That Time When I Fell Down the Stairs and Became a Jujutsu Sorcerer

Chapter 22 - Niigata

Morning arrived, and I was awoken by hurricane Satoru. In a flurry of sheets I was rushed into the bathroom to get ready for our date. Half awake, I was placed into the warm shower as he chattered up a storm, his face bright and cheerful. I nodded along with his conversation, washing my hair and not catching a single word but still enjoying his voice.

Out of the shower, dried and clean, he had already rushed ahead and laid out my clothes. His eyes glittered excitedly, glued to me as I pulled on my jeans. He sat with his hands gripping the seat of the chair between his legs, smiling and talking about our plans for the day.

Swept away, or more like picked up and run with, he had us out of the hotel and on the train to Niigata. I sat next to him, sipping on some tea while he showed me the map on his phone and all the places he wanted to see. I smiled at him before resting my head on his arm and just listening. 

After breakfast, Satoru and I strolled through a huge mesmerizing aquarium. The soft glow of the tanks illuminated his face, reflecting the awe in his eyes as he watched the graceful dance of underwater life. Our laughter echoed through the exhibits, earning us more than a couple of dirty looks.

At lunch time we ventured into the shopping mayhem, armed with bags and a questionable sense of fashion. As we navigated the colorful stalls, he tried on a hat that screamed "tourist" and I couldn't resist snapping a photo. Our taste buds embarked on a street food odyssey, tackling skewers, dumplings, and mysterious snacks. The culinary rollercoaster left us with satisfied stomachs and a promise to come back and try more.

By afternoon, Satoru and I strolled into an arcade, the vibrant neon lights illuminated his eager grin. Clad in a retro Pac-Man tee he'd bought earlier, he declared war on every game within reach. With each joystick maneuver, his determination was matched only by the fierce intensity in his eyes.

The air buzzed with the sounds of digital conquests and the clatter of tokens. Satoru's competitive spirit bubbled over, turning skee-ball into a battleground and Whack-a-Mole into a personal vendetta against plastic rodents. I couldn't help but laugh as he executed a victory dance after an impressive air hockey win, proclaiming himself the undisputed champion.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Satoru and I ventured to a quaint noodle shop renowned for its Niigata delicacies. The aroma of simmering broth and savory delights enveloped us as we stepped inside. Satoru's eyes widened with anticipation, and I couldn't help but share his excitement for what promised to be a noodle adventure.

Satoru, ever the daredevil, opted for the spiciest ramen on the menu, ready to conquer the fiery challenge. With each slurp, his eyes teared up, but his determined grin remained unyielding. I, on the other hand, savored the delicate flavors of the signature soy sauce-based ramen, the noodles perfectly tender and the broth a symphony of taste.

Laughter filled the air as we swapped stories between bites, creating a feast not just for our taste buds but for our shared moments. The warmth of the noodles and the joy in Satoru's eyes made the dinner unforgettable.

As the city's lights began to sparkle, Satoru and I embarked on a whimsical nighttime stroll. The streets were alive with the rhythmic pulse of urban life. Amid the bustling city sounds, we found impromptu dance floors in sidewalk squares, twirling under the glow of street lamps. Satoru, with his infectious energy, convinced me to join in, and soon we were two silhouettes swaying to the invisible music of the city.

I laughed, swinging around with my arm linked with his, "God, what a day! You're a hell of a trip planner."

"Oh! Such high praise!" He grinned, then leaned down, "Will you pat my head? Tell me I did well?"