Rewrite Our Love? Too Late-Chapter 127: Blonde Encounters and Penguin Promises

After disembarking from the plane, the group waited patiently at baggage claim, watching suitcases spin by on the conveyor belt. Once they collected their luggage, they made their way down the long, polished airport corridor, excitement simmering beneath the surface.

The moment they reached the pickup area, they spotted a blonde girl waiting with a sign in her hands.

The sign read: "Yukima Azuma."

What immediately caught their attention wasn't the sign itself, but the person holding it.

She had striking golden hair, loosely tied, with bright eyes and a vibrant presence that made her stand out even among the crowd of travelers. Dressed casually, yet stylishly, she looked like she had stepped straight out of a fashion magazine—or perhaps an anime convention.

Eriri stopped in her tracks, brows twitching as her eyes narrowed.

"Azuma! Did you hire her just because she's pretty?" she blurted, suspicion evident in her voice.

Azuma blinked, clearly caught off guard. "I've only chatted with her over Line," he said, raising both hands in defense. "This is our first time meeting in person."

The other three girls exchanged glances. Despite his explanation, they still found the coincidence hard to believe. It wasn't every day a random tour guide turned out to be a literal blonde bombshell.

As if sensing the attention, the blonde girl gave a tentative wave, confirming she had seen them.

Azuma lifted his hand in return, signaling the connection.

They walked toward each other, meeting with polite smiles.

"Hello! You must be Yukima Azuma-san?" she asked brightly. "I'm Kitagawa Marin—you can just call me Kitagawa, or Marin if you like."

She gave a slight bow, eyes twinkling with energy. "I'm the Hokkaido tour guide introduced to you by MEM. Hehe, I've only been living here for about a year, but I'll do my best to make your trip amazing!"

Her enthusiasm wasn't overbearing—it was warm and infectious. Whether it was her natural personality or professionalism, she radiated genuine excitement.

Eriri tilted her head, mumbling, "Kitagawa... That name sounds familiar..."

Azuma nodded, taking her introduction in stride. "Has the car been rented already?"

"Yep! It's parked just nearby," Marin answered cheerfully, turning on her heel to lead the way.

The car was a spacious SUV—roomy enough for the four travelers and their luggage, with extra space to stretch out. Marin handled the rental procedures like a pro, giving Azuma a moment to load their bags. fɾēewebnσveℓ.com

He waved off her offer to help. "It's fine. The luggage isn't heavy."

Thanks to the villa's full amenities—showers, sleepwear, sunscreen, and toiletries already provided—most of the bags were light, filled with just a few changes of clothes and personal items.

They got in the car. The moment the door shut, a strange silence fell.

The three girls, who had chatted animatedly the entire flight, now said nothing.

The presence of a stranger—albeit a cute and bubbly one—had cast a temporary chill over the vehicle's atmosphere.

Azuma noticed immediately.

This wouldn't do. If Marin ended up feeling awkward the entire trip—or worse, made the girls uncomfortable—he might have to reconsider the arrangement. Thinking fast, he brought up a topic that could act as a social bridge.

"Kitagawa-san, you said you're studying at Hokkaido University, right? Why pick up tour guiding on the side?"

Marin, who was now focused on the road, froze for a moment before letting out a short laugh.

"Didn't MEM tell you? Honestly, it's because I'm a bit broke." She sighed dramatically, then added, "I love anime and cosplay, but costumes and wigs are so expensive!"

The moment the word "cosplay" left her mouth, Eriri leaned forward like she'd been struck by lightning.

"Wait. You like anime too?! I'm a total otaku! It's so rare to find someone with the same interests out here!"

A light clicked on in Eriri's brain. "Your name... Kitagawa Marin... Hold on! Were you the one cosplaying the main character from Fantasy Demon Sword Legend at last year's Tokyo anime expo?!"

Marin lit up. "Yes! Wait, you were there too?!"

"I even collected your autograph stamps!"

The two locked eyes.

A moment later, the car practically vibrated with their excitement.

While the others sat quietly, Eriri and Marin hit it off like childhood friends reunited at a convention. It was hard to tell whether Marin's passion fueled Eriri's energy, or the other way around.

When Marin heard that Eriri had never tried cosplay herself, she gasped. "No way! You've got to try it! I brought some costumes with me—nothing too fancy. I'll help you pick one and do your makeup!"

Her enthusiasm wasn't fake. She was genuinely thrilled at the idea of sharing her passion.

"I'm working on a Sayaka cosplay right now," Marin added. "Also obsessed with Kujou Megumi—white dress, beret, gentle eyes—she destroyed me with her cuteness."

This drew a glance from the girl in question.

Kato Megumi, seated quietly, adjusted her white beret and reached over without a word—lightly brushing Azuma's palm with her pinky. Her subtle signal broke the final bit of tension.

Even Utaha, who had been aloof and watching from behind folded arms, raised an eyebrow. "Impressive. I thought it would take longer to break the ice."

Kitagawa caught the exchange through the rearview mirror and smiled.

They were like characters from a slice-of-life anime. Even as an observer, she couldn't help but feel drawn in.

Azuma chuckled. "So... should we head straight to the villa, or stop by Otaru first?"

"We'll pass through Otaru," he said. "Eriri wanted to visit Tanuki-koji Street, remember?"

"Wait, we're not dropping off luggage first?" Eriri blinked. "I'm not in a hurry... but..."

"This is experience," Azuma said calmly. "If we go to the villa first, you'll crash on the bed and be out until noon tomorrow. I'm saving future-you from regret."

"I'm not that lazy!" Eriri puffed up. "It's you who lazes around and rushes deadlines!"

Utaha chimed in. "She's right. Azuma's procrastination is legendary."

"Utaha!" Eriri cried.

Megumi smiled and said gently, "If Sawamura-san were truly enthusiastic, she wouldn't be so close to her deadlines either."

Eriri immediately hugged Megumi tightly. "This world is so cold. Only Megumi is gentle..."

Up ahead, Marin couldn't help but giggle.

For someone who didn't usually care about "normal people" interactions, she found this group genuinely interesting. They had that rare chemistry—like they'd stepped out of a light novel.

She glanced at Megumi through the mirror.

That girl really did remind her of Kujou Megumi.

...And if she was Megumi, then the boy beside her...

No, she shook her head. What was she thinking?

Still, something inside her quietly hoped they'd stay friends beyond the tour.

They reached Otaru.

Hokkaido, often ranked Asia's most romantic destination, stretched out in the warm summer light. Though the snowy season was long gone, the town retained its charm: historic brick buildings, quiet canals, and charming streets bathed in sunlight.

Eriri leapt from the car and sprinted toward a signpost, grinning.

Megumi passed the camera to Marin before tugging on Azuma's sleeve.

"Come on," she said softly, pulling both him and Utaha along.

Kitagawa Marin peered through the lens and paused.

In front of her stood a group of stunning young people against the vibrant backdrop of Tanuki-koji Shopping Street.

With the neon signs blazing and the trio posing in sync, it looked like a scene from a movie.

Azuma stood behind them, raising his hands behind Eriri and Utaha's heads—forming playful rabbit ears. When he realized he didn't have enough fingers, he pulled Megumi in to help.

Without a word, she extended her hand, completing the pose.

Marin clicked the shutter.

The photo was perfect.

Megumi glanced sideways at Azuma, her eyes soft.

Utaha's face was neutral, but her eyes glimmered with amusement.

Eriri was staring... not at the camera, but toward a shop entrance.

A huge penguin plush sat on display, larger than a toddler and just as cuddly.

Azuma followed her gaze—and thwacked her gently on the head.

"Azuma!"

"We're taking photos! Focus."

"But... look at that penguin, it's adorable!"

Azuma rolled his eyes. "Penguins always remind me of in-game ads. 'Do you want to recharge?'"

"What kind of penguin says that?!"

As Eriri sulked, Marin took a few more candid shots of her "suffering."

One ended up as Azuma's phone wallpaper for the entire trip.

To make up for it, Eriri ran toward the souvenir shop.

"I'm buying something penguin-themed! A plushie! A keychain! Anything to erase this mental scar!"

Marin handed the camera back to Megumi and chimed in.

"If you like penguins, you should visit the Hokkaido Zoo! You can get really close to them—and sometimes even pet them!"

That got everyone's attention.

Even Utaha leaned forward slightly.

"Let's go tomorrow!" Eriri shouted.

Four voices answered—some excited, some amused—but all warm.

The trip had just begun.

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