Chapter 81: A Warm Journey

They stood on the bustling platform of Tokyo Station, ready to board the Shinkansen, Japan's iconic bullet train. Known for its sleek design and lightning-fast speed, the Shinkansen is a marvel of modern transportation, connecting major cities across Japan with remarkable efficiency. Their destination: Kyoto, a historical city renowned for its temples, traditional streets, and serene beauty. The journey from Tokyo to Kyoto would take approximately two hours and 15 minutes.

Kaede's heart pounded as they boarded the train. She still couldn't believe she was about to embark on a trip with Mirei and her parents. As they settled into their reserved seats, Kaede found herself sitting next to Mirei, while Mirei's parents, sat across from them.

Kaede sat rigidly, her back straight, hands folded neatly in her lap. Mirei noticed her girlfriend's unease and gently placed her hand over Kaede's. "Kaede, relax," she whispered with a soft smile. "My parents are really chill. I'll help you if you're nervous."

Kaede managed a shy smile, squeezing Mirei's hand lightly. "Thank you... I guess I'm just... not used to this."

Their lighthearted conversation began flowing easily, covering everything from the upcoming trip itinerary to funny stories from their past. Kaede slowly felt her nerves easing, though the thought of being introduced as Mirei's girlfriend still felt surreal.

After a moment of quiet, Kaede hesitated before asking, "Mirei… what if someone recognizes you? What if people start questioning who I am and why I'm with you and your family?"

Mirei chuckled softly, brushing her long hair back. "We'll just say you're my cousin. How's that?"

Kaede nodded thoughtfully. "I see… I'm with you."

But there was still something nagging at her. "Mirei…" she began cautiously, "I was really surprised when you told your parents about us so casually… like it was no big deal."

Mirei tilted her head, confused. "Why wouldn't I? You're important to me."

Kaede blushed, looking down at their intertwined hands. "I guess I thought it'd be… complicated. I mean... we're both girls."

Mirei's expression softened. "My parents have always supported me, no matter what. They just want me to be happy."

Kaede's heart swelled with admiration. "They really are amazing."

"They are," Mirei agreed with a proud smile.

Their conversation soon shifted to teasing banter, with Mirei poking fun at Kaede's seriousness. Each playful remark made Kaede's heart skip a beat, her worries gradually dissolving into the warmth of Mirei's presence.

---

The Shinkansen smoothly glided into Kyoto Station around 11 a.m. Despite the early arrival, check-in at their hotel wasn't until later in the afternoon. With time to spare, Mirei led the way as they explored the city.

Their first stop was a local ramen shop famous for its rich broth and handmade noodles. It was a cozy, family-run place with a welcoming atmosphere. Mirei took the lead, guiding Kaede and her parents to a table near the window.

As they waited for their food, Kazuki and Atsuko shared stories from their past. "You know, this is actually our first time in Kyoto," Atsuko admitted with a laugh. "We've lived in Fukuoka for so long, we never got around to visiting."

Kaede listened intently, absorbing every detail. She learned that Mirei's parents were only 25 when Mirei was born, making them still young and vibrant. Despite their busy lives, they had always been supportive of Mirei's dreams, even when she decided to move to Tokyo alone at 16 to pursue her idol career.

"At first, we were against it," Kazuki admitted, stirring his tea thoughtfully. "She's our only child... the thought of her being alone in such a big city scared us."

"But Mirei was so determined," Atsuko added fondly. "She kept saying that being an idol was her dream, and she was willing to work hard to achieve it."

Kazuki nodded. "We couldn't crush her dream... so we let her go, though we still lived in Fukuoka back then."

Kaede's gaze softened as she looked at Mirei, who smiled quietly at her parents' words.

"But starting this year, we moved to Canada because of Kazuki's job," Atsuko continued with a hint of sadness. "We hated leaving Japan, but we couldn't hold back his career. Fortunately, we managed to get some time off this season, so we didn't want to miss the chance to spend it with Mirei."

Kaede's heart ached at the thought of Mirei being alone. Before she could say anything, Atsuko reached over and gently took Kaede's hand.

"That's why we were so relieved when Mirei told us about you and your mom," she said sincerely. "Knowing she has someone like you makes the distance easier to bear. Thank you dear."

Kaede blushed, rubbing the back of her neck. "We didn't do much back then... Mirei's the one who brought life and energy into our home."

Mirei's cheeks turned a soft pink at Kaede's heartfelt praise.

Their bowls of ramen arrived, steaming and fragrant. The conversation continued naturally, filled with laughter and light-hearted stories from Mirei's childhood. Every passing moment strengthened Kaede's connection with Mirei's parents, making her feel welcomed and accepted.

After lunch, they strolled through Kyoto's charming streets, visiting small shops and taking in the picturesque surroundings. The historic charm of Kyoto felt almost magical, with its old wooden buildings, winding alleyways, and blooming flowers.

Kaede walked beside Mirei, their fingers brushing occasionally. Though they couldn't openly hold hands, the silent understanding between them spoke volumes. Every glance, every smile shared was a secret moment etched into their memories.

As they paused by a serene canal lined with willow trees, Mirei's mother gently took Kaede's hand. "Thank you for loving our daughter," she said softly. "We're so happy and relief she has someone like you by her side."

Kaede's eyes widened in surprise before filling with warmth. "I… I'm the lucky one. Thank you for accepting me."

As their conversation flowed naturally, Atsuko suddenly turned to Kaede with a playful smile. "Even though she can be a handful sometimes."

Kaede couldn't help but chuckle at Atsuko's teasing remark. "I think she's perfect just the way she is," she replied sincerely, though her voice carried a soft laugh.

Mirei's eyes widened, her face flushing pink. "Mooom! Don't say weird things like that!" she protested, fidgeting with her hands as she avoided Kaede's gaze.

Atsuko only laughed, clearly enjoying seeing her usually confident daughter flustered. Kaede smiled fondly at Mirei, her heart swelling with affection.

In that moment, Kaede realized something profound: This wasn't just a trip. It was the start of a new chapter in her life, where love, acceptance, and family came together in perfect harmony.