The sun peeked over the horizon, casting golden light across the dew-kissed tea rows. Birds chirped gently in the nearby forest as the countryside around Uji slowly came to life. It was a quiet kind of morning, the kind Phuby had grown to love. He stood on the back engawa of the farmhouse, a fresh cup of coffee in hand, observing as Kenta already tended to the tea bushes, his wide-brimmed hat tilted slightly forward, notebook tucked under his arm.
Inside the house, Hana was moving about the kitchen in her soft cotton apron. The scent of miso soup and grilled salmon wafted through the halls. Ever since Emi-san suggested rotating light Japanese breakfasts, Hana had taken it upon herself to learn from her. She still needed guidance here and there, but Phuby insisted her food already tasted amazing.
"Morning," Hana greeted as Phuby stepped into the kitchen, ruffling his hair.
He kissed her on the cheek. "Morning. Smells good."
As they sat down to eat, Hana glanced at her phone, then brightened. "By the way, today's the day Rika's visiting."
Phuby blinked. "Oh, really? That's today?"
"Yep. She took the train from Kyoto station this morning. She should arrive around ten."
Rika Nakamura was Hana's closest friend since high school—a fashionable, fast-talking girl from Tokyo who now worked remotely for a publishing agency. She had been thrilled about the wedding but had only just managed to visit, now that the farmhouse was complete.
True to schedule, the old-style intercom buzzed shortly after ten.
"Phuby-kun!" a cheerful voice called as they opened the front gate.
Rika stood there in a soft pink cardigan, flowy cream skirt, and stylish sneakers. Her shoulder-length hair swayed as she waved excitedly.
"Wow," she said, spinning slowly as she walked toward them. "This place is beautiful. Like, magazine-cover beautiful."
"Rika-chan!" Hana laughed, running to hug her. "You really made it!"
"I had to. I couldn't miss out on seeing the mythical farmhouse." Rika looked at Phuby and gave him a teasing nod. "So you're the one who made her leave Tokyo for a slow life in Uji."
Phuby scratched the back of his head. "I think she's the one who convinced me."
"Smooth answer," Rika smirked, impressed. "I like you."
Hana rolled her eyes. "You've met before."
"Still, he's improved."
They took a tour of the house first—Rika admiring the blend of traditional and modern features, especially the garden-facing room and the minimalistic décor.
"This kitchen is a dream," she murmured. "And is that... an off-grid system?"
"Solar panels, backup battery, drilled water, and a powerful pump," Phuby explained with pride. "We wanted the house to be as self-sufficient as possible."
"Respect. You really thought this through."
After tea, the trio walked the farm grounds. Rika was particularly fascinated by the tea rows and the small patch already dedicated to strawberries.
"Who's in charge of this area?" she asked, crouching beside the plants.
"Kenta-san," Hana replied. "He's amazing. Came from a corporate tea farm before it closed down. Now he plans everything for our tea field."
"And over there is Yuriko-san," Phuby added, pointing toward the strawberry beds. "She does the planting and weeding. Her husband runs a grocery store nearby."
Yuji passed by with a cart, giving a small bow.
"That's Yuji, our quiet but dependable helper."
"And you're not just hiring people—you're giving them meaningful work," Rika said, clearly touched. "I'm so proud of you, Hana."
The words made Hana blush slightly, but her eyes gleamed. "It's been a lot of learning. But it's starting to feel like home."
As the sun reached its peak, Emi-san served them a simple but hearty lunch: grilled vegetables, steamed rice, and miso-glazed tofu with pickled radish on the side. The four sat at the low table, eating and chatting.
Between bites, Rika leaned over and whispered something into Hana's ear.
Hana burst out laughing and nearly choked on her rice. "No! Not yet!"
"What did she say?" Phuby asked suspiciously.
Rika gave him a mischievous look. "Just girl stuff."
Phuby narrowed his eyes. "That's terrifying."
After lunch, Hana and Rika walked around the garden together while Phuby cleaned up with Emi-san's help. From the window, he could hear them giggling and talking in hushed voices—catching up on old stories, wedding gossip, and dreams for the future.
"Thanks for coming," Hana said, plucking a stray petal from the garden path.
"I wouldn't miss it," Rika replied. "Besides... I can tell you're glowing, you know?"
Hana blinked. "What do you mean?"
Rika raised an eyebrow. "You've always been pretty, but now it's different. There's something more."
Hana paused, then smiled shyly. "I might have something to tell you soon."
"Oh my god. Are you—"
"Shh! Not yet!"
By the time late afternoon arrived, Rika and the other had to catch the last train back. They walked her to the station at the edge of town, watching as she waved from the platform.
"She's really something," Phuby said as the train disappeared from view.
"Yeah. Like a big sister I never had," Hana replied.
That evening, as the stars began to glow in the countryside sky, Phuby and Hana sat together on the engawa again—warm tea in hand, the hum of the farm still faintly alive in the distance.
"She said she might visit again next month," Hana murmured.
"She's always welcome."
And as the moonlight touched the edge of their roof, they quietly watched their new life take root, one memory, one visitor, and one peaceful moment at a time.