Present beside the gate

Right… It might’ve been time to wake up. Unknowingly, I might’ve set up an alarm last night. Ringing that encircles my mind and drags me out of the sleep my body is in incredible need of.

“Alright! Alright! Please, just stop ringing!”

“Where’s the snooze button?!” Okay, okay. Done. Please, 10 more minutes. As the alarm fades, I could hear the chirping of birds nestling its way into the room.

“Okay, I can’t.” It’s one problem to be drowsy in the morning, but another if you find yourself waking up at a desk.

My body must’ve hit its limit from the accumulated fatigue. “Woah, what a mess!” Scattered paper and writings are all over the table. “I’ve really got to tidy up this place.”

This ever-so-cold room isn’t much different from my bedroom. Faint golden light would paint its warmth all over the place, and yet the chillness of the lower floor still stays. Despite the summer heat, this room keeps the cold in.

“Ugh, my body feels so damn sore! I’m never sleeping on a chair ever again.”

To be honest, I can’t guarantee that it won’t happen again. The cushion on it really sucks you in.

“Hmm, what is this?” I must’ve dropped it the moment I woke up. The blanket holds a familiar fragrance. Seeing the reflected green and ocean blue off on the floor, my chest tightens a bit at the thought, but I’m grateful.

“She could’ve woken me up if she’s home.”

It’s not like me keeping my head down. “It’s finally morning! Let’s not waste a moment of it.” Glancing at the clock, the hours read 7:38. I don’t where the energy came from, but gosh it feels great to wake up early.

“This place never gets old.” For a moment I thought someone else was in the house. It gets creepier when your voice resonates back and forth along the hall. I’ll never get used to the feeling of someone walking behind me.

Speaking of which, it reminds me of last night’s dream. As horror filled as seeing people with no faces, the person who stood in front of me looked so familiar. I can’t wrap my head around it, but he stole my present! It even has my name on it!

“That’s it! This place needs a little more color!”

Being surrounded by nothing but trees and nature, I hold the luxury of blasting music at 7:00 am in the morning. Of course, I picked Sunflower by Ado as the first choice.

The melodies would melt all the sounds from within the surrounding field. Transforming a lifeless picture into a warm portrait filled with falling leaves of her voice.

“Jeez. The floor is really wet now..”

Sigh. I’ll remember to properly dry my hair next time. Hints of water droplets linger along the living room floor.

“Alright, breakfast then back to work.”

High school years are fleeting. I enjoyed all it had to offer, but something was missing. Next year is the final year, but where should my priorities be?  Whatever, I’ll think about it later.

“Am I hearing things?”

Turning off the music, I listened closely. A loud bang followed by a faint voice. The attempts went on three times then deafening silence followed. “It’s coming from the front gate..”

“Who do I owe this morning to, I wonder.”

Coming all the way up here in itself is incredible, I’ll give them that. “Let’s see. This pack of chocolate will do.” As I put on whatever I could find, the voice once again tried to make itself heard.

“I should hurry up. Who knows how long they’ve been waiting.”

Meeting ways with the overlooking tree, the voice became clearer under the cloudless sky.

“Ryusei-san! Are you home?”

“That voice..” It sounds familiar. Is it someone I know? Passing by the dripping fountain surrounded by vibrant leaves, she stood there ever so calmly by the corner. Her pale blue flowed in the captivating background.

“Ryusei…. san?”

“Oh, it’s Miyazaki-san! What are you doing here?”

“Ah, Ryusei-san. I thought you were a woman judging by your voice over the phone.”

“Over the phone, hmm. It must’ve been Mom then.” That would explain the missing breakfast. Aww, thanks, mom. Today you score one over Gramps!

“Oh, alright. Here are your deliveries, Ryusei-san. Grilled Mackeral, rice, and Miso.”

“Thank you, Miyazaki-san. If you don’t mind, I’d love for you to have this.” Handing it over.

“Chocolate..? What’s the special occasion, Ryusei-san?”

“Just a thank you for coming all the way up here.”

“I didn’t expect you at all, Miyazaki-san. Hope you didn’t have to wait long. You could’ve called. I would have gone down there instead.”

Even though I told Gramps that I’d pick deliveries up from now on, what was he thinking...

“I’ve just got here, no worries. We tried calling you, Ryusei- san, but no one picked up the phone.”

No one picked up the phone, huh…Right, the music.

“My apologies, Miyazaki-san. I had music on, so I must’ve missed the call.”

She appeared to be smiling despite my dejected demeanor. A lovely giggle escaped her mouth, joining in with the leisured wind

“Sorry, sorry, Ryusei-san. We never called you. Grandpa told me how bad the reception is up here.” Smiling ever so brightly.

“Eh..?”

“You were a bit tensed earlier, Ryousei-san. You seemed kind of nervous, so I wanted to cheer you up a bit.”

“But who would’ve thought it would make you even more tense.. I didn’t expect the honesty, so I’m sorry.”

Was I really that nervous? Though I appreciate her gesture, it was warm.

“You truly are Gramps granddaughter.” Surrendering myself, it feels much lighter now.

“You two seem to know each other for a while, hope he’s not too much trouble.”

“He definitely is, but I don’t mind. He brings with him this warm air every time he comes up.”

“True true, spending time with him really makes you warm!” From the way she speaks, vibrant the surroundings feel.

“I should be on my way now.”

“Thank you again, Miyazaki-san.”

“No problem. Enjoy your meal, Ryusei-san. And thanks for the chocolate!”

Her purple dress fluttered amongst the wind as she turned, painting violet glimpses all over the flowers. Fitting with her ocean blue hair, ethereal and elegant. But I couldn’t get one thing out of my head.

The shoes she’s wearing, they’re not particularly made for long-distance walks. You’d at least need a proper shoe if you want to walk up and down, that much I knew.

“Hold on a minute, Miyazaki-san.”

“Do you need anything else?” 

“Please wait here.”

If I remember correctly, it should be in the storage room. “Hope it still works.” Much like my working room, the storage room blocks out the summer heat. Even so, it’s still a bit hot inside.

“God, it’s so dusty in here.” Wiping off the dust, the cycle appeared slightly worn but there are no signs of rusting. With the cycle in hand, its turning wheels remind me much of evening.

“Thank you for waiting!”

“…..”

“It’s a bit old but it still works great thankfully. Please use it on the way down.”

“Ryusei-san, it’s alright. I couldn’t possibly.”

“I insist, can’t have you straining your feet now. Besides, it’s probably itching to move.”

For a moment, she looked as though she had lost something. An expression I’m familiar with.

“Then I’ll take you up on your offer, Ryusei-san. I’ll return it when you call again, thank you.”

“It’s fine, you can keep it. It wouldn’t do it any good leaving it here. Besides, it would help you with deliveries.”

“…..Thank you.”

There she goes, riding along the hills. Watching her brought back again the familiar sight. No doubt she takes after Gramps in some aspects of her personality. “They must’ve spent lots of time together.” How nice.

“Woah, these smell great.”