Episode 1: A group of university friends and their families (Part 1)

[Part 1]

Characters:

• Kenta (35 years old): Office worker, father of 4-year-old twins (Daiki and Daichi) with his wife Yuko. He was the captain of the tennis club in college and has a bright and caring personality.

• Yuko (34 years old): Housewife, Kenta's wife. She is kind and homely but loves dressing up and going out occasionally. She loves hot springs.

• Daiki & Daichi (4 years old): Kenta and Yuko's twin sons. They are full of energy and curiosity.

• Yuki (35 years old): IT company engineer, father of 5-year-old daughter (Yui) with his wife Aya. He used to play doubles with Kenta in college, known for his calm and collected play style.

• Aya (35 years old): Graphic designer, Yuki's wife. She is fashionable and has a rich sensibility. She cherishes time with her family.

• Yui (5 years old): Yuki and Aya's daughter. She is shy around strangers but becomes lively when she opens up.

• Asami (35 years old): Nurse, mother of 3-year-old son (Haruto) with her husband Shota. She was bright and active in college, serving as the club's mood maker.

• Shota (36 years old): Restaurant manager, Asami's husband. He is caring and good at cooking. He loves coffee.

• Haruto (3 years old): Asami and Shota's son. He is curious and laughs a lot.

• Yuki (35 years old): Bank employee, living with her husband Kei. She was reserved in college but is reliable and considerate of her friends.

• Kei (36 years old): High school teacher, Yuki's husband. He has a gentle demeanor and treats everyone equally without discrimination.

The sun-drenched summer day found a group of old friends, once united by their passion for tennis during their college days, excitedly planning a getaway to the picturesque town of Nasu-Shiobara. Their destination: the luxurious "experience villa Nasushiobara." Before immersing themselves in the villa's opulent amenities, they decided to make a pit stop at the charming "Senbonmatsu Farm," nestled just a short 10-minute drive away.

From Senbonmatsu Farm's official Instagram

As Kenta, the former captain of the tennis club, stepped out of the car, his voice rang with enthusiasm, "Everyone, we've arrived at the farm!" His twin sons, Daiki and Daichi, gazed in wonder at the lush surroundings, exclaiming, "Wow, it's so green! Look at the cows and sheep!" Yuko, Kenta's loving wife, smiled warmly, remarking, "The kids will have a blast playing freely here."

The farm welcomed them with an expansive, verdant pasture stretching as far as the eye could see. Aya, Yuki's fashionable wife, gently took her daughter Yui's hand, pointing out, "Look, there are goats over there. I think we can feed them. Want to give it a try?" Yui's face lit up with excitement, "Yes! I want to befriend the goats!"

The ice cream making experience corner had the children buzzing with anticipation. Daiki eagerly explained, "We can use milk straight from the cows to make our very own ice cream!" Yuki, the reserved yet reliable friend, nodded appreciatively, "Being able to participate in the entire process, from milking to creating, is truly a valuable experience."

Meanwhile, the adults gravitated towards the direct sales store, marveling at the array of fresh, local ingredients. Yuko, impressed by the vibrant produce, remarked, "Look at these freshly picked vegetables. They look so crisp and delicious." Shota, the restaurant manager with a passion for cooking, chimed in, "The meat section is incredibly well-stocked too. I can't wait for tonight's BBQ feast!"

From Senbonmatsu Farm's official Instagram

Time seemed to fly by as everyone reveled in the farm's delights. Glancing at his watch, Kenta suggested, "It's about time we head to the villa for check-in. We've got plenty of BBQ ingredients, so shall we get going?" Asami, the bright and bubbly nurse, nodded in agreement, "Definitely! I'm eager to unwind at the villa."

Upon arriving at the villa, the group marveled at the convenience of the tablet-based self-check-in system. Yuki, the bank employee, expressed her admiration, "It's remarkable how smoothly we can check in!" Kei, her gentle and open-minded husband, added, "And the key operates with a PIN code, eliminating the worry of misplacing it. How ingenious!"

As they stepped through the front door, a breathtaking, high-ceilinged space unfolded before them. The twins, Daiki and Daichi, gazed in awe, exclaiming, "The ceiling is so high, it's like a castle!" Aya, drawn to the scenic view beyond the glass door, remarked, "The wooden deck is impressively spacious, perfect for savoring the fresh outdoor air."

With luggage settled, the group lounged on the inviting living room sofa. Yuko, sinking into its comforting embrace, sighed, "This sofa is incredibly comfortable! I might just doze off." Shota, ever the coffee aficionado, peeked into the kitchen, noting, "There's a fully automatic coffee maker too, ensuring a constant supply of freshly brewed coffee."

As the adults unwound, the children stumbled upon the playroom, their eyes widening with delight. Haruto, Asami and Shota's curious son, exclaimed, "Wow, look at all these toys!" Yui, equally enchanted, added, "Giant stuffed animals, blocks, and even picture books! We can play to our hearts' content!" Asami, consulting the brochure, explained, "The playroom floor is cushioned for the children's safety. And if we open up the table tennis table, everyone can enjoy a game together!"

Seizing the moment, Kenta proposed, "Now that we're all here, how about we kick off the much-anticipated BBQ?" Yuki, the IT engineer known for his calm demeanor, agreed, "Absolutely! After a refreshing soak in the hot spring, the BBQ and beer will taste twice as good." Yuki, gesturing to the facility map, added, "And don't forget, the stone bath is perfect for post-hot spring relaxation."

As the group indulged in the hot spring's rejuvenating waters, Kei and Shota took charge of the BBQ preparations. Kei, stoking the charcoal fire, remarked, "The BBQ space seamlessly integrates with the wooden deck, creating a delightful ambiance." Shota, meticulously arranging the ingredients, added, "The grill is generously sized, allowing everyone to enjoy the feast together."

The enticing aroma of sizzling meats and vegetables wafted through the air as the refreshed group gathered around the grill. Daiki and Daichi, their eyes darting between the various dishes, exclaimed, "Wow, there's meat, vegetables, and even seafood! Where do we begin?" Kenta, wielding the tongs with finesse, suggested, "Let's start with the freshly grilled meat, shall we?" Yuko, presenting a bowl of dip, added, "This special sauce pairs perfectly with the vegetables."

Amidst the convivial atmosphere, mouthwatering food and heartfelt conversations flowed freely. Yuko, raising her glass, confided, "Parenting worries never cease, but connecting with friends and their families provides solace." Aya, nodding in agreement, added, "It's comforting to watch our children grow together." Yuki, smiling warmly, chimed in, "Reminiscing about our college days brings a refreshing sense of nostalgia."

As the BBQ feast drew to a close, the group decided to cap off the evening by roasting marshmallows over the hearth. Yui, her eyes sparkling with anticipation, exclaimed, "Dad, look! The marshmallows are melting!" Yuki, gently guiding her, advised, "The key is to roast them slowly, preventing them from burning." Kei, absorbing the joyous atmosphere, murmured, "Seeing everyone's smiles fills my heart with happiness."

As the night deepened and the starry sky blanketed the villa, the conversations continued to flow effortlessly. Kenta, his voice tinged with emotion, reflected, "Moments like these, spent with cherished family and friends, are truly priceless." Shota, nodding in agreement, added, "It's a perfect escape from the daily stresses and fatigue." Asami, her smile gentle and hopeful, whispered, "Wouldn't it be wonderful to gather like this again next year?"

The first day at the villa, enveloped by the warmth of loved ones, had been a tapestry of shared experiences and deepening bonds. Each person brought a unique thread, woven together by the laughter, the heartfelt conversations, and the memories created. As they savored the afterglow of a day well-spent, their hearts swelled with anticipation for the adventures that awaited them on the morrow.

The story continues in the second part, promising more cherished moments and unforgettable experiences amidst the tranquil beauty of Nasushiobara.