December Snow

Fresh air is refreshing when you’re finally able to breathe properly again. I have to say, sleeping has never been better than in the last two days. For once it was easier to get my head in the clouds at night.

Though I’d never forget the icicles in my brain and moments when I thought my head was about to melt. If it weren’t for the medicines, I’d probably still be in bed, kicking off the blanket whenever it gets hot...

  “Well, I have her to thank for that.”

Miyazaki-san.

At times her name would pop into my head, and her voice still lingers. “Funny. She helped me twice now. I bet she doesn’t even know it herself.”

  “Yikes. It’s still a bit cold out here…”

Remnants of yesterday’s rain are still within the surroundings, and since we’re high up in the hills, it’s even more chilly, especially in the morning. The scene itself mirrors that of late December snow.

  “Ha... Miyu would chase me around the tree, and Dad would be on top of it to spook the both of us... I still remember the look on Mom’s face when she saw me crying, and Miyu would stand there laughing..”

It’s not as big now through my eyes, but it will forever be eternal in my memories. Carved messages are still visible, and I lost count of how many times I’ve seen the leaves turn yellow-gold along the seasons.

Now I’m looking at it from so far away. Not sure anymore whether I’m a stranger or family. Their voices speak loudly even when only the wind blows and passing clouds blends their movements in wavering shadows.

“How quiet. It’s peaceful indeed.”

Aki-kun.

“That voice… it’s so familiar.” It’s childishly soft. It echoed for seconds, but I recognize this voice. It brings back falling leaves, and warm sunlight as it draws me closer to the familiar tree.

The voice inside my heart tells me to walk forward, but they’re distant memories now. If I were to now then have I really moved on?  Such a question I cannot answer. Everything around me will continue to move forward, so I’ll follow along.

  “Man, almost made me think I missed him.” Maybe I am, who knows? We spent the majority of time together after all.

Ever since he left for Tokyo, he took with him a piece that makes our home whole. As the older one, I’m happy for him. He’s responsible, so Tokyo fits a person of his nature. But as a friend, this home is one room emptier.

  “One, two. How many more, I wonder.”

Pointing my fingers up above the sky, looking as if I’m holding up a peace sign for a selfie.

  “Do people still do it? Eh, I’m sure they do. People in my class do them all the time.”

It’s quite cute, I won’t lie. Gathering up with classmates to take photos during breaks, and such. I’d put on a reluctant façade, but they’d still drag me into it, nonetheless.

“God. Kei would sit on my lap, and I’d be entered into one of his weird roleplays. Not to mention Mei with her borderline obsession with taking photos of everyone and everything.”

I’d get mad afterward since I had to smile for the camera, but they’d just brush it off. Fun years those were, thank you. I look forward to more.

  “Fzzz. It’s cold. I should head inside.”

I really should start wearing slippers around the house. The floor is freezing! “Hmm. A blanket might work. Wrapping myself like I’ve seen those Westerners do in teen-school dramas.”

“Wrapping…Miyazaki-san..” What is this? My face is hot, and my heart beats loudly. A sleeping Miyazaki-san wrapped in red...

“No, no. That’s rude. I shouldn’t. What the hell is wrong with me? Alright, breathe in… and out. Clear your mind.”

Phew. “All better.” Regardless, I still want to try it. Gosh. I don’t know how my heart can beat faster after that.

Along the hall, the scent of oak appeared so new to me. Its rich color and creaking board dulled my senses as though each step draws my focus deeper and deeper.

  “Heh... That was oddly fun. Sounded like a beat.”

“Now then, I hope it doesn’t get dirty..” From a distance, my phone started buzzing. “Hmm, who could be texting me now?” Sigh. My contacts are limited, it’s probably one of those phone plan ads again...

Selene:

Hey, Ryusei-san! Are you feeling better now? Listen, if you aren’t busy right now, would you like to come by for a flower show?

The place I’m working at is hosting its annual summer show, so I’d love it if you could join us.

“Flower show..” I’m surprised it’s Miyazaki-san. My heart dropped when I saw who it was from. When she first texted me, I didn’t know who it was, so I didn’t reply.

  “Honestly, I’m feeling really bad now.”

Akio:

You sound excited, Miyazaki-san. I’m not sick anymore if that’s what you’re wondering, but thanks for asking.

My schedule is cleared as always, so I’ll see you down there. Please send me the address.

Selene:

Glad to hear that! It’ll start in an hour, so no need to rush. Oh, and yes I am!

Akio:

Thanks! Looking forward to it.

“Heh... That’s a cute emoji, is it custom? I’ll ask her about it later.” But a flower show, hmm. I’m sure it’ll be interesting.

The event is going to start in an hour, so I’ve got plenty of time. “What should I do in the meanwhile?” It wouldn’t help to stand here, so I’ll go and help. It’s the least I can do.

“Hmm, what to wear?”

Alright, forget it. Flower show or not, it’s still a casual event. Jeans and a jacket will do.

By the time I stepped out of the gate, the clock has already entered into 10. A few minutes. So far everything is going well.

  “Can’t say how much I’m lovin’ this weather.”

The breeze blends in well with the peaking sun. It paints quite a nice image in my mind. White and blue paint mixed in one along the curled wind overlapping the town. Can’t ask for more than this.

  “Hmm, I wonder what I should do.”

I haven’t thought about it since giving the painting to Miyazaki-san, but maybe I don’t have to. The only thing I know is that I started to notice more of my surroundings. It’s a great fe-

  “Careful!”

  “Whoaaa!”

What happened?!  “A car…Oh, the light’s red…”

  “Oww… my head hurts..” she said, scuffling in the bush.

  “Miss are you alright?! Let me help you up.”

  “Hah.. Thank you.”

Grasping for air, she looked as though she just ran a marathon. Same. Right now my heart is beating all over the place after being held back like that.

  “That was quite a pull, Miss..?”

  “Fumiko. Amari Fumiko.”

  “Mhm. So-”

  “You should be more careful! Do you have any idea what would happen if I was a second too late?! And why is that guy speeding so fast in such an enclosed area?!”

…She’s annoyed. Her face is beet red as if she’s holding back tears.

  “My apologies, Amari-san. You’re right, I should’ve been more careful. Thank you for helping me out there.”

  “You’re awfully polite. How old are you if I may ask?”

  “I don’t mind. I’m 17. You’ve just saved me, so it’s the least I can do.”

She stood frozen with a pale expression on her face.

  “No way you’re 17… I seriously thought you were at least in your twenties.”

  “Ouch. But you’re not the first to think that.”

  “Yeah… Tall and you don’t sound 17 at all.”

Anything…Anything but height! Everywhere!

 “Let me reintroduce myself. I’m Amari Fumiko, and please go out with me.”

  “I’m sorry Amari-san, but I have to decline.”

  “….”

  “Are you alright, Amari-san?”

  “Bah..hahahahaha.. So this is how it feels to be on the receiving end.”

For some reason, I want to laugh too…Sigh. What’s going on anymore?

  “Sorry sorry. You may think I’m joking, but I’m serious.”

  “I don’t doubt it, Amari-san.”

  “Really now. So why’d you decline?”

  “Simple. I don’t feel that way toward you, Amari-san. Besides... How should I say this? You’ll regret it if only half your heart agrees… That’s the best way I can put it.”

She paused for a moment.

  “Honesty. You’re interesting. I don’t know what my heart says, but I give it what it needs. But thanks, I appreciate it.”

  “No problem. I should get going, thank you again, Amari-san.”

  “Call me Fumiko. And it’s all good, I should get going as well.”

  “Oh, almost forgot. What’s your name?”

…I forgot too

  “Ah, I’m Akio. Ryusei Akio.”

  “Nice to meet you Akio-kun. Town’s small, so maybe I’ll see you again.”

  “Likewise, Fumiko-san.”

What a person. Miyu would definitely see eye to eye with her. “Or maybe they’ll be at each other’s throat…such a scary possibility.”

“Akio! I'm also 17!”