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Chapter 2 - misunderstanding and maple syrup

Riverview's autumn unfurled like a meticulously crafted _furoshiki_ wrapping – leaves ablaze in orange-red hues reminiscent of Tokyo's _akihabara_ seasonal displays. Aiko navigated daily rhythms now, her steps blending Eastern grace with Midwestern practicality, though linguistic _jan ken pon_ (rock-paper-scissors) games persisted.

Monday mornings found Aiko threading Riverview High's hallways with less _gaijin_ spotlight – Ethan often materialized like a friendly _tanuki_ amid crowded lockers, grinning "'Sup, Aiko!" – words she decoded with improving fluency.

In _Nihon Bunka_ club (_kabu_-drum cadence practice), Aiko taught _origami_ cranes; Ethan watched with eyes like _maneki-neko_ (beckoning cat) fortune seekers. "Like paper magic," he said.

Aiko smiled (_niko niko_). "_Senbazuru_…thousand cranes."

Ethan's expression turned thoughtful. "Like wishes?"

"_Hai_, tradition," Aiko said. _Does he grasp nuances?_

Cafeteria lunch aromas wafted _dashi_-less compared to Tokyo's _oden_ broth scents. Ethan plopped beside her tray – burger contrasted her _bento_ compartments. "So, Aiko, what's favorite food?"

Aiko pondered (_kangaeru_). "_Sushi_, maybe…or winter _oden_."

Ethan chuckled lowa-style. "I'd wreck _oden_. What's it like?"

"_Daikon_, _konjac_…hot savory broth," Aiko described.

Ethan laughed. "Sounds weird…but cool."

_Weird? Cool?_ Aiko parsed tones – _do Americans blend contrasts like _irimame_ (roasted beans)?_

Thursday post-club: Ethan invited "maple syrup tasting" at Riverview's Fall Fest – Aiko pictured _wagashi_ Tokyo; this sounded…rustic-American.

"Like _manju_?" she asked.

Ethan grinned. "Nope! Syrup on…pancakes!"

Aiko's thoughts danced (_odoru_) – _pancakes thick like Tokyo _gyudon_ beef bowls?_

Festival grounds swarmed Riverview families like _ojiisan_, _obaasan_ Tokyo matsuri crowds. Maple scent wafted sweet-woody like _koh_ incense back home.

Ethan led her booth-row; vendor boomed "Free samples!" Aiko sipped tiny cup – warm-sweet-sharp like surprise _wasabi_ breath.

"Wow," she said (_bikkuri_).

Ethan laughed Iowa-style deep. "Like it?"

Aiko translated internally: _oishii_ (delicious). "_Hai_, good!"

Vendor handed big pancake-drip; Ethan nudged her eat. Aiko took bite – _bataku_ (Western-style fluffy) texture contrasted Tokyo _kakigori_ (shaved ice).

Ethan watched her face like _teruteru bozu_ (rain charm). "Like Riverview treat?"

Aiko smiled full (_niko niko_). "_Oishii_."

Dusk Fall Fest twinkled small-town like _sakura_-neighborhood Tokyo nighttime. Ethan walked her parking-direction – hands accidentally touched holding food-napkins.

Aiko felt _kimochi_ flutter like _hanabi_ bursts. _Did he mean…intentional?_

Ethan said suddenly, "You're like…really easy to talk to."

Aiko parsed (_yomeru_): _do Americans equate "easy talk" with…?_ Maybe _friend_ baseline?

Her reply careful: "_Arigatou_, Ethan."

He smiled back – did eyes convey _more_ unsaid?

5

Nighttime Walker-house (_chanoma_ living room): Aiko mulled (_omou_) over Mrs. Walker's _gyoza_-snack serve. _Does Ethan like me beyond friend?_

Translation tangles persisted – _suki_ (like/love) nuance gaps like Tokyo garden _shakkei_ (borrowed scenery) subtleties.

Phone buzzed – Ethan text: _Fest fun? :D_

Aiko replied: _Oishii deshita_ :)

Did _oishii_ capture feeling right? _Maybe context bridges gaps._

Friday school corridor: Ethan caught up (_hashiru_) laughing. "Hey, wanna do Riverview thing tomorrow? Movie?"

Aiko's _kokoro_ jumped (_pyon_) like Tokyo _Ghibli_ anime critters. Movie…_eiga_…like _shinjuku_ cinemas?

"_Hai_, okay," she said (_waku waku_).

Ethan high-fived (_Amerikan_) casual. "Cool!"

Did _cool_ equate…? Aiko didn't fully decode – maybe _ii_ (good) fit?

Alone later, Aiko practiced (_renshuu_) phrases: _Eiga ikimasu_ (we'll go movie).

Feelings pirouetted Tokyo-_kawaii_ rhythms – _maybe mutual beyond words?_

Untranslated emotions lingered like _yukiguni_ mist – heart-language maybe neither articulated.

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