Vacation (3) The Trip Ends

July 16th

A new day arrives; there is no time to sigh or reminisce.

I will remember the happy times forever.

Woke up, replied to Ichinose.

Got up to complete the Angel task.

(4/18)

Ate, played on my phone, practiced Primordial Flower Hand, watched videos, ate, call from Ichinose, call from the Kendo Club, messages from various people, exercised, meditated, did yoga, ate, practiced Primordial Flower Hand, Ichinose, went to sleep.

July 17th

At home, the same unchanging life.

(5/18)

July 18th

The trip planned by everyone.

Set for Ginza, Neon, meeting at noon on 7.19.

Tonight passes by.

July 19th

Yi Chen had slept enough and got up at 7 o'clock.

Got up, replied to Ichinose.

Completed the Angel task.

(6/18)

Washed up, took a shower.

Wearing a white short-sleeved T-shirt, black casual pants, red sneakers, and carrying a small white shoulder bag, I headed out.

Soon, I met up with Ichinose at Shinjuku Station.

Ichinose was wearing a JK short-sleeved shirt, a black skirt, black leggings, and small black leather shoes.

A camera hung around her neck.

Youthful and beautiful.

Upon arriving in Ginza, Ichinose pulled Yi Chen over to take a photo.

The figures of our companions were already flickering in and out of sight amidst the bustling crowd.

Ichinose had sharp eyes; she waved her arms from far away.

A brilliant smile appeared on her face.

Tangben Yishan was also dressed very casually, shouting loudly from a distance:

"Brother Yi Chen, over here, over here."

Ichinose held Yi Chen's hand and walked toward Tangben Yishan.

Yamada was also dressed quite ordinarily.

Suzuki and Anna were both dressed very youthfully.

The trip began.

First stop, Ginza.

Tangben Yishan led everyone, weaving through the streets and alleys of Ginza.

The best thing here is the seafood.

Plump sashimi, soft and sticky rice; with one bite, the freshness of the ocean and the fragrance of the rice danced on the tongue.

After eating and drinking our fill, we strolled through the streets.

Everywhere we looked were beautifully designed display windows, and the fashionable items were dazzling.

The group visited the beautiful sights of Ginza together, laughing and chatting along the way.

Everyone shared various interesting stories from their lives, and Yi Chen couldn't help but share about his previous life.

Everyone couldn't help but exclaim, how could there be a school with morning reading at 6 o'clock and students still in the classroom at 11 o'clock at night?

Yi Chen hurriedly changed the subject.

Along the way, Ichinose also recorded a lot.

Ichinose took many photos with everyone, but there were even more photos of just Ichinose and Yi Chen.

Arriving at the flower field:

Ichinose and Yi Chen in the beautiful garden, making peace signs!

"Click."

Boarding the cable car:

The cable car seats three people.

Ichinose snuggled up to Yi Chen, making an abstractly cute face.

Beside them was the third wheel Yamada, looking utterly disgusted.

"Click."

The arcade:

Yi Chen held a plushie while Ichinose stood in front of him.

"Click."

The stage play:

Ichinose grabbed Yi Chen's face, making a funny expression.

"Click."

Soon, the day reached dusk.

At twilight, the evening glow draped over Ginza like a giant, translucent veil.

Everyone's footsteps grew heavy, carrying the slight fatigue of a full day of play.

Yet, in their eyes and at the corners of their mouths, there was nothing but deep satisfaction.

The final photo of the day:

Everyone stood on a flight of stairs, each of them smiling.

Ichinose placed the camera on a high ledge and set the timer.

She ran back quickly to wrap her arms around Yi Chen.

"Click."

The day ended perfectly.

Tomorrow, the trip to Shinjuku.

The group bid each other happy farewells, and Ichinose and Yi Chen headed back together.

Back home, Yi Chen flopped onto his bed.

His mind replayed the day's events like a movie, savoring every little detail over and over.

The corners of his mouth curled upward uncontrollably.

Damn, what is this feeling? It's too wonderful.

I don't know... forget it, I won't think about it.

Just enjoy it.

July 20th:

Yi Chen still got up early to complete the Angel task.

(7/18)

After washing up and heading out, everyone arrived in Shinjuku today.

Ichinose led the group around, while Yi Chen continued to blend in with them.

First stop:

A vintage record store.

Yi Chen curiously flipped through vinyl records that bore the marks of time.

Ichinose would occasionally pick one up and place it on an old-fashioned record player, and a melodious tune instantly filled the air.

Tangben Yishan and the others wandered around looking at things as well.

Suzuki, Anna, and Yamada were drawn in by the retro music.

Ichinose recorded it all.

And also:

Ichinose stood next to Yi Chen.

"Click."

Afterward, on the street:

Suzuki and Anna were attracted by the creative anime merchandise along the roadside, excitedly picking out their favorite trinkets.

When the group grew tired from walking, they came to a Korean restaurant.

Haphazard kimchi and casual servings of beef.

They enjoyed the light, delicious meal, eating heartily amidst constant laughter and chatter.

Yi Chen's awkward expression while eating beef.

"Click."

Ichinose giggled.

Stepping into Shinjuku Gyoen in the afternoon, vast stretches of greenery came into view, dotted with blooming flowers.

Ichinose pulled Yi Chen under a cherry blossom tree to take photos.

Petals drifted down with the breeze, creating a beautiful scene.

The two held hands.

"Click."

Later, the group played around on the grass, throwing frisbees and playing games.

Yi Chen joined in, though he was quite socially anxious and couldn't quite let go.

Fortunately, Ichinose kept including him.

It was very interesting.

The sun set, casting its afterglow upon them and bathing the day in warm light.

Everyone sat in a circle, sharing snacks and chatting freely.

"Click."

The pleasant day came to an end.

July 21st.

(8/18)

Neon Odaiba trip.

This is Yamada's home.

Everyone gathered at Odaiba Station.

This is Yamada's hometown.

Arriving at a certain part of the city in Odaiba, the iconic wind turbine came into view.

It rotated slowly under the blue sky and white clouds.

Yi Chen stopped to watch.

"Click."

Ichinose smiled and pulled Yi Chen, saying to everyone:

"Let's go, let's wander over there first."

They walked along the seaside promenade, the sea breeze brushing past and bringing a hint of coolness.

There were many crowds on the shore, some playing volleyball, others swaying and dancing to the music.

Ichinose pulled Yi Chen along to take photos by the sea.

With the deep blue ocean as a backdrop, Ichinose smiled brightly, while Yi Chen offered a faint smile and a peace sign.

"Click."

Passing by a specialty dessert shop, Suzuki's eyes lit up, and he pulled everyone inside.

The group casually found a large table and sat down.

Soon, exquisite and delicious ice cream was brought to the table.

Yi Chen tasted a spoonful of matcha ice cream; it was very cold.

The cold gave him a headache.

"Click."

Caught red-handed by Ichinose, another funny photo was captured.

Next, Yamada led the group to the commercial area of Odaiba.

This place was full of high-tech shops.

Inside were all kinds of trendy tech products and novel gadgets.

The group wandered into a tech store.

Tangben Yishan was having a blast in a virtual reality experience zone.

Yi Chen felt embarrassed, but Ichinose pulled him over to play a two-player virtual game.

Ichinose called out to Anna to take a photo of the two of them while they played.

Yamada, Tangben Yishan, Anna, and Suzuki.

The four of them made funny faces at the camera, with Yi Chen and Ichinose wearing VR headsets in the background.

"Click."

In the afternoon, Yamada brought everyone to an izakaya near his home that he frequented often.

Authentic skewers and fresh sashimi covered the entire table.

Everyone chatted while they ate, filled with laughter and joy.

Yamada couldn't help but share stories from his childhood in Odaiba.

Yi Chen and the others listened with great interest.

Later, the group arrived at Yishan Mountain, climbing to the summit with tired legs.

They spent the journey laughing and joking with one another.

Upon reaching the peak, they gazed at the setting sun.

"Click."

The sun gradually sank into the west.

Today ended perfectly.

July 22nd

(9/18)

Tokyo Skytree.

July 23rd

(10/18)

Asakusa.

July 24th

(11/18)

Akihabara.

(12/18)

July 25th

(13/18)

Ueno Park.

July 26th

(14/18)

Shibuya.

July 27th

(15/18)

Tokyo Disneyland.

July 28th

(16/18)

Lake Yamanaka.

July 29th.

(17/18)

Tangben Yishan arranged for everyone to meet at Ginza at 4:00 PM.

Today marked the end of their trip to Tokyo.

Yi Chen and the others had happily enjoyed most of the sights in Tokyo.

Today, everyone gathered in Ginza, each carrying gifts of various sizes.

Today was the birthday of Tangben Yishan's younger sister.

Tangben Xi.

The group arrived at Tangben Yishan's home; his parents had gone to work.

His younger sister had also gone out.

After arriving at Tangben Yishan's house, they set down their gifts.

They then began to prepare a birthday surprise for Tangben Xi.

They ordered a large cake and various birthday supplies.

Once everything was ready, 6:00 PM.

Tangben Xi returned home from a classmate's house and pushed open the door to find the house dark.

Only a faint candlelight flickered.

Tangben Xi looked at the unfamiliar people who had appeared in her home.

Tangben Xi observed everything with cautious eyes.

Ichinose greeted her enthusiastically:

"Xi is back!"

"Happy birthday!"

Then, several voices followed:

"Happy birthday, Xi!"

Tangben Xi was confused, and Yi Chen also walked out, curiously looking her over.

Seeing Yi Chen walk out and look at her, Tangben Xi's face flushed slightly.

She stared at Yi Chen, sizing him up from head to toe.

Tangben Anshan walked out to introduce everything to his younger sister.

The others learned that Tangben Xi was a third-year middle school student.

She would also be enrolling in Advanced Nurturing High School next year.

Realizing these were all her brother's classmates, Tangben Xi let down her guard.

Tangben Xi stole glances at Yi Chen from time to time.

Yi Chen treated Tangben Xi like a child.

Tangben Xi was about 1.6 meters tall.

Her brown hair draped long over her shoulders.

She had a small, delicate oval face, and wore earrings.

She wore an orange top paired with a brown-black plaid skirt.

On her feet were black sneakers.

She looked quite pretty, but gave off an impression of being formidable.

Afterward, everyone held a birthday celebration for Tangben Xi.

Ichinose placed a birthday crown on Tangben Xi's head.

Then, everyone sang the birthday song together, the melody echoing through the house.

Tangben Xi was very shy, but also very happy.

Feeling the joyful atmosphere, Yi Chen's state of mind began to change.

Everyone celebrated together, and Tangben Xi made a wish.

Then they all ate cake and played games.

The winners got to watch, while the losers had to perform.

At first, Yamada performed kendo for everyone.

Everyone jeered.

Yamada retreated in shame.

Next was Suzuki.

Suzuki performed a magic trick for everyone.

Then, it was Yi Chen who lost the game.

Although he was very shy, Yi Chen didn't know why he suddenly felt brave enough to perform in front of everyone.

He sang an English song that he liked.

Everyone sat around listening to Yi Chen's song, swaying to the rhythm of the music.

As he sang, Yi Chen looked at the others who were keeping the energy high.

Having spent these past few days hanging out together, and now celebrating the birthday of a friend's sister, his heart was filled with warmth.

When the performance ended, everyone praised Yi Chen one after another.

Tangben Xi also looked at him with admiration.

Then came the gift opening; Yi Chen had given her a small rabbit keychain.

It was very casual, but Tangben Xi loved it.

After it was over.

Things had gone exactly as Tangben Yishan expected.

Tangben Xi had indeed developed an interest in Yi Chen.

Tangben Yishan's reputation soared.

Yi Chen, however, felt that this vacation trip not only allowed him to appreciate the beautiful scenery of various places but also broadened his horizons significantly.

It also gave Yi Chen a different perspective on the world.

Soon, the birthday celebration came to an end.

They played until nightfall.

As the group happily said their goodbyes, Tangben Xi made a certain resolution.

She bid farewell to Yi Chen and Ichinose with a strange emotion.