Photos amongst the Hydrangeas

The way time flows corresponds to our age. We start at where seconds seemed hours and days felt longer. Gradually like a candle, our life burns and the wax melts away. 

You could say that the wax is our life and the wick is the time. The moment the wick starts burning, the wax also melts. At first, it takes longer, while at the middle it accelerates and at the end it slows down again, surviving the last phrase. Some fizzles away and some strive. 

“How long have you guys known Eiji?” The person beside me asked while driving us. 

“Not long. Only 2 days.”

“Huh? He asked me for the ride like he knew all of you for years.”

“What do you mean?”

“He was saying how amazing you all were. Particularly about you. Though he's always been like this, an outgoing person.” 

“Yeah…an extrovert. Though I like his friendliness. He knows his boundaries.” I chuckled.

“We, along with 3 more, became a friend group in our high school. He was the only one who kept blabbering.” He said, giving a small laugh. 

“Is that group still in touch?” I asked curiously.

It's been almost ten years for them. Staying out of touch isn't surprising.

“Yes. Fortunately we still hangout sometimes whenever we get free time together. One friend even married a girl he had a crush on. We used to tease him and yet he made it.” 

“That's good to know.” It's kind of reassuring and hopeful to know that not all groups disband. 

I looked at the passenger behind me. Ichikawa was thrashing Hideo for his dress choice and laxness. Yoshino's trying to calm them. Though they aren't screaming as to not disturb Mr. Taiki. 

“So how were you and your friend's reaction when he said the cafe's name?” I questioned.

“Honestly, it felt hilarious and satisfying.” He cracked into laughter.

“Everyone one of you are on the same board huh. You all were part of the soccer team?”

“Yep. Eiji said you were a player too. So you understand how it feels to have revenge with toxic opponents, don't you?” He said as he took a right turn.

“Of course.” I don't know about opponents, I haven't got many toxic ones.  But I felt this feeling from my own clubmates who bullied me at my early stage and got benched later because I improved and became a starter.

We moved onto the hill tracks, as the city outskirts shone over the ray of the sun. As we got closer to our destination, I looked at the back mirror to glance at Yoshino again. That dress sure is captivating. 

However, I saw Yoshino was also glancing at me directly. Hoping that she wouldn't notice me watching her through the back mirror, I turned my gaze to the road ahead. 

A long sigh escaped me, it would've been awkward. 

The vehicle stopped at the spacious one floor structure. It's shaped like the basic house we used to draw in kindergarten. Though the reverse V shaped wooden grass roof and large gates weren't part of our draw. 

Mr. Taiki parked the vehicle at the parking lot beside the entrance. We got out of the minivan and thanked him gracefully. 

“There aren't many people right now.” Yoshino wondered. 

“Most of the people would usually come here in the afternoon, to see the sunset. Sometimes even during sunrise. The flower area is open on three sides, which includes east and west.” 

“That's so convenient for business.” I remarked. 

“Yeah.” 

“Then maybe we should book a slot with a great view for lunch early.” Hideo proposed. 

“Absolutely.” Ichikawa also agreed. 

“Don't worry. I'll tell the restaurant staff for your seats. You guys enjoy it. There's also photographers you can hire hourly and collect the photos in one hour.”

“We're really grateful for your help today.” Everyone said unanimously. To which he just brushed off.

There was a large wall around the parking lot that hid the view from here. Although I could briefly see a red building roof. 

“What's that?” I pointed at the thing I was seeing.

“Oh, that's the museum we built recently. It's only been two months since we inaugurated it. Eiji wanted it to be a surprise for you all. I'll be here, text me if you need anything.”

He's really an amusing fella. 

We went inside. After purchasing our tickets, we moved to the inner section. The inner section front was designed fully glass. The colourful flowers sparked the urge to dash forward and walk through it. 

We went through the passage and finally opened up to the marvelous place of hydrangea flowers. The flowers were glittering their charming colours as the petals set the background. 

It's the first time I've seen a large field of hydrangeas or even any flowers. The entrance of pavement welcomed us with every red, blue, purple, white, pink and even some teal colored flower petals. 

“Come on, take some pictures of us here.” Ichikawa insisted.

“Akito, use your phone.” Hideo said.

The other phones are a bit older, so the camera isn't that good. But as dad gave me this brand new latest one few weeks ago, it had the best camera quality out of us. 

I opened the camera app on my phone and clicked a selfie of the four of us. This is the first human photo I clicked on this phone. All the time I was just fizzling around with the camera settings and clicking photos of some objects.

After roaming around, Ichikawa and Hideo seemed to move a bit further than Yoshino and me. 

Yoshino was looking at the blue hydrangea field to her left.

“Want me to take a photo?”

“Uhh…yeah. Thanks.”

I took my phone and clicked two quick photos of her. Though she looked beautiful in them, the flowers didn't bloom as much. Plus the sun was directly behind her, causing lens flare. 

“Can you give me a minute?” I requested.

After she nodded, I went to the pro mode. Changing the white balance a bit, the ISO, the exposure and the focus…shutter speed…and done. This looks perfect. I clicked three shots. 

“Here, now it turned out good.” I moved closer and showed her the photo on my screen. The colour of her skirt and glowing flowers completely fused together while also separating their details. 

“Wow…this is wonderful. The background sunlight completely illuminated the flowers as shining stars and the focus made the lighting also good on me. Thank you.”

“You're praising too much.” I chuckled. 

“No, you're quite good at photography.”

“How about you sit over there?” I pointed towards the red section.

“...Sure.”

As per my say, she sat in the little walking space between the red hydrangea flowers. As it was in the same direction as before, I didn't have to change the settings much. I clicked the photos and showed it to her. 

“It really turned out great. I thought I would look awkward between the red.” She exasperated. 

“I like the red and blue combination. It's like both complement each other. So of course it would be great with your precious dress.”

“That's…good to hear.” She relieved a sigh. 

After we both staring at the flowers, she offered,

“Why don't I take a picture of you here?”

“Huh, no it's not necessary.”

“Come on. You took amazing photos of me, so it's only fair that I take for you too. 

“... I'm not that interested in taking photos of mine, that's all.” It's kind of embarrassing and I don't even have any idea about poses. 

I glanced at Hideo who was gazing at Ichikawa, as she was taking photos of the white hydrangeas. 

“Then how about…we take a picture together.”

“Umm…okay.” I didn't wanna refuse her again.

I watched around to see if anybody was close by. I saw a couple walking together to one side. I called out to them.  

“Excuse me, sorry for troubling you, can you take a picture of us?” 

“Sure.” The man responded and gladly took the camera. 

Yoshino and I moved a little closer as the man told us to. The girl seemed excited seeing us through the camera, standing behind him. 

We stood close enough that our shirts almost touched. Her long skirt whirled, also the scent of her etched into me. The half up, half down hair bonded with a blue ribbon were also twirling. 

She made a low peace sign.  As I didn't have any particular poses, I followed her suit.  

After clicking a few pictures the man gave me back my phone. 

“Enjoy your date.” The man said as he took the hand of his girlfriend again. 

“We…aren't actually dating. But thank you for helping us.” 

“You're welcome.” He said as he gave a wink. 

I should've taken the misunderstanding into consideration. 

Though when I looked back at Yoshino, her face was reddened. She looked adorable to look at. But it was super embarrassing. I glanced at Hideo and Ichikawa to avoid eye contact with Yoshino. 

Though when I looked at them, it urged me to quickly take a photo. I zoomed in and took three shots, with increased shutter speed. As the phone had lossless 75-100mm zoom, the details were crisp and sharp. 

I showed the photos to Yoshino. On the first shot, Ichikawa was sitting and holding a hydrangea flower and Hideo, half bent, was fixating his eyes on Ichikawa. On the second one, their gaze seemed to be reversed. At the last one, they looked at each other. 

All of the three pictures had one thing in common, their genuine heartfelt smile. 

“This is…something that can't be recreated. Kaori will jump in happiness seeing this.”

“Huh!? Does she…”

At my realization, she quickly puts her hand on her mouth. But seeing me unfazed, with defeated look, she speaks up,

“...Yes, she has feelings for Fujimura.” I grinned at her confirmation. 

This is gonna be fun.