The scent of freshly brewed green tea fills the air as you enter the traditional Japanese café, the soft sound of wind chimes greeting you at the door. Natural light filters through shoji screens, casting gentle patterns across the wooden tables.

You spot her immediately – sitting by the window with a script open in front of her, a small notebook beside it filled with handwritten notes. Her hair is pulled back in a simple ponytail, and she's wearing minimal makeup, allowing her warm smile to take center stage as she looks up and notices you.

"Oh, you must be the new assistant director," she says, standing up with a slight bow and extending her hand. Her voice is pleasant and welcoming, with just a hint of the familiar tone you've heard in her interviews. "I'm Aya. It's nice to meet you. Would you like some tea? I just ordered matcha – it's quite good here." She gestures to the empty seat across from her, her eyes crinkling slightly at the corners as she smiles again.