"We're here!"
It's in the middle of Golden Week and Rin and after taking a train for an hour, we arrive at the hot spring town.
"You know, it definitely looks quite elegant."
Rin is surveying the area around her. She looks like a cat in unfamiliar territory. Since I'm really only familiar with concrete streets, the view from the station is a pleasant surprise. There's mountains in the distance. In front of the station is the shopping district and nearby, homes are lined up one by one. Billboards all over the town advertize their steamed buns and various souvenirs.
"I'm getting excited!"
"If you end up tripping from excitement, we might have to bring you to the hospital."
"You better not be setting up any flags."
"Don't worry, pretty sure we avoided that flag already. Have as much fun as you want."
"Alright! LET'S GOOOO!!!"
"Really, you're going to get a noise complaint at some point."
"Does it look like I'm operating heavy machinery?"
As we continue our back and forth, we head straight for the onsen. Before I know it...
"Tohru-kun, look, look!"
"Hmm?"
I turn to look at Rin, who's tugging at my sleeve and letting out an excited voice. Before my eyes, I see an interesting spot by the roundabout.
"Hey, is that the rumoured..."
"Footbath."
It's here in the flesh and blood, a bath just for soaking your feet.
"Cool, so this is what it's like in real life. I've never seen one before."
It's a rectangular man-made ditch filled with warm water. Both sides are furnished with sheets of wood so people can sit as they soak their feet.
"Looks like we have material right away for your story."
"I can definitely use that."
The shutter of my phone camera goes off. I put on a smile, happy with this good omen to start the trip. I feel Rin tugging at my sleeve again.
"How about we go in?"
She has a serious expression on her face. In contrast, her body is fidgeting nervously.
"Seems like you're excited too, Rin."
"Don't get me wrong, this is all for collecting data. You can't write a good description by just viewing it, you have to experience it first hand."
"I see, I see. Seems like Rin is getting all riled up too."
"I-I'm not getting riled up, you hear me?"
"So you say."
"O-okay, maybe a little bit."
"Just a little?"
I gently pat her head. Her cheeks are flushed red as she puffs her cheeks and grumbles. However, she purrs afterwards as if it feels good. She's too cute.
"C-come on, let's get in."
"S-sure."
Why do I feel embarrassed too? I take off my shoes and socks as we both enter the footbath.
"Ahh..."
The water is a bit hot, so I can feel directly feel the heat of the onsen. The water goes up to about ankle length, as my both my feet start to feel warmer. My upper body feels normal, but my lower body has a different, but comfortable warmth to it.
"This really does feel good."
"I definitely agree."
Rin has a relaxed face like she's drinking tea on the balcony. Of course, I'm completely relaxed right now too. I let my shoulders droop as I place my hands down. A warm sensation creeps up on the back of my hand. I turn around and see Rin giving me a kind smile. With a gentle voice, she starts speaking.
"Let's make sure to have a lot of fun today."
"Yeah, for sure."
The hot water envelopes my feet. It's the best kind of warmth, for my hand and for my heart.