Unexpected

Part 40

On race day I have my sister pick up Sangil and Sebin from the airport. I couldn't go since my schedule is packed until after the race is over. When they show up I feel bad, since they're clearly jet lagged.

"Do you guys want to nap before the race?"

"I might," says Sangil.

"Even though I'm tired, I think I want to try and take it all in," Sebin replies. "I can rest after."

I nod. "We're getting close to the race. The drivers' parade starts soon, and then it's not long." I let Sangil crash in my room at the Nissan hospitality suite. It's not really meant for sleeping, but it's comfy. Sebin promises to give him a phone call when the race starts. I wait until they close the door behind them, then give Sangil a kiss. "Sweet dreams," I whisper.

I have one last thing to do before leaving. "Sebin, this is Yahagi Honoka. She's an actress. Honoka, this is Jang Sebin from Snuper."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Jang-san."

"Oh, you can call me Sebin."

She blushes and shakes her head. "I can't. We just met."

"Do you want me to call you Yahagi-san?"

"I'm younger, so you can call me Honoka-san."

"That's not fair. Why not Sebin-san?"

"If you insist."

"I do. Nobody calls me Jang-san. It sounds strange."

"I have to go," I interrupt. "See you in a few hours. Enjoy yourselves. My siblings are here if you need anything." They give me a nod as I wave goodbye, and jog over to join my fellow drivers.

The race was another boring one for the fans, I suppose. Unless you're a fan of Lewis dominating from beginning to end. Then it was sensational. My streak of not crashing continues, but I didn't earn any points today. I cannot wait to shower, eat, and hang out with the gang. Not necessarily in that order.

I find them lounging on the top deck of the hospitality suite with my family. "Hey guys, let's go. Unless you want to stick around for a bit more." They assure me that they've had their fill of F1 entertainment, and we head out.

Sebin runs his hand along the GTR. "Nice car."

"Thanks. It's a rental."

"What cars do you like?" he asks.

"Lots of Japanese ones. My dream car is a Lexus LFA. I've yet to drive one, but maybe one day. I also love the Honda NSX. Honda S2000. Mitsubishi Lancer Evo. Nissan Fairlady Z. Mazda RX7." I laugh. "I grew up watching too much Initial D, I think. I also like super cars, like the Pagani Zonda and Bugatti Veyron."

"I don't know most of those," he admits.

"No biggie. I think only car nerds would know them all."

"So what does that make you?" asks Sangil.

I raise my eyebrows, all aloof and cool. "A know-it-all." Honoka laughs.

The four of us decide to curtail our activities tonight, so we can go to sleep early and rest. That means dinner, a flamenco show, and a walk by the illuminated fountains.

At the restaurant, as I look at the menu I see a couple dishes that make me smile. I take out my phone and snap a photo.

"Did you just take a picture of the menu?" Sangil is flabbergasted.

"Yes. Look at these two dishes here. Albondigas and Rabo de Toro. Remember Alex? His last name is Albon. And he races for Toro Rosso. So I'm going to send this to him and ask if he's eaten his namesake."

Sangil still looks a little confused.

"Maybe it's only funny to me." I shrug.

At dinner I try to remember the words of my trainer, and eat less. It's not the calories that she objects to, but that it is often less healthy than I need. She is tired of me being slightly sluggish the next day when we work out. I decide to order the stewed bull's tail (rabo de toro) anyway, along with a salad. While the others enjoy the leche frita, fried milk dessert, I satisfy myself with only a spoonful of Sangil's.

"I wish Taewoong's episode had aired already," said Sebin. "I'm curious how that went. He barely answered any of my questions."

I glance at Sangil. He smiles at me and shakes his head. Does that mean Don't tell him or Don't make Sebin do what Taewoong did? I haven't a clue. Thankfully, Sebin isn't interested in making us act romantic towards each other. He's far more eager in conversing with Honoka.

During the dance show I put my head on Sangil's shoulder. I feel his head touch mine and wonder if he's still sleepy. If so, it's not long before we retire for the night.

We walk downtown to get an up-close view of the illuminated fountain. I now have several mini albums of similar attractions in the cities that I visit: ferris wheels, fountains, observation decks, palaces.

The guys each buy a churro on our walk back to the hotel. They wanted to taste an authentic one and compare it to the ones they get in Korea.

Sangil offers me a bite first, and my eyes light up as I chew. "It's delicious!"

So Sebin holds his churro out to Honoka. "Honoka-san, would you like to try it?"

She blushes and nods. Wether she's acting or thinking about an indirect kiss, I don't know. After taking a mouthful she covers her mouth with her hand. "Mmm, yeah. The best one I've had."

"By far," agrees Sebin.

Sangil and I hold hands as we walk the rest of the way. In the corridor outside our rooms I turn. "Okay guys, let's go and get a good night's rest, because tomorrow is full of physical activity."

"Such as?" asks Honoka.

"Riding quads and paddle surfing."

"Sounds fun," says Sebin. "I'm tired, so I'll sleep like the dead."

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Why is it so hard to find a clip of the kiss I want from Kanojo wa kirei datta?