The morning sun filtered through the clouds, casting a gentle golden glow over Mizuhara International Academy. Htet Myat strode through the campus gates, adjusting the strap of his bag over his shoulder. The previous night’s discussion about Hana still lingered in his mind. Learning about her mixed heritage had given him a new perspective, deepening his respect and curiosity for her story.
Htet(feeling reflective): Everyone has a story to tell. I wonder what kind of stories I'll uncover today.
The bell chimed, signaling the beginning of the school day. Students hurried to their respective classrooms, their chatter filling the air. As Htet settled into his seat in Class 10-A, the familiar voice of Mr. Nakamura broke through the buzz.
Mr. Nakamura (stern): [みなさん、おはようございます。](Good morning, everyone.)
Class (in unison): [おはようございます、先生。](Good morning, Sensei.)
The formal greetings were a comforting routine. Htet found himself smiling slightly as the lesson began.
---
~Mid-Morning Surprise~
The second period was nearing its end when Vice Principal Mei Ling Zhang entered the classroom, followed by a tall boy with a relaxed demeanor. The murmurs among the students grew louder as everyone tried to guess who the newcomer was.
Vice Principal Zhang (calmly): "Class, I have someone to introduce to you today. We have a new friend today.Please welcome Nimal Jayasuriya, a transfer student from Sri Lanka. He’ll be joining Class 10-A starting today."
Nimal stepped forward, his easygoing smile putting everyone at ease.
Nimal (warmly): ""????????" (Ayubowan ‘May you live long’ )”. Hi, everyone. You can call me Nimal. I’m looking forward to getting to know all of you."
Vice Principal Zhang (encouraging): "Nimal’s family is here in Japan temporarily due to his parents’ work. It will be for a short period but let’s all make him feel welcome."
Hana leaned over to Htet, whispering quietly.
Hana (curious): "He seems nice. Maybe he’ll fit right in."
This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
Htet nodded, intrigued by the new student.
Mr. Nakamura (decisive): "Nimal, you can take the empty seat beside Htet Myat. Htet, please help him get settled."
As Nimal approached, Htet gave him a small nod with a smile.
Htet (polite): "Welcome to Mizuhara, Nimal. I’m Htet."
Nimal (grinning after realizing something): "Thanks, man. Nice to meet someone from this part of the world. You’re Burmese, right?"
Htet’s eyes widened in surprise.
Htet (curious): "Yeah. How did you know??"
Nimal (laughing): "Your accent gave it away. Sri Lanka and Myanmar, not so different after all. Same roots, same religion and similar traditions. I would be a fool to not notice a fellow Burmese.”
Htet (amazed): “Wow you totally caught me off guard. I always thought nobody knows Burmese until you have to explain to them.”
Htet (trying to return the favor): "???????" (Kohomada ‘How are you?’ )”.
Nimal (happy): "????? (Hondai ‘I am fine’). I’m glad you know some Sinhala too, Htet.”
Htet (shy): “Oh don't be too impressed. I only know a handful of greetings”.
The two got along quite fast during the class.
---
Scene: Lunchtime
During lunch, Htet and Nimal found a quiet spot in the cafeteria. The bustling environment reminded Htet of how diverse Mizuhara International Academy truly was.
Htet (thoughtful): "So, what brings your family to Japan?"
Nimal (relaxed): "My dad’s with the embassy. It’s a temporary assignment. Once it’s done, we’ll probably move to another country."
Htet frowned slightly, realizing the transient nature of Nimal’s situation.
Htet (empathetic): "That must be tough, moving around so much."
Nimal (shrugging): "It has its ups and downs. You get to see the world, but it’s hard to put down roots. What about you? Why’d you come to Japan?"
Htet hesitated for a moment before answering.
Htet (quietly): "My dad’s work, too. It’s been an adjustment, but this school’s been...interesting so far."
Nimal chuckled, taking a bite of his sandwich.
Nimal (teasing): "Interesting, huh? Sounds like there’s a story there."
---
As the day progressed, the two boys continued to talk, discovering more similarities between their cultures.
Nimal (excitedly): "You have Thingyan in Myanmar, right? We call it Sinhala and Tamil New Year in Sri Lanka. Similar traditions, lots of food, and, of course, the water festivals!"
Htet (smiling): "Yeah, Thingyan’s huge back home. It’s one of my favorite times of the year. I think the one thing that differs between both cultures is that Thingyan is globally known for massive water fights while Sinhala and Tamil New year emphasizes rituals tied to astrology…right?"
Nimal (nodding): “ Yeah, exactly. Both cultures are celebrated at Mid-April, New year celebration and harvest festival while the main aim is for cleansing, renewal and reconnecting with family and traditions.”
Their conversation flowed effortlessly, creating a bond that felt natural and unforced.
—
~A Promise~
As the final bell rang and students packed up their belongings, Nimal turned to Htet with a thoughtful expression.
Nimal (quietly): "You know, it’s weird. I’ve only been here a day, but I feel like I’ve known you for a while."
Htet chuckled, slinging his bag over his shoulder.
Htet (teasing): "Maybe it’s because we’re both from this side of the world. Or maybe I’m just that approachable hehe."
Nimal laughed, but his tone turned serious.
Nimal (earnestly): "Honestly, though, I’m glad I met you. It’s not easy starting over in a new place, especially knowing it’s only temporary."
Htet nodded, understanding the weight behind those words.
Htet (determined): "Don’t worry, Nimal. However long you’re here, we’ll make it count."
As they walked out of the school together, the sky painted in hues of orange and pink, Htet felt a renewed sense of purpose.
Htet (thinking): Maybe this is what it means to make connections, to find a place in the world, even if it’s just for a little while.
For Nimal, it was the beginning of a temporary chapter. For Htet, it was a reminder that every moment mattered. Together, they walked into the sunset, carrying the promise of making every day worthwhile.
—(End of Chapter 16)---
