The Meaning of Travelling | Mark Lee

Chapter 4: Strolling Leisurely

When a travel guide praises a scenic spot, it inadvertently creates a sense of pressure, compelling readers to accept its authority and fostering a kind of enthusiasm. However, it pays no attention to whether the attraction brings silence, happiness, or excitement to visitors. If you were to ask someone who just returned from Kyoto for travel advice, they would surely recommend the over-explained sites like Kiyomizu Temple and Gion.

Mark prided himself on not being a conformist; his travels needed to be spontaneous, following his heart and stopping as he pleased. You kept your promise from last night and got up early. Even the strong-drinking Mark hadn't forgotten the little tease he had set up. By the time you were ready and met him in the courtyard, he remained silent about the day's itinerary, only friendly suggesting that you bring extra money.

Thus, the two of you embarked on a new journey. However, you had no idea that you were headed to the Isetan department store. Shopping? you thought. No wonder he had asked me to bring more money. But that was fine; you could check off the shopping list your parents and colleagues had given you to avoid worrying about it later.

Actually, Mark hadn't planned a particular destination; he had merely noticed you scrolling through your phone's memo last night, which was filled with an extensive list. Sigh, shopping errands can be a hassle, he thought to himself, knowing he would have to help carry your bags when you returned.

Mark was wrong about that. As soon as you stepped through the entrance of the mall, you recalled that the most items on your shopping list were men's cosmetics, heading straight for the makeup counter. Some small-sized perfumes—just tiny things, light enough to carry. After paying, you held one bag in each hand and thought about how you'd checked off two-thirds of your list, feeling a bit pleased.

After that, neither of you had any particular desire to buy anything special, so you strolled side by side in the vast mall. While you were shopping for cosmetics, Mark had a question brewing in his mind. He deliberately pushed it down but it kept bubbling up like a rising bubble, taking over his thoughts. Turning to you, he cautiously asked, "I saw you bought a lot of homme perfume; those are for your boyfriend, right?"

You were taken aback for a moment, then smiled and said, "No, there are a lot of guys at my company that I get along with, so I'm helping them out. I broke up with my boyfriend; I'm single now." Mark didn't know why he felt happy hearing about your breakup, and he couldn't suppress the smile creeping onto his face, though he forced his tone to remain calm. "Oh, what a coincidence! I'm single too."

You didn't know how to continue that conversation, so you simply hummed in response, and an awkward atmosphere settled around you both. "Hey," Mark said, spotting a shop, and lightly tapped your arm with excitement. "Let's check out that store."

The store specialized in jewelry, shimmering under the lights. Admitting he had a more ordinary taste, you thought that the pieces looked expensive. Mark seemed oblivious to your hesitation, drawn in by a bracelet. He called over a clerk to get it from the glass case and examined it closely. You felt a pang of jealousy; he might buy it for some girl. What a player!

Once the transaction was completed, Mark left the store humming a little tune. In the afternoon, after leaving the mall, you went to a famous local café on Mark's recommendation.

One could often guess a person's character by their coffee choice. Mark ordered a double espresso, while you opted for a caramel macchiato. One cup was bitter enough to make one shiver, while the other was sweet enough to make one tremble. As you both glanced at each other's coffee selections, you couldn't help but smile. Mark teased, "Sweetheart, yours is sweet enough; did you put half a ton of sugar in it?" Ignoring him, you took a sip, the frothy milk clinging to your upper lip. You shot a sideways glance at Mark, who was grinning at you, then slowly looked down at his coffee and replied, "Life is so bitter; why not find a little sweetness for yourself?"

Mark didn't respond immediately, savoring his coffee before finally saying, "I think my coffee is quite sweet." The meaning behind that could probably only be understood by the person involved.

When you returned to the inn, it wasn't too late. You both sat on the stone steps, each with a Nintendo Switch, playing games to pass the time after dinner. Mark, losing, couldn't help but curse, watching you gloat. Sensing you might want to play again, he quickly said, "Let's stop. Why not talk about life and dreams under this lovely moonlight instead? Playing games can be distracting, you know."

You lifted your head, smiling at Mark and said, "Sure, let's talk about life and dreams. How about tonight's beautiful moonlight? Teacher Mark?"

It was unclear who initiated it, but your lips tangled together, then instinctively parted, gasping for air, only to meet again. The moon above seemed to shy away, hiding behind layers of clouds, its figure concealed.

Mark suddenly felt that the coffee he ordered earlier was far too strong, or else why would he feel like he was getting tipsy?