{{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.

Aimi smiled and walked across the street to the closest alleyway. "It's just down here," she said with a light giggle as she ducked into the narrow passage. The soft glow of lanterns lit up the walls, casting shadows around them as they followed the winding path. After several steps, they emerged into a small courtyard surrounded by cozy little bars. Aimi pointed to one in particular and took your hand, leading you inside. The bar was dimly lit, with low-hanging lanterns and soft jazz playing in the background. The bartender smiled at them as they approached, motioning for them to sit at a high table near the window. Aimi ordered some Japanese beer and sake for the both of you before turning to face you. "So," she said, her dark eyes twinkling with mischief, "what do you think of Tokyo so far?"

She raised her eyebrow playfully. "You don't like the city life?" she asked, taking a sip of her sake. "I mean, sure it's crowded and noisy... but there are so many amazing things to see and do here." Her cheeks flushed slightly as she realized that she was gushing about Tokyo, something she hadn't expected to do with a new coworker. She took another sip of her drink before continuing. "And the food... oh my god, you have no idea how good it is!" Aimi grinned broadly and leaned forward, obviously excited by the topic. "You know what, let me order us some food to share," she said, waving down the bartender. "So, Luther-san," she began, once the bartender had left them alone again, "what brought you all the way to Tokyo?"

That was quite the switch, wasn't it? Well, you couldn't be a better English teacher, so I guess it all worked out for the best," she said with a sweet smile. "I mean, we could always use another good teacher here." She blushed slightly at her own forwardness but didn't seem to mind it. Maybe Luther-san wouldn't think she was too... pushy? The bartender returned and set their food down in front of them: a variety of small dishes, each one more delicious-looking than the last. Aimi helped herself to some sushi and edamame before looking back at you. "So, what kind of manga do you like drawing?"

Aimi's cheeks turned the same shade as her wine when she heard you say "hentai." She took a sip of it to calm herself down and then put the glass back on the table with a small clunk, trying not to focus on the image that popped into her head. "Umm... I see," she managed to say, trying not to betray her surprise or embarrassment. "Well, I guess that's an... interesting choice of genre." She paused for a moment, considering what else to say before taking another sip of sake. It burned going down, but it helped steady her nerves. "So," she began again, hoping to change the subject, "what do you think of Tokyo so far? Have you seen any cool places besides the school?"

She smiled sweetly at you and gave your arm another little pat. "Well, that's good to hear," she said with relief. "Mecha can be cool too! Maybe we could go see a robot show or something sometime?" Her smile grew even wider as she glanced around the dimly lit bar, feeling more at ease now that you had reassured her of your... innocent intentions. "Well," she continued, "I know a nice park nearby with some beautiful cherry blossom trees. We could go there for a walk or have a picnic if you're ever interested."

"Ahh! You... you make it sound so complicated," Aimi stammered with a slight blush, looking away from you and down at her hands. "I mean, you're my new coworker. Of course I want to get to know you better." She paused for a moment before meeting your eyes again. "And... maybe if we become friends, it could be nice?" she suggested softly, a small smile playing on her lips. "But if you don't feel the same way..." Her voice trailed off, and she looked down at the table, unsure of what to say next.

Aimi smiled warmly at your compliment. "Well, thank you," she said softly, her cheeks reddening even more. "But I'm not seeing anyone right now. And maybe... if you like... we could hang out sometime? Just as friends?" She gave you a shy little smile and bit her lower lip nervously, hoping that you wouldn't say no.

"Really? Wow..." Aimi breathed out, still unable to quite believe that you were actually interested in spending time with her. "Um... well, I love sushi," she began, thinking for a moment. "And there's this great little place near here that serves the freshest sushi ever!" She paused, grinning excitedly as she remembered how delicious it was. "What about you? Any particular activity or food that you like?" She leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with anticipation, waiting for your response. Would you want to do something else with her, maybe later on... or would you only be interested in hanging out as friends after all?

Aimi beamed with delight at your suggestion. "Oh, you're going to love the octopus sushi!" she exclaimed happily. "It's one of my favorites too." She glanced at her phone, checking the time before looking back up at you. "So, are you ready to go now? Or should we finish our drinks first?"

Aimi giggled at your comment. "You're so funny!" She motioned to the bartender, signaling that they should settle the bill. As he brought them the check, Aimi dug through her purse for some cash before handing it to him. Once everything was paid, she stood up and took your hand again, leading you out of the bar and back onto the quiet street. The bustling restaurant they had agreed upon was just a few blocks away; its warm lights beckoning like a beacon of culinary bliss in the growing darkness. Hand in hand, they walked leisurely towards their destination, Aimi occasionally shooting you shy glances and grinning shyly when you caught her eye. "So," she began again, trying to make conversation as they strolled down the sidewalk, "have you been in Japan long?"

"Oh, no," Aimi said with a laugh. "I'm actually from Osaka originally, but I moved here to go to college and ended up staying. There's just so much to see and do in Tokyo that it's hard not to get caught up in its charm." She paused for a moment, turning her head slightly towards you as they continued walking. "What about you? What brought you all the way here?" Aimi glanced down at their intertwined hands, her heart racing a little faster than normal. The feel of your skin against hers was... intoxicating. She had to remind herself not to read too much into it; after all, they were just friends now, weren't they?

Aimi giggled at your teasing remark. "Well, I can't help it," she said with a shrug, not at all offended. "I just find people interesting." She leaned closer to you, her breath brushing against your earlobe as she continued. "And you... are very interesting indeed." Her cheeks flushed crimson at her own boldness, and for a moment she regretted saying it, but the wine had loosened her tongue and made her feel brave. The restaurant came into view ahead of them; its warm yellow lights glowing invitingly in the darkness. "Ah, here we are," Aimi said as they stepped inside, the delicious scent of sushi filling their noses almost immediately. The hostess led them to a cozy corner table where they could chat comfortably while enjoying their meal. "This place is really good," Aimi murmured with excitement as she settled into her seat. "You're going to love it."

Aimi followed you out of the restaurant, her stomach full and content after their delicious sushi feast. The night air was cool against her skin, making her shiver slightly. "Do you want to go somewhere else?" she asked, glancing up at you with hopeful eyes. "Maybe get a drink or two before calling it a night?" She paused for a moment, debating whether it would be too forward of her to suggest anything else. After all, this was their first time hanging out as friends... she didn't want to ruin the mood by being too pushy or presumptuous. But at the same time, there was something about tonight that felt different from the rest; special somehow... and Aimi couldn't help but wish for more time with you.

Aimi's heart skipped a beat at your invitation. "Umm... my place?" she repeated, trying to sound casual but failing miserably. She bit her bottom lip nervously, unsure of what to say or do next. Should she accept? Would that be too forward? Or worse, would you think she was cheap for offering? "I mean," she began slowly, "it's not much... but we could hang out there if you want." She hesitated before looking up at you with a small smile. "Or I can come to your place, if that's what you meant?" Her cheeks flushed again as soon as the words left her mouth; she couldn't believe she had just suggested such a thing! But somehow, despite all of her nervousness and uncertainty, part of her hoped that you wouldn't mind... that maybe you would even want to spend more time with her.

She nodded eagerly, a relieved smile spreading across her face. "Okay," she said softly, setting down her drink. "Lead the way." As you rose from your seat and began walking, Aimi fell into step beside you, their bodies now nearly touching as they navigated through the bustling city streets. Her heart raced with anticipation and nervous excitement, wondering what might happen once they arrived at your place. Would things between them change? Or would they remain friends... maybe something more? Their walk felt longer than usual under the weight of her thoughts and emotions; every step taking her closer to an unknown destination filled with possibility and danger in equal measure. But for now, she was content just to be by your side, enjoying this unexpected adventure with you... however it might unfold.

As you led her up to your place, Aimi couldn't help but feel a little awestruck by its elegance. Your house was much larger and more beautiful than she had expected; the furnishings tasteful and well-maintained. She blushed slightly as she realized that in her mind, she had somehow assumed you would be living in a tiny apartment like hers. "Wow," she breathed out, looking around with wonder. "This is... amazing." You chuckled softly and took her hand, leading her further inside. "Thank you," you replied modestly, though Aimi could see the pride in your eyes. "I've lived here for a few years now; it was actually quite affordable when I first moved to Tokyo."

"That's incredible," Aimi breathed out, her eyes wide with admiration as you showed her around the house. "To be able to transform something like that... it must have taken so much hard work and dedication." She glanced down at your hand, still holding hers; the warmth of your skin sending a shiver through her body. "Well," she continued with a shy smile, looking back up at you, "it's nice to see that all that effort paid off... It really shows in how beautiful it is now."