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Chapter 4 - Riverview's whispered bridges

Winter's _kōri_ (ice) grip loosened Riverview's streets like Tokyo's _haru_ (spring) hints – crocuses poked _yuki_-melt patches, mirroring Aiko's feelings thawing like _shincha_ (new tea) freshness.

Saturday _hanami_-picnic (_sakura_-fake Riverview trees donned paper-lantern decorations): Ethan brought _bento_-American mix; Aiko added _onigiri_, _manju_. They sat _tatami_-style blanket (_Amerikan_ foldable).

Ethan unwrapped sandwiches. "Like _obentō_ cool!"

Aiko laughed (_warai_). "_Oishii_ blend."

Conversation (_kaiwa_) flowed like Tokyo's _sumidagawa_ river – Ethan spoke Riverview's _daizu_ (soybean) festival plans; Aiko shared Tokyo's _hanami_ traditions.

"Here…we'd picnic under…non-_sakura_," Ethan said.

Aiko smiled (_hohoemi_). "Riverview's own _hanami_."

Ethan suddenly switched English-Japanese (_Nihongo_): "_Aiko-san, kawaii_."

Aiko felt _hazukashii_ (shy) – _kawaii_ like Tokyo _Harajuku_ compliment?

"_Arigatou_, Ethan," she replied (_bimyō_ tone).

Walk post-picnic (_sanpo_) Riverview's thawing paths (_michi_): Ethan's hand near-brushed (_sesshoku_) hers like Tokyo _shinkansen_ (bullet train) speed-flirt accidental.

Aiko's _kokoro_ jumped (_pyon_) – _touch intentional?_

Ethan said low (_koe_): "You fit Riverview weirdly perfect."

_Fit perfect._ Aiko parsed (_kaishaku_) – American _suki_ nuance?

Sunday Walker-dinner (_shokuji_ Western-_washoku_ mix): Mrs. Walker served Aiko-taught _gyudon_ (beef bowl); Ethan grabbed seconds (_ni-do_).

"Like Tokyo _gyūdon_!" Ethan said.

Aiko laughed (_warai_) – _culture bridge_.

Monday school (_gakkō_): Ethan caught up (_oitsuku_) laughing.

"Hey…Riverview _daizu_ fest…you wanna come?"

Aiko pictured Tokyo's _daizu_-related _shōjin-ryōri_ (Buddhist vegetarian).

"_Hai_, sounds _tanoshii_," she said.

_Aiko omou_ (thoughts): _Does Ethan feel…_? _Suki_ (like)? _Koi_ (love)? Translation gaps hazed (_kasumi_) like Tokyo morning _kiri_ (mist).

Phone buzzed – Ethan text: _Fest fun tomorrow? :)_

Aiko replied (_henji_): _Tanoshimi desu :)_

_Riverview daizu_ festival evening (_yūgata_): crowds like Tokyo's _Akihabara_ tech-fest swarmed food stalls (_yatai_).

Ethan led her _edamame_ booth – _oishii_ aroma wafted like Tokyo _izakaya_.

"Like _boiled soy_ home," Aiko said.

Ethan grinned (_Amerikan_). "Riverview's _daizu_ pride!"

Dusk (_tasogare_) festival twinkled small-town like Tokyo _shinjuku_ neighborhood – Ethan walked her parking (_chūsha_).

"Thanks…_tanoshikatta_," Aiko said (_waku waku_).

Ethan smiled (_bimyō_) – eyes conveyed _more_ unsaid?

Night _futon_ Walker-guestroom: Aiko replayed (_saisei_) Ethan's gestures – _do Americans blend friend/feelings like Tokyo _irimame_ (roasted beans) contrasts?_

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