Killer's Kiss

Chapter elven

Chaeyoung had just landed at Narita Airport, located on Tokyo's eastern side. That's right—Roseanne was really doing this. And she was excited. She'd brought everything she could possibly need for her trip to Japan: her trusty professional camera (a new photobook was definitely on the agenda), a set of bikinis, her collection of pink, floral outfits (mostly crop tops), and the remnants of her bank account.

She didn't mind the splurge. Her job application had been accepted with open arms, and the salary wasn't half bad. When she returned to LA, a spot at the restaurant would be waiting for her. Everything was finally falling into place. She'd even renewed her subscription to the boxing ring and booked a personal trainer. A nearby university, close to her and Jennie's new apartment, was ready to accept transfer students, providing a fresh start after their former college was reduced to rubble. With a little luck, Chaeyoung and Jennie could graduate by year's end.

Roseanne's life was back on track, and she was ready for it.

''Wow,'' Jisoo, Jennie's girlfriend, breathed, her awe unmistakable as she gazed around the sleek, bustling interior of the airport. ''I haven't even stepped outside yet, and this place already feels like a dream.''

''This is Tokyo, babe. What did you expect?'' Jennie said with a knowing smile, draping an arm around Jisoo's shoulders and steering her toward the Food Court. Chaeyoung followed close behind, content to let the couple have their moment. ''I used to come here every Sakura season with my parents, back before their business took off. But I remember the city like I visited it yesterday.''

Jennie's heritage was half Korean, half Japanese. Her mother had met her father at a university in Florida while both were exchange students. It was ironic how history seemed to repeat itself; now Jennie and Jisoo, who hailed from different origins, found themselves in a similar dynamic.

Chaeyoung's attention shifted as they approached the food stalls, and she felt her breath catch at the sight before her. The festival was a sensory overload of culinary delights: the aroma of fried fish mingled with the tang of soy sauce, while boxes of perfectly arranged sushi gleamed with vibrant slices of raw salmon. Crisp spirals of fried potatoes beckoned, and tiny octopus balls, coated in a savory glaze, seemed both strange and irresistible.

Though they had an entire week to explore Tokyo, Chaeyoung resolved to make every moment count, savoring every bite and experience this vibrant city had to offer.

One thing puzzled her, though. There weren't any tables in sight—not a single one. Maybe they were on another floor?

Chaeyoung hurried to catch up with Jennie and Jisoo, and soon the trio embarked on an eating spree, sampling everything their taste buds craved. By the time they finished, all three were thoroughly stuffed. Jennie explained the absence of tables and trash bins, mentioning it was a cleanliness measure. ''It's actually pretty smart,'' she said. ''Burn calories while you gain them.''

''Ooof,'' Jisoo groaned, patting her stomach. ''I feel like I'm pregnant with quadruplets.''

''You will be tonight if you keep looking this hot,'' Jennie quipped, winking at her blushing girlfriend.

Chaeyoung rolled her eyes. ''Gross.'' She was too full to appreciate their playful banter. Her own stomach felt like a lead weight. ''I need to find the bathroom.''

''Sure.'' Jennie glanced around and pointed. ''Meet us at the Isetan Store when you're done. It's just over there.''

With a quick nod, Chaeyoung wandered off, scanning the signs until she found the restrooms.

''Oh, thank God,'' she muttered as she entered. She nodded respectfully to the janitor, marveling at how spotless the place was. Clean toilets like this were a rarity in LA. But as Chaeyoung moved past the woman, something about her nagged at the edge of her memory. The angular face, the dark hair, those sharp, guarded eyes—they felt eerily familiar.