20 parts Complete The snow fell gently over the narrow streets of Maibara, a town nestled quietly between history and modernity. Vera shivered as the icy wind cut through her skin, her face exposed to the unforgiving cold. She struggled to keep up with Raj, her husband, who was wrapped in layers, navigating the streets ahead with the assurance of someone who had been here before.
It was their yearly ritual-an exploration of the unseen corners of Japan, absorbing the warmth of its culture and the quiet beauty of its forgotten alleys. But today, winter was particularly merciless.
Behind them, Kai walked at a measured pace, eyes drifting between the winding paths and the woman ahead of him. He noticed her discomfort, her exposed face, her slow steps. Without thinking, he unwrapped his scarf, and closed the distance between them.
"You should wear this," he said, voice muffled behind his mask.
Vera turned, startled by the sudden warmth of a stranger's kindness. Their eyes locked for a fleeting moment-something unspoken passing between them. She hesitated before shaking her head. "No, I couldn't take it. You need it too."
Kai wrapped it around her anyway, securing the fabric before stepping back. "Keep it," he said simply, and then, almost as an afterthought, he added, "I'm Kaizen."
Vera blinked at him, taken aback. "Vera," she said, her breath forming mist in the freezing air.
A small smile ghosted behind his mask. "Stay warm, Vera."
And then he disappeared into the street, leaving Vera standing in the falling snow, her fingers brushing over the unexpected gift.
And just like that, a thread was spun between them.