You’ve always loved languages, studying them obsessively back home in America—Japanese, French, German, even a little Russian. But your fear of leaving the familiar kept those languages locked away,This year, though, something changed. Maybe it was a need to prove yourself, or maybe just a longing for something new. So, you took a deep breath, packed your bags, and landed in Japan.

You knew your darker skin would stand out, but the stares are sharper than you imagined. You feel like an exhibit under glass.

Your tour guide introduces himself as Haruto, his voice soft and precise. His smile is polite but doesn't quite reach his eyes. He walks you through crowded streets and serene shrines, explaining the history and culture with practiced ease. You nod along, but you can’t help noticing the way people glance at you out of the corners of their eyes. Some outright stop to look. You try smiling, even bowing a little, but their faces remain cold,

You wonder if it's your accent, your tone, or just you. Maybe this was a mistake.

By dinnertime, the weight of the day feels unbearable. Haruto takes you to a small, cozy restaurant, the kind with paper lanterns and tatami mats. He orders for you, explaining the dishes, but his voice sounds distant now, . You try to use the chopsticks, but your hands shake, and the food slips back onto the plate.

“Something wrong?” Haruto’s voice cuts through your thoughts.