Chapter 36: The Language of Love and New Beginnings

The morning air in Kyoto was crisp and sweet, tinged with the scent of cedar and distant cherry blossoms. Though the group had arrived in Japan a few days earlier, every dawn still felt like a dream to Phuby. The traditional inn they rented nestled in the quiet hills just outside the city, surrounded by bamboo groves and mossy stones, made it easy to forget the bustle of life back home in Cirebon.

But it was the girl beside him who truly made the moment surreal.

Hana sat cross-legged at the low table in the tatami-matted room, her tablet glowing softly with open tabs. Her hair was tied up loosely, and she wore a casual yukata over her pajamas. Across from her, Phuby sat with a notebook filled with scribbles and messy kana.

"Okay, try this one again," she said gently, tapping the screen where a phrase in Japanese glowed in bold. "Watashi wa mainichi benkyou shimasu."

Phuby leaned forward, a small frown of concentration on his face. "Wa-ta-shi wa… mainichi benkyou… shi-ma-su," he recited slowly.

Hana smiled. "Much better. You're starting to get the rhythm. Just remember to soften the 'shi', not 'see' like in Bahasa."

He grinned, scratching the back of his head. "Why is your language so hard?" he joked, though pride flickered in his chest from her praise.

"Eh? Then should I give up teaching you?" Hana raised a teasing brow.

"Don't you dare," Phuby shot back with a laugh. "I want to be able to talk to your parents in Japanese next time they visit Cirebon."

That silenced Hana briefly. Her eyes softened, and she gave a small nod. "That would make them happy. And me too."

They continued the lesson, occasionally interrupted by giggles and tea refills, the early sun streaming through the shoji doors. From the open veranda, the distant bell of a nearby shrine echoed across the valley.

By late morning, the rest of the family had gathered downstairs. Om Luky was sipping matcha, while Mrs. Wulan tried to wrangle Kotim and Dhe'ik, who were teasing Mamad about his terrible Japanese pronunciation.

The itinerary for the day was a drive to Arashiyama. Instead of using trains, they had continued with the motorhome rental—a decision that proved more than convenient for their large group. Phuby had paid 700,000 yen (approximately Rp79,000,000) for the monthly motorhome rental, triggering a system cashback notification shortly after the transaction.

> [SYSTEM NOTICE]

Valid purchase detected: ¥700,000 (Rp79,000,000)

Cashback activated! Doubling Rp79,000,000

+Rp158,000,000 credited

New Balance: Rp7,369,000,000

Their route from the inn near Kyoto Station to Arashiyama took them through scenic mountain roads and quaint neighborhoods, the motorhome smoothly rolling past maple trees and traditional architecture.

After arriving, they strolled across the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge and ventured into the famed Bamboo Grove. Hana linked her arm through Phuby's as they walked beneath the towering green stalks. He took the opportunity to test his newfound Japanese.

"Kirei… desu ne?" he said softly, looking up.

Hana looked over at him, eyebrows raised in surprise. "You said it well."

"I practiced," he said smugly.

They stopped for lunch at a quiet riverside restaurant. Phuby ordered a variety of dishes — wagyu sukiyaki, unagi don, and matcha desserts — and treated everyone. The total came out to ¥120,000 (about Rp13,000,000). Once again, the system chimed in.

> [SYSTEM NOTICE]

Valid purchase detected: ¥120,000 (Rp13,000,000)

Cashback activated! Doubling Rp13,000,000

+Rp26,000,000 credited

New Balance: Rp7,395,000,000

Later in the afternoon, they visited a local game center. Downstairs in the arcade, Kotim and Amad were battling in a rhythm game, with Mamad mimicking every move. Upstairs, Hana and Mrs. Wulan browsed souvenirs, while Phuby picked out a set of rare anime figures and a collector's edition artbook — totaling ¥100,000 (Rp11,000,000).

> [SYSTEM NOTICE]

Valid purchase detected: ¥100,000 (Rp11,000,000)

Cashback activated! Doubling Rp11,000,000

+Rp22,000,000 credited

New Balance: Rp7,417,000,000

As they drove back to the inn, the sun setting behind the mountains, Phuby sat beside Hana in the backseat of the motorhome. She leaned her head on his shoulder.

"Thank you for trying," she whispered.

"For what?"

"For learning my language. For being you."

He squeezed her hand gently. "I want to understand you better. All of you."

The hum of the road faded into soft music. He knew this trip was only the beginning.

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