The Japan Trip Series
Chapter 1: Introductions
Reader joins Mizu on a trip home to Japan. Reader meets Eiji for the first time in person.
The trip had been long and exhausting, with almost 20 hours of travel, but you were finally here.
Kohama, the small fishing town that Mizu grew up in on the east coast of Japan. The traditional architecture was covered in moss in some spots, and the air smelled of saltwater and incense.
Mizu guided you up the stone path, leading to a quaint house atop a hill.
“You ready?” They asked you, smiling reassuringly.
“Ready.”
Mizu knocked on the door, and a moment later an old man opened the door.
“Mizu.”
Mizu bowed to her adoptive father. “<Father… it is good to see you.>”
Eiji stepped forward, holding Mizu’s face in his weathered hands. He smiled warmly and patted her cheek. “<Welcome home.>”
He turned his attention to you then.
“<And this must be the one I’ve heard so much about.>”
You smiled, kind and warm at the old man. You bowed deeply, respectfully. “<Eiji-san, it is wonderful to finally meet you. Thank you for your hospitality.>”
He smiled, chuckling to himself, clearly pleased you spoke at least some Japanese.
“<Wonderful to meet you as well. Please, come inside.>”
You and Mizu followed Eiji inside, slipping off your shoes.
“<Ah, it’s not much, but please accept this small thanks.>” You said shyly, handing Eiji a paper-wrapped package.
He carefully unfolded the paper, and pulled out the deep red wool cardigan you had crocheted for him. He ran his hands over the soft fabric, smiling warmly.
“<This is too kind, thank you my dear>.”
He turned to Mizu, his smile becoming a teasing grin.
“<I sure hope some of her good manners have rubbed off on you, Mizu.>”
Mizu rolled their eyes with a faint smile. She picked up both of your suitcases and gestured with her head.
“C’mon, let’s get settled.”
“<Take your time, girls, I’ll make some tea.>”
Mizu guided you to a large room with a tatami mat floor. It was warmly decorated. A large round window overlooked the garden Eiji kept in the back.
“He loves you.” Mizu said immediately once the screen door was closed. She had a knowing smile on her face as they set down your suitcases. “I’ve never seen him so enamored.”
You clenched your fist victoriously, smiling as you let out a little “yessss!”
You chuckled together and allowed the air to get quiet. You watched as Mizu looked around the room, her body relaxing slightly.
“Feel good to be home?” You asked, standing behind Mizu and wrapping your arms around their waist.
“Yeah. Feels…nice. Didn’t realize how much I missed it…and I’m glad I get to share it with you now.” She turned her head and gave you a peck on the nose. “Come on.”
Mizu led you back to the dining room, where Eiji sat, pouring tea for everybody. The two of you sat across from him.
“<Come, sit, I’m sure you’re both tired after the flight.>”
“<Thank you, father. The trip was long.>”
“<Then I won’t badger you with too many questions tonight.>” He smiled softly. “<Though I admit my curiosity, Mizu has never before brought somebody home.>”
Mizu shrugged. “<Not like there’s been a ton of people I’d want to travel all this way with.>”
“<I feel honoured to be the first. Hopefully the only.>”
They smiled at you, gently nudging your elbow with their own.
The three of you talked for an hour. Eiji was eager to know all the details about the person that managed to capture his child’s heart.
“<It took forever to get done, because Mizu is so stubborn!>” You laughed with Eiji, telling him about a project at home.
“<Aah, she always has been. Imagine trying to get her to leave the park as a child. Always been a stubborn mule.>”
Mizu was faintly blushing, and coughed behind their fist. “<I do believe I got that from you, father. So you’re to blame.>”
“<Aaahh enough, now. I have a garden to tend, and I’m sure you two want to nap off the jet lag.>”
Eiji stood, prompting you and Mizu to get up as well.
“<I don’t mind helping in the garden if you need!>” You offered.
“<Such a kind girl.>” He hummed in approval. “<Come, then. You can help me weed. My knees are not what they used to be.>”
You walked outside with Eiji, Mizu following.
He showed you where to go, settling himself in for his own work.
Mizu watched in awe of you, finding herself falling deeper in love with you, as you helped her elderly father with just as much care and empathy as you showed your own.
She had never felt her heart melt like it did at the tender sight.
They were confident in their decision to bring you here more than ever, excited, knowing this trip would be life-changing for you both.
