Cashback System From The Heart

The Kyoto morning broke softly, its skies brushed with pastel shades of dawn. A light mist clung to the cherry blossoms as they stirred in the breeze—silent witnesses to the excitement growing inside the rented home Phuby and his family had made their temporary base. Today wasn't just another peaceful day in Kyoto.

Today, Hana's best friends from Tokyo were coming.

Hana stood in front of the mirror adjusting the simple pastel-pink cardigan she'd chosen to wear, her heart racing with anticipation. She hadn't seen her friends in months—since before she left for Indonesia—and now everything had changed. She was engaged, living temporarily with Phuby and his family, and preparing for a wedding in Japan.

She looked over at Phuby, who was casually lounging on the tatami with a manga book in his hand, still in his grey hoodie and joggers.

"Phuby, shouldn't you change?" she asked, narrowing her eyes at him.

"Huh?" he looked up, blinking. "Why?"

"They're going to meet you for the first time. First impressions, you know."

Phuby sat up, scratching his head. "I thought the first impression was at the wedding."

Hana picked up a cushion and lightly threw it at him. "Phub!"

"Okay, okay," he laughed, catching it and tossing it aside. "I'll change."

He got up and disappeared into the next room to swap his hoodie for a neat button-down shirt and black jeans. Mrs. Wulan, watching from the kitchen, chuckled softly and shook her head. "He reminds me of his father. Always casual, always needing to be nudged."

Hana smiled. "But he listens."

"He does," Mrs. Wulan agreed, "especially to you."

The knock on the door came just as Hana was tying her hair into a loose ponytail. Her heart skipped a beat.

"They're here!" she said, nearly running toward the entrance.

Outside stood three women in their twenties, smiling brightly—Misaki, Yuna, and Rika. Their faces lit up the moment they saw Hana.

"HANA-CHAN!!" Misaki cried, immediately hugging her tightly. "We missed you so much!"

"I thought you forgot us after getting yourself a boyfriend!" Yuna teased.

"Fiancé," Rika corrected with a sly smile. "Congratulations, by the way!"

Hana pulled back, eyes sparkling. "Come in, come in!"

The three women stepped inside, removing their shoes and taking in the warmly lit house with curiosity. Their eyes soon landed on Phuby, now standing awkwardly near the genkan with a polite smile.

"Everyone," Hana said, beaming, "this is Phuby… my fiancé."

Phuby bowed slightly. "Nice to meet you all. I'm Phuby."

"Wahhh," Misaki leaned toward Yuna and whispered with a grin, "he is kakkoii…"

"Told you," Hana smirked.

They all laughed, and the initial awkwardness dissolved. Phuby invited them to sit while Mrs. Wulan brought out snacks—mochi and senbei alongside Indonesian nastar cookies that Hana and Phuby had made the night before.

As the girls chatted, Hana couldn't stop smiling. Misaki was as energetic as ever, Yuna still loved teasing, and Rika was as composed as she remembered. But they were also full of curiosity.

"So, you're getting married here?" Rika asked.

"We're planning to do the wedding twice," Hana replied. "Once here in Japan, and once in Indonesia."

Misaki clapped. "That sounds like something out of a movie!"

"Two dresses!" Yuna added. "You better let us help with the planning. We know the best kimono rental places."

"That's actually perfect," Hana said, her excitement growing. "We still haven't finalized everything for the Japanese ceremony."

Phuby leaned in slightly. "Any recommendations for scenic venues?"

"Oh, we've got a few," Misaki said, unlocking her phone. "There's this garden near Uji that's amazing in the spring. And of course, you can't go wrong with a wedding near a shrine."

As talk of flower arrangements, guest seating, and food preferences took over, Phuby quietly excused himself and went into the other room with Om Luky to check on something. The older man looked at him knowingly.

"So? Are they what you expected?"

"Honestly, I was nervous," Phuby admitted, "but they're fun. I get why Hana loves them."

Om Luky nodded. "They love her too. That's good. You'll need all the support you can get once the wedding madness truly starts."

"Oh, believe me," Phuby said, chuckling, "I already feel it starting."

That evening, as twilight settled over the city, the group gathered around the low table for dinner. Hana's mother had prepared a light sukiyaki, and everyone chatted like they'd known each other for years.

After the meal, Hana and her friends retreated to the tatami room with cups of hot tea, their conversation soft and intimate.

"You really love him, huh?" Misaki said, watching Hana smile as she talked about Phuby.

"I do," Hana replied simply. "I feel like I've found my home."

System Notification — Cashback Not Activated

Note: Today's expenses did not meet the Rp10.000.000 threshold. No cashback issued.

Balance: Rp7.245.000.000

Later that night, as the city lights shimmered through the paper windows, Phuby stepped out onto the engawa and looked up at the moon. Behind him, inside the room, the sound of laughter echoed faintly.

He smiled to himself, his thoughts not just on the upcoming wedding but on the life that would follow it. This was more than a trip. This was the beginning of forever.