Start of the trip

Everything starts from something trivial. The result it develops are the aftermath of those small things. The tiny things we ignore, how we stay ignorant to it, is just our own negligence. 

We loathe the loss and yet we stay silent when we have the chance to prevent it. Thus, though we could blame our fate, we also cannot overlook the laxness we showed. 

“Not anything particular happened.”

I thought the brain lock was only temporary, that it would get normal after a sleep, after a day or two, after a week, after a month, after a year. It never did. And I still haven't cracked the code. 

As Hideo was about to persist with me again, his mom came shouting through his balcony.

“You boys are here doing chitchat and I was screaming from downstairs for dinner. It's already 21:00, your father is also waiting. Come downstairs, now. You too, Akito.”

“Yeah we're coming in a minute.” Hideo said, wanting to know the answer from me. 

“You're both gonna come with me now, the dinner's gonna get cold.”

“Yeah Hideo, let's go.” I jumped in.

Seeing me avoid telling him about the incident, he gave me a growling look. I brushed it off as a nuisance and headed back in. I throwed the pillow to the bed and went downstairs with them.

We ate our dinners together. Uncle talked about a big building project that his company will handle and that he got assigned with an important role as the overseer and lead architect. 

He works in an architecture company. He's been at it for over 10 to 12 years. So taking on this project, I think is a new step ahead for his working life. 

After eating dinner I quickly went to my room, completely evading Hideo. I shut the room door and fell on the bed on my chest and face. 

It's not that I have many complaints against them and I love them. They love me, worked hard for me, they sacrificed many things. 

I shouldn't walk away from them nor do I plan to. I wanna give them back. I wanna make them smile and live comfortably together. They raised me with care. 

I've finally decided. 

The next day we set over a course of plan and time management. Although I can guarantee it won't be as punctual as we determined it to be. But that's just how it works, it never goes as we want. 

The Golden Week's first day started, it's Wednesday, 29th April. I got up early, went downstairs and greeted my uncle and aunt. They never take it easy, do they? 

I went to the wardrobe of my room, seeing the only two outdoor shirts reminded me how limited I am. Well, not that I care much anyway.  

I chose a dark olive-colored shirt along with a black pants. Combed my hair for once and went downstairs again for breakfast, which Hideo was absent for. 

It was 8 in the morning when I went to knock at his door. 

“Hey Hideo…” suddenly the door opened on my face. I barely saved my nose. 

Hideo, who was still in his night clothes with a brush in his hand screamed, “YOU SHOULD'VE WAKEN ME UP!!!”

“Oh, I forgot.” Seeing me nonchalant, he got furious. But he didn't have time to argue with me. Though I still teased him as was moving towards the washroom. 

“You know, you should stop binge watching anime at midnight. It's not good for your sleep cycle.”

“SHUT UP.” 

“I'm going to head out now. You get there as fast as you can.”

I already informed my uncle and aunt about today's plan yesterday except the time, which we decided before going to sleep. And yet Hideo still didn't get sleep and stayed awake only to wake up late. This will be a lesson to him.

After saying my regards, I stepped outside home and went to the meeting area, near Yoshigasawakaede Park. The person who'll drive us to the hydrangea hill will be there at 9 o'clock. 

The morning air wasn't particularly warm or cold. It had a mixture of both, hence setting the perfect mood for one to walk. As I arrived at the predetermined place, I saw the empty park. 

The park isn't abandoned but also isn't used as much. Though many people come here jogging at the early hour, the kids aren't seen often. 

I waited at a seat for 15 minutes until Yoshino showed up. 

“Hey.” I greeted. 

“Hello. Have you been waiting long?” 

“No, just a couple of minutes.”

Usually, males tend to say “No, I just got here.” Though it's mostly used when a couple is on a date. Right now it would've been weird to say that, so I chose this instead. 

Come on, don't think it's a double date troupe. Right, it's just normal friends going out to have fun. 

“You look…beautiful.” I remarked, seeing her attire with her unreal beauty. 

She wore a long sleeve blueish white shirt followed with a blue thin ribbon in a bow. A long flowing skirt with a high waist. The skirt transitioned from gradient blue shade to darker hue towards the hem.

“...Thank you. You too look good, the colour is unique. It goes well with you.”

“Oh…uhh…thanks.” 

As we both got embarrassed, I asked her, “Umm…is Blue your favourite colour?”

“Yeah. I like how every shade of blue has something charming about it. What's your favorite colour?”

“I don't have anything like that but I do prefer choosing Red over other colours if it doesn't look odd.” 

Like how bright red is an odd colour to wear as a shirt. 

“Then, red huh…” Said while trailing off.

“I guess.”

“An umbrella will go well with your attire.” I suggested.

“That's… too embarrassing.” Yoshino said, averting eye down. 

“Right…” That was stupid of me. 

“Uhm, if you have time after returning, can you visit my grandma for a bit? She kept asking me to bring you again, saying she wants to give you something.” She said timidly.

“Huh!? Oh…sure. I don't mind.” 

What would she want me to have? Before I could ask Yoshino, Ichikawa came hurriedly. 

She was wearing a similar attire as Yoshino. Though the colour was red for her. Same pattern and transition. So they went shopping yesterday after school. I had my doubts when they headed early together from the cafe. 

“Slow down, there's still time.” I showed the time on my phone, which showed 8:37.

“Yeah…Mr. Taiki will be here at 9.” Yoshino added. 

“...Yeah…that's true.” She said, catching her breath.

“The one who should be run is Hideo.” I texted him right before Yoshino came. But no reply whatsoever. I think he's still getting ready. 

“He's eating breakfast right now. It will take 10 more minutes to come here.” Ichikawa said. 

“How did you know?” Yoshino read my mind.

“He just texted me, a minute ago.”

“Huh!? This bastard.”

“What!?” Ichikawa and Yoshino reacted.

“Sorry. It's nothing.” 

Just wait, look how awkward I make things between you and Ichikawa. 

It's 8:45 and a minivan just parked in front of us. A man came outside the vehicle. 

“Hello. Are you the passengers?”

“Hello. Yes, thank you for giving us a ride.” We gratefully said. 

“It's fine. There's four of you right?”

“Yeah. He's on his way.” Ichikawa confirmed.

After 5 more minutes Hideo came, wearing a black shirt with brown pants. Together, we hop in the minivan. I sat in the front passenger seat. The others sat in the 2nd row. With Yoshino sitting all the way to the right, Ichikawa in the middle and Hideo in the left. 

Opening the window of my seat, I glanced at the outside as the cheerful wind splashed my face.