A new face
The sun hung low in the sky, casting a soft golden glow over Hoshikawa. It was another quiet day in the town, the kind where everything seemed to be in its perfect place. Kohaku was behind the counter, humming a soft tune to herself as she arranged some items on the shelf.
Then, the door creaked open, and the familiar chime rang out, signaling the arrival of a customer.
A young woman stepped inside, her movements light and graceful. She was slim with long, dark brown hair that framed her face in soft waves. Her outfit was casual but neat, a simple blouse and jeans, yet she wore it with an air of ease that made her look completely at home.
Mrs. Suzuki followed behind her, smiling warmly.
“Kohaku, dear! This is my granddaughter, Maria.”
The girl turned to Kohaku with a bright, welcoming smile. Her eyes were a soft brown, and she had an aura of cheerfulness that made it easy for anyone to feel at ease around her.
“Hi! I’m Maria! It’s so nice to meet you!”
Her voice was warm, with just a hint of an accent—like a soft breeze from somewhere far away. She spoke with an energy that seemed to match the warm afternoon sun.
Kohaku blinked, taken aback by the sudden burst of friendliness. “Nice to meet you too,” she replied, offering a small smile.
“Welcome to Hoshikawa. You’re probably in for a change, huh? Not much happens here.”
Maria laughed, her eyes lighting up with amusement. “Oh, I know! It’s so different from what I’m used to, but… I think that’s exactly what I need right now.”
Her smile was easy, but there was something in the slight pause that followed, something just a little off.
Kohaku caught the flicker of emotion that crossed Maria’s face before it disappeared behind the cheerful smile again. It was almost as if there was a sadness she was trying to hide, but it was quickly masked by her jolly demeanor.
Mrs. Suzuki looked at her granddaughter fondly, the pride evident in her eyes.
“Maria’s been through a lot recently. That’s why she came here—she’s looking for peace and a fresh start.”
Maria’s smile softened, and she nodded. “It’s true. Sometimes life throws you curveballs, and you just need to step back for a bit, right?”
She chuckled, though there was a slight tremor in her voice, as if she was forcing herself to laugh. “But I’m excited to be here. I’ve heard nothing but good things about Hoshikawa.”
Kohaku didn’t know why, but there was something about the way Maria said those words, something that made her want to ask more—but she held back.
“I’m sure you’ll fit right in,” Kohaku said, keeping her tone light.
Maria gave a small, knowing smile, though there was a hint of wistfulness in her eyes. “I sure hope so,” she said, her voice a little quieter now.
The moment passed as quickly as it came, and Maria straightened up, her smile returning to its more vibrant self.
“Anyway, I’m really looking forward to exploring this place. I’ve always wanted to visit Japan, and now that I’m here… well, I guess it’s the perfect time for new beginnings.”
Kohaku nodded, though she couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to Maria’s story than what she was letting on. But for now, she decided not to press it.
“Let me know if you ever need help with anything. I know the area well.”
Maria gave her a bright smile, her energy contagious. “I’ll definitely take you up on that! Thanks, Kohaku!”
As Maria and Mrs. Suzuki walked out of the store, Kohaku couldn’t help but feel a little curious. The new girl seemed like she had a lot of stories to tell, but whether she’d ever open up was another matter entirely.
That night the air was cool, and the streetlights of Hoshikawa flickered on as Kohaku made her way home. The quiet of the town wrapped around her like a familiar blanket, the soft rustling of the wind in the trees the only sound breaking the stillness. Her thoughts were still lingering on Maria, the new face in town, and her strange combination of cheer and sorrow. It felt like there was more to the story than Maria was letting on, but Kohaku had no idea what.
As she turned a corner, she froze.
Up ahead, near a bench by a small park, was Maria. She was sitting alone, her hands covering her face, her shoulders trembling with soft sobs. The sight stopped Kohaku dead in her tracks, her heart sinking as she slowly approached.
"Maria?" Kohaku’s voice was quiet but steady as she approached cautiously, unsure of what to do. "Are you okay?"
Maria didn’t respond at first, her cries muffled against her hands. Kohaku hesitated, but her concern outweighed her uncertainty. She moved closer and gently touched her shoulder.
“Maria, what’s going on?”
The touch seemed to break through Maria’s distress, and she lifted her face from her hands. Her eyes were red from crying, her expression a mix of embarrassment and relief. “Oh, Kohaku… I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for you to see me like this.”
Kohaku felt her heart twist at the sight of Maria’s vulnerable state. “It’s okay. You don’t have to apologize. But… what’s wrong?”
Maria wiped at her eyes, trying to regain some composure. She took a deep breath, her voice shaky as she spoke, but still carrying that quiet jolliness she always wore.
“I guess I’m just… having a hard time adjusting, you know? I thought coming here would help me forget everything, but it’s just… hard. My fiancé, he—he broke up with me.”
She paused, the words hanging in the air. “I was so sure we’d get married, and then one day, he just decided he didn’t want me anymore. No explanation, nothing. Just like that, it was all over. And now... I’m here, all alone, trying to figure out what to do with myself.”
Her voice cracked on the last sentence, and Kohaku could see the pain flicker in her eyes before she quickly masked it with a shaky smile.
“I thought I’d be fine, but…” She wiped her cheek again, the smile not quite reaching her eyes. “It’s just been harder than I thought.”
Kohaku's heart ached as she listened, her own feelings of sympathy bubbling to the surface. She sat down beside Maria, not saying anything for a moment as she processed her words.
“I can’t imagine what you’re going through, but… I’m really sorry, Maria. That must hurt so much.”
Maria nodded, letting out a shaky sigh. “It does. And I thought I could handle it. I thought I could just bury the pain by coming here and starting fresh. But the more I think about it, the more it feels like I’m just running away from the truth, you know?”
Kohaku’s heart went out to her. She wasn’t sure how much of this was true—after all, Maria was a stranger to her—but she could see the depth of the sadness behind those words. It was raw and real, and for a moment, Kohaku felt the weight of Maria’s grief settle between them.
“Maybe it’s okay to not be okay,” Kohaku said softly, her voice comforting.
“Sometimes we all need time to heal. And Hoshikawa might be quiet, but it’s the kind of place that gives you the space to do that. No one’s rushing you to move on.”
Maria gave a small, grateful smile, though her eyes were still filled with pain. “Thank you, Kohaku. It’s hard to be vulnerable like this, especially with someone I just met. But it feels good to finally say it out loud. I’ve been bottling everything up for so long.”
Kohaku nodded, her own expression warm. “I’m glad you trust me enough to talk about it. And I’ll be here if you ever need someone to listen. You’re not alone in this, okay?”
Maria sniffed, her smile widening a little. “Thanks, Kohaku. That really means a lot.”
They sat there in silence for a while, the night air cool and comforting. Maria leaned back on the bench, her hands resting in her lap. She seemed a little lighter now, though the sadness never fully left her eyes. Still, she looked up at Kohaku with a kind of gratitude, like she had found a little bit of peace in the company of a kind stranger.
Kohaku didn’t know how much of what Maria had said was true, but she knew one thing for sure: Maria was hurt, and she was doing her best to move forward. The weight of Maria’s sadness sat heavily on Kohaku’s chest, but she didn’t know yet that this conversation was just the beginning of something much bigger.
As Maria wiped her eyes one last time and stood up, she gave Kohaku a small, but genuine smile. “Thanks again. You really don’t know how much this helps.”
Kohaku stood as well, giving her a reassuring smile. “Of course. Take care of yourself, okay? If you need anything, I’m just around the corner.”
Maria nodded, her smile lingering a moment longer before she turned and started walking away, her steps a little lighter than before.
Kohaku watched her leave, a quiet feeling of warmth spreading in her chest. As she walked the rest of the way home, she had an idea. Maybe I could introduce her to my friends.
‘Yeah, that would cheer her up a little,’
she thought, imagining how the laughter and warmth of Ruri, Yumi, and the others could help Maria feel less alone.
THE NEXT DAY
Kohaku woke up with a sense of purpose. It was her day off, and after last night’s conversation with Maria, she felt a growing desire to make her feel welcome. She decided to pay a visit to Mrs. Suzuki’s house, where Maria was staying.
Arriving at the quaint little home, Kohaku knocked on the door with a bright smile on her face, eager to show Maria the warmth of Hoshikawa.
“Good morning, Mrs. Suzuki!” Kohaku greeted with enthusiasm as the door opened.
“Ah, Kohaku! Good to see you,” Mrs. Suzuki said warmly, ushering her inside. “So, what brings you here?”
Kohaku smiled, her energy contagious. “I want to show Maria around Hoshikawa! I want to make her feel welcome and comfortable,” she said as she sat down on the couch. “I also want to introduce her to my friends! … that is, of course, if she wants to.”
Mrs. Suzuki chuckled softly. “I’m sure Maria would love that. She’s still adjusting to the quiet of this town. It’s a big change from the city life she’s used to.”
“I figured,” Kohaku nodded thoughtfully. “That’s why I thought a little tour would help her get to know the place. And meeting some of the people here might make her feel more at home.”
Just then, Maria appeared at the top of the stairs, looking a little more refreshed than she had the night before. She offered a soft smile as she descended, her movements slow but deliberate, as though weighing whether she was ready for another day out.
“Good morning, Maria!” Kohaku greeted, her voice cheerful.
Maria’s eyes brightened when she saw Kohaku, her expression softening into something warmer. “Good morning, Kohaku. What brings you here?”
"She wants to take you on a tour, dear," Mrs. Suzuki said with a gentle smile.
Maria blinked, tilting her head slightly. "A tour?"
Kohaku nodded eagerly. "Yeah! I figured since you're new here, it might help you get familiar with the town. Plus, I’d love to introduce you to my friends—only if you’re up for it, of course!"
Maria hesitated for a moment before offering a small, grateful smile. "That... actually sounds nice. I'd love to."
"Great! Then let's get going!" Kohaku beamed, already envisioning the places she wanted to show Maria.
Mrs. Suzuki chuckled. "You girls have fun. And Maria, don’t hesitate to ask Kohaku anything if you’re curious about the town.”
Maria nodded, her smile lingering. "I will. Bye, Lola!" she waved at her, a touch of warmth in her voice.
Mrs. Suzuki waved back, watching them with fond eyes as they stepped outside. "Take care, dears!"
As they walked down the quiet streets of Hoshikawa, Kohaku glanced at Maria, noticing the way she took in the scenery—calm, yet with a hint of curiosity.
“So, where should we start?” Kohaku asked with a grin.
“Uh… to be honest, I have no idea,” Maria admitted with a small pout, her expression playful yet laced with uncertainty.
Kohaku chuckled at Maria’s response, placing her hands on her hips. “Well, that’s what I’m here for! I’ll show you around, and by the end of the day, you’ll know Hoshikawa like the back of your hand.”
Maria let out a soft laugh, a hint of genuine amusement in her eyes. “Alright then, I’ll leave it to you, tour guide.”
And with that Kohaku led Maria through the heart of Hoshikawa, her enthusiasm never wavering. “Alright! First stop—one of my favorite places—the bakery where my friend Yumi works! You have to try the melon bread here.”
Maria followed as Kohaku eagerly pushed open the bakery door, and the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries greeted them. Behind the counter stood a lively young woman with short, wavy brown hair and a bright smile.
“Welcome to Hoshikawa Bakery—oh! Kohaku!” Yumi’s eyes sparkled as she waved dramatically with a pair of tongs in her hand. “What brings you here so early? You finally crave my famous cinnamon rolls?”
Kohaku rolled her eyes with a grin. “You wish. I’m showing Maria around town today. Maria, this is Yumi. Yumi, Maria.”
Yumi gasped playfully, dramatically pressing a hand to her chest. “A new face in town? And such a cutie too!” She leaned closer, grinning. “You single?”
Maria blinked in surprise before laughing, shaking her head. “Uh—well—”
“Ignore her,” Kohaku interrupted, smacking Yumi’s arm. “She does this to everyone.”
Yumi giggled. “Fine, fine! But seriously, welcome to Hoshikawa, Maria! Any friend of Kohaku’s is a friend of mine.” She turned and swiftly grabbed a fresh melon bread, wrapping it up. “Here! First one’s on the house.”
Maria accepted it with a small, grateful smile. “Thank you, Yumi. That’s really sweet of you.”
Yumi winked. “I am the sweetest, after all.”
Kohaku groaned. “Alright, before she starts flirting again, let’s go.” She grabbed Maria’s wrist and tugged her toward the door, but Yumi called out behind them.
“Come back soon, Maria! I wanna hear all about you!”
Their next stop was a cozy little café, where Kohaku proudly pointed out the corner booth that she and her friends often claimed.
“This is the best spot for people-watching,” she explained. “And the owner? Nicest old man you’ll ever meet. He even remembers everyone’s usual orders!”
Maria admired the warm atmosphere, the scent of coffee and pastries blending together. “It feels… Comfy”
“Right?” Kohaku grinned. “Now, let’s keep going!”
They stopped by the flower shop next, where the scent of fresh blooms filled the air. Kohaku gestured around. “The owner grows everything herself! People come here not just for flowers but for advice too. There’s a tradition where if you’re confessing to someone, you have to get your bouquet from here. It’s, like, bad luck if you don’t.”
Maria chuckled. “Superstitions run deep here, huh?”
“Oh, you have no idea,” Kohaku said with a smirk.
Their last stop before noon was a small shrine at the edge of town. The path leading up was lined with stone lanterns, and the air carried a peaceful stillness. Maria took in the towering torii gate, the simple yet elegant shrine building, and the little wooden plaques hanging nearby.
Kohaku clasped her hands together and bowed slightly before entering. “This place is important. People come here to pray for good fortune, love, or even just guidance.” She pointed at the plaques. “These are ema. People write their wishes on them and leave them here, hoping the spirits will grant them.”
Maria stepped closer, reading a few. Some were hopeful, others deeply personal. One even made her pause—
"I wish to become an honest person to the people I love."
A fleeting pang of guilt settled in her chest.
Kohaku suddenly grabbed her hand. “Here! You should make a wish too.”
Maria hesitated but took the offered wooden plaque. She stared at the blank surface, her mind swirling with thoughts. Then, with a small smile, she picked up the brush and wrote:
"I wish for a better ending."
Kohaku peered at it. “That’s a good one.”
Maria only nodded, tying it onto the rack. She stepped back, watching it sway gently in the breeze.
As they strolled through the peaceful streets of Hoshikawa, taking in the familiar sights and sounds, Kohaku’s face suddenly lit up with excitement.
“Oh, Ruri!” she called out enthusiastically, waving as they approached.
Maria followed Kohaku’s gaze and spotted a young woman standing by a small roadside stall. She had long, straight blonde hair that shimmered in the sunlight and striking blue eyes that were warm and inviting. Though she looked half-Japanese, her Western appearance was striking, yet her graceful posture and easy smile made her seem right at home in Hoshikawa.
"Oh! Kohaku, I was just heading home to prepare dinner. Who is this girl beside you?"
Ruri asked, her voice calm and warm, a gentle smile gracing her lips as she looked at Maria with curiosity.
"Her name is Maria! She’s Mrs. Suzuki’s granddaughter. She’ll be staying here in Hoshikawa for a while, I think," Kohaku said, her tone light and cheerful as she introduced them.
"Komusta! I'm Maria Suzuki! I'm new here in Japan and I have zero idea what to do while I'm staying in Hoshikawa, but thankfully, Kohaku's been showing me around, ahahaha!"
Maria said with a cheerful laugh, her eyes sparkling with energy as she introduced herself.
Ruri smiled warmly, her voice soft but inviting. “I’m Ruri, Kohaku’s older sister. It’s nice to meet you, Maria.”
She then paused for a moment before adding, “If you’re free tonight, why don’t you come over for dinner? We’d love to have you. I’m sure Kohaku would enjoy the company.”
"Ohh! I would love to!!" Maria said, her excitement clear.
Ruri’s smile widened as she nodded. “Great! We’ll be expecting you then.” She gave Kohaku a playful glance. “I’ll make sure to make something special tonight.”
Kohaku grinned. “I’m sure whatever you make will be amazing, as always!”
Maria's excitement was evident in her eyes as she looked between the two. “Thank you so much! I’m really looking forward to it!”
As they walked through the peaceful streets of Hoshikawa, Kohaku kept a curious eye on Maria, who seemed to be soaking in everything around her. Maria’s energy hadn’t waned since their bakery stop, and her laugh was infectious.
"So, Maria, tell me—how’s Japan been treating you so far?" Kohaku asked with a teasing grin.
Maria scratched her head and let out a playful sigh. “Well, it’s been... an adventure, let’s put it that way.”
Kohaku raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”
“Oh, you know, just the usual first-time-in-Japan stuff,” Maria started, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “Like getting completely lost the second I stepped off the plane.”
Kohaku laughed, clearly interested in hearing more. “Lost? How?”
Maria chuckled, waving her hands dramatically. “Okay, picture this: I’m at the train station, looking at the signs—half of them are in kanji, and the other half in English... sort of. And they all sound like the same word, so I’m thinking, ‘Alright, I can do this, I got this, I just need to follow the signs.’”
Kohaku nodded knowingly. “That sounds like a struggle.”
“Oh, you don’t know the half of it.” Maria continued, shaking her head. “I was supposed to take the JR Line to Hoshikawa, right? But I ended up getting into the wrong train... a totally different direction.”
Kohaku burst into laughter. “No way!”
Maria grinned sheepishly. “Yes way. I was so convinced I was on the right train, the conductor even nodded at me like, ‘Yeah, you're fine, just sit there.’ So, I’m riding along, enjoying the view, thinking, ‘Man, this place is pretty!’—when I get a call from my grandma.”
Kohaku raised an eyebrow. “Your grandma?”
“Yep. She’s always checking up on me,” Maria explained with a shrug. “So, she calls and says, ‘Maria, did you make sure you got on the train to Hoshikawa?’ And I go, ‘Yeah, grandma! I’m fine, it’s all good!’”
Kohaku was already laughing so hard she had to stop walking for a moment. “No way.”
Maria waved her hands as if trying to explain. “So, I’m talking to her, and then I look at the train sign, and it says... ‘Shin-Kobe.’ I’m like, ‘Wait... what? I’m supposed to be in Hoshikawa, not Kobe!’”
Kohaku doubled over in laughter, clutching her stomach. “Oh no! So you were on the wrong train the whole time?”
Maria nodded, her face red with embarrassment. “Yes! I was so sure I was going in the right direction. And the worst part is, when I told grandma, she was just like, ‘Ah, okay, just get off at the next stop and switch trains.’ And I'm standing there thinking, ‘How did I mess this up?’”
Kohaku laughed so hard she could barely breathe. “That’s hilarious! But hey, at least you weren’t totally alone—grandma was your lifeline!”
Maria put her hands on her hips, smiling sheepishly. “Yeah, seriously. If it wasn’t for her, I’d probably still be riding the wrong train... in some other part of Japan.”
After a few more laughs, Maria continued with her story. “And don’t even get me started on the vending machines. I swear, every time I try to buy something, I end up staring at them for five minutes, trying to figure out which button to press. I’ve accidentally bought coffee... hot coffee... on a scorching summer day.”
Kohaku’s face scrunched up in sympathy. “Hot coffee? In summer? That’s rough.”
“Right? And the worst part is, I didn't even realize I’d bought it until the can was already in my hand. I was like, ‘I didn’t ask for a hot drink, what is this?’ So, I just stood there, looking at the can like it was a strange artifact. Everyone around me was sipping on cold drinks, and there I was, holding this steaming hot coffee like I had no idea what I was doing.”
Kohaku couldn’t stop laughing at Maria’s misadventures. “I can’t believe this! And you said it was your first time in Japan?”
Maria nodded, her expression deadpan. “Oh yeah. And this is just the beginning. Wait until you hear about me trying to figure out how to use the toilets with those fancy bidets. That was a real experience.”
Kohaku snorted. “Oh, I bet. I’m honestly surprised you didn’t end up in some crazy situation trying to figure that out too.”
“I’m still trying to figure it out, honestly,” Maria said, grinning. “But hey, it’s all part of the experience, right?”
Kohaku smiled, her heart light from laughter. “I’m glad you’re having fun, even if it’s at your own expense. I bet it’ll get easier the longer you’re here.”
Maria’s eyes twinkled. “Oh, absolutely. I’ve learned a lot from my... mistakes. But hey, at least I’m getting the full experience!”
They continued walking down the street, their conversation flowing easily as they passed by small shops, street vendors, and families going about their day. Maria shared more amusing stories about her time in Japan, and Kohaku couldn't help but laugh at each one, her heart warming at Maria’s openness and jolly spirit.
By the time they reached the park near the town square, Maria’s stories had made Kohaku feel like she’d been on a whole tour of Japan without ever leaving Hoshikawa. It was clear Maria was starting to feel more at home, and Kohaku couldn’t be happier to be part of her journey.
The day was far from over, but the warmth of friendship—and the joy of getting to know each other—was all Maria needed to feel that she had made the right choice coming to Hoshikawa.
And so, with the sun beginning to set and the town coming alive with soft evening lights, they continued their stroll, ready for whatever the next chapter of their journey would bring.
END OF CHAPTER.