[Prompt of Happiness] ⑰

Chapter 60: Hokkaido Trip Days 5, 6, and 7

Leaving the love hotel in Asahikawa, we rode our bikes first thing in the morning from Wakkanai to Cape Soya. "This is the northernmost point of Japan," we said, taking a commemorative photo together. The wind was cold, the air was clear, and the scenery was truly spectacular. "It's amazing, we rarely get the chance to come this far north," Maya said. "I agree, it's truly moving. I want to keep visiting many places with you," I replied. "This view is the best, the blue of the sea and sky is incredible," Maya said with admiration. "It really is. Hokkaido's nature is truly wonderful. Driving while looking at this scenery is exceptional," I answered. With our own thoughts in our hearts, we enjoyed the trip to Abashiri. This adventurous journey deepened our bond. The scenery gradually changed, and the road running along the coastline offered beautiful views. Amidst the sound of our bike engines, we enjoyed touring around Hokkaido's fascinating tourist spots.
Motorcycle touring in the Abashiri and Shiretoko area felt like being in a dream. The wind blew through pleasantly, and as the blue surface of Lake Notoro spread out quietly, Maya shouted with excitement. "This transparency, it's like a painting!" I nodded with a smile and replied, "You're right, this is a truly magical place. Meruhen no Oka, Abashiri Prison, Lake Notoro—none of them should be missed!" She smiled and continued, "This landscape, it feels like I can become one with nature. I feel free!" I deeply empathized with her words and answered, "Yes, riding a bike here makes me feel like I could forget everything else in the world." Her eyes were burning with a passion for adventure.
"The beauty of Shiretoko National Park is something we absolutely cannot miss. The scenery we'll ride through must be amazing too!" Wrapped in a feeling of excitement at her words, we enjoyed touring surrounded by the nature of Shiretoko in search of new discoveries and adventures. We set out on a trip to the
Kushiro and Akan area, and at Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, Maya smiled and said, "Nature is truly rich and beautiful here." I nodded and replied, "The vast scenery of the Kushiro Marsh is a masterpiece. There are hot springs too, and I also want to visit the Lake Akan Ainu Kotan." She replied with a smile, looking interested, "I'm looking forward to experiencing Ainu culture too. Motorcycle touring at Lake Akan will be great as well." We enjoyed the beautiful scenery of Kushiro and Akan spreading out before us. As Maya was enchanted by the beauty of nature, she smiled warmly and said, "This view is as beautiful as our love." My heart trembled at her words, and I confessed passionately, "This moment spent with you is my everything. Maya, your love-filled words wrap around my heart. I am truly grateful." She smiled happily and answered passionately, "Your love makes me strong. I am grateful for every moment of this trip." We shared our anticipation and excitement for new adventures. In the
Obihiro and Tokachi area, with the sound of our bike engines echoing pleasantly, we were riding through the vast land of Hokkaido, aiming for Tokachigawa Onsen. Stroking her hair as it blew in the wind, Maya said with a smile, "I can't wait to relax in the hot springs. Hot springs in nature are the best." I nodded and suggested, "You're right, it's exceptional to soothe our fatigue in a comfortable hot spring. Shall we go to the Ikeda Wine Castle after that?" While riding our bikes, we enjoyed pleasant conversation while looking at the beautiful scenery of Hokkaido, such as the Tokachi Ranch and the Taushubetsu River Bridge. I felt from the bottom of my heart that this trip with her would surely be an unforgettable memory.

Chapter 60: Hokkaido Trip Days 8, 9, and 10

On the eighth day of our Hokkaido trip, a 10-hour ride from Nemuro City to Erimo, and a 14-hour ride from Cape Erimo to Muroran and Hakodate. While enjoying the vast scenery of Hokkaido, we enjoyed a long drive, chatting through the intercoms attached to our helmets. "This view is the best!" Maya said, stroking her hair as it blew in the wind, enjoying the sight. "I agree, it's my first time riding through such vast, great nature," I replied. The drive, where we stopped for breaks while being captivated by the beautiful scenery many times along the way, was truly comfortable and refreshing. The chatting on the road was also fun, making our trip even more special. From Nemuro, through Cape Erimo, we rode our bikes along the coastline on

National Route 336. Our goal was to experience horseback riding at the Hidaka Town Hidaka Ranch. On the way, with the wind feeling pleasant and the sound of the ocean waves audible, we rode while enjoying the scenery. "The road along the coast feels so good, doesn't it? I feel like I could ride for hours," Maya said. "It's true, I want to keep riding while looking at the sea like this forever," I continued. The horseback riding experience at Hidaka Ranch was also wonderful, and the feeling of galloping through the great outdoors on a horse was exceptional. After that, we stayed one night at Lake Toya
, and the next day we rode our bikes to Hakodate. The night view of Hakodate was truly wonderful, and the entire city was lit up, spreading out a beautiful sight. "I've never seen such a beautiful night view before. It's moving, isn't it?" Maya said. "The night view of Hakodate is famous. Seeing scenery like this blows away the fatigue of the trip," I answered. Finally, we stayed one night in Niseko
and returned our bikes at Chitose Airport. On this trip, we made many memories and deepened our bond.

Chapter 61: As the Study Abroad Deadline Approaches

Upon returning to Tokyo from the trip to Hokkaido, daily life returned to the busy routine of university. Kaito spent his days immersed in research on device operation using artificial intelligence, aiming for the Department of Electronic and Information Engineering. Maya was also deeply learning about Japanese culture and life while completing her curriculum as an exchange student. Their life together remained peaceful, and their presence became an irreplaceable source of comfort for each other's daily fatigue. Whether eating together in the living room or studying in their respective rooms, they would occasionally call out to each other or take walks through the streets of Tokyo for a change of pace, making their time together very fulfilling.
However, time passed quickly, and once there was less than a year left in Maya's two-year exchange program, a vague sense of anxiety began to drift between them. Maya had more opportunities to hear about exchange students returning home in her classes, and every time she saw her friends returning to their home countries one after another, she was forced to think seriously about her own future.
One day at dinner, a slightly heavy silence fell between the two as they sat around the table as usual. Maya put down her chopsticks and slowly opened her mouth. "Hey, Kaito. Thinking that my study abroad is going to end soon makes me feel kind of lonely." At those words, a similar feeling crossed Kaito's heart. He sat back down next to Maya and gently touched her hand. "Yeah, I feel the same way. It went by so fast." Maya continued, looking down slightly. "When I go back to Sweden, my family and friends will be waiting, and I have to think about my career there too. But it's really hard to think about being apart from you, Kaito." Seeing her eyes well up with tears, Kaito's heart tightened. He struggled intensely between his desire to respect Maya's choices and his desire to keep her in Japan at any cost.

To be continued