The morning sun filtered through the thin clouds hovering above Uji, casting long shadows over the tea rows and the dew-kissed soil of Phuby and Hana's countryside paradise. The sound of roosters crowing echoed in the distance while the scent of fresh earth mingled with the aroma of Hana's homemade dashi simmering in the kitchen. Life had taken on a steady rhythm—soft, quiet, and full of purpose.
Inside the newly finished farmhouse, Haru and Yui were gurgling happily in their cribs, little fists waving at the dangling mobiles above them. Hana was feeding them, seated on the tatami mat with her long hair tied back in a loose bun. Her eyes gleamed with warmth as she cooed softly, speaking a mix of Bahasa, Japanese, and baby talk.
Phuby leaned on the doorframe, watching the scene. His heart swelled with a kind of gratitude that didn't need words. A life he once thought impossible had quietly become his reality.
"Sayang," he said softly.
Hana looked up and smiled. "Pagi, Ayah Haru-Yui."
He chuckled. "Still feels weird to be called that."
"You better get used to it," she smirked, then added in Japanese, "It's your new title for life."
As they finished feeding the twins, the house slowly came to life. Emi Fujiwara arrived, as she always did, five days a week—efficiently helping to clean up and prepare simple meals. Kenta had already texted earlier, informing Phuby that they had a new sprouting section ready to be inspected. Yuji and Yuriko were organizing a small test batch of packaged produce for local shops.
It was routine—but in the best possible way.
After breakfast, Phuby grabbed his jacket and slung a bag over his shoulder.
"Where to?" Hana asked, lifting her eyebrows.
"Local shop for supplies. And maybe stop by the bamboo grove for a walk."
Hana smiled knowingly. "Bringing back memories of that night?"
Phuby gave her a sheepish look. "It was a good night."
She chuckled. "Just don't forget to bring milk and daifuku on the way back."
"I got it." He kissed her forehead and left through the front door.
In the Village Market
The town near Uji was modest but full of charm—narrow roads lined with small stores, old women selling fresh vegetables, and hand-painted signs hanging above cafés and traditional craft shops. It was the kind of place where everyone nodded a greeting, and where strangers weren't strangers for long.
Phuby stopped at a shop run by an elderly man named Morita-san, who had taken a liking to him since the first visit. After picking up a few basic supplies, Morita gave him an envelope.
"What's this?" Phuby asked in Japanese.
"A local fair is coming up. Agricultural produce exchange and village exhibition. I figured you'd want a booth for your farm."
Phuby opened the flyer, eyes scanning the date. "Next month?"
Morita nodded. "It's small but important. You and your wife have made a good impression. Time to show the rest of Kyoto what Uji can grow."
Phuby grinned. "We'll be there. Thank you."
He added the event to his mental checklist. It would be the perfect opportunity to introduce Uji Garden Produce beyond the online orders and nearby towns.
That Afternoon – Family Video Call
Back at the farmhouse, the kitchen table was cluttered with snacks, herbal teas, and two phones propped up for a video call. On one screen, Mrs. Wulan and Om Luky smiled from Cirebon, waving at the camera. On the other, Mr. Haruki and Mrs. Aiko appeared from their cozy apartment in Tokyo.
"Haru looks bigger!" Mrs. Wulan exclaimed. "Look at that chubby cheek!"
"Yui's eyes look just like Hana's," said Mr. Haruki with pride.
"We've been busy," Hana said, bouncing Yui gently. "But happy."
They chatted for nearly an hour—discussing the new bath installation, the farm's performance, and the possibility of visiting again during summer. When Phuby mentioned the village fair, both mothers immediately perked up.
"You must have matching outfits for the twins," said Aiko excitedly. "Something traditional!"
"I'll sew something if needed," added Mrs. Wulan. "Send me the sizes."
"You two moms are teaming up now?" Phuby teased, raising a brow.
"Of course," said Hana's mother. "We're in-laws."
Everyone laughed.
Evening in the Garden
As dusk fell, Phuby and Hana stood in the garden, watching the glow of solar-powered lanterns cast soft light over the stone paths. The Hinoki bath was steaming gently nearby, its water catching reflections of stars just beginning to appear in the sky.
"I planted three cherry saplings behind the greenhouse," Hana said suddenly.
Phuby turned to her. "You did?"
"They're not real sakura. Just tabebuya again. But they'll look like it when they bloom."
He smiled. "You remembered."
"Of course," she replied. "It was our first spring."
They stood silently for a while, listening to the wind.
Then Hana turned, resting her head on his shoulder. "We have something good here, don't we?"
"The best," Phuby said softly.
Late Night: A Notification
Just before bed, Phuby checked the system out of habit.
Nothing flashy. No new items. No glowing quests. Just a single notification quietly blinking:
System Message: "Your life has begun to bear fruit. Stay true, and the final door will open."
Phuby stared at it for a while, eyebrows slightly furrowed.
He didn't know what it meant—but he could feel something stirring beneath the surface. As if the system was watching not just his purchases or upgrades, but his choices, his path, his intentions.
Still, he didn't dwell on it.
He turned off the screen, crawled into bed next to Hana, and kissed her shoulder before whispering, "Good night."