Chapter 16

the gentle clinking of ceramic bowls and the soft sizzle of a tamagoyaki pan filled the air. Lily, her bright floral apron tied neatly around her waist, hummed a cheerful, if slightly off-key, tune as she meticulously arranged thin slices of grilled salmon, fluffy rice, and vibrant pickled vegetables onto two traditional Japanese breakfast sets. A pitcher of freshly squeezed orange juice, condensation already beading on its surface, stood nearby, promising a burst of much-needed refreshment.

She glanced towards the sliding glass doors leading to the small terrace. Jiah, her roommate, was already out there, a figure of serene concentration against the backdrop of the city just beginning to stir. Jiah was a dancer, and her movements, even in stillness, possessed an innate grace.

Lily poured two glasses of juice, the ice clinking softly as it settled. With a tray in hand, she padded towards the terrace door, a smile already forming on her lips.

Lily: (Brightly) Hello, sis! Good morning!

Jiah, her eyes gently closed, was in the middle of a Warrior II pose, her arms extended, one leg lunged forward. She slowly lowered her arms, straightened her leg, and opened her eyes, a soft, peaceful expression on her face. A bead of perspiration traced a path down her temple.

Jiah: (A soft sigh, then a warm smile) Oh, Lily! Good morning to you too. You're always so efficient. Is that breakfast I smell?

Lily beamed, stepping out onto the small, sun-drenched terrace. The air immediately felt thicker, warmer, even at this early hour. The sounds of distant traffic and the chirping of cicadas were beginning to swell. She carefully set the tray down on the low outdoor table, the colourful dishes a vibrant contrast to the minimalist grey of the terrace floor.

Lily: Indeed! Freshly made. But… (She tilted her head, observing Jiah, who was now settling into a seated position, legs crossed, hands resting on her knees, thumbs and forefingers touching) What are you doing out here, like this? You're… stretching? But for so long!

Jiah chuckled, a melodious sound.

Jiah: This isn't just stretching, Lily. I'm doing yoga.

Lily's brow furrowed, her genuine confusion evident. She picked up a small ceramic bowl of miso soup, inhaling its comforting aroma.

Lily: Yoga? (She mumbled the word, trying to form it in her mouth) Yoga… I never heard that before. Is that… a new kind of exercise? Back home, we just do calisthenics or maybe some light jogging. Or just walk everywhere, which is exercise enough!

Jiah's smile widened. She understood Lily's innocence. Lily, hailing from a quieter, more traditional part of Japan, had only recently moved to the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, and many modern or international concepts were still wonderfully new to her.

Jiah: Well, in a way, yes, it's a form of exercise, but it's much more than just physical movement. Yoga is an ancient practice, originating from India. It combines physical postures – like the ones you saw me doing – with breathing exercises and meditation.

Lily, eyes wide with fascination, took a small sip of her miso soup, listening intently.

Lily: Meditation? Is that like… sitting quietly? Like when monks pray?

Jiah: (Nodding thoughtfully) Something like that, yes. The idea is to bring harmony between your body and mind. When you practice yoga, you focus on your breath, on how your body feels, and it helps you to quiet the chatter in your mind. It's about finding balance.

She demonstrated a gentle breathing exercise, inhaling deeply, holding, and exhaling slowly.

Jiah: When you do yoga regularly, it helps to keep your body flexible and strong, but more importantly, it helps you feel relaxed, calm, and brings a sense of peace within yourself. Especially with the stress of city life, and the heat, it helps to ground you. It's like a little sanctuary you carry with you.

Lily slowly put her soup bowl down, a spark of understanding, and perhaps curiosity, lighting in her eyes. She imagined the serenity Jiah described. Her own mornings were often a rush of preparations, a whirlwind of practical tasks.

Lily: Relax… calm… body peace… (She repeated the words, testing them) That sounds… very nice. Especially on a day like today! But… (She gestured to the spread of food) Please, let's have breakfast first, before you float away into total peace! The salmon is getting cold.

Jiah laughed, pushing herself up with a fluid movement.

Jiah: You're right! Breakfast first. My stomach is definitely not in a state of 'peaceful meditation' right now. It's rumbling for food!

They took their seats at the low table. The air was still gentle, but the sun was creeping higher, its warmth intensifying. Lily poured them both a glass of the orange juice, the cool liquid a welcome sight.

Lily: Ahh, this juice is so refreshing. (She dabbed her forehead with a napkin) It's totally hot today already, isn't it? And it's not even nine yet!

Jiah nodded, taking a bite of grilled salmon.

Jiah: Yes, sister, it truly is. Tokyo summers are… intense. The humidity just clings to you, doesn't it? Even the air feels heavy. I already had to turn on the air conditioner in my room last night. I think I woke up sweating once.

Lily: Me too! I had to open the window. But then the cicadas were so loud! It's like they're shouting, 'It's hot! It's hot!' all day long. I think I prefer the chill of autumn, or the pink blossoms of spring. Summer is… a challenge. But at least we have this delicious breakfast to fuel us for the fight against the heat!

They ate in comfortable silence for a few minutes, the only sounds the gentle clinking of chopsticks against porcelain and the distant hum of the city. Lily savored her food, pleased by Jiah's appreciative murmurs.

Suddenly, Jiah's phone, which she had placed on a small cushion nearby, buzzed to life, displaying an incoming video call. The screen showed a familiar, smiling face.

Jiah: (Eyes widening slightly) Oh! It's my mom! From Korea.

She quickly reached for the phone, tapping the answer button. Her expression immediately shifted, a new warmth blooming on her face, and her language switched seamlessly.

Jiah: (Smiling brightly into the phone, her voice lilting with a distinctly Korean cadence) Anneyeonghaseyo, Eomma! Oh, hello, Mom!

Jiah's Mom (on screen): (Her voice, slightly tinny through the phone, was full of warmth and concern) Anneyeong, Jiah-ya! My dear Jiah! How are you? Are you doing well? Is Tokyo treating you alright? I was just thinking of you.

Jiah: (Nodding, a soft laugh escaping her lips) Ne, Eomma. Jal jinaesseoyo. Yes, Mom. I'm good. I'm doing very well, thank you. I just finished my morning yoga practice, and Lily just made us an amazing Japanese breakfast!

Jiah's Mom: (Her eyes scanned the screen, perhaps trying to see the background.) Oh, that's wonderful to hear, my dear. I was a little worried about you. Is the weather too hot there? I heard on the news it's a record-breaking summer in Japan this year. And how is your room? Is the air conditioning working properly? Are you sleeping well? Have you seen Minji recently? She sent her regards.

Lily watched the exchange, fascinated. Jiah's face was so expressive when she spoke Korean, her hands often gesturing lightly, her tone shifting with familial ease. She heard the repeated "Eomma" and understood it was "Mom," but beyond that, the cascade of Korean words was a beautiful, impenetrable wall of sound.

Jiah: (Taking a breath, trying to answer all her mom's questions at once) Eomma, gwaenchanayo. Mom, it's okay. The weather is definitely hot, yes, but we have good air conditioning in the room, so it's comfortable inside. And I'm sleeping very well, don't worry!

Minji? Oh, yes, , she's doing great! Please tell her I said hello back.

Jiah then turned the phone slightly towards Lily, her eyes twinkling.

Jiah: Eomma, igeo jeone roommate Lily-eoyo. Mom, this is my roommate, Lily.

Lily, surprised but ready, quickly bowed her head slightly, offering a small, polite wave to the screen. Her smile was warm and genuine, though she understood not a single word.

Lily: (In English, softly, to the phone) Hello! Nice to meet you! Greet..

Jiah's Mom, on the screen, smiled broadly, her eyes crinkling. She waved back enthusiastically.

Jiah's Mom: (Still in Korean, looking at Lily with a kind expression) Oh! Annyeonghaseyo, Lily-ssi! Hello, Lily! It's so nice to finally meet you! Jiah talks about you often. Thank you for taking care of my daughter and for making such delicious breakfast! You look very sweet. Jiah, you have such a nice roommate!

Jiah quickly translated the last part for Lily, sensing her confusion.

Jiah: My mom says hello, and she thinks you're very sweet, Lily. She's happy I have such a nice roommate!

Lily's cheeks flushed slightly, pleased by the compliment.

Lily: Oh! Thank you! (She bowed her head again towards the screen) Thank you very much!

Jiah: (To her mom, in Korean again) Ne, Eomma. Lily-ga jeommal jal haejwoyo. Yes, Mom. Lily is really good to me. She cooks for me often.

Jiah's Mom: (A relieved sigh) That's good, my dear. That's very good. Make sure you both eat well and stay hydrated in this heat, okay? Don't forget your vitamins! I'll send you some more of those ginseng sachets next week.

Jiah: (A chuckle) Ne, Eomma. Arasseumnida. Yes, Mom. I understand. You worry too much! But thank you for the ginseng. I'll make sure Lily takes some too.

Lily heard "ginseng," and could piece together fragments, but the flow of conversation remained a mystery. She sipped her orange juice, content to be a silent, smiling observer.

After talking for a few more minutes about general well-being, Jiah, noticing Lily's quiet presence and the ongoing breakfast, decided to wrap up the call.

Jiah: (To her mom) Eomma, jeoga jigeum Lilyrang achim meokgo isseoyo. Mom, I'm eating breakfast with Lily right now. I should go, so the food doesn't get cold. I'll call you again later tonight, okay? Or tomorrow morning. Don't worry too much.

Jiah's Mom: (Her voice softening, a final note of affection) Arasseo, arasseo. Alright, alright. Always thinking of your stomach, my Jiah! Okay, bye, my dear. Eat well. And bye, Lily! It was lovely meeting you!

Jiah: Ne, Eomma. Annyeong! Yes, Mom. Bye!

Lily: (Waving again, politely) Bye-bye!

Jiah ended the call, placing the phone back on the cushion. The terrace felt quieter again, save for the cicadas and the hum of the city. Lily turned to Jiah, her curiosity bubbling over.

Lily: (Leaning forward slightly) Is she your mother? Your actual mother?

Jiah smiled, picking up her chopsticks again.

Jiah: Yes, she is. She calls me every other day, sometimes daily, just to check up on me. Korean mothers, you know. They worry a lot.

Lily: Ohh… (Her mind replayed the rapid-fire Korean exchange) She was talking so fast! What was she saying? I didn't understand anything. Not a single word, She sounded very concerned. About the weather, I think?

Jiah laughed, a warm, reassuring sound.

Jiah: No, Minji is a friend back home. My mom was just asking if I'd seen her, and about the Tokyo summer heat – she worries I'll melt! And if the air conditioning in the room works, and if I'm eating well, and sleeping well. All the usual mom worries. She's just very protective.

Lily nodded slowly, a dawning realization. The language barrier was immense, but the universal language of a mother's concern was something she could intuitively grasp.

Lily: Ah, I see. My mother is also like that. Always asking if I've eaten enough, if I'm warm enough. But… (She sighed, a touch of humorous exasperation) She speaks Japanese, so I understand her worrying! It must be strange, talking to your mother and not understanding anything. It's like being in a different world! I thought she was asking if you had cleaned your room or something equally important.

Jiah chuckled, taking a sip of her juice.

Jiah: Well, sometimes she does ask about that, even on video calls! But today was mostly about my well-being. It is a bit strange for you, I know. But don't worry, my mom is easy to please. A simple wave and a polite smile are enough for her. Maybe one day you can learn some Korean? Or I can teach you! Then you'll understand all the mom-worries directly!

Lily grinned, a playful spark in her eyes.

Lily: Learn Korean? Me? Oh, I think my brain is already full with remembering all the subway lines! But it sounds like a challenge. Maybe just enough to understand your mother's worries. I wouldn't want her to think I was ignoring her important questions about Minji's pet hamster or something!

Jiah laughed, the sound echoing lightly on the hot Tokyo morning. The sun beat down on the terrace, promising a sweltering day, but in the small sphere of their breakfast table, amidst the steam of miso soup and the clinking of chopsticks, a quiet understanding and comfortable camaraderie had settled, bridging the gaps of language and culture.