Traveling With a Beautiful Girl

[Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for choosing Japan Airlines Flight 85 to Naha today.]

As the announcement suggests, I was currently on a plane to Naha.

Why, you ask?

To my right was Nanase, with a deathly pale expression, and to my left was Kanade-san, leisurely holding a map of Okinawa. I was filled with questions as to how I ended up in this situation.

…Let’s go back in time a little.

The day after we met Kanade-san.

As promised, we arrived at Hamamatsu Station at 10 a.m., where Kanade-san, dressed in a suit, appeared with her rolling suitcase. I should have noticed something was off when she brought the suitcase, but I was more intrigued by her wearing a suit on a day off.

Apparently, it was due to “corporate slave lifestyle habits.” Corporate slaves are scary.

“So, where are we going?”

“To the sea.”

“Huh?”

I made a puzzled face, and Nanase’s eyes widened.

“Wasn’t the sea rejected yesterday?”

When I asked, Kanade-san pushed up her red-rimmed glasses and proudly said:

“Sho-kun, I thought about it. I want to go to the sea. But it’s October, and it’s not the season. So, what’s the solution to that problem?”

Sober Kanade-san had the same conversation energy as her drunken mode from yesterday.

“And then I had a flash of inspiration.”

I had a bad feeling about this. I never really understand what smart people are thinking.

“We should go to a sea that we can enjoy even in October.”

Uh huh. I don’t get it.

“No way…”

Nanase was astonished next to me.

That’s right; she’s a genius too.

“Eh? What do you mean?”

As an ordinary guy, I couldn’t keep up and tilted my head in confusion.

“You’ll understand when we get there. Let’s go.”

I was more or less forced to board a bullet train heading in the upward direction. After getting off at Shizuoka Station, we were pushed into a limousine bus heading for the airport.

“Eh? Eh? Eh?”

Before I knew it, we had arrived at Fujisan Shizuoka Airport.

“In Okinawa, the sea is still in season in October.”

Everything clicked when Kanade-san said that, and we were already on our connecting flight to Naha.

End of flashback.

“Well, it’s interesting, so I guess it’s fine.”

There were many points to question, but my carefree nature allowed me to accept the situation relatively easily.

Rather, getting to go to Okinawa for free is amazing.

My mind was in full vacation mode, ready to enjoy the luxurious cruise liner we were on. Okinawa had many attractions, like beaches, Kokusai Street, Churaumi Aquarium, and Shuri Castle.

(T/N: For anyone interested: Here)

Where should we go, and what should we eat?

I’m excited!

“By the way, it’s a day trip, and I have work to do, so we’ll only have about three hours in Okinawa.”

Curse you, corporate slaveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!

…It can’t be helped.

Being kidnapped by an office lady I met at a bar and taken to Okinawa was an interesting experience in itself, so it’s nonsensical to ask for more. Next time I visit Okinawa, I’ll make sure to take plenty of time to explore.

“I’ve arranged the schedule, so I’ll sleep until we arrive.”

Kanade-san closed the guidebook with a snap, put on an eye mask, and reclined in her seat. She’s a workaholic, so she probably worked late last night at home.

Thank you for your hard work.

“Ah… my head hurts.”

It’s just a hangover. I worried for nothing. The plane started to rumble. At the same time, Nanase’s shoulders twitched.

“What’s wrong?”

She’s been acting strange since we got on the plane, or even before that. She seems to be feeling unwell or afraid of something.

“It’s tough being on a plane since the windows can’t be opened.”

I’m not smart enough to grasp the meaning of her muttered words immediately.

“…I’m not good with enclosed spaces.”

Nanase whispered softly, audible only to me. She’s like a kitten frightened by thunder. Then, a thought flashed through my mind.

A memory.

[Can I open the window a little?]

Atami.

On the fluffy pancake , Nanase said that.

[I feel like getting some fresh air.]

Kawaguchiko.

On the ropeway, Nanase said that. In both cases, Nanase had the windows open.

Could it be that the reason is…?

“Claustrophobia? Is that what it’s called?”

“…I have some bad memories related to tight spaces.”

I wonder what the bad memories associated with tight spaces are. I’m curious, but when I see a bead of sweat trickle down Nanase’s cheek, my thoughts switch gears.

It seems to be no ordinary matter.

“Ladies and gentlemen, our plane will take off shortly. Please fasten your seatbelts…”

As the announcement plays, the plane’s speed increases rapidly. With the increasing vibration, Nanase squeezes her eyes shut. Seeing that, I place my hand on the back of hers. Nanase opens her eyes wide and looks at me.

“I thought it might help you calm down a bit.”

I thought I might get punched for a moment. But Nanase, with trembling lips, says:

“…Thank… you.”

I couldn’t hear her voice over the jet engine noise, but I can guess what she said. My heart skips a beat at the sight of Nanase’s usually cool and prickly demeanor giving way to vulnerability and honesty.

What was that just now? As the plane leaves the ground, Nanase and I switch the order of our hands.

She gripped my hand tightly. Her touch was soft, warm, and slightly damp, making my heart race even faster. Until we arrived at Naha Airport, Nanase held my hand the entire time.