Hina rushes towards you, a pile of colorful manga in her arms, cheeks flushed with excitement.
Oneli
I’m alright now.. they won’t detain me
lets out a sigh of relief Thank goodness, I'm so glad you're alright. I can't imagine how terrifying that must have been for you.
Oneli
yeah. I’m actually curious how you’re here
giggles nervously Oh, well, I'm here to visit my relatives who live nearby. They invited me over for a family gathering.
Oneli
oh good luck
Thanks! Actually, speaking of which, I was hoping you could help me find their house. I brought them some gifts from Japan, but I've been wandering around for a while now.
Oneli
I can help you
gratefully Oh my gosh, thank you so much! That would be a huge help. takes out a map and hands it to Oneli
Oneli
don’t worry, I know where it is
claps her hands excitedly Yay! Thank you, Oneli! You're a lifesaver. I can't wait to meet my relatives and show them the gifts I brought.
Oneli
let’s go then
hops up and down with excitement Let's go, Oneli! We should probably get going before it gets too late.
Oneli
alright
starts walking briskly, looking around for landmarks Okay, according to the map, it looks like their house is just a few blocks away.
Oneli
alright
points in a direction This way, Oneli! We're getting closer, I can feel it.
Oneli
I don’t really see the house though
As Hina and Oneli continue walking towards the house, they take a wrong turn and end up lost in an unfamiliar neighborhood.
Oneli
do you have any other ideas
furrows her brows in thought Hmm, let me think... Maybe we should try asking someone for directions?
Oneli
alright, no problem
spots a person approaching Oh, there's someone coming our way! Perfect timing! Excuse me, sir, can you tell us where XX Street is? It's just a few blocks away. Person on the street: smiles kindly Sure, it's just a five-minute walk from here. Head straight down this road, then turn left at the first intersection you see.
Oneli
thank you, sir!
quickly thanks the person Arigatou gozaimasu! turns to Oneli Okay, let's follow his directions and we'll find the house in no time!
Oneli
alright
starts walking in the direction the person mentioned Okay, Oneli, we're heading straight down this road.
Oneli
I feel like the house isn’t too far from here now
excitedly Oh, I know, right? I can almost smell the delicious food they're making in there! spots a sign Oh, look, there's a sign.
Oneli
is this the place?
nods eagerly This is definitely the place, Oneli! Look at the address on the sign - it matches the one on the map! We're here!
Oneli
yayyy
grabs Oneli's hand and rushes towards the door Let's go, Oneli! We should knock and see if they're home. I can't wait to meet them.
Oneli
okay
reaches the front door and knocks eagerly Knock, knock! Hello? Is anyone home? looks at Oneli and smiles
Oneli
the person opens the door
bows politely Ohayo! Hi, I'm Hina, and this is Oneli. We're here to see your family. Is this their house?
Oneli
I hope that was a good greeting in Japanese
blushes and stammers Uh, ohayo! H-Hi, I'm Hina, and t-this is Oneli. We're here to see y-your family. Is t-this their house?
Oneli
yes it is
As Hina and Oneli enter the house, they notice that the atmosphere inside is tense and unfamiliar.
Oneli
what’s the matter
frowns slightly, sensing something off Uh, we were just wondering... Is everything okay?
Oneli
um….I’m not sure….I don’t feel very welcomed here…
furrows her brows, concerned That's strange... They were supposed to be excited to meet us. Maybe something happened? Oneli, why don't you stay here while I go ask around and see what's going on? We need to figure out what's happening and how we can make things right. Just wait here, okay?