The days at Mizuhara International Academy continued to roll by, each day flowing into the next. For Htet, the mundane rhythm of school life had settled in comfortably, though something had shifted between him and Leila. It wasn’t something that could be easily articulated, but there was a quiet understanding growing between them. As the days passed, he began noticing the subtle changes in Leila, her smile lingering a little longer when their eyes met, her laughter carrying a hint of something deeper.
Yet, despite these changes, Htet remained blissfully unaware of the feelings that were beginning to take root in Leila’s heart. To him, she was simply a friend, another person who had been through the same challenges of adjusting to life in a new country. However, to Leila, things were beginning to feel different.
—
It is Tuesday afternoon, and the class was wrapping up their lesson on advanced grammar. Ms. Tanaka had assigned a short essay about cultural differences between Japan and the students' home countries, and the students were working quietly on their drafts. Htet was seated beside Leila, helping her navigate through some of the more complex sentence structures.
Leila (softly, glancing at Htet): “Htet..You know, I really appreciate how patient you are with me. It’s not easy for me, but you’ve been so kind.”
Htet (smiling casually): “Eyy..It’s no problem at all. I know how hard it can be to learn a new language, especially Japanese. If I didn’t have help when I first got here, I wouldn’t have made it this far either.”
Leila smiled, though her gaze lingered on him for a moment longer than usual. She wasn’t just grateful for his help, she admired him. It wasn’t just his kindness that made her heart flutter, but the way he seemed to carry himself so naturally, without the need for praise or recognition. It was something about his unassuming nature that drew her in.
Leila (thinking, her heart beating slightly faster): I never thought I’d feel this way. It’s just... Htet’s so different. He doesn’t ask for anything, but he’s always there when you need him. Maybe that’s why I’m starting to feel... this way about him.
She quickly shook off the thought, focusing back on her work. It wasn’t fair to entertain such feelings. She had only just arrived in Japan, and besides, Htet was kind to everyone. He didn’t see her any differently than he saw Hana, Liam, or Elena. It was just her imagination running wild.
—
After class ended, the group; Htet, Hana, Liam, Elena, and Leila met up for lunch as usual. They gathered in the courtyard, where the autumn sun cast a golden glow over the campus. It had become a comfortable routine for them, and each lunch break was filled with lighthearted banter and teasing.
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Liam (grinning at Leila): “So, Leila, have you made any new discoveries about Japan? I bet you haven’t seen anything as weird as their obsession with vending machines.”
Leila (laughing): “Oh i’ve definitely been surprised. There’s a vending machine for everything here! It's overwhelming. I even saw one selling umbrellas the other day.”
Hana (playfully): “Life hacks: try knocking the vending machines! I’ve gotten some pretty good snacks out of them.”
Elena (smiling at Leila): “You’ll get used to it, trust me. Japan has its quirks, but that’s what makes it so interesting.”
As they all laughed and shared stories, Htet noticed Leila seemed a little quieter than usual, though she was still smiling and engaged in the conversation. She would occasionally glance at him, but whenever their eyes met, she quickly looked away. It was subtle, but Htet couldn’t help but feel that something was nimbling at him.
—
That afternoon, during their break, Htet decided to take a walk around the school grounds to clear his mind. The crisp autumn air felt refreshing as he strolled through the garden, the vibrant colors of the leaves swirling in the wind. He found himself deep in thought about the changes in his own life. Since arriving in Japan, he had grown, surprisingly more than he did back in his homeland. His confidence had improved, and he was no longer the quiet, reserved boy he had once been.
But as his thoughts drifted to Leila, he realized that something had changed between them, too. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but there was a different kind of warmth whenever they spoke. It wasn’t just about helping her anymore; it was about something more, something unspoken.
Htet (thinking): Is it possible that I’m starting to notice her more, too?
He shook his head, trying to dismiss the thought. Leila was a friend, and that’s all she could be. He had never thought about her in that way…at least, not until now.
—
Meanwhile, Leila sat under a tree in the courtyard, watching Htet from a distance as he walked alone. Her heart ached with a mix of longing and guilt. She had never expected to develop feelings for him, especially so quickly. It was like a storm brewing in her chest..quiet, but powerful. She didn’t want to like him. She knew it wasn’t fair to either of them.
Leila (thinking, her voice barely a whisper): He’s so kind, so understanding. It’s impossible not to feel something for him. But I can’t let it happen. I don’t want to complicate things.
She looked away from Htet, taking a deep breath as she tried to focus on something else.
—
The week passed in much the same way, but the tension between them grew in quiet ways. Htet, though oblivious to the full extent of Leila’s feelings, began to notice the subtle shifts. She laughed a little too loudly when he made a joke, and there were moments when their hands would brush ever so slightly, sending an inexplicable jolt through him.
Htet (thinking, feeling uneasy): Hmm..is it just me or am I overthinking this?
One afternoon after school, as they were all preparing to leave, Htet and Leila walked together toward the gates. The group had scattered, each heading off in different directions, but Htet had lingered to chat with Leila.
Leila (hesitant, her voice soft): “Um..Htet, I just wanted to say... thank you. For everything. You’ve really helped me a lot.”
Htet (smiling warmly): “It’s no problem at all. I’m just glad I could help. We’re friends, we help each other while expecting nothing in return, right?”
Leila’s heart fluttered at the word, though she tried to mask it with a smile.
Leila (nodding): “Yeah. We’re friends.”
As they walked in comfortable silence, a small part of Leila wished for something more, but another part of her knew better. Htet had always been kind, but he saw her as just another friend. Nothing more.
And as much as it pained her, she would continue to be just that…his friend. Maybe, just maybe. One day, when the time comes, when she is certain of it. She thought she should try again.
—(End of Chapter 8)---