The air was crisp, the sun just rising over the distant horizon, as Htet Myat stood in front of his new school. His palms were slightly clammy, and a rush of nerves twisted in his stomach. It was his first day at Mizuhara International Academy, a prestigious school in Japan that catered to students from all over the world.

  Mom: “You’ll do great, my little sweetie. Just keep an open mind. You’ll get used to it quickly.”

  Dad: “Make sure to say 'hello' to people, alright? Start with a smile and take it one step at a time. You'll be fine, my son.”

  They had left their home early in the morning, navigating the busy streets of Tokyo and now standing in front of the school gates. Htet nodded, absorbing the advice, but deep down, a knot of uncertainty remained.

  The school stood before him like an imposing fortress of academia. A modern three-story building with glass windows that reflected the blue sky, surrounded by a beautifully manicured campus with vibrant green trees. The name of the school, Mizuhara International Academy, was etched in bold, black and golden highlight letters across a wide gate.

  Htet (nervously): “Huuuu…I guess it’s time…”

  Mom (encouraging): “You’re going to make so many memories here. Just embrace it. Ohhh, our little sweetie will make us proud. You have everything to offer.”

  Htet’s mom gave him one last hug before his dad patted him on the back.

  Dad (smiling): “Go, son. Don’t be shy. You can always call us if you need to talk.”

  With a deep breath, Htet made his way towards the entrance, glancing back to see his parents waving goodbye. The gate swung open, and he stepped into the unknown, the nerves bubbling inside him.

  ---

  As he walked through the school grounds, the bustling sound of students filled the air. Some were gathered in groups, chatting excitedly in different languages, while others hurried towards various buildings for their morning classes.

  Htet paused at the entrance of the main building, taking in the sight of his new surroundings. The interior was sleek, with wide hallways lined with lockers and bulletin boards, some posters, notice papers, and various cultural displays visible in his peripheral. A large banner above him read: Welcome to Mizuhara International Academy!

  Htet (thinking): My God... This place looks like a small city inside a school. It's so overwhelming.

  Just then, a cheerful voice interrupted his thoughts.

  Hana (smiling warmly): “Excuse me! Hey there! You must be a new student, Htet, right? I hope I don't mispronounce your name.”

  Htet turned around to find a girl with short black hair, a friendly smile, and a backpack slung over one shoulder. She wore a navy blue blazer and a neat skirt. She looked like someone who had already adjusted to the school’s environment.

  Htet (smiling nervously): “Yeah, that’s me. Oh, and put more force on the first ‘t’ and you are all good. But how did you know who I am?”

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  Hana (grinning): “I saw you yesterday with your parents but didn't manage to introduce myself back then. I’m Hana, by the way. I’m in the same grade as you. I can show you around if you’d like!”

  Htet (relieved): “Oh, That would be awesome, thank you very much, Hana!”

  Hana nodded enthusiastically and motioned for Htet to follow her. As they walked down the hallway, Hana led him to a large area where there were rows of neatly arranged shoes on the shelves.

  Hana (explaining): “Okay, before we head to the classrooms, here’s something important you need to know. You’ll need to change into your uwabaki—your indoor shoes. It’s a Japanese tradition to wear special shoes indoors to keep the school clean.”

  Htet blinked, a bit confused.

  Htet: “Uwa... what?”

  Hana (smiling): “Uwabaki. It's the slippers or soft shoes students wear inside. We leave our outdoor shoes here and change into these when we enter the building.”

  She gestured to the rows of shoes on the shelves, and Htet looked around and realized that every student had their own pair neatly stored. Hana picked up a pair of white slippers with a soft, rubber sole and handed them to Htet.

  Hana: “Here, these are your uwabaki for the school. Just remember, always wear them indoors. It’s part of the culture here, and it helps to keep everything clean.”

  Htet nodded, taking the slippers. He quickly removed his outdoor shoes, feeling a bit awkward, and slipped into the indoor shoes. It was a small but significant change to adjust to, but he was willing to follow the customs.

  Htet (thinking): I guess this is just one of those little things...

  They continued down the hallway towards the classrooms, and Hana continued to explain the school’s rules and customs.

  Hana: “Also, before every class, we all greet our teachers and classmates formally. It’s very important in Japan, and it’s part of the respect we show for each other. You’ll catch on quickly, don’t worry!”

  Htet nodded, grateful for the guidance. The two of them reached the classroom building, where Hana introduced him to a few other students, some of whom greeted him with shy smiles or waves. He tried his best to remember their names.

  ---

  Scene: Classroom

  They arrived at Class 1-A, where Htet would be attending his first-ever class at the academy. Hana knocked gently before opening the door, and Htet was greeted by the warm gaze of their homeroom teacher.

  Mr. Nakamura (cheerfully): “Ah, you must be the new student! Welcome, Htet. I’m Mr. Nakamura, your Japanese teacher. Please, come on in. We’re just about to begin.”

  Htet hesitated for a moment, then nodded and entered the room. The classroom was spacious, with rows of desks arranged neatly, a large whiteboard at the front, and colorful posters on the walls depicting various Japanese phrases and kanji characters. Some students were already seated, looking at their notebooks, while others whispered to their friends.

  Hana (whispering): “Just remember to greet the teacher before sitting down.”

  Htet watched as Hana bowed slightly and greeted the teacher in unison with the rest of the class.

  All Students (in unison): “おはようございます、先生！(Ohayou gozaimasu, sensei!)”

  (Good morning, teacher!)

  Htet followed suit, bowing and repeating the greeting.

  Htet (nervously): “おはようございます、先生！(Ohayou gozaimasu, sensei!)”

  Mr. Nakamura (smiling): “Perfect! Now, everyone, please take your seats. Let’s begin.”

  The students moved to their desks, and the class settled down.

  Mr. Nakamura (addressing the class): “Okay, everyone! Let’s begin our first lesson for the day. Please greet your classmates properly before we start.”

  All Students (in unison): “よろしくお願いします！(Yoroshiku onegaishimasu!)”

  (Nice to meet you/Please take care of me!)

  Htet felt his heart race a little as he echoed the greeting along with everyone. It was a formal greeting used when introducing oneself or when asking for someone's cooperation.

  As the class progressed, Htet was gradually getting used to the rhythm of the Japanese classroom customs. The students' punctuality, the neatness, the respect in their tone and posture. It was all a reflection of the Japanese cultural values he would need to adapt to.

  Mr. Nakamura: “Okay, everyone! Settle down, please. We have a new student today. Htet, why don’t you introduce yourself?”

  The class turned their attention toward Htet, and he felt his palms grow damp. His heart pounded in his chest, but he forced himself to stand.

  Htet (nervously): “Uh, hello. My name is Htet Myat. I just moved from Myanmar. I hope to get along with everyone.”

  The class gave him a polite round of applause, and Mr. Nakamura beamed.

  Mr. Nakamura (encouraging): “Nice to meet you, Htet. We’re all here to help you. Don’t worry if you make mistakes. We’re all learning together. Now, let’s get started with today’s lesson!”

  ---

  Scene: After Class

  As Htet walked out of the classroom, the noise of other students filled the halls again. He met up with Hana outside, and the two of them headed to the cafeteria for lunch.

  Hana (cheerfully): “So, how was your first class?”

  Htet (smiling): “It was good. A bit overwhelming, but I think I’ll get the hang of it. Plus, the class was a great icebreaker for me.”

  Hana (grinning): “You will! And don’t worry, the food here’s really good. You’re going to love it.”

  ---

  The first day of school had begun, and though it was only the beginning, Htet already felt a small sense of belonging. There was so much more to explore, so many more people to meet. But for now, he was taking it one step at a time.

  And he knew that with time, the school, his classmates, and even the language would soon feel more familiar.

  ---(End of Chapter 1)---