Episode 89 The Second Visit Plan - Hope on the Calendar

Amidst the routine of university life and the ongoing challenges of long-distance communication, the idea of a second visit became a renewed source of hope and excitement. The first visit had been a crucial step, proving that bridging the gap was possible. Now, planning the next one felt like setting a new milestone, a tangible light on the horizon.

We started talking about it whenever our schedules allowed. The process was familiar from planning the first visit – comparing calendars, looking at train schedules, factoring in costs. It was still a logistical puzzle, but this time, there was less apprehension and more eager anticipation. We knew what to expect, both the joy of reunion and the underlying reality of the distance.

"Thinking about the long weekend next month?" I texted Sakura one afternoon. "My university has a break."

Sakura: Yes! Todai has a short break too! Perfect! 🎉

The emojis conveyed her immediate excitement.

We started looking at train tickets. Prices varied depending on the time of day and how far in advance we booked. It was still an expense that required conscious budgeting, but seeing the potential travel times and costs felt less daunting than the first time.

"Maybe you could come here this time?" Sakura suggested during a call. "See my university city. Meet Ren and Mika?"

My heart gave a small leap. Visiting my university city, my world, the one that felt less prestigious than hers but was important to me, felt significant. And introducing her to Ren and Mika, my closest friends here, was a big step. It was integrating our worlds in a new way.

"Yeah, I'd love that!" I said, genuinely excited. "Show you around my campus. My favorite library spot!"

"Deal!" she said, her voice full of enthusiasm. "I'm excited to see your world, Hiroshi-kun!"

Planning who would stay where, what we would do, and coordinating schedules became a shared, enjoyable activity. It gave us something concrete to look forward to, a date on the calendar that represented the temporary triumph over distance.

There were still small challenges. A last-minute change in a class schedule, a mandatory university event that popped up. We had to be flexible, understanding that our plans could shift. These little logistical hurdles were reminders that distance wasn't a problem solved by one visit; it required continuous effort and adaptation.

But the excitement of planning the second visit overshadowed these minor frustrations. We talked about places I could show her in my city, restaurants we could try, maybe a small event happening on campus. It was a chance to share a different side of our long-distance lives, the side that wasn't just about academics or phone calls, but about the places we now called home.

The date was set. The second visit was planned. It was a beacon of hope, a reminder that despite the miles and the daily challenges of long-distance communication, there were moments of physical reunion to look forward to. Planning it together, negotiating the logistics, and sharing the excitement felt like a strong affirmation of our commitment to bridging the gap, one visit, one train ride, one shared moment at a time. The calendar now held a promise, a tangible date for our unexpected love story to continue across the miles.