(While the adults were busy talking and getting to know one another, the atmosphere began to become more comfortable among the younger generation. Ahmed's brothers sat near Honoka and Yoshika, trying to start a conversation with them despite the significant language barrier.)
At first…
There was some hesitation.
None of Ahmed's brothers spoke Japanese fluently, and neither Honoka nor Yoshika knew Arabic.
But that did not stop them from trying.
One of Ahmed's younger brothers took out his phone, then opened a translation app.
He started typing something quickly, then showed it to Honoka.
(Honoka looks at the screen, then suddenly laughs.)
Honoka: "That's not what you wrote!"
(Everyone turns to Ahmed.)
Ahmed: "What happened?"
Honoka (laughing): "He wanted to say: 'Do you like games?'"
(She pauses for a moment.)
"But the translation said: 'Do you like fighting?'"
(The room bursts into laughter.)
Ahmed's brother hides his face in embarrassment amidst everyone's laughter.
After that…
The atmosphere starts to become more fun.
Ahmed's brothers try to teach Honoka and Yoshika some simple Arabic words.
One of them points to himself.
Ahmed's brother: "Akhi (My brother)."
(He repeats the word slowly.)
Yoshika tries to imitate him.
Yoshika: "A... Akhi."
(Everyone applauds her enthusiastically.)
She smiles with pride as if she had accomplished a great task.
In return…
Honoka teaches them some easy Japanese words.
But one of Ahmed's brothers mispronounces them several times, which makes Honoka laugh for the first time in a long time without any hesitation.
(Misaki watches the scene quietly.)
Then she smiles as she sees Honoka and Yoshika enjoying their time with Ahmed's family.
It was the first time in months that she had seen them laugh so spontaneously.
As for Ahmed…
He was still moving between groups, translating here and there.
Translating a question from his mother.
Then explaining a joke from one of his brothers.
Then helping Yoshika pronounce a new Arabic word.
Until he finally felt that his mind was working in two languages at the same time.
As the hours passed…
Any trace of awkwardness or formality disappeared.
Conversations and laughter began to fill the house from every corner.
The meeting that began with a simple introduction…
Was gradually turning into a true friendship between the two families.
And as the visit began to draw to a close…
Ahmed's father looked at Misaki's father with a friendly smile, as if he had remembered something he had wanted to say since the beginning of the meeting.
He raised the tea cup from in front of him, then said in Arabic:
Ahmed's Father: "By the way... there is a place in Japan that I hope we can all visit together one day."
(Everyone turns toward him with interest, while Ahmed prepares to translate his words.)