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?_