The following morning at Mizuhara International Academy began like any other. The soft hum of chatter filled the air as students filed into their respective classrooms, neatly swapping their outdoor shoes for uwabaki at the entrance. Htet found himself immersed in the routine that was quickly becoming second nature, but there was something about the rhythm of life here that still held a certain novelty.

The day began with homeroom, where Mr. Nakamura greeted the class with his usual warm demeanor.

Mr. Nakamura (smiling): [おはようございます、みなさん。] (Ohayou gozaimasu, minasan.)

(Good morning, everyone.)

The class responded in unison, their voices a harmonious blend of politeness and enthusiasm:

[おはようございます、先生。] (Ohayou gozaimasu, sensei.)

(Good morning, teacher.)

As Mr. Nakamura ran through the announcements for the day, Htet couldn’t help but notice Leila sneaking glances his way. She quickly looked away when he caught her, her cheeks tinted with a light blush.

Class Scene: Japanese Period

The first period is Japanese class with Mr. Nakamura himself. Today’s lesson focused on keigo (敬語) - the art of polite speech in Japanese.

Mr. Nakamura (explaining): “Minna san, Keigo is essential in Japanese culture. It shows respect in professional settings, towards elders, or anyone in a higher position. So it's crucial for everyone to know the fundamentals. Saa, Let’s review the three forms: sonkeigo (尊敬語), kenjougo (謙譲語), and teineigo (丁寧語).”

The class murmured in interest as Mr. Nakamura wrote examples on the board.

Mr. Nakamura (writing):

1. 尊敬語 (Sonkeigo) – Used to elevate the listener. For example: [行く] becomes [いらっしゃる] (Iku -> Irassharu).

2. 謙譲語 (Kenjougo) – Used to humble the speaker. For example: [行く] becomes [参る] (Iku -> Mairu).

3. 丁寧語 (Teineigo) – Polite speech. For example: [行く] becomes [行きます](Iku -> Ikimasu).

Htet found himself fascinated by the complexity of the language. Though challenging, there was something poetic about how much thought went into simple communication.

Mr. Nakamura (encouraging): “So, Let’s practice with a scenario. Hmm…Htet, let's say you’re addressing the principal, Mr. Fujimoto. How would you greet him using sonkeigo?”

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Htet stood, his mind racing, scumming and reviewing what he understood from a brief explanation. After a brief pause, he spoke:

Htet (nervous but determined): [おはようございます、校長先生。] (Ohayou gozaimasu, kouchou sensei.)

(Good morning, Principal.)

Mr. Nakamura (nodding approvingly): “Subarashii! And if you were to humbly introduce yourself in kenjougo?”

Htet hesitated but managed:

Htet: [私はミャンマーから参りました、テットと申します。] (Watashi wa Myanmar kara mairimashita, Htet to moushimasu.)

(I have come from Myanmar, and my name is Htet.)

The class erupted into light applause, nodding in approval with simple yet effective example that htet made and Htet returned to his seat, relieved but proud.

—

Scene: Lunch Break

When the lunch bell rang, the classroom erupted with energy as students rushed to grab their bento boxes or head to the cafeteria. Htet joined Hana, Liam, and Elena in their usual spot by the courtyard. The cool winter air made the warmth of their packed lunches even more comforting. On the other hand, Liam and htet as usual bought the obento boxes from the cafeteria and joined the party.

Before eating, the group bowed their heads, a habit ingrained into the school culture. Something that htet is starting to appreciate and enjoy since burmese also have similar culture but not visually represented like japanese does with the gestures.

[いただきます。] (Itadakimasu.)

(Thank you for the meal.)

As they ate, the conversation flowed naturally. Hana and Liam were their usual lively selves, while Elena contributed with her thoughtful insights.

Elena (curious): “Htet, how are you finding the keigo lessons? It’s a lot to take in but I'm surprised to see you pull it off during the class.”

Htet (chuckling): “It’s definitely complicated, but I think it’s fascinating how much respect is embedded in the language. It’s like you’re constantly thinking about others when you speak.”

Leila, sitting a bit apart from the group, watched the interaction quietly. She admired how Htet could engage with anyone so effortlessly.

Hana (teasing): “Geez Htet, you’re too humble. You nailed that example earlier! Unlike someone who's been here longer than you were (glancing at Liam)”

Liam (grinning): “Yeah, man. Meanwhile, I’m just over here trying to remember how to say ‘good morning.’”

The group laughed, and even Leila joined in, her reserved nature briefly giving way to genuine amusement.

---

After lunch, the group had a short break before their next class. Elena suggested they explore a different part of the campus since Htet hadn’t yet seen everything.

Elena (smiling): “Since we have some time and you two are still new here. Why don’t we show you the music and art wings today? They’re pretty amazing.”

The group made their way across the campus, passing by the gymnasium where Mr. Yamada was supervising a group of students practicing kendo. The rhythmic clack of wooden swords echoed through the hall.

Htet (amazed): “ Woah! There's kendo class here??”

Hana: “ Yeah, infact most of japanese school do have it but it's in a form of club activities. Here tho it's a mixture of both, students gets to choose almost everything they wants to learn apart from mandatory classes”.

Liam(serious face):” Yeah, it's as if the school is letting us make life decisions even way before graduating.”

As the conversation flows they reached the music wing, the air was filled with the faint sound of a piano. Inside, Ms. Watanabe was conducting a choir practice.

Ms. Watanabe (enthusiastic): “One more time, everyone! Focus on your harmonies!”

The group paused briefly to watch. The harmony of voices was mesmerizing, and even Liam seemed uncharacteristically quiet.

Hana (whispering): “She’s strict, but everyone loves her classes. You can feel her passion for music.”

Next, they visited the art wing, where Ms. Ito was setting up supplies for an afternoon class. The room was filled with the scent of paint and the vibrant colors of student projects displayed on the walls.

Ms. Ito (noticing them): “Ah, Htet! Welcome. I hope to see you in one of my classes someday. Art is a wonderful way to express yourself.”

Htet (politely): “Ah yes, Ms. Ito. I’ll keep that in mind.”

---

As the day wound down, the group returned to their classroom for a final period of self-study. Mr. Nakamura reminded them of their homework, then led the class in their closing ritual.

Mr. Nakamura: [起立。礼。ありがとうございました。] (Kiritsu. Rei. Arigatou gozaimashita.)

(Stand. Bow. Thank you very much.)

The students echoed his words, bowing respectfully before heading out for the day.

Htet walked back to the dorms with Leila and Elena. Though the day had been long, he couldn’t help but feel grateful for the warmth of his new friends and the richness of the school’s culture.

Leila, meanwhile, stole one last glance at Htet as they parted ways, her feelings still a quiet, unspoken secret.

—(End of Chapter 10)---