That’s How We Spent Our Golden Week

The drive to the hot spring resort was a long but exciting journey. As we drove through the serene landscape, we would admire the rolling hills emerging on the horizon and the undulating beauty of the greenery.

When we arrived at our destination, the sight of the resort’s entrance invited a sense of arrival, a threshold to relaxation. Sensei’s grandmother kindly welcomed us.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mister Boyfriend.”

“You told her that we’re dating?”

“Yeah, I did.” She said with a guilty face.

“Do not worry. Your secret is safe with me. I will not tell anyone. To be honest, I’m just happy Riho-chan finally has a boyfriend.”

“Grandma!”

“Please do take care of her.”

“Of course.”

Sensei’s grandmother showed us to our room. Rooted in traditional aesthetics, the room offered a sense of comfort. The centrepiece of the room was a low wooden table, adorned with a tea set. Sitting cushions surrounded the table. Her grandmother also informed us that there were futons stored in the closet.

There were fusuma sliding doors, which opened to reveal a secluded oasis of relaxation nestled within nature’s embrace. That was when I realised that this resort was a private hot spring—each room had its own individual hot spring. I looked at Sensei, who tried to evade my eyes. She had tricked me.

For lunch, we were treated to a nice table full of different kinds of Japanese foods made by the owner of the place. She recommended that we go up the hill since there was a nice view at the top, so after finishing our meals, we set off up the large hill. It was a warm day today, so we made sure we brought some water bottles and wore suitable clothing.

As we progressed up the hill, we were immersed in the winding path of lush vegetation. The faint sounds of the wildlife entered our ears. We finally made it to the top of the hill and found a picturesque view of the entire area. The pallet of natural colours portrayed a sense of sublimity and tranquility. Sensei took many photos, capturing a beautiful memory in a still image.

When we returned to the resort, we were soaked with sweat. We agreed it was time to use the hot spring. The only problem was that since it was a private hot spring for us, it meant that we would be sharing it. I had imagined what it would be like to see Sensei nude, but now that I had the opportunity to see my dream became true, I was extremely nervous.

“So… how is this going to work?”

There was an awkward silence that immediately filled the room.

“Maybe we should use it one by one.”

“No!” cried Sensei.

I was quite shocked by her immediate response, highlighting that she had a different idea

“I think you should go in first, then I’ll join you after.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

The hot spring was an open-air pool, carefully designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Smooth stone and carefully placed rocks created a soothing symphony of textures, while the water’s surface mirrored the twilight sky. A gentle steam rose from the water, its warmth enveloping me as I entered. The sensation was both invigorating and soothing.

But I could not concentrate on the satisfaction for too long since, at any moment, Sensei would enter and join me. My heart began to beat faster in anticipation. Sensei and I were going to be sharing this small hot spring, our bodies exposed to one another. I was very anxious, so I decided to hide behind a large rock submerged in the pool.

The glass doors slid open, and I heard footsteps approaching the edge of the pool of water. Ripples formed as Sensei’s feet touched the surface of the water. I could hear the water splash as Sensei entered it.

“Sozen?”

“I’m here! I’m behind the boulder. I think I’ll stay here.”

“Oh, okay.”

We were distanced from one another, but it still felt really awkward. Behind the boulder, Sensei was completely naked, a sight I desired to see but was too nervous to do so.

“Sozen?”

“Yes?”

“Why don’t you come out?”

Hold up a second! She wants me to come out of my hiding spot! But then I would see her naked body.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Why not?”

“Well, because… I’m… you’re…”

“I’m wearing a towel.”

“Huh?”

I peeked around the corner of the boulder and saw Sensei sitting in the water with a towel covering her. Why was she in a towel? You usually go into a hot spring without any covering.

“Why are you wrapped in a towel?”

“I was anxious about entering completely nude.”

Ah, so she was also anxious about sharing the hot spring with me. But another problem arose. I was the only one who was naked.

“Why don’t you come out, Sozen?”

“Um… I think I’m fine here.”

I didn’t want to embarrass myself by revealing I was the only one without any form of covering.

“Are you perhaps… completely naked?”

She knows!

“Um, maybe…”

“I see.”

“Sorry, Riho, but I’m too embarrassed to come out.”

There was no reply.

“Riho?”

I peeked around the corner again to find that Sensei had disappeared. Where did she go? Her towel had been placed on the side.

Suddenly, I felt someone hug me from behind. There was something soft and round touching my back. I could hear slow breathing in my ear. Could it be…

“Sensei!?”

Sensei was hugging me from behind, and she wasn’t wearing her towel anymore. Our bare skins had made contact with one another. I froze in complete shock.

“Riho?”

“I don’t want you to feel awkward or embarrassed around me. I don’t want you to keep your distance from me. I want to be close to you for as long as you continue to love me. I like you a lot, Sozen.”

Sensei’s words picked at my heart like a guitar string. A chord had been played, and I needed to play the next one. I turned to Sensei and hugged her close to my chest.

“I like you a lot too, Riho. I always have, and I always will.”

In the ethereal glow of the moonlit night, a chapter of tender connection unfolded as we found ourselves closer than ever before. We were bathed in a mix of serene moonlight and the soft glow of strategically placed lanterns. With the steamy water enveloping us, the atmosphere carried a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. Both of us were lost in our thoughts, but we had found comfort in one another’s arms. Our eyes met in an exchange of unspoken understanding. A shy smile formed on Sensei’s face as she gazed longingly into my eyes. I responded with a kiss, which was followed by another, and another, and another. The passage of time seemed to not blur, the world beyond the hot spring fading into insignificance. In this moment, we discovered a shared feeling, a sensation akin to the healing waters that cradled us. The stars above seemed brighter, and the night air was infused with a sense of shared wonder.

The next morning, Sensei and I packed our belongings and returned the single futon we used to the closet. We thanked the owner for allowing us to stay for the night.

“Do come again soon. Maybe when you’re married.”

“Grandma!”

As we drove home, I took in the scenery with a newfound appreciation for it.

When we arrived at my apartment, we sat in the car silently for a moment. We had no idea what to say to one another, but we both felt like our relationship had taken a new step forward. I decided to speak first, breaking the awkwardness.

“Riho, do you want to have some coffee before you go home?”

“I think I will.”

Sensei and I exited the car. Making sure no one was looking, Sensei and I held each other’s hands and entered the complex. Sensei and I spent the next hour watching TV and talking about our trip. I knew that the trip would be considered a core memory for both of us.

“Well, I’d better be off. Golden Week ends tomorrow, so I should get home and finish off the additional paperwork I haven’t completed yet.”

“Sure. I’ll get the door.”

I opened the door for Sensei, but we froze as soon as we saw Karou standing in front of the door.