The days that followed felt like a delicate balance between normalcy and newness for both Htet and Leila. While Htet had found his footing, Leila was still in the process of adjusting to the environment around her. Despite the language barrier and cultural differences, she seemed to be finding comfort in small ways, especially with Htet’s quiet encouragement.
It is a Friday afternoon when their relationship began to shift in a subtle, but undeniable way.
---
Class scene: Japanese Period
The bell rang to signal the beginning of Japanese class. Htet had always found Japanese a bit challenging, especially with its complex grammar and kanji, but by now, he had made progress. Today, they were studying Keigo (敬語), the formal speech used in Japanese, which could be difficult for even native speakers.
Ms. Watanabe, who had taken over the class for the day, right after the usual attendance check, began writing on the board, her handwriting elegant, neat and flowing.
Ms. Watanabe (pointing to the board): “Today, we will practice the differences between Sonkeigo (尊敬語) and Kenjougo (謙譲語). These two types of Keigo are used to show respect in different contexts. Sonkeigo is used to elevate the person you are talking to, while Kenjougo is used to humble yourself. For example, instead of saying ‘I will go,’ we use ‘参ります’ (mairimasu), which is humble.”
Htet nodded, taking notes. Japanese had a way of creating distance between people, an elegance that was both beautiful and intimidating. He had come to appreciate the subtlety of it, but it was still challenging.
Leila (whispering, slightly anxious): “Htet, this looks soo complicated...”
Htet (smiling reassuringly): “Don't worry it’s not as hard once you get used to it. Just remember, it’s about showing respect.”
Leila nodded, still looking unsure. As the class progressed, Ms. Watanabe began assigning practice exercises for the students to do in pairs. Htet found himself partnered with Leila again, and though they had only just started their first assignment together, he could see she was struggling with the intricacies of Keigo.
Leila (frowning at the worksheet): “I have no idea or don’t even know where to start. This isn’t the kind of Japanese I learned at home.”
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Htet (gently): “It’s okay. I can help you. Let’s start with the basics.”
He explained the rules in simple English, helping her navigate through the forms. Slowly, the tension in her shoulders eased as she began to understand the difference between the formal and humble expressions.
Time just flow naturally yet the two was in their own world without realizing that the time had progressed enough to the point that the bell rang, signalling the end of the class.
As students packed up their belongings, Leila turned to Htet with a grateful smile.
Leila (smiling softly): “Thank you very much, Htet. I think I actually get it now. Your explanations are so natural that I learnt it in one go.”
Htet (grinning): “See? You’re getting the hang of it.”
Leila (pausing, a bit shy): “You really are good at this... explaining things. I think I’m going to need a lot of help, though. I don’t want to slow you down.”
Htet (shaking his head): “Hey, you’re not slowing me down, rather, you are helping me revise my own understandings so it benefits both of us. We’re in this together, remember?”
Leila’s eyes softened, and for a brief moment, Htet saw a flicker of relief. She wasn’t alone in this after all.
—
Over the next few days, their interactions began to feel more natural. Leila would sit with Htet during lunch, and they would exchange stories about their respective countries. Htet learned that Leila came from a small town in Canada, where life was slower and more peaceful. She had always been a bit shy, but her family had encouraged her to travel and explore the world.
Leila (quietly): “I guess this is my way of stepping out of my comfort zone. Props, to my family.”
Htet (thoughtfully): “It’s a big step, but honestly…you’re doing great.”
Meanwhile, Htet found himself sharing more about his own experiences. He explained how difficult it had been for him to adjust when he first arrived in Japan, the feeling of not quite fitting in.
Htet (softly): “I think I was in denial at first... but then, I realized it’s okay to feel lost sometimes. That’s how you grow.”
Leila (nodding): “I feel that too. But, I think I’m starting to find my way here... with your help.”
Their bond was growing in quiet, unspoken ways, strengthened by the shared experiences of being outsiders in a foreign land. It was clear that their friendship was blossoming into something deeper, though neither of them would acknowledge it yet.
—
As the week went on, Htet began noticing something interesting. Leila seemed to fit in well with the rest of the group. During lunch breaks, Hana, Liam, and Elena had all taken an interest in her, including her in their conversations and making her feel welcome. Hana often teased her about her Canadian accent, and Liam would challenge her on various topics, always keeping the atmosphere light and playful.
Liam (joking): “So, Leila, does the maple syrup really make everything taste better in Canada?”
Leila (laughing): “I’ll admit, we put it on almost everything. It’s like our national condiment.”
Elena (smiling warmly): “I bet it’s a great way to add a little sweetness to everything.”
Leila (playfully): “You’d be surprised. You can even have it with bacon.”
The conversations flowed easily, and Leila’s initial shyness seemed to melt away in the warmth of the group’s acceptance. It was clear she had found a new group of friends who were eager to support her.
—
As Htet walked back to his dorm that evening, he couldn’t help but reflect on the changes he had seen in Leila. It had only been a week since she arrived, yet there was a noticeable shift in her demeanor. She was no longer the quiet, anxious girl who had stepped into the classroom that first day.
Htet (thinking): She’s stronger than I thought. Maybe I can learn something from her, too.
The thought lingered in his mind as he arrived at his dorm. He had always been someone who kept to himself, but seeing Leila open up to the world around her made him reconsider his own approach to the future. Maybe, just maybe, it was time for him to step out of his comfort zone as well.
—(End of Chapter 7)---