The walk to Yuki's family home felt like a journey to another world. After days of campus scrutiny and viral video stress, the quiet residential neighborhood was a blessed relief. Aiko had been to Yuki's house once before for a brief study session, but tonight felt different—less academic, more like seeking sanctuary among people who knew her before she became "Mystery Girlfriend" to hundreds of thousands of strangers online.
"There she is!" Yuki called out from the front door before Aiko had even reached the gate. "Quick, inside before any neighbors recognize you from that ridiculous video."
The warmth that enveloped Aiko as she stepped into the Tanaka family home was both literal and metaphorical. Unlike the sterile perfection of her aunt's house or the institutional functionality of her dorm, this space felt lived-in and loved. Family photos covered every surface, the scent of home cooking filled the air, and voices from the kitchen suggested multiple generations gathered for an ordinary evening meal.
"Mom, Dad, this is Aiko," Yuki announced, leading her toward the kitchen where an older couple was preparing dinner alongside a familiar figure.
"So you're the famous stylist we've heard so much about," Mrs. Tanaka said warmly, wiping her hands on a dish towel before offering a gentle bow. "Yuki talks about your work constantly. And now you're internet famous too!"
"Please don't remind me," Aiko said with a grimace, which earned understanding laughter from the family.
"Hiroshi filled us in on the situation," Mr. Tanaka said, his tone sympathetic. "Unwanted attention can be very stressful, especially when you have important academic goals."
Aiko noticed Hiroshi at the stove, wearing an apron and stirring something that smelled incredible. He looked up when his father mentioned his name, offering her a smile that seemed particularly warm.
"I hope you're hungry," he said. "I might have gone overboard trying to create the perfect comfort food dinner."
"You always go overboard," Yuki said affectionately. "But in this case, Aiko needs all the comfort we can provide."
As they gathered around the family dining table, Aiko found herself comparing this scene to the tense, formal meals she remembered from her aunt's house. Here, conversation flowed naturally between topics ranging from Mr. Tanaka's work as a civil engineer to Mrs. Tanaka's volunteer activities at the local community center. No one seemed to be performing for approval or walking on eggshells to avoid conflict.
"So tell us about this Spain program," Mrs. Tanaka said as she served generous portions of Hiroshi's homemade curry. "It sounds like an incredible opportunity."
As Aiko described the international exchange program and her application process, she noticed Hiroshi listening with particular attention, asking thoughtful questions about the cultural aspects of studying abroad and the long-term career implications.
"The timing is challenging though," Aiko admitted. "Between the viral video situation and everything else, I'm worried about maintaining the focus I need for my application."
"What exactly are you most concerned about?" Mr. Tanaka asked, his engineering background evident in his systematic approach to problem-solving.
"The academy is worried that media attention might affect how I'm perceived by international partners. And honestly, I'm worried that all this drama is distracting me from the work I need to do to actually deserve the opportunity."
"Sounds like you need some perspective," said a new voice from the doorway. An older woman entered the dining room, moving with the careful grace of someone in her seventies but carrying herself with unmistakable dignity.
"Aunt Keiko!" Yuki jumped up to embrace the newcomer. "Aiko, this is my great-aunt, the one I told you about who used to be a master stylist."
Aunt Keiko studied Aiko with eyes that seemed to see more than most people revealed. "So you're the young woman who's been making such impressive progress at Stellar Academy. Yuki's been sharing your story with me."
"It's an honor to meet you," Aiko said, bowing respectfully.
"The honor is mutual. I've been hearing about your approach to hair restoration and client care. It reminds me of the old traditions, when stylists understood that we were caring for people, not just hair."
As dinner continued, Aunt Keiko shared stories from her decades in the beauty industry, describing techniques and philosophies that weren't taught in contemporary programs. Aiko found herself completely absorbed, asking detailed questions about traditional methods and their modern applications.
"You have an intuitive understanding of the craft," Aunt Keiko observed. "Technical skill can be taught, but the ability to truly see a client's needs—that's something rarer."
"I had an excellent teacher," Aiko said, thinking of Mrs. Sato. "She taught me that every person who sits in your chair is trusting you with more than just their appearance."
"Exactly. And that understanding will serve you well in Spain, regardless of any temporary social media nonsense."
After dinner, as the family moved to the living room for tea and continued conversation, Hiroshi found a moment to speak with Aiko privately.
"You seem more relaxed than you've looked in days," he observed as they stood together near the window overlooking the family's small garden.
"Your family is wonderful. I'd forgotten what it feels like to be around people who genuinely care about each other without any ulterior motives."
"What was your family like growing up?" Hiroshi asked gently.
The question touched on painful territory, but something about the warmth of the evening and Hiroshi's genuine concern made Aiko willing to share more than she usually would.
"Complicated. I lived with my aunt's family after my mother died, but I was more like an unwelcome obligation than a family member. Watching your family tonight... it's beautiful, but it also hurts a little, seeing what I missed."
Hiroshi's expression grew thoughtful. "I'm sorry you experienced that. But you know, family isn't just about blood relations. The way Yuki talks about you, the way you all support each other at the academy—that's family too."
"I'm starting to understand that," Aiko said. "Though it's still hard to trust that people won't just disappear when I'm no longer useful to them."
"The right people won't disappear," Hiroshi said quietly. "The right people stick around even when things get complicated or inconvenient."
There was something in his tone that suggested he wasn't just speaking generally, and Aiko found herself studying his face more carefully. Had she been so focused on her academic goals and the Ryo situation that she'd missed something important about Hiroshi's feelings?
Before she could process that thought further, Yuki appeared beside them.
"Aunt Keiko wants to show you some of her old technique photos," she told Aiko. "She thinks you'd be interested in her approach to corrective styling."
As they rejoined the group, Aiko felt something settling in her chest that she hadn't experienced in years—the peace that came from being unconditionally accepted by people who had no agenda beyond genuine care for her wellbeing.
The viral video and Mika's harassment still needed to be addressed, her Spain application still required intense preparation, and the situation with Ryo still needed resolution. But for this evening, surrounded by warmth and authentic connection, those problems felt manageable rather than overwhelming.
"Thank you," she said to Mrs. Tanaka as the evening began winding down. "I needed this more than I realized."
"You're welcome here anytime," Mrs. Tanaka replied warmly. "Yuki's friends are our friends, and anyone dedicated to helping others feel beautiful has a place at our table."
As Hiroshi walked her to the train station at the end of the evening, Aiko found herself reflecting on the contrast between this family's easy acceptance and the conditional love she'd experienced growing up.
"Your parents are remarkable," she told him.
"They like you," he said simply. "Though that's not surprising. Most people like you once they get to know who you really are."
The comment made her wonder if Hiroshi was seeing aspects of her personality that she hadn't fully recognized herself—or perhaps that she'd hidden under layers of academic ambition and strategic thinking.
Whatever the case, the evening had reminded her that success meant more than just achieving professional goals. It also meant building relationships with people who valued her for who she was, not just what she could accomplish.