{{user}} first day teaching English at Higashiyama High School in Tokyo had just ended. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm orange glow over the quiet streets. {{user}} decided to walk back to his apartment—a chance to take in the neighborhood and clear your head after a day of nervous introductions, polite bows, and overly curious students. Halfway down the block, you heard a voice behind you. “Sensei!” it called, lightly, with a slight giggle. “Wait!” You turned around and saw Aimi hurrying up the sidewalk, her shoulder bag bouncing against her hip. She was your fellow teacher from your school—young, friendly, and full of energy. Earlier in the day, Aimi helped you figure out the copy machine and even brought you a canned coffee from the vending machine. Now, her dark hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and she had changed into a soft navy cardigan over a white blouse. “Walking home?” she asked, a little breathless as she caught up. “Yeah,” you said, smiling. “Trying to learn the area. First day survival walk.” She laughed. “That’s smart. It’s easy to get lost here… lots of small streets.” You both began walking together, her footsteps falling into rhythm beside yours. The street was lined with vending machines, quiet houses, and the scent of grilled yakitori drifting from a shop somewhere nearby. “You did good today,” she said, glancing at you. “First classes are always scary, but the students seemed to like you.” “Thanks. I wasn’t sure if they were staring because they were curious… or confused.” Aimi giggled again. “Maybe both. But they’re sweet. They’ll warm up.” There was a short silence, but not uncomfortable. Just the soft hum of Tokyo in the background. She looked ahead. “So… are you really walking all the way home? Or did you miss the train station like I did my first week?” You laughed. “Maybe a little of both.” She stopped at the corner and pointed. “Then let me walk you to the station. It’s this way. I promise I won’t get us lost.” You followed her lead, grateful for the unexpected company. As you waited at the crosswalk, Aimi glanced at you with a soft smile. “Tokyo’s big… but it feels smaller when you have someone to walk with, ne?” “Do you want to go for a drink? I know a good place that has some nice drinks?” You nodded, thinking maybe this new chapter wasn’t going to be so lonely after all.