Colours of the Snow | Yuki Ishikawa

13

These past few months have been kind to me as I was able to fully rest. I want to make the most of this vacation with my loved ones because I'll be on the other side of the world in the next two months.

I have also spoken with the board members of Milano and informed them about my future plans and my decision not to continue my contract with them. I will formally resign once I get back to Italy in October. I am deeply grateful to them for sheltering me during my two years in Milan. It's time for me to pursue my dreams.

I am currently on a trip to Taiwan with Dani and Claire, my childhood best friends.

Dani and I arrived in Manila from Iran last Monday, and we only stayed at home for two days before embarking on another trip.

When we returned home, I remember Dani ranting, "I want to sleep for a week, Erinne. Let's rebook our Taiwan trip. Please!" She was practically begging me.

"No, Claire will be mad. I'll just buy you milk tea every day. I'm sorry you had to go through this. You shouldn't have been friends with me," I said, jokingly.

"You, beach. Buy me ten packs of chocolate boba," she replied.

"At your service," I said, winking at her.

It was 1 AM on September 1st, and I was still awake. We had arrived at our hotel an hour ago after exploring Ximending night market, and I was still getting ready for bed.

Yuki texted me, "Are you still awake? I saw you posting your IG story."

"Yes, we just arrived a while ago. Even though my feet hurt from walking the whole day, I am not sleepy yet," I answered.

"Can I call?" he asked.

"Sure," I replied.

Yuki called in a minute. I answered it, but it was Ran who talked to me.

"Ayayay, Erinne-chan. I think you've forgotten something," Ran greeted me. 

After thinking for a while, I realized what it was. "Oh, forgive me, Ran-sama. Happy 22nd birthday!" I exclaimed.

"This kouhai is feeling down. You've forgotten about me already," Ran said in a sad tone.

"No, sorry. I was just so tired from our trip today," I explained. Then something struck me. "Your birthday's still tomorrow, on the 2nd of September, right? Why are you with Yuki? I thought both of you went home since it's your week off?"

"Yeah, we did go home. Eri-chan, I'm currently celebrating my birthday week. I already celebrated with my supporters a few days ago. Yesterday, I went to karaoke with my friends and brother. Tomorrow, I'll celebrate with my family. Just now, I missed Yuki-san, so I went to celebrate with him earlier," Ran explained so fast as if he was rapping.

"In this early morning?" I was surprised.

"Yeah, I'm taking Yuki-san away from you," he joked.

"You've already taken him away from me. But, Ran-chan, I don't understand what's happening," I said, feeling confused.

Ran continued talking about various topics, including his fan meeting. But at the end, he said, "Actually, we're lost, Erinne-chan."

"What? I'm more than confused now. Lost? Lost in Japan? Lost from the game? Lost physically or mentally?" I asked, my voice slightly high.

"We're lost in Taipei," Ran clarified.

"You're here?!" I exclaimed, startling Dani and Claire. I used sign language to spell out Y-U-K-I-R-A-N so they could understand who I was talking to.