Daarin | ダーリン | Oscar Piastri

S1 E1: 2017

"Meeting you was like listening to a song for the first 

time and knowing it would be my favorite."

-unk

13 July 2017
Osaka, Japan

In the principal's office at Osaka High School, the atmosphere was a blend of formality and anticipation. The room was modest, lined with wooden shelves filled with books, a testament to the school's long-standing dedication to education. The principal, a kind-faced man in his late forties, sat behind his wooden desk, his eyes twinkling with curiosity and a hint of amusement as he observed the unusual gathering before him.

Oscar, a sixteen-year-old Australian with tousled brown hair, shifted in his seat nervously. He had just arrived in Japan two hours ago, and everything was feeling overwhelmingly new. The sights, the sounds, and the very rhythm of life in Osaka were so different from his hometown in Australia.

Oscar's Japanese teacher in Australia was the one who had offered him the exchange program opportunity. At first, Oscar was unsure of it but eventually wanted to accept it to escape the racing scene before being engulfed by the F4 season in August. However, convincing his parents was challenging. Eventually, they agreed, recognizing how much Oscar needed the break and seeing it as a good publicity opportunity due to a documentary offer.

And he could improve his Japanese and learn more about their culture, a big plus.

Seated next to him was Emiko, a petite girl with jet-black hair neatly tied back, her demeanour calm and composed but also on the verge of combusting with... excitement

She glanced at Oscar, her dark eyes reflecting a mixture of curiosity and politeness. This was the first time she would be hosting an exchange student, and she was both excited and slightly apprehensive about what the next month would bring.

The whole reason why she was here was because she had the highest English scores in her entire grade. Her English teacher thought it would be beneficial if the host family spoke English as well, just in case.

Her teacher contacted her parents to ask if they would like to be the host family, to which they agreed without hesitation. They spoke English - that wasn't the best, had an extra room, and thought it would be a great opportunity for Emiko to improve her English skills. They didn't think much about the documentary and had no objections to it. And Emiko... she had nothing better to do. She just thought it would be nice to have some company at home.

Diagonally across from Oscar sat Mr. Tanaka, the producer of the documentary series. He was a middle-aged man with a soft, friendly, and open look as he held a notepad filled with scribbles and ideas. The documentary series was intended to capture the daily lives of two students, local and exchange, who were talented in 2 different ways. And honestly, just capture their lives together like a little coming-of-age film. Both Oscar and Emiko had agreed to participate, understanding the unique opportunity it presented.

The principal broke out a smile and clapped his hands together, the sound making Oscar and Emiko jump. "Welcome, Oscar," he began in Japanese, his voice welcoming.

"We are very pleased to have you here with us in Osaka. And Emiko, thank you for agreeing to host Oscar. I trust that this will be a memorable experience for both of you." Principal Sato paused, turning to face Oscar.