Chapter 5: The Universe Groweth Warm

Chapter 5: The Universe Groweth Warm

✿———✦———✿

"Like unto the sun and the moon, we are bound to meet by the will of the universe, though it be but in the brief moments 'twixt dusk and dawn."

I have alway known that my life wouldst change upon the end of my schooling and the start of my steps into the worketh world, yet never didst I imagine such a transformation. Not only in my career, but also in the bond I now share with Chinatsu. A month ago, I was still sleeping upon the sofa, haunted by my own shadow in the night. But now, I lay in my own chamber, beside her—the woman who hath become as inseparable to my life as my very breath since childhood.

We are now as one, a couple bound together. How strange doth that word sound within my mind—“betrothèd” with Chinatsu. The woman who once held me when I wast but an infant, who was ever by my side when I stumbled, who didst watch me grow and become. How couldst all this befall? How didst what once felt as siblingly affection come to this deeper bond?

This morning feeleth unlike any other. The gentle breath of spring doth seep soft through the window, bringing warmth to fill this room. I lay in the bed, Chinatsu resting beside me. ‘Tis been several weeks since we have chosen to be together, and though once plagued by doubts, ‘tis all unfolding far better than my fears had foreseen. ‘Tis strange. Once, I oft woke alone, feeling the empty expanse of this dwelling. But now, her presence hath turned the whole of it warm and welcoming.

I gaze to my side, and there she lieth still, her visage calm, unburdened by any care in her sleep. A smile doth rise upon my lips, and I slip from bed in silence, not to wake her. Afore the plans for this day, I attend to my morn’s tasks. Out upon the balcony, flowers I have planted bloom fresh and fair, painting this space with colors bright. I taketh up the water can and doth sprinkle them, a peace descending upon me in the soft hours of dawn.

Yet, as I water those blooms, a memory cometh unbidden—a time when I, over-eager, did drown many a flower with my heavy hand.

I have said, water not so much! my heart crieth. Yet, there is joy in seeing them flourish so.

Returning to the chamber, I find Chinatsu stirring, her eyes still clouded by the last of her dreams. A soft smile alights her face as she doth see me.

“Mornin’, Kazu,” she saith, stretching herself with gentle grace.

“Morn to thee. Come to the kitchen. After we breaketh fast, we shall prepare ourselves to go.”

“Go? Where to?” Her brow lifteth in curiosity.

“‘Tis a surprise,” I respond with a grin.

Whilst she doth fully rouse herself, I set about tidying the kitchen and gathering the makings for our meal. Of late, we oft spend hours in this place, trying various recipes together. I do take delight in these moments, and I know she doth feel likewise.

When she doth emerge, hair askew, she doth look as though a bloom first opening to the morn. Her face still bears the softness of sleep, and her eyes, half-closed, lend the sense that the world beyond this chamber hath not yet claimed her. Her every movement be gentle, and I cannot resist a smile as I watch her.

“What shall we be cookin’ today?” she asketh, her eyes sparkling with mirth.

“How dost pancakes sound, with fresh berries and a dash of maple syrup?” I say, envisioning the soft cakes we shall craft together.

“Oh, I do love pancakes! Let’s make ‘em!” Chinatsu doth reply, her hair tousled, lending her a sweet charm.

We both set to work within the kitchen. I gather flour, milk, eggs, and a touch of baking powder, whilst Chinatsu doth retrieve strawberries and bananas from the larder.

“Wilt thou fetch the large bowl from yon shelf?” I ask, pointing toward the upper rack.

With a nod, she doth reach for it. In that moment, I feel a deep gratitude. ‘Tis these small moments I cherish most. We begin mixing the pancake batter, Chinatsu with a fierce focus.

“Couldst thou pour a touch more milk?” I bid, watching the batter’s texture.

“Alrighty!” she doth reply cheerily.

“My sincerest thanks…”

“Kazu, you know, fer simple dishes like this, maybe y’oughta just take care o’ it yerself from now on?”

“Very well,” I reply, stifling a laugh.

Once our batter is made, I kindle the stove and set a pan thereupon. Chinatsu doth pour the batter into the pan with bright eyes, and I cannot help but smile at her excitement.

“Look at that, Kazu! Ain’t this pancake jus’ lovely!” she doth exclaim as the first cake doth rise to a golden fluff.

As we cook, laughter and jests fill the kitchen. Each cake, when ready, we stack upon a platter, and Chinatsu deftly places slices of fruit atop.

“This looks real tasty, Kazu! Y’gotta take a pic with ‘em,” she insisteth, fetching her device to capture the moment.

I freeze, feeling a touch of shyness. “E-Eh?” I stammer, my face warming. Strange it feels, to be pictured as we dine, yet I know I cannot refuse her whim.

“Be sure y’post it later, alright?” she laughs.

I smile, albeit with a bashful nod. “Aye, if it doth please thee.”

With our pancakes made, we sit to eat, the air filled with their sweet fragrance, each bite enriched by our efforts together. “These’re great, Kazu! Y’oughta cook like this more often,” she says with a grin, filling the morning with a fresh warmth. I smile back, content in the joy our simple meal brings.

After we have eaten, we begin our preparations to depart. As Chinatsu dresseth herself before the mirror, I am overtaken by a quiet joy. She then turneth, her smile broad as she doth ask, “What d’you think, darlin’? Cute ‘nough?”

My eyes widen in a flash. Did she just call me… darling? my heart doth race, my cheeks afire. I busy myself in haste, “A-Anon, I…I shall check on the flowers upon the balcony!” I mutter, swiftly departing to hide my embarrassment.

Chinatsu merely laughs. “Kazu, don’t you run off! You still owe me a compliment!” she teases, following with her merry laughter.

The blush of me deepens, and I shake my head, striving to tend to the blooms I didst water earlier. ‘Tis hard to think clearly as she doth continue her jesting, but within me, I feel a warm contentment to share such moments.

Once calm doth return to me, we make ready to go. Chinatsu hath dressed with an elegance rare, and I cannot hide my own smile as I see her thus. Just as we step outside, the memory of a few weeks past, when we revealed our bond to our families, riseth to my mind.

My mother, in a mix of surprise and worry, said through the phone, “Courtship? With Chinatsu? Minato Kazuaki, art thou serious?! She is elder to thee!” My father could only murmur awkwardly, “Well…that is…interesting.” Though my mother seemed perplexed and a touch troubled by the years between us, I could feel their warmth and support even if acceptance was not instant.

Meanwhile, Chinatsu’s parents took the news more calmly. Her mother, with a knowing smile, said, “So you’ve chosen Kazuaki at last?” as though foreseeing all of it. “We’ve long hoped the two of you would end up together,” her father added in easy tone, and I saw Chinatsu blush with a joy she could not hide.

With all set, we take our leave. I open the door for Chinatsu, and once she is settled, I take the driver’s seat beside her. As we drive through the bustling streets of Kobe, we speak of naught but simple matters—work, the day-to-day, and little dreams we hold for the future. There is peace in sharing this space with her, all cares falling away.

Upon our arrival at the aquarium, ‘tis as though we enter another realm. Gone is the city’s stir, replaced by the serene wonder of ocean life bathed in soft light. I glance toward Chinatsu; her eyes doth shine at the sight.

“Wow, Kazu, lookit that! Sharky’s food, salmon! Ain’t salmon what sharks chow down on?!” she exclaims, pointing toward a vast tank filled with vibrant fish.

"These be not salmon… these be tuna…" I chuckle, watching her bright delight. She doth nudge me, a hint vexed yet charming still.

As we wander, she captures all upon her phone—myself, clownfish, penguins, capybaras, and whatsoever else do catch our eye. “C’mon, let’s take a selfie with the fishes!” she doth laugh, aiming her device toward us.

“Me? With the fish?” I feign embarrassment. “Surely, these creatures art more wondrous than I!”

“Ain’t nothin’ cooler’n you, Kazu,” she says in earnest, yet her grin cannot be hid. “Now let’s snap this selfie!”

We didst take selfies together in many places here, feeling a closeness that grew deeper as the camera did capture those small yet precious moments. I did steal a glance at Chinatsu, who didst shine under the gentle lights. “Thou dost look truly radiant this day,” I murmured softly, hoping she heard not.

But alas, she did hear. Her cheeks turned a shade of pink, and she looked surprised. “E-Eh? Kazu…”

Panic overtook me instantly, and I did quickly pretend to look at the capybara nearby. “That capybara… 'tis beautiful, I meant,” I said, trying to divert her attention.

Whistling, I did capture a photo of the endearing creature, yet I could not help but glance back at her. Chinatsu looked at me, bewildered, her expression a mix of surprise and joy.

Suddenly, she pinched me lightly. “Kazu, quit messin’ around!” she said, pouting in a way that did bring a smile to my face.

We then continued walking, exploring more aquariums, the air between us growing warmer and more familiar. I captured her image in secret. Her face didst glow, radiating warmth most profound. Suddenly, she noticed I was taking a picture of her. Without a moment’s hesitation, I turned my phone's camera toward the magnificent aquarium before us. “Aye, ‘tis a wondrous aquarium, much like the vastness of the heavens,” I said, seeking to change the subject.

But Chinatsu just grinned mischievously, her eyes alight with mirth. “Don’t try to change the subject, you took a picture of me, didn’t you? Right?” she teased, her voice brimming with laughter.

I feigned ignorance, continuing to walk ahead as though I heard not, snapping photos of the aquarium. Watching her chase after me while she chided me did make me smile. How joyful it was, to share such laughter and happiness in such a beautiful place.

We bought drinks to make our little date all the sweeter. Chinatsu and I strolled along hallways filled with wondrous scenes of the ocean’s depths. Colorful fish swam gracefully before us, whilst the tranquil sound of water filled the air. Now and then, she reached for my hand, grasping it tightly. I smiled and did return her grip, savoring these moments with her.

“I really like places like this,” she said, looking at the grand aquarium before us. “It feels real peaceful, kinda like we’re walkin' in saturn’s rings.”

“Aye, I agree. I do think this makes for a fine place to unwind,” I replied as I took a sip of the cold chocolate drink we had purchased.

We kept on walking, admiring the many exhibits. There was a section showcasing coral reefs, a part set with dramatic lighting to create a mysterious atmosphere, and even some theatrical performances that combined art and marine life. We sat for a moment in one corner of the room, watching a show that depicted sea life through dance and graceful movements.

“You know, we should really do this more often,” Chinatsu said as she leaned against my shoulder.

“What, taketh pictures of capybaras?” I replied with a straight, innocent look.

“Nooo! That ain’t what I meant at all!” she responded, her eyes widening slightly as though annoyed.

“Capybaras are known to spend their days together with their kind. Mayhaps we, too, could be like capybaras, spending our days in peaceful company,” I said earnestly, feeling somewhat proud of my logic.

“Kazu… that ain’t what I meant!” Chinatsu said, playfully nudging my shoulder.

“Oh… thou dost mean we shouldst visit more wondrous places such as ‘tis?”

She sighed, her lips pouting a bit, which made it hard for me not to laugh. “Yeah, that too. But it ain’t just that! I mean, spendin' time together. It’s real fun, you know?”

I turned to her, seeing her peaceful face. “Aye… I know. I do agree. We need more moments like these.”

“See?!” Chinatsu wrinkled her brow as she rubbed her nose, looking all confident. “You gotta agree, we gotta do this more often!”

“Fun, is’t not? To be like capybaras…” I said with a laugh, likening her demeanor to that of the adorable creature.

“Ugh, Kazu! Why’s it always gotta be capybaras? I wanted a romantic moment, not turnin' into a fat critter!” she tried t' look annoyed, but the smile on her face betrayed her.

“Ah, my apologies. Prithee, might we seek a place more... romantic? Without capybaras, mayhaps?” I offered, hoping to amend my folly.

“Yeah, now that’s a good idea! No capybaras!” she replied with a laugh.

In such wise, we did share laughter whilst relishing precious moments together. After our fill of wandering about Àqua, we did resolve to dine at a café therein. We took our seats by a window, gazing at the fish that swam yet within the great aquarium afore us. Our meals were brought forth, and the instant they lay set afore us, Chinatsu did pull out her phone.

“Hey, wait! I gotta take a picture of our food first!” she cried, full of mirth.

“What? Must thou really?” I asked, smiling consfused.

“Yes, I gotta! Look here, the food’s too pretty not t' capture!” she said, pointing her camera at the feast.

She took many a photo, shifting her angle to find the perfect light. I could naught but smile and wait, feeling somewhat bashful at her attention upon the food.

Once content with her photographs, Chinatsu then turned her gaze to me. “Okay, now it’s your turn!” she said, grinning wide.

“Eh? Wherefore must I?” I inquired, feeling my cheeks grow warm.

“‘Cause you gotta be in the picture too! Now c’mon, strike a pose!” she said, setting up her camera.

Blushing, I tried to pose whilst holding my fork and smiling. She laughed at my awkwardness, snapping a few more shots.

“Look! This is so cute!” she said, showing me the results.

Her bright smile did bring me joy. “Aye, thou art indeed much enamored of capturing such moments, art thou not?” I replied, smiling back.

“Yep! Gotta remember moments like these! You look happy, and that’s what matters!”

Hearing this, a warmth did fill my heart, and I gave thanks within to be by her side on such a fine day. After our meal, we continued with light talk, laughter shared betwixt us, and we did plan future ventures. This moment felt far more than mere luncheon; 'twas an experience to cherish for all time.

✿———✦———✿

That eve, we returned to my apartment, tired yet content. Chinatsu did sink into the sofa whilst I went unto the kitchen to brew tea. We sat in silence, sipping our warm drinks as we gazed outward through the window, beholding the city lights as they twinkled in the distance.

“Twilight… ‘tis so fair, yet strangely fearsome,” I murmured, looking out the window. Verily, when twilight doth fall, a fear of losing something dear doth creep into my heart. Or perchance 'tis so, for all things hold meaning for me.

“Kazu-kun,” Chinatsu broke the silence suddenly. “Thank you so much for today. Felt like… a dream.”

“I am glad thou didst enjoy it,” I replied.

She gave a soft smile, then clasped my hand again. “I mean it. After all that mess with that fella… I honestly thought happiness wasn’t in the cards for me no more. But you—you make me feel otherwise.”

I did fall silent, thinking on her words. In many ways, I did feel likewise. Though our path have not begun in the manner most conventional, as time hath passed, I have come to sense there lieth something profound between us. A bond not rooted solely in our past, but in that which we do create now.

“Chinatsu… I do feel the same,” I said softly. “I know not what fate doth hold, yet one thing I know for certain: I shall be there for thee always.”

She looked at me with gratitude in her eyes. “I know. And I’ll be here for you, Kazu-kun. We’re both strong, right?”

“Indeed. Together, we shall weather all,” I answered, feeling emboldened by her words.

Chinatsu’s face lit up with joy, her spirit as bright as ever. “Yeah, like a superhero team! We can go on new adventures, can’t we?”

I could naught but smile. “Aye, but without strange attire, if it please thee.”

“Haha, alright! But we gotta keep it stylish!” she laughed, her mirth filling the room with warmth.

That night, we didst lie abed, holding one another close. I could feel the warmth of her body beside me, and for the first time in many a long while, I didst feel truly at peace. Though the morrow yet held naught but uncertainty, I knew one thing for certain: so long as we be together, we might face whatever cometh.

"So, what’re we doin’ tomorrow?" Chinatsu asked in a soft voice.

"Why, ‘tis work, of course. The morrow bringeth Monday," quoth I with a smile.

"Oh, shoot! Forgot it’s a work day," she grumbled, but her face stayed bright as the dawn. "But we can plan somethin’ fun for the weekend, right?"

"Indeed. We must surely maketh merry plans to fill the hours after work," I replied.

After much talk and laughter, at length we didst fall asleep. Chinatsu did hold me so tightly that, verily, it made my breath a touch short. Yet, in a strange wise, that closeness brought a feeling of safety and warmth. Mayhap, just mayhap, this happiness might last far longer than ever I had dreamed.