Chapter 37 – A Question of Hearts and Faith

The evening air in Kyoto was brisk but gentle, the scent of cherry blossoms not yet in bloom lingering faintly in the early spring breeze. The group had returned to their rented house near Arashiyama after a long day of exploring the historic streets of Gion and enjoying seasonal street food that lined the narrow alleys.

Inside, the mood was cheerful. Laughter echoed in the living room as Mrs. Wulan and Hana's mother discussed the unique flavor of matcha wagashi they'd tried earlier, while Om Luky and Hana's father flipped through a brochure of Japanese gardens with mild curiosity. Phuby, however, was uncharacteristically quiet. His eyes flicked toward Hana, who had just stood up to head to the bathroom. As soon as she left, his heart began pounding. This was his chance.

He stood slowly, glancing at his mother and Om Luky. They both gave him subtle, reassuring nods.

Summoning every ounce of courage, Phuby approached Hana's parents who were now sipping warm tea at the low wooden table. He sat down across from them, trying to steady his voice and his racing thoughts.

"Ano… excuse me," he began in slightly nervous English, "I… I want to talk about something… important."

Hana's father lowered his cup. Her mother turned to him with a warm but curious expression.

Phuby took a deep breath, then bowed slightly. "I would like to ask for your blessing to marry Hana."

The room went quiet. Even the subtle sound of the heater seemed to fade.

"I know it might sound sudden," he continued, "but… I truly love your daughter. She's been with me during hard times and good times. I've always wanted to build a life with her."

Hana's mother blinked, looking at her husband with wide eyes. Her lips curled upward as if holding back a reaction. Hana's father leaned forward, serious now, eyes focused on Phuby's.

"Do you believe you can protect her? Support her?" he asked softly, switching from Japanese to English for clarity.

"I will do everything I can," Phuby answered. "And… there's one more thing I need to say, even though I'm afraid it might be hard to hear."

He paused, hands clenching nervously on his lap. "I'm a Muslim. In our faith, if a Muslim man wants to marry someone who isn't Muslim… the person needs to convert to Islam."

The air grew heavy with the weight of those words.

"I… I don't ask this lightly," Phuby said, his voice barely a whisper now. "I understand if it's too much. I just want to be honest and respectful."

There was a long silence. Hana's mother turned to look at her husband, whose expression was unreadable.

But then, after a moment that stretched like hours, Hana's father let out a deep sigh—almost like a release of tension—and nodded slightly.

"You're very brave to say that. Many would avoid saying such things," he said slowly. "We've been watching you… and how you treat Hana. How you treat your family. How devoted you are in your prayers. You're a good man, Phuby."

Phuby blinked, shocked.

Hana's mother placed a hand over her husband's and smiled warmly. "We know this is a serious matter. But… we believe in our daughter's choices. If she chooses you, then we trust that path."

Phuby exhaled, feeling his lungs finally fill with air again. "Thank you… really, thank you."

"Have you planned how you will propose to her?" Hana's mother asked suddenly with a mischievous gleam in her eyes.

He smiled sheepishly. "Yes… I want to do it at Arashiyama Forest Grove. Early in the morning, before the tourists arrive. It's peaceful there. I want it to be special. But…"

He scratched the back of his head nervously. "I still need to buy the rings. So I'll need a long distraction tomorrow. Maybe a shopping trip without me?"

Both parents chuckled, and Hana's father nodded. "Leave it to us. We'll keep her busy."

Just then, footsteps echoed down the hallway. Hana was returning.

Phuby stood up, bowing politely to both parents again just as Hana reentered, smiling.

"What are you three talking about?" she asked, tilting her head playfully.

Mrs. Wulan, who had been watching from a distance with Om Luky, quickly interjected. "Oh, just adult talk, dear. Come, let's all sit together again."

Phuby looked at his mother, and she gave him a subtle thumbs-up behind her teacup.

As the conversation returned to light topics and laughter, Phuby sat beside Hana, his heart still racing—but this time, filled with excitement. The hardest part was over. Tomorrow morning, everything would change.

And as outside the moon hung over Kyoto in quiet serenity, the cherry trees just beginning to stir toward bloom, Phuby knew: the moment of a lifetime was just a sunrise away.

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