The stage is set

Time passed once more.
We had written our finals, and gotten the results returned. None of us had failed, and we could spend the summer vacation without having to head to remedy classes, which would have been a real bummer. Of course, with this last hurdle out of the way, my thoughts started centering around a certain upcoming date near constantly. And I wasn’t the only one, as a weird tension started to rise whenever I talked with Ayame, even if it was just a few words.
The girl group around her gave me a few odd looks, but they were more focused on teasing their friend. Not only that, as I had gained their stamp of approval, there wouldn’t be much intervention. …Aside form the occasional reminder to hurry it up.

One of the ways to keep my mind off of this topic was to talk to the boys about what we all could do during summer vacation. We generally kept it simple without a tight time-frame. Whether it was out of consideration for me and Akihito, or if they always worked for the long time frame on a day to day basis, I could not say. But, it worked out for me, so I was not about to complain.
And even during these times, I couldn’t keep my mind off of it entirely, as I could tell when Ayame threw a glance my way.

Still, it wasn’t long until the finally, the fated day approached…

***

Ceremonies were always tedious, but this time it felt as if it dragged on and on. While in reality, it was actually fairly short affair. An assembly in the gymnasium, a short speech by the principal, a reminder to be careful during the vacation, not entirely skip studies, the usual. And not long after, we were released.
Naturally, everyone looked forward to vacation. But for me, the cheer didn’t stem from just this. Something special was going to happen this day.
Saying my goodbyes for now, I split off from the others, and headed for the school gates. And there she stood, waiting for me.
The warm winds were softly blowing around us, leading her hair to dance in the warm sunlight. To me, it looked like a scene out of a movie.

“You are slow.” Ayame smiled at me, glee very visible.
“No, you are just too fast.”
“Well, I just can’t wait much longer.” It looked like anticipation was not just getting to me, but her too.
I walked up to her, and took her hand in mine. Ignoring the various reactions from the home-going students around us, I led her away, deeper into town.

In the current situation, even just the act of holding hands had a certain thrill to it. My heart was pumping in exhilaration and anticipation.
Still, despite my heightened emotions, I took care not to rush too much. While Ayame was walking behind me, it wasn’t as if I was dragging her. She tailed along, face to the ground. Taking a look at her revealed it to be not from a bad feeling, but from trying to calm her joy. A big smile was plastered on her face, accentuated by a faint blush, which I was sure I shared with her.
Along our way, we nary exchanged a word. I was wholly focused on the feeling of her hand, and staying on track.
It took us a good while until we managed to pass through the town. And as we drew further out, I could see Ayame’s head bop up from time to time, taking in where we were.
Puzzlement and recognition showed on her face in intervals. However, it wouldn’t be long until the most revealing hint of all came into play.

“The, forest?” Perplexity was making itself heard in Ayame’s voice. And not without reason: I had told her I would take her to a special spot I had prepared, and now we were in front of the woods.
“Yes. Though, we need to go a bit further.” I took a look around. “If you’d like, we can take a short break here.” I pointed to an adjacent pair of benches, which also hosted a vending machine.
But, almost as if not even entertaining the idea, she replied quickly. “No, there is no need.” Her eyes were telling me the whole story: she wished to be at our destination as quickly as possible.
‘What happened to the can wait from a few weeks ago?’ Well, I couldn’t really fault her, as I was looking forward to it too.

And thus, we walked into the embrace of the trees. I had to say, it was a welcome change. While the heat of summer could still be felt, the shade of the trees made it more bearable.
Now that there wouldn’t be so many people around anymore, and there wasn’t really a chance to be separated, I started to walk next to Ayame. However, to me, that was no reason to let go if her hand. In contrary, I reaffirmed my grip, which was rewarded by a pleasant squeeze from her.

After walking for a while, I couldn’t focus on that warm feeling in my hand as much anymore. I had to pay close attention where I was treading, to not lose my way. Nonetheless, the warmth in my heart remained.
We crept further into the shadows, and soon enough, most people would have lost their way. Actually, this had happened to me several times the last dozen weeks. That was part of why that spot was so hard to find. But I had done it.
Soon enough, precognition and hope made their way into Ayame’s eyes. They began to shine, trying to manifest her dreams into reality.
Her mouth opened and closed several times, trying to formulate a question, but never managing to bring out the words. Fear, that any contradiction from me might rob her of what was to come.

And so, we went on. Until I lost my way. Luckily, we had gotten far enough, and I was guided by an invisible hand.
The scenery around me began to overlap with early memories, creating a surreal scene.
Finally, we broke through the shrubs. Electing a gasp from Ayame, and the relaxation of my own nervousness. I had made it.
The scene in front of us mirrored my dream: Rays of light streaming in through the canopy of trees above us, invoking an ephemeral feeling. The quiet rippling of a small stream leading into a tiny pond. The spirits dancing around in the air around us, making the magic of this place hit home.
I had made it reality. The stage had been set. Now it was time for the actors to take to it...