Chapter 1: Lost at the Gate (Guess Who)

“Wow! That lantern is huge!”

Evelyn’s eyes lit up as she looked up at the massive red lantern hanging under Asakusa’s Thunder Gate.

“It’s got real old-school charm, huh? Classic Tokyo!”

Shota posed heroically in front of the gate, chest puffed out like he belonged there.

“Dad, you’re literally wearing a T-shirt that says ‘TOKYO.’ You’re the most touristy person here.”

“This is called blending in.”

“Uh-huh. Like wasabi on ice cream.”

Ria, the mom, was already checking Google Maps.

“One street of Nakamise-dori, okay? Don’t go overboard. We still have Tsukiji Market later.”

“I’m ready. My stomach is open 24 hours today!”

Chapter 2: The Sweet that Backfired

“Look! Freshly baked ningyo-yaki! This one’s got custard inside!”

Shota ran to the food stall, already unwrapping a rice cracker from earlier.

“Dad, you still have food in your mouth.”

“Eating while ordering more is true food-stall etiquette!”

“You made that up.”

Suddenly—

“Excuse me, sir! Your backpack just knocked over the tray!”

“Wha—oh no! I’m so sorry!”

A freshly baked custard cake hit the ground with a sad splat.

Shota stared in horror.

“My… my sweet child… gone too soon…”

Ria sighed. “Don’t be dramatic. It’s just dessert.”

Evelyn calmly judged, “Dropped on the ground. That’s a DQ.”

Chapter 3: Death by Sugar

“Next, matcha soft serve!”

Evelyn cheerfully licked her cone, skipping ahead.

Shota, meanwhile, was pale.

“I feel… like my insides are coated in syrup… I need… salt… miso soup…”

“There’s a taiyaki filled with pickled radish nearby,” Evelyn said.

“WHAT?! That’s a punishment, not food!”

Chapter 4: The Tuna That Got Away

They made their way to Tsukiji Outer Market, bustling with energy and delicious smells.

“It’s like heaven! My nose is full of sushi!”

“Watch your wallets,” warned Ria.

Shota was already drifting toward a “Maguro Cutting Show” like a moth to sashimi.

“Wow… that’s real bluefin tuna… I wanna try it… maybe get a bowl…”

“Check the price first?” Evelyn raised an eyebrow.

“Oh please, it’s just a rice bowl—”

He froze.

“Premium Bluefin Tuna Bowl – Market Price”

“Wh-what does that mean? How much?”

“Why don’t you ask?” said Ria, sipping green tea.

Shota took a step back. “You know what? I’m suddenly not that hungry.”

Chapter 5: Sea Urchin and Daddy’s Dignity

They opted for a “budget-friendly” seafood spot.

Evelyn’s bowl sparkled with sea urchin, abalone, and salmon roe.

“This is like… eating the ocean itself,” said Shota, eyes closed.

“No, it’s like eating the delicious parts of the ocean,” Evelyn corrected.

After finishing, Shota sighed, “I almost went for that market-price bowl…”

“I’ll buy it for you next year—if you give me all your New Year’s money,” Evelyn offered sweetly.

“That’s generous… and painful…”

Chapter 6: The Ginza Café Trap

After Tsukiji, they walked toward Ginza. Evelyn whined, “I’m tiiired…”

“There’s a fancy café!” said Shota, pointing.

It was indeed fancy. Like, Paris-in-Tokyo fancy.

Ria cautiously checked the menu. Too late—Shota had already ordered.

One pot of Earl Grey: ¥1,800

“That’s like… one sea urchin…”

“It’s okay, Dad. Think of it as a memory. A very expensive, watery memory.”

Chapter 7: Souvenirs and Sentiment

On the way back to Asakusa Station, Evelyn stopped at a tiny souvenir shop.

“Look at this wind chime… it sounds like summer.”

She bought it with her allowance.

Outside the shop, Shota stared at the little glass bell.

“You know… maybe this is what traveling is for. To bring home sounds.”

“And calories,” Evelyn muttered.

Epilogue: Dad's Redemption Plan

Back home, unpacking their bags, Shota suddenly declared:

“Let’s go again next year! I’m eating that tuna bowl!”

Ria and Evelyn turned and said in unison:

“Bring stomach meds.”

The End