up an alternative route just in case it doesn't work out...
Ji Nuri’s Mini-Me muttered, scribbling away in the notebook. She was even worrying about that? A Plan B to follow Plan A. She really was thorough.
— I have to go to Universal Cool Japan, so I’ll naturally slot that in... I can't miss the chance to buy limited edition 'Goblin's Blade' merch.
...So there was stuff like that, too.
Listening to the Mini-Me, it sounded like an attraction that did periodic anime collaborations. Even in the midst of planning, she wasn't missing out on the chance to see the anime she liked.
"I’m going to go grab another plate."
Ji Nuri stood up and headed back toward the food stations. She really could eat.
I put down my chopsticks and stood up as well. I figured I’d go grab a drink in the meantime.
"...?"
On my way to the beverage stand, I spotted a boy who looked quite pale. He was scanning his surroundings with a frantic look in his eyes.
"...Ugh."
— The bathroom... where is the bathroom?!
It looked like he had an upset stomach. Sweat was even pouring down his Mini-Me’s face. We’ve been staying at this hotel for two days now; did he still not know where the bathroom was?
...I couldn't just walk past that.
I tapped him lightly on the shoulder.
"The bathroom isn't inside the restaurant. Go out and it’s at the end of the hallway to the right."
"Ah! Thank you...!"
He disappeared with hurried footsteps. I turned back around as if nothing had happened.
"Hmm..."
...Why are the Mini-Mes so cute?
Since they were drawn in a chibi style, they were generally on the adorable side. Maybe that’s why it’s hard to just ignore them. It felt a bit like seeing a stray dog or cat on the street...
"..."
Lost in those thoughts, I suddenly glanced out the window. I noticed Lee Sol sitting alone on a terrace bench.
"..."
...What is she doing out there?
*
The cold evening breeze brushed against her skin.
Having finished her meal, Lee Sol had stepped out onto the terrace for a moment and leaned back against a bench.
"Sigh..."
The reason she came out here was that her head was a mess.
"..."
In the end, she hadn't been able to do anything after that. Honestly, it wasn't so much Shin A-young’s interference as it was her own inability to step up. She had kept hesitating until the day's schedule ended.
"...This is so annoying."
She was talking to herself. Why was she being like this? Every time she was near him, her already slow actions became several times slower... This wasn't like her usual self.
Always lethargic, relaxed in her movements, easygoing, and confident. That was supposed to be Lee Sol.
But all of that vanished the moment Lee Seung-ho appeared—
"What are you doing out here alone?"
"...!?"
She nearly jumped off the bench. Recognizing the voice instantly, Lee Sol couldn't hide her fluster and whipped her head around. Her shoulders gave a little start.
There stood Lee Seung-ho, looking at her with a puzzled expression.
"Ah..."
Lee Sol’s eyes darted around. Her mind raced, trying to figure out how to act.
...See? Her thoughts were losing their composure again.
"Well... I was just getting some fresh air."
Lee Sol slowly laid out a plausible excuse. It wasn't a lie.
"...Aren't you cold?"
"I’m wearing a hoodie."
Lee Sol pulled her hood over her head for no reason. She pulled the drawstrings tight, partially hiding her cheeks. She just felt like doing it.
Lee Seung-ho gave a small nod at the sight.
"Still, don't stay out too long. You'll catch a cold."
"Mm-hmm."
He turned around to head back inside.
"..."
Lee Sol’s hands fidgeted inside her pockets. Her fingertips brushed against the object hidden there. Was now the right time? She hesitated for a moment.
...But still. She had wanted to do something today.
"Hey, Lee Seung-ho."
Lee Sol stood up from the bench and called out to him.
"? Yeah?"
As he turned back toward her, Lee Sol pulled her hand out of her pocket and held out the object she was clutching.
"...This. You wanted this, right?"
A character keychain dangled from her finger, swaying in the wind. It was the item he had been looking at in Dotonbori.
"You helped me get through midterms, so... this is my thanks."
She thought he might want it. She had bought it just to pay him back, but... now, she was glad she did.
"..."
Lee Seung-ho’s eyebrows rose slightly. He looked a bit surprised. Maybe even a little flustered.
"...Was I wrong?"
Did he not want it? Just as that anxiety began to creep in...
"No, it’s not that..."
Lee Seung-ho took it from her. A soft curve formed around his eyes, and he let out a short, dry laugh.
"I was just going to say thanks."
"...Sure."
Lee Sol replied as casually as possible and shoved her hands back into her pockets.
"..."
...There. At least she did something.
Squeeze.
The small fist she clenched inside her hoodie pocket betrayed her true feelings.
*
The next day—
We arrived in front of Universal Studios early in the morning.
"..."
My lips pressed together.
— As soon as we enter, book Dotendo World immediately, then head to the attractions while picking up some Henry Potter merch. While waiting for the attraction, grab a snack—
Um...
Ji Nuri’s Mini-Me was muttering with an almost terrifying degree of intensity.
— Good. The preparations are perfect.
The little thing closed the notebook in its hand with a sharp snap, its eyes burning with resolve. I could practically feel the fighting spirit emanating from it.
"Oh, I think they’re letting people in now."
The line in front of us was slowly disappearing.
...Should I turn on the app?
I opened the official Universal Studios app. Ji Nuri had nagged me so much to do everything in advance that my body just moved on its own.
After about thirty minutes of waiting, it was finally our turn to enter.
Tap-tap-tap-tap—
We quickly began the reservation process for Dotendo World.
"I-I got it...! Did you guys get yours?"
Ji Nuri was the first to shout.
"Yeah, I’m in."
"Mmm, me toooo."
"Then we’re all set. The time slots are all the same, too."
Maybe it was because we arrived early, but it wasn't as difficult as I expected. As expected of South Koreans—the nation of competitive ticketing.
I finally felt a bit more relaxed. I quickly bought a churro and asked, "Where are we going first?"
"There’s a ride called Henry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Let’s start there."
If it’s Henry Potter... it must be the attraction based on that world-famous wizard novel. Ji Nuri flipped through her notebook as she explained the schedule.
"After that, we’ll head into Dotendo World at our reserved time and ride the Bario Kart attraction."
The reservation was for about two hours from now. If we rode the first one and came out, the timing would line up perfectly.
"Let’s go, hurry!"
Ji Nuri led the way with high energy. It was a rare sight—Ji Nuri walking with such genuine excitement.
...But then.
"?"
It was only for a brief moment, but Ji Nuri’s pace faltered awkwardly.
— Something feels...
Her Mini-Me tilted its head with a strange expression.
— ...No, is it just my imagination?
I saw it force its energy back up.
...What was that?
But that thought was short-lived.
"Wow, it’s Henry Potter...!"
I turned my head at Shin A-young’s cheer from beside me.
"...Whoa."
My jaw dropped involuntarily. The line was seriously, insanely long. I was already exhausted just looking at the queue snaking back and forth. It looked like we’d have to stand there for over an hour... and the problem was that this was considered a short line.
To be honest, standing in line isn't really my thing.
"..."
This better be fun.
.
.
.
"Wow."
That was freaking awesome!
It was definitely worth the wait. If there hadn't been a line, I would have ridden it again. Everything about it was great.
"I see why it’s so popular."
"Right...!"
Not just Shin A-young, but even Lee Sol’s eyes were sparkling as if she really enjoyed it. As expected of the ride Ji Nuri chose first—
"...Ji Nuri?"
When I looked back, she was lagging behind the rest of us.
"..."
Her head was bowed, so I couldn't see her expression clearly.
"...Ugh, hng..."
But seeing her clutching her stomach with her shoulders trembling, it was easy to tell that something was very wrong.