Yukemuri Observatory Nighttime steam and a bittersweet bite

I came to the observatory on a winter night in Beppu, hoping to see the steam rising after dark. I parked and turned toward town. Plumes of steam rose between the lights of the houses, one after another. I'd heard Beppu was a hot-spring town, but spread out before me like this, it felt so much bigger than I'd imagined.

As I watched, the cold made my shoulders tense up. I tucked my face into my scarf, and that's when I remembered the Jigoku-mushi pudding I'd brought. I'd saved it for this: a little treat to enjoy as I watched the town lights. I scooped up the first bite.

The caramel's bitter edge made my eyes widen. Since it was pudding, I was braced for sweetness. But I loved that bitter edge and immediately wanted another bite. I stopped myself from rushing to scoop up another spoonful and took my time savoring the taste.

Still holding my spoon, I watched the town as the steam shifted shape and drifted away. I thought I was following one plume, then somehow found myself watching the one beside it. When had my eyes moved to the next one? I had to laugh at myself for even noticing.

After laughing, I had another bite. I savored the caramel, then looked up to find the steam drifting somewhere new. I'd planned to eat quickly and then take in the view, but each bite made me linger a little longer. For a little detour like this, there's no need to rush.

When I finished the last bite, I stared down at the empty cup and thought, 'It's all gone already.' I didn't feel like heading straight home, so I stayed a little longer to watch the lights in town. It became a winter break I'll remember for the bittersweet pudding and steam rising into the night.