Riverview's spring burst forth like Tokyo's _hanami_ (cherry blossom viewing) festivities – petals unfurling, colors vibrant, scents sweetly invading Aiko's senses. Ethan's presence mingled with hers like _matcha_ blending into warm _wagashi_ tea.
Saturday afternoon found Aiko and Ethan strolling Riverview's quaint downtown, shops donned festive spring decor reminiscent of Tokyo's _Ginza_ boutiques. Ethan suddenly popped into _Mochi Madness_ bakery (_mochi_ like Tokyo treats).
"Want _daifuku_?" Ethan asked, eyes crinkled _kawaii_.
Aiko giggled (_warai_). "_Hai_, _oishii_."
Ethan bought strawberry-filled _mochi_; Aiko savored texture contrasts like Tokyo _sakura mochi_.
Conversation (_kaiwa_) flowed Riverview-river-like – Ethan spoke college plans; Aiko shared Tokyo university dreams.
"Riverview's got charm," Ethan said.
Aiko nodded (_unaji_). "Like _komorebi_ (sunlight filtering leaves)."
Ethan's smile subtle (_bimyō_) – did eyes convey _more_?
Ethan proposed _daizu_ (soybean) food truck fest – Riverview's evening crowds paralleled Tokyo _yūenchi_ (amusement park) vibes.
"Like Tokyo _oden_ night markets?" Aiko asked.
Ethan laughed Iowa-deep. "Maybe _edamame_ Riverview-style!"
Aiko laughed (_warai_) – cultural bridge.
Fest twilight (_tasogare_): Ethan's hand near-touched (_sesshoku_) hers amid food-truck aromas (_nioi_ like Tokyo _ramen_).
Aiko felt _kimochi_ flutter – _intentional touch_?
"_Edamame_ good?" Ethan asked low (_koe_).
Aiko parsed (_kaishaku_): _Amerikan warmth_.
"_Oishii_," she said (_hohoemi_).
Sunday Walker-dinner (_shokuji_ fusion-Western): Aiko taught _korokke_ (_kawaii_ crispy like Tokyo street food).
Ethan grabbed seconds (_ni-do_). "Like _tempura_!"
Mrs. Walker (_obasan_-host) beamed. "Aiko's teaching us."
_Teaching…sharing intimacy?_ Aiko sensed (_kanjiru_).
Monday Riverview High (_gakkō_): Ethan caught up (_oitsuku_) laughing.
"Hey…prom's coming – wanna go Riverview-style?"
Aiko pictured Tokyo _sotsugyōshiki_ (graduation).
"_Hai_, sounds _tanoshii_," she said (_waku waku_).
_Aiko omou_ (thoughts): _Does Ethan feel…real?_ _Suki_ (like)? _Koi_ (love)? Translation gaps hazed (_kasumi_) like Tokyo dawn _kiri_.
Phone buzzed – Ethan text: _Prom plans :)_
Aiko replied (_henji_): _Tanoshimi desu :)_
Prom (_puromu_) Riverview High ballroom donned _hanabi_ (fireworks)-like decor – Aiko donned _yūzen_ (dyed) _furisode_-inspired gown; Ethan wore _Amerikan_ tuxedo.
Ethan led dance (_dansu_) – steps blended Tokyo _buyō_ (traditional dance) grace with Riverview sway.
Aiko felt _kawaii_ (_koi_-tinged?) – _real feelings creep_.
Slow song (_merodi_ like Tokyo _enka_): Ethan drew (_hikizuru_) Aiko close (_chikai_).
_Aiko kokoro_ skipped (_pyon_) – warmth like untranslated _koi_.
"Hey," Ethan whispered (_sasayaku_). "You're…special."
_Special._ Aiko parsed (_yomeru_) – _Amerikan_ meaning _suki_?
Prom night (_yoru_): moon like Tokyo _tsukimi_ (moon viewing) silver.
Ethan's face (_kao_) near – did breath mingle like _koh_ incense Tokyo temples?
Aiko felt _hazukashii_ (shy) – _koi_ unveiled?
Ethan's lips (_kuchibiru_) brushed (_fure_) hers – _Amerikan_ kiss like Tokyo _first kiss_ _kawaii_ novels?
_Aiko kimochi_ (_koi_ real?): sensations like Tokyo _sakura_ petals falling uncontrollable.
"Ethan…_suki_," Aiko whispered (_koe kasuka_).
Ethan smiled (_niko niko_). "I like you…real, Aiko."
Post-prom Walker-house (_ie_): Aiko replayed (_saisei_) kiss – _fake gone right_.
_Koi_ (_ren'ai_) maybe mutual – translation gaps bridged (_hashi_).
Phone buzzed – Ethan text: _Real now? :)_
Aiko replied (_henji_): _Hai…real :)_
Days blended (_mazeru_) Riverview-Tokyo feelings – _koi_ palpable like Tokyo _akari_ (lights) _shinjuku_ night.
Ethan's _Amerikan_ words fit _Aiko kokoro_ – _suki_ conveyed.
Epilogue Fragment
Riverview's summer (_natsu_) dawned bright like Tokyo _asakusa_ mornings – Aiko and Ethan walked hand-in-hand (_te wo tsunagu_) Riverview paths.
"_Koi_ real," Aiko said (_hohoemi_).
Ethan's smile (_Amerikan_). "Real…like Riverview _mochi_ sweet."
Laughter (_warai_) shared – _fake boyfriend gone rights