AN: Oh boy, this beginning is difficult...which is strange for me. Anyway here's chapter two! hopefully Emma comes across!
Fluent!
Chapter 2: Study Session (part two)
Emma was glad she had run into Makoto and Haru at the café. She had been reading the novel for her Japanese literature class, unable to discern the deeper meaning of the text, for the first time in a while feeling as if she did not know the language of the country she was living in. It hadn't helped that her friends from America had sent her a video message. With a sigh, she wiped a tear that had slipped down her cheek and decided to stop lying to herself. She was afraid.
She had been so sure when she had come up with her plan to study for a year abroad. Everything was worked out. She had found a university in Tokyo with a program that allowed her to teach English as well as take classes. The university also had housing for international students. She had a plan!
For the most part, the plan was a success. She did well in her classes and was thriving in Japan. One thing she had not accounted for, however, was the loneliness. This was the end of her first semester and she still had succeeded in only making one friend, her roommate Sarah from England. Luckily, through Sarah who had made plenty of friends, Emma was able to get out every now and again. It was enough to keep her from slipping over the edge into loneliness most of the time.
Sipping her coffee, Emma told herself to be strong. That this bout of homesickness would pass like all the others. Suddenly, she heard familiar voices. She turned her head to see Tachibana Makoto and Nanase Haruka sitting at a table near the back of the restaurant. She closed her eyes, took a deep breathe, and counted to three, willing her shyness to dissipate. She approached their table, calling their names. Makoto raised his hand in greeting.
"You guys look hard at work," she said, pushing her glasses back up her nose. A nervous habit.
"We're studying for the English exam coming up." That's right. They were both students in the class where she helped the professor teach English.
"Oh," said Emma with a laugh she hoped didn't sound to nervous. She realized they probably didn't want their English teacher hovering over their study session. "I'm sure you will do just fine." She watched Haruka lift a failing grade. She winced. Maybe it was best she left. After all, she had been the one to grade that assignment. No, she told herself. Haruka looked upset.
"Nanase-san, don't let one set back get you down. Where would any of us be if we quit like that?"
For a moment, both Makoto and Emma stared at Haru. It seemed she had struck some kind of nerve. Makoto seemed worried and reached out for his friend. Emma wondered if she should have just kept her mouth shut.
"You're right," Haruka finally said. His voice was still flat, however, and Emma wanted to make sure she cleaned up the mess.
"Besides," she added, "Tachibana-san will make a great tutor!" Perhaps she had just added fuel to the fire because Makoto's face went red.
"I don't think-" he mumbled, scratching the back of his neck.
"No, It's true. You're always so attentive in my English class. And I know from the student files you're a physical education major. If you work together, I have little doubt you'll both do well on the exam." Might as well dig myself a grave, thought Emma. If she could have turned around and facepalmed she would have. She smiled instead.
"Arigatou gozaimasu. And please, Makoto is fine." Maybe she hadn't done so terribly…
"Alright…Makoto," she relished the sound of his name on her tongue. The tears that only moments ago welled in her eyes were nowhere to be found. "And to be honest, I've been stuck on this." She held up a book in her hand. "It's for our Japanese literature class. I'm stuck on some of it. Maybe we could help each other?"
"Of course!" Makoto made room for her beside him. She couldn't help the smile taking over her lips.
"Alright, everyone!" Emma cheered, tying up her long blonde hair into a messy bun and once again readjusting her glasses. "Let's do our best!"