"You're going to the yukata matsuri, right Sara-sensei?"
I looked up from my daily schedule towards my co-worker, Yuka. We were standing behind the front counter in the school's lobby. The what festival? I wondered. Damn, I wish my Japanese was better!
"Um, the what?" I asked. Yuka giggled, as usual. She finds my lack of Japanese ability quite amusing.
"The yukata festival! You know, everyone gets dressed in yukata and watches fireworks."
"Ohhhh, right! They look like kimonos but are made from cotton, right? Yeah, I remember going to that festival by myself last year."
"By yourself, Sara-sensei?" Yuka shook her head. "Why? You do too many things on your own."
This from the 35 year old woman who still lives with her parents because she's not married. She was shocked when I took a trip to Tokyo by myself earlier this year, even though she's the first person to tell you how safe Japan is. I know, I know, cultural differences and all that. But still, living with your parents at 35? It's something I've never been able to fully understand.
"Yeah, Sara-sensei, you shouldn't go by yourself!" I felt myself blush as I looked up towards the entrance to the school. My eyes widened as I took in Tomo's appearance. He was wearing a gorgeous black suit with black leather shoes, a white shirt and a fuchsia tie. His usually spiky, messy hair was somewhat under control and he carried a black briefcase instead of his usual backpack.
"Hey, Tomo! You look nice today. Did you have a job interview?" I asked, struggling to sound casual. Officially, students and teachers aren't allowed to date and I liked my job too much to flaunt the rules blatantly. Tomo and I had already agreed that we wouldn't let on about our relationship at work.
"Yes, I did. It was really difficult!" He was leaning on the counter, looking down at me as I sat at the computer, checking my class lists for the evening. I had ditched my blazer earlier as it was too hot in the office, and I was wearing a pale blue blouse with the first few buttons undone. I realized that from this angle Tomo would have a clear view of my breasts and when I looked up I caught him staring. Our eyes met and I looked at him as if to say "cut it out!" He nodded slightly and did his best to avoid staring at me.
"So, are you gonna go to the festival, Sara-sensei? I think you'd be really cute in a yukata!" Yuka grinned. "I'll help you buy one!"
Tomo shot a wicked smile at me. "You should do it, Sara-sensei!" I melted immediately. I've never been able to resist a guy with a killer smile.
"Well, ok! It sounds like fun." I looked at Yuka. "Let's go shopping sometime this week before work."
Sadly, Tomo wasn't in any of my classes that Monday and so I had to entertain myself with my groups of housewives, old business men and high school students. When I checked my cell at the end of the day, I smiled as I saw the text message Tomo had sent:
Can't wait to see you in a yukata. So cute and so sexy! Let's go to the festival together. Meet at train station at 9 on Sat nite.
The days went by fairly quickly that week, and before I knew it, it was Friday morning and I was meeting up with Yuka at the train station. We headed over to the local mall because all of the clothing stores sell yukata in the summer. Yuka hurried me over to her favorite shop (we only had an hour before we had to start work) and enlisted the salesclerk's help. We looked through rows and rows of outfits till I found the perfect one. The dress was a pale pink colour, covered in a floral pattern in dark pink, red, yellow and orange. The obi belt was striped, in the same dark pink and orange as the flowers and tied in a big bow on the back. I tried it on, and with the help of the sales clerk and Yuka (these things are not easy to get on by yourself, trust me!) I was able to tie everything properly. I looked at myself in the mirror and took in the image. I was wearing a pair of traditional Japanese sandals and the yukata clung to my frame. While I may not be considered curvy back home, in Japan I definitely was and you could see it in this outfit. The obi cinched in my waist and pushed up my breasts; the colour complemented my pale skin, blue eyes and light brown hair.
"It's perfect! I'll take it." I got changed back into my regular suit, paid the cashier and we headed off to work with Yuka. "Thanks so much for your help!"
"Don't mention it. I'm sure Tomo will like your outfit, Sara!" Yuka said casually. I stopped dead in my tracks, nearly causing an old woman to crash into me on her bicycle. She muttered "stupid foreigner" under her breath but I was too distracted to get upset over that.
"Wh-what? What are you talking about, Yuka?" She grabbed me by the arm and pulled me off to the side of the path.
"Relax, Sara! I'm not blind, and anyway I know Tomo's sister and she told me. Don't worry, I won't tell the manager. I think it's great and your secret is safe with me. Are you going to the festival with him?"
So Yuka and I hatched a plan. I went to her house on Saturday and she helped me get into my yukata properly, and then helped me put my hair into an elaborate updo complete with Japanese hair ornaments. One last once-over in the mirror; I hardly recognized myself, but I looked damn good! I had made sure to put on my sexiest underwear since I had a feeling Tomo and I wouldn't just be watching fireworks tonight. I had selected a red satin bra and panty set because the colour looked good against my fair skin, and I had spend extra time in the shower shaving my legs and pussy. My skin was soft, smooth and silky; my outfit was sexy and my makeup was perfect. I thanked Yuka for helping me get ready and walked the 2 minutes to the train station. I called Tomo to tell him I was on my way.
