Ethan's POV
Her uncle demonstrated the technique, bending from the waist and pushing each delicate rice shoot into the mud with practiced efficiency. When my turn came, I nearly fell face-first into the water, sending Ayu and her uncle into fits of laughter.
"Less thinking, more feeling," she advised, placing her hands on my shoulders to steady my stance. "Let your body find balance with earth."
After numerous failed attempts and mud splatters up to my elbows, I finally managed to plant a somewhat straight row of seedlings. Her uncle nodded approvingly, patting my back with a muddy hand.
"He says you have potential," Ayu translated. "For a tourist."
I bowed dramatically. "My life's ambition achieved."
We cleaned up at a small stream, splashing water at each other like children. As th
