The next morning arrived with the kind of gentle sunlight that made everything feel possible. Aiko woke in Yuki's childhood bedroom, surrounded by posters of hair models and beauty magazines that spoke to her friend's long-standing passion for the craft. The peaceful night's sleep—her first in days without anxiety dreams about viral videos—had restored her sense of perspective.
"Aunt Keiko wants to start early," Yuki announced, appearing in the doorway with two cups of coffee. "She says the best light for detailed work is in the morning, and she has techniques to show us that she's never shared with anyone outside the family."
As they made their way downstairs, Aiko was surprised to find Kenta sitting at the kitchen table, looking slightly nervous but excited.
"I hope you don't mind that I invited him," Yuki said. "When I told him about Aunt Keiko's offer to teach us traditional techniques, he practically begged to join. He's been researching historical Japanese styling methods for his cultural heritage project."
"The more the merrier," Aunt Keiko said warmly, appearing from what Aiko now realized was a converted salon space attached to the main house. "Though I should warn you all—the techniques I'm going to share require patience and respect for tradition. No rushing, no shortcuts."
The salon space was unlike anything Aiko had seen at Stellar Academy or even in Mrs. Sato's shop. Traditional tools hung alongside modern equipment, and the walls were covered with photographs spanning decades of Aunt Keiko's work. But what caught Aiko's attention immediately were the intricate hair ornaments displayed in glass cases—combs, pins, and decorative pieces that looked more like art than styling accessories.
"These belonged to my grandmother and her teacher before her," Aunt Keiko explained, noticing Aiko's fascination. "In traditional styling, the ornaments aren't just decoration—they're integral to the structure and meaning of the hairstyle itself."
"I've read about this in historical texts," Kenta said eagerly, "but I've never seen the actual implements. How do you determine which pieces to use?"
"Ah, now you're asking the right questions," Aunt Keiko smiled approvingly. "It depends on the occasion, the season, the age and status of the client, and most importantly, the story the style is meant to tell."
She guided them to a practice area where three mannequin heads waited, each with different hair textures and lengths. "Today, I'm going to teach you the fundamentals of traditional Japanese hair arrangement—not just the techniques, but the philosophy behind them."
"What kind of philosophy?" Yuki asked, settling beside one of the practice heads.
"That hair is a reflection of the soul," Aunt Keiko said simply. "In traditional styling, we don't impose our vision on the client—we discover their inner nature and help it express itself through their appearance."
As she began demonstrating the basic sectioning technique for traditional arrangements, Aiko found herself completely absorbed. This was different from anything she'd learned at the academy—slower, more contemplative, requiring not just technical skill but genuine meditation on the person being served.
"Aiko, watch how I'm working with this section," Aunt Keiko instructed. "I'm not fighting the natural growth pattern—I'm enhancing it. The hair wants to move in this direction, so I'm creating a style that honors that inclination."
"It's like you're having a conversation with the hair itself," Aiko observed, trying to replicate the gentle twisting motion Aunt Keiko had demonstrated.
"Exactly! You understand intuitively what takes most students months to grasp." Aunt Keiko moved to watch Aiko's work more closely. "You have natural sensitivity to texture and movement. Where did you learn to read hair so clearly?"
"My first teacher, Mrs. Sato, emphasized understanding hair's condition and history before attempting any changes. She taught me to listen to what the hair was telling me."
"Wise woman. And it shows in your work." Aunt Keiko adjusted Aiko's hand position slightly. "Now, let the hair guide you rather than forcing it into position."
Kenta was struggling more with the delicate manipulation required, his usually steady hands seeming clumsy with the traditional tools. "This is much harder than modern techniques," he admitted with frustration.
"Different, not harder," Aunt Keiko corrected gently. "Modern styling often relies on products and heat to force hair into submission. Traditional methods work with natural properties to achieve lasting results."
"But it's so time-consuming," Yuki observed, working carefully through her own practice arrangement.
"Time spent in service of beauty is never wasted," Aunt Keiko replied. "Besides, the client's experience is as important as the final result. In traditional styling, the process itself is meditative, relaxing. The client leaves feeling cared for, not just styled."
As the morning progressed, Aiko found herself falling into the rhythm of traditional work. The slower pace allowed for deeper focus, and the emphasis on working with rather than against natural hair properties aligned perfectly with everything Mrs. Sato had taught her.
"This is incredible," she said as she completed her first traditional arrangement—a simple but elegant style that seemed to capture the essence of classical Japanese beauty while remaining wearable for contemporary life.
"You have a gift for this," Aunt Keiko said, examining Aiko's work with obvious approval. "The balance between tradition and innovation, the respect for natural beauty—these are the qualities that made master stylists legendary."
"Do you think these techniques would be valuable in international programs?" Kenta asked, still working carefully through his own arrangement.
"Absolutely. Cultural authenticity is highly valued in global beauty communities. Students who can demonstrate mastery of their own traditional methods while adapting to contemporary needs are exactly what international programs seek."
Aunt Keiko moved to a cabinet and withdrew a small, beautifully crafted comb decorated with delicate cherry blossoms. "Aiko, I'd like you to have this. It belonged to my first teacher—a woman who understood that true beauty comes from honoring both tradition and individual expression."
"I couldn't possibly—" Aiko began, but Aunt Keiko waved away her protests.
"It should belong to someone who will use it properly and pass its lessons forward. Promise me that when you become a master stylist yourself, you'll share these traditional methods with your own students."
"I promise," Aiko said, accepting the comb with reverence. The weight of it in her hands felt like accepting a sacred trust.
As they cleaned up the practice area, Hiroshi appeared in the doorway, carrying a tray of lunch preparations.
"How did the master class go?" he asked, his eyes immediately finding Aiko's face with the kind of attention that suggested genuine interest in her experiences.
"Life-changing," Aiko replied honestly. "I feel like I understand something fundamental about the craft that I was missing before."
"That's what Aunt Keiko does," Yuki said fondly. "She helps people discover what they already knew but hadn't realized yet."
As they moved toward the main house for lunch, Aunt Keiko fell into step beside Aiko.
"You know," she said quietly, "the techniques I shared today will serve you well in Spain. European stylists have great respect for traditional Asian methods, especially when they're presented by someone who truly understands their deeper meaning."
"Thank you for sharing them with me."
"Thank you for being worthy of them. And Aiko?" Aunt Keiko paused at the threshold between her salon and the family home. "Don't let temporary complications distract you from your true path. Viral videos fade, but mastery of your craft lasts forever."
The morning had provided more than just technical education—it had reminded Aiko that her journey toward becoming a master stylist was about more than just achieving professional success. It was about understanding the deeper connections between beauty, tradition, and service to others.
With Aunt Keiko's comb safely tucked in her bag and new techniques integrated into her knowledge base, Aiko felt more prepared than ever to face whatever challenges lay ahead in her Spain application and beyond.