Chapter 82: Shared Moments
After strolling around the charming streets near their hotel in Kyoto, evening finally arrived. Exhausted but excited, Mirei, Kaede, and Mirei's parents headed to check into their hotel. The warm glow of lanterns lit up the entrance, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
They received their keys and made their way to the rooms. Mirei couldn't contain her excitement and was already singing and skipping down the hallway. "Vacation mode, activated!" she declared with a dramatic pose, making Kaede laugh.
As they entered their room, Mirei's eyes sparkled with joy. "Woooaaahhh! This place is amazing!" she squealed, spinning around. "The room is huge! Look at the view!"
Kaede chuckled at her girlfriend's boundless energy, but their excitement came to a sudden halt when Mirei's gaze landed on the bed.
A double bed.
Her eyes widened in horror. "W-Wait... WHAT?!" she gasped, rushing to check her booking confirmation.
"I swear I booked a room with two single beds! What happened?!" she cried dramatically, pacing back and forth like a distressed actress in a soap opera. "Am I cursed by the travel gods?!"
Kaede couldn't help but laugh. "It's okay, Mirei. It's not a big deal."
But Mirei wasn't done with her theatrics. "No, Kaede! What if—what if you accidentally sneak into my bed at night?!" She gasped in mock horror. "Naughty Kaede!"
Kaede's face turned crimson. "W-What?! Me?! You're the one more likely to do that!"
Mirei smirked mischievously. "Oh really? Let's see who gives in first!" She flopped onto the bed dramatically. "Wow, the bed is soooo soft! Look at this big TV! They even have complimentary slippers! Luxury!"
Watching Mirei roll around on the bed like an overexcited child made Kaede smile warmly. It felt like forever since they'd had time like this together.
"Alright, enough rolling around," Kaede said fondly. "Go take a shower first."
Mirei's eyes sparkled with mischief again. "Ohhh, are you trying to sneak a peek at my naked body?" she teased, striking a ridiculous pose.
Kaede sighed, used to her girlfriend's antics. "Then I'll go shower first if you're so concerned."
"NOOOO!" Mirei wailed, dramatically clinging to Kaede's arm. "I was kidding! I'll go first! Don't abandon meee!"
Laughing, Kaede gently pried her off. "Go on, before I change my mind."
Mirei huffed playfully but grabbed her toiletries and headed to the bathroom.
Kaede plopped onto the bed, feeling the day's exhaustion hit her. As she mindlessly watched TV, her eyelids grew heavy, and she drifted off without realizing it.
---
When Mirei came out of the bathroom, her damp hair cascading down her shoulders, she paused at the sight of Kaede sleeping peacefully on the bed. Her expression softened into one of pure affection.
Quietly, she dried her hair and approached the bed. Kneeling beside Kaede, she gently brushed a stray strand of hair from her face.
"Hey... sleepyhead," she whispered softly.
Kaede stirred, blinking awake in confusion. "M-Mirei?"
"You dozed off," Mirei said gently. "Go take your shower before you fall asleep again."
Blushing, Kaede nodded and quickly grabbed her things.
---
Later that night, after their showers, they lay side by side on the cozy bed, fingers intertwined, the TV playing softly in the background.
Neither of them spoke, simply enjoying the quiet comfort of each other's presence.
As Kaede's eyes grew heavy once more, she felt Mirei shift closer, resting her head on Kaede's shoulder.
"Mirei?" Kaede murmured sleepily.
"Shh," Mirei whispered, snuggling closer. "Just let me stay like this..."
With warmth blossoming in her chest, Kaede wrapped her arm around Mirei, holding her close. Moments later, they both drifted into a peaceful sleep.
---
The sun filtered gently through the hotel curtains, waking them up slowly. After getting ready, they met Mirei's parents downstairs for breakfast.
Kaede noticed how much more relaxed she felt compared to the previous day. The warmth and kindness of Mirei's parents made her feel truly welcomed.
After breakfast, they set off for their first destination: Fushimi Inari Taisha, one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks.
The famous shrine, known for its seemingly endless pathways of vermilion torii gates, was a breathtaking sight. Mirei led the way, excitedly snapping photos of everything she saw.
They posed for countless photos together, laughing as Mirei insisted on taking silly poses. The shrine was bustling with tourists, making it a lively and vibrant atmosphere.
---
As they admired the gates, an overseas fan of Celestial suddenly recognized Mirei.
"Oh my god! Is that... MIREI from Celestial?!" the fan squealed in excitement, rushing over.
Mirei froze, caught off guard. "H-Hi!" she stammered, waving awkwardly.
The fan, barely able to contain her excitement, switched to rapid-fire English. Mirei's eyes widened in panic. "U-Uh..."
Seeing her struggle, her parents stepped in. "Hello! Yes, we are her parents," Atsuko said kindly, bridging the language gap.
Mirei resorted to exaggerated hand gestures and frantic nods. "YES! Me... thank you... so much!" she blurted out, making vague heart shapes with her hands.
Kaede, watching from the side, tried to suppress her laughter at Mirei's hilarious attempt at communication.
But then—
"Wait... aren't you Kaede? From Chasing Stardust?!" another fan exclaimed, eyes lighting up.
Kaede froze in shock. "M-Me?"
"Yes! I love both of you! I can't believe you two know each other!" the fan gushed.
Blushing deeply, Kaede exchanged a surprised look with Mirei, who gave her a proud smile.
"Thank you so much!" Kaede managed to say, still stunned.
Before parting, they all took a group photo together, making the fans' day.
---
As they walked away, Kaede couldn't stop smiling. "Someone... actually recognized me..."
Mirei beamed, slipping her arm through Kaede's. "Of course they did! You're amazing, Kaede. I'm so proud of you."
Blushing, Kaede squeezed Mirei's hand. "Thank you... I'll keep working hard."
With their spirits high and their hearts even closer, they continued their day trip, creating unforgettable memories together.