Chapter 43: The End of the Voyage and a Return to a New Daily Life
The cruise ship trip was even more fulfilling than Hayato had imagined.
In Pattaya, Thailand, he was moved by the beautiful beaches and lively cityscape, and in Kuantan, Malaysia, they toured the beautiful Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque and the beach. At each port of call, they savored the respective cultures and foods, and upon returning to the cruise ship, they enjoyed participating in the daily events and shows.
“Oh. They’re having a magic show.”
As Tsuyoshi, who was looking at the ship’s newspaper during dinner, muttered this, Aoi’s large eyes sparkled.
“I want to see magic again!”
It seemed Aoi had become completely hooked on magic ever since participating in the previous magic show.
Josuke, who had been somewhere, returned to the dining table. Sometimes, he would act separately from his companions.
“Josuke, you seem rather busy.”
When Hayato called out to him, Josuke smiled as he sat down in the adjacent seat.
“Just a bit. I was exchanging opinions with some investors I met onboard. Their perspectives are fresh and insightful.”
Hayato thought it was just like Josuke to meet and deepen relationships enough to exchange opinions on a cruise ship where many wealthy individuals were also passengers.
“Working even here, huh? Just like you.”
When Tsuyoshi said this jokingly, Josuke shrugged lightly. He picked up his glass, took a sip, and then replied.
“This is pretty much my life’s passion. But speaking of which, weren’t you the one bombarding the staff with technical questions during yesterday’s engine room tour?”
“No, that was… purely out of interest.”
While accumulating various memories, the 7-night, 8-day cruise trip quickly reached the day before its final day. The next morning, they would arrive at their final destination, Singapore. The last night was dinner at the main dining hall, which was particularly formal even for the ship.
In the luxurious dining hall where crystal chandeliers sparkled, waiters in formal attire served them. White cloths were laid on the tables, and silverware was arranged. The children also sat with slightly tense expressions, their backs straight. Riku, in particular, with a dignified expression resembling his father’s, behaved as if imitating an adult.
“Wow, we’ve eaten food from all over the world this past week, haven’t we?”
Hayato said with deep emotion while looking at the menu. From French, Italian, and Chinese cuisine to regional dishes from various countries, they had enjoyed the tastes of different nations daily.
“Yesterday’s steak, for instance, was exquisite.”
“We don’t often get to experience such luxury, do we?”
“The meat was delicious. The sauce was incredibly fragrant!”
As they reminisced animatedly about the dishes they had eaten so far, a lavish course meal was served one after another. Appetizer, soup, fish course, meat course, and dessert. Each was beautifully arranged like a work of art, and the taste was exquisite to the very end.
“Delicious!”
When Aoi said this with a beaming smile, everyone agreed. During the meal, the captain came around to each table, exchanging a few words of greeting. The captain, dressed in a white uniform, asked about their impressions of the trip with a warm smile.
“Did you enjoy this voyage? If you have the chance again, please do sail with us.”
“Yes, we’d love to.”
Those words were heartfelt, and Hayato found himself wanting to go on a cruise again. He wanted to make new memories with these companions once more.
After finishing their meal and spending their last night, the ship arrived at the port of Singapore the next morning.
Gazing at the modern skyscrapers spreading outside the window, Hayato and the others packed their luggage. An onboard announcement explained the disembarkation procedure, and passengers left the ship in turn. Hayato did a final check of their room to ensure nothing was left behind.
“What an amazing view.”
Hayato exclaimed in admiration at the Singaporean cityscape viewed from the deck. Geometrically arranged skyscrapers, well-maintained green spaces, and landmarks facing the sea. The urban landscape, seemingly a collection of modern technology’s finest, shone brightly in the morning sun.
After completing the disembarkation procedures, Hayato and the others slowly got off the ship, carrying their large luggage. He looked back one last time, feeling a sense of gratitude towards the enormous vessel that had carried them for a week.
“Well then, since we’re here, let’s do some sightseeing in Singapore.”
The van Josuke had booked was waiting for them. There was an option to go directly to the airport from the ship, but since they had the opportunity, they decided to tour Singapore.
A commemorative photo at Merlion Park, a visit to the magnificent botanical gardens at Gardens by the Bay, and a final lunch at Marina Bay Sands. Although their time was limited, they toured efficiently and fully savored the charms of Singapore.
The children were particularly amazed by the giant artificial trees in the botanical garden. The Supertrees, exceeding 50 meters in height, created a wondrous sight, as if the future and nature had merged.
“Papa, that tree is amazing! Is it real?”
“That’s man-made. But inside, many real plants are planted.”
When Tsuyoshi explained, Riku nodded in admiration. The boy’s eyes were filled with curiosity and awe, warming the hearts of the adults.
After finishing their sightseeing, they headed to Singapore’s Changi International Airport. While looking around the airport with its modern facilities and sophisticated design, they bought their last souvenirs.
“This airport is incredible too.”
Hayato said as he looked around the airport interior, where fountains and giant foliage plants were arranged.
“Apparently, it’s been chosen as the world’s number one airport in the ‘World’s Best Airport’ rankings for many years running. It’s more like a resort than an airport, isn’t it?”
“Oh, is that so?”
When Seika explained, Hayato nodded as if convinced.
After completing check-in and immigration procedures, they spent time in an airport lounge until boarding time. They let the children rest a bit in preparation for the long late-night flight.
“Are you getting a little tired?”
When her mother Kaede asked while gently stroking her daughter Aoi’s hair, Aoi shook her head slightly. In that gesture, one could see a child-like stubbornness insisting she was still fine.
“Nuh-uh. I’m still okay.”
The surrounding adults smiled at Aoi’s answer. However, contrary to her words, her eyes looked a little sleepy.
Soon, it was boarding time, and they boarded the plane bound for Japan. They sat in adjacent seats and enjoyed the moment of takeoff. With the roar of the engines, the plane rapidly gained altitude.
“It’s faster than the ship, isn’t it?”
Riri said, pointing at the night view visible from the window. In no time, they ascended above the clouds, and the Singaporean cityscape grew small and distant. At that sight, Hayato once again realized the marvel of modern technology.
Onboard, they spent the approximately 7-hour flight watching movies or having light meals. The children fell asleep midway, and watching them, the adults also took turns resting.
Early in the morning, the plane arrived at Haneda Airport. The view of Mount Fuji and Tokyo Bay, visible after breaking through the clouds, welcomed their return to Japan.
“We’re back in Japan.”
The moment the in-flight announcement switched to Japanese, a sense of relief spread. It was a moment when Hayato felt that, after all, he was Japanese. Whether he went overseas or to another world, that didn’t change.
After completing immigration procedures and collecting their luggage, they finally emerged into the airport lobby.
“Man, that was fun, but it’s such a relief to be back in Japan, isn’t it?”
Everyone in the group nodded at Hayato’s words. Each of them had expressions reflecting their travel fatigue and sense of fulfillment in their own way.
“Back to daily life again, huh?”
When Josuke said this, Riri showed a slightly lonely expression.
“But I’d like to travel with everyone again.”
“Yeah, where should we go next time?”
Tsuyoshi nodded. The children also said energetically, “Let’s go again!” It seemed they too had enjoyed themselves thoroughly, and the adults smiled.
Before parting ways at the airport, they took a final commemorative photo. Everyone gathered with smiles, and they took a picture of everyone using the timer on Josuke’s camera. The feeling of wanting to preserve this moment forever was shared by all.
“I’ll send the photo data later.”
Josuke promised. Then, the farewells began. Parting with the children was particularly poignant, and Hayato firmly promised Riku and Aoi, “Let’s meet again, okay?”
Riding the elevator of his apartment building, which he hadn’t been to in several days, Hayato felt both the fatigue of the trip and a sense of fulfillment simultaneously. When he opened the door to his room and put down his luggage, the familiar scent of his home enveloped him.
“I’m home.”
Hayato, who muttered this softly to the empty room, stood by the window and gazed at the Tokyo scenery. The sea and sky seen from the cruise ship, the sights of various countries, and the smiles of his companions resurfaced one after another as memories. Precious new memories made with his companions.
Starting tomorrow, I’ll be back at my security company job, and I’ll also resume my VTuber activities. My everyday life is returning. But I’m certain that what I’ve gained from this journey will add new color to our daily lives. I found myself thinking these things, accompanied by a pleasant sense of fatigue.