Dinner concluded with shared stories and laughter, the flavors of home-cooked Japanese cuisine lingering like a comforting hug. Eadlyn leaned back, satisfied.
"Grandma, that was beyond delicious—warms the soul."
As they cleared the table, he initiated the talk. "I'm hoping to join a high school here. Think it's possible this late?"
Reno nodded thoughtfully, his refined demeanor reassuring. "Absolutely. We'll sort enrollment—two days at most. Meanwhile, explore the city. Grab what you need; here's a map with key spots."
He slid a note across.
Eadlyn pocketed it with thanks. "Perfect, Grandpa. I'll dive in." The conversation flowed to Reno and Sakura's past—their whirlwind romance, overcoming societal barriers, building a life of mutual support.
Eadlyn absorbed every word, his romance-novel heart hooked. But his awareness of modern love's brutality tempered it: He'd seen peers' relationships crumble under superficiality, breakups via screens, the lack of empathy leaving scars.
Their story endured because they evolved together, he reflected, learning to support through trials. I need that too—less aloof, more human.
Upstairs, Eadlyn settled into his room, unpacking thoughts more than belongings.
A hardcore fan of fantasy and romance genres, he fantasized about epic loves—immortals chasing reborn souls, defying fate. Yet, reality had shown him the flipside: young hearts brutalized by ghosting, rebounds, emotional games.
Love's no fairy tale, he mused, but maybe I can grow, respond with real empathy instead of distance. Sleep claimed him, dreams blending novel adventures with Japan's promise.
Morning arrived with Sakura's gentle knock. "Up and at 'em, Ead! Breakfast's on."
He stretched, the sunrise a canvas of gold and pink. Downstairs, a spread of rice, tamagoyaki, and fresh fruit astonished him.
"Grandma, you're a culinary genius."
Reno laughed softly. "Any hitches on your detour? The note should guide you."
"None—I'm set." Stepping out, he spotted Sayaka in her garden, her cool aura drawing him in despite his caution.
"Exploring?" she asked, glancing up with subtle curiosity.
"Yeah, first solo venture."
She paused, shyness hidden behind poise. "Want a guide? I know the ins and outs."
Eadlyn's pulse quickened—another novel-like encounter. Recalling a friend's heartbreak, he resolved to approach with care. "Sure, Saya. Lead on."
As they walked, he felt his emotions stirring, evolving from guarded observation to active empathy. Japan wasn't just change; it was his chance to learn support, to become more human in a world of fleeting connections.