Sakura Petals and You

       Arstel Wellford, 23 years old, has always been fascinated by otaku culture and Japanese shrines. Since childhood, he has dreamed of visiting Japan at least once in his life. His extreme enthusiasm led him to study the Japanese language and plan potential destinations from the age of 15, when he first developed an interest in the sacred culture. He even made a friend, Chitose Mitsugi from Japan, who became his online language study partner for three years. Chitose always encouraged him to visit Japan, often bringing it up during their study lessons. Arstel saved up his money from college internships, which came in handy for his springtime trip to Japan this year.
         
       He stayed at Chitose Mitsugi's apartment during his trip, and she accompanied him on his long-awaited dream adventure. Chitose lived in Yokohama, Japan's second-largest city and a close neighbor just south of Tokyo. Her two-floor apartment was situated alongside the road, with pink cherry blossom petals which came flying from the nearby Sakura Garden flying through the air. The highlight of his journey was watching Chitose serve customers with a smile in the little manga store she owned on the ground floor. For him, it was like a sacred shrine, a special place for any otaku (anime and manga enthusiasts). So, it was his fourth day of his trip, and he was planned to visit `Matcha Dokoro Bototei` but unfortunately it was off-limits to tourists for a day. So, he had nothing to do for a day.

"…Mitsugi-San are you there?"
I slowly came down the stairs from the guest room since I was getting bored nothing to do.

"Ah, Arstel-san good morning. I feel sorry as your plan got cancelled but don't worry it will be ok since you can visit it tomorrow at early time managing for the Shinkansen."

"Thank you for tagging along and showing me the spots."

Chitose Mitsugi smiles and nods sitting at the counter table.

Chitose Mitsugi was well-mannered and even online, she maintained a formal demeanor with Arstel. She was a good friend and language study partner. Arstel felt blessed to have someone like her to show him around, as the place was completely unknown to him despite his knowledge of the destination and his language skills. Chitose lived with her mother, and whenever she had to leave, her mother would look after the store in her place.

"By the way, can I borrow a manga so I can read in off time."

"Sure, feel free to pick any of them, our store doesn't allow to let anyone read but he-he it's an exception for you."

"T-thank you."

I felt flustered around her. She was definitely cute, like a character straight out of a manga. Her giggles made my heart skip a beat. But I admire her beauty; it's nothing more than that. We are just language study partners and good friends online.

        I started looking around the shelves if something picks my interest. At first shelf of the storefront, it was all battle shonen genre Mangas. Jujutsu Kaisen, Tougen Anki, Kagurabichi latest volumes are even stacked on shelves, but I wasn't much fond of battle shonen, so I went to different shelve at the corner of the store. 

Interesting this is BL section; I had no idea yaoi genre was popular in this county. Vast number of titles could be seen on shelves. I gulped and looked around if Chitose was not around and picked a manga titled `Elektel Delusion` just because I was curious. I am a straight male no matter what you say but still curiosity killed me to check what was inside.

"O-Oh interesting..."

Just when I was sank reading the BL manga standing in the corner, I felt a sudden chill on my nape as if someone was glaring at me sharply, call it out of instinct and slowly look to my left just to see Chitose pouting looking at him.

"Arstel-San, I didn't know you were into these. Just when I thought why you were taking time and caught you with this."

"I-I-I-I am not gay! I was just curious so...I can explain..."

"pffft...hahahaha."

She is definitely teasing me. Not just now I feel like we are much closer than we were before when we were online. It's fun to be around a friend like her.

"Arstel-San there is much time left for this day to pass out, would you mind helping me with the store...It will be quite packing after 11:00 AM and you can enjoy reading your BL manga sitting at the counter table."

"Glady! I feel blessed for an offer like this to help in a manga store like this...also Chitose-San please stop teasing me, I just happened to pick up in a hunch."

"Oho? you are suspicious, anyways I am sorry we don't have part timers so asked you to think you would help, it's ok if you don't want to..."

She went and got back to the counter table. She lives with her mother, and it was heartwarming that her mother treated me like I was her own son, I felt like I was a family member. People in Japan are polite, and it is relaxing to stay here. I checked my watch and its 10:35 AM. I looked around something suitable for my taste.

"Ah found one, I have watched its anime but surprisingly its manga here, lucky!"

Just when I was turning the pages someone was standing beside me. It was probably a customer. I moved my eyeballs towards left and it was a sight.

"Gothic Lolita..." I mumbled.

        She gave me a sharp glare and walked away, taking the manga she wanted towards the clerk. She looked totally pissed. Thoughts like, "Maybe I'll be called a pervert now," caught me trembling. What if she reports me to Chitose as a pervert? My face grew pale. Just when I was overwhelmed by these difficult thoughts, she came back to the same spot, standing beside me and inspecting the shelves. It's strange she didn't report me, I guess she went to know the price. 

      I stayed still, unable to move, feeling embarrassed about the slip of the tongue when I had called her a gothic Lolita. Of course, she was cosplaying as a gothic Lolita, and seeing someone like her for the first time in my life had just shocked me. She had a cherry petal on her hello kitty bag pack shows she came by the Sakura Garden. 

"Goodo choiceo Aniki." The Lolita spoke, but her voice sounded somewhat strange to me. I couldn't comprehend the situation—it was a guy's voice, or maybe she just had a cold. I was confused. She spoke in English, assuming I couldn't understand Japanese. So, I replied to him in Japanese.

"Arigatou gozaimasu, kono manga ga suki desu."

"Oh, you understand Japanese brother? Good thing we got same taste ha-ha."

I also laughed as he spoke, and my curiosity piqued—I wanted to know if he was actually a guy. Her beauty was on a different level, but her voice, which was actually deeper than my own, spooked me. I felt quite ashamed of that. So, I just made-up sentences to find out...
 
 "Um, excuse me are you alright, Is the cold giving you bad day."

She turned around with `Holding Laugh like` expression and pfffftt-

"No, I am sorry...I am actually a guy. I am a cross dresser and its quite common in Japan anyway I go now I have some work to do. Enjoy your trip, Aniki."

I was dumfounded. Slowly, I walked away with my Girls und Panzer volume 2 in hand towards where Chitose was sitting. Taking a seat beside her, I opened the manga and started reading silently, trying to process what had just happened.

Chitose noticed my pale face and distant expression. Concerned, she began checking on me, her brows furrowing in worry. "Are you okay?" she asked softly, placing a gentle hand on my arm. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

I snapped back to my senses.

"Arstel-San you look pale, did something happened?"

"No, it's just the customer before, I am just shocked she was a guy."

"Oh, Shimura-San he is a cosplayer, and is popular at social media, some people think he lies about him being a guy."

"I-I see, it was first time I saw someone like him."

"I knew you liked guys."

"I-I DON"T LIKE GUYS!!!----"

"Arstel-San, I am going help my mother cook now, could you please look after the store, if you feel uncomfortable, please call me."

"Sure, count on me. Don't worry I feel experienced right now."
She left giving a gentle smile fixing her hair.

Badamp-badamp, just watching her fix her hair made me feel weird in my chest. I felt like melting from her cuteness. Her beauty always caught me off guard. I started reading the manga to distract myself from these thoughts. But then as always, a busy store, Clanking noise rang in my ears. I put my smile on, stood up greeting the customer with "Irasshaimase!"

       It was a young mother with her son, who was fond of the isekai genre. She asked if I could help find something appropriate for his age. The boy looked around 12 years old, and finding something less ecchi was a hard task. I asked them to follow me and showed them the isekai shelf. I pretended to know what was suitable, but in reality, I had no idea. I gambled, thinking, "I will definitely find one isekai manga suitable for his age." Luckily, I found the title "Knight's & Magic." It follows the story of Ernesti “Eru” Echavalier, a young man who reincarnates in a medieval world where magic and giant robots exist, and his goal is to build and pilot his own mech. The boy seemed happy with my recommendation, and his mother approved of getting its two volumes. I took the amount and put the cash in drawer.

I was feeling hungry, and Lunch was ready by the time, Chitose's mother came to the counter.

"Arstel-Chan, food is ready, I will look after the store so go ahead and join Chitose for lunch."

"Thank you very much, I am happy to have tasty meals after coming to Japan everyday."

"My, My, you do know how to steal young women's heart by flattery."

I blushed at her teasing. Like mother, like daughter—they were both alike. Although what I said earlier wasn't exactly flirtish reason, it's what I meant in my heart, Japanese homemade meals are far better than packed bentos. I guess I won't be having bentos anytime soon unless it's at the airport or in a really dire situation. Today, it looks like Chitose cooked, and I'll be tasting her homemade food for first time after coming here in Japan. As I spent most of the time outside with her these past two days, her mother had to cook and look after the store alone, and I feel bad about that. That being said, she feels completely safe with her daughter spending time with a total foreigner like me, she trusted me enough to let me stay in their house. I am completely in her debt. I actually want to pay the expenses for food at least, I tried talking with Chitose and her mom, but they denied getting angry with me.

I entered the dining room. The meal had already been decorated by Chitose, and it looked cute for some reason. Never had I imagined that I would be calling food cute. I sat down kneeling on the zabuton, depending on my comfort. It smells refreshing. Today we will be having Donburi, yes we are talking about Oyakodon here. The steam and refreshing, the bowls are prepared with fresh ingredients and cooked properly, the smell is not overpowering at all. Chitose's cooking level looks extremely on another level. For some reason Chitose is staring at me, maybe she wants the feedback of her cooking.

"Itadakimasu."

I took my chopsticks and scooped up a mouthful of her masterpiece. As the flavors exploded on my taste buds, I felt myself melting with delight. Before I knew it, I was devouring the bowl, completely lost in the deliciousness of it all. Appreciating good food after savoring every last bite is my motto. Chitose, looking slightly disappointed, quietly began eating her own bowl too.

"gochisousama deshita."

Ah the lunch was majestic. Who knew Chitose Mitsugi would be terrifyingly good at cooking. Now that I have finished it, I can speak to my heart's content.

"Mitsugi-San, Wow, I have to say, your cooking is truly majestic. It's like you have a magical touch in the kitchen. Every bite feels like a spellbinding journey through flavor town. You've definitely cast a delicious spell on me...I may sound like chunni, but I don't know how to express it, I mean it honestly,"

AGH! No that was cringe, Arstel Wellford, that was the cringiest line you have said in your life. Ah I want to go back to my country.

"Errr...um..." Chitose made cute noise.

I turned my gaze to the adorable expression on Chitose Mitsugi's face as she fashioned a cute red tomato. It was the first time I'd seen her flustered like that, and it's a sight I want to etch into my memories forever. And what was that I just heard? It was beyond cute! I couldn't help but thank the heavens for bringing me to Japan and introducing me to my online friend this close, who knew she was just as charming as ever.

Badump-Badump looking at Chitose getting flustered making me act up. I just want to keep exploring more of her expressions. 

"U-um I will go do the dishes now."

        Chitose being bright red hurriedly went towards the kitchen taking the bowls after cleaning up the table. 
         
       As I returned to the guest room, my mind lost in thought, I absentmindedly gazed out of the window. Without thinking, I raised my arms, as if to embrace the sunlight streaming in. In a moment of serendipity, my hand closed around a delicate Sakura petal I compared Just like that, I found myself a friend, seemingly out of my league, as stunningly beautiful as the Sakura petal I now held.

"This is bad, I feel like my feelings are playing games with me. Oddly I feel more attached to Chitose that now I feel bitter, and it hurts. I don't know how to express these feelings. What if everything ruins If I try to take a step ahead."

I started talking to myself.

"I can't hold it any longer, these feelings too precious to hold. It feels like if I keep it to myself, I will just regret it in future."

Arstel found himself growing weary from his work at the store. It was his first experience working in retail, and it just happened to be at a manga store, a childhood dream come true. Initially, the opportunity filled him with happiness. However, as he reflected on his day, exhaustion washed over him, and he drifted off to sleep. Little did he know, the fatigue he felt wasn't solely from the demands of work, but also from the weight of his emotions.

"Arstel-San, Arstel-san...Wake up you are taking nap for 3 hours and its 6:13 PM already!"

"....mhfgh..uh Mitsugi-San...M-MITSUGI-SAN?"

Arstel jolted awake, only to find himself suddenly pressed against the wall, his futon forgotten. Chitose's face was so close to his own that he instinctively recoiled, overcome by a rush of shyness.
                      ༶•┈┈୨♡୧┈┈•༶       Badump, Badump༶•┈┈୨♡୧┈┈•༶

"Am I that ugly that you got scared of me Arstel-San that's rude." Chitose started pouting getting offended."

"Ugly? No way, Mitsugi-San. Every inch of you is beautiful; there are no flaws to be found. I adore your cooking skills, the adorable way you giggle, and your captivating eyes that draw me in. Your attractiveness is beyond measure; your charm knows no bounds."

Arstel Wellford was annoyed by Chitose's offhand comment about herself being ugly, a sentiment he couldn't agree with his feelings. Even though she had said it as a joke, Arstel's feelings couldn't accept it, and he found himself blurting out his true thoughts. And realized what he said after that.

"I-I am sorry I got carried on...B-but it's true you are..."
"A-Arstel-San..."

Chitose was hiding her face, but she doesn't look like she got creeped or annoyed by the words. Arstel noticed that and took a deep breathe...thinking it would be perfect timing for him to disclose his feelings to her since he could no longer hold it to himself.

"Mitsugi-San, I... are you into any relationships." He put the brave act and blurt it out finally unable to hold his feelings for her.

She started twirling her hair as the moonlight softly illuminated them, even though it was only 6:30 in the evening. Her beautiful eyes shone brighter than the moon, with tears rolling down her marshmallow-like cheeks. She extended her hand, inviting Arstel to hold it. A kind, refreshing breeze blew, but the moment felt intense. Arstel found it hard to breathe as he waited for Chitose's response. He was scared, sad, and fearful all at once, seeing her cry. But then, Chitose gently smiled and began to speak, casting the magic spell that would change Arstel Wellford's life forever...

"Call me Chitose from now on, Arstel, hehe."

I held her hands gently and placed them on my forehead, silently praying to God, thanking Him for this moment. All my fear, sadness, and intense pressure vanished under the purifying moonlight. Her acceptance filled me with overwhelming joy. I cried along with Chitose, both of us laughing through our tears as the breeze from the window soothed us. In that moment, I promised myself to cherish this memory and cherish Chitose as we embarked on our new relationship together.

"Huh? something is in your hand Arstel?"

I slowly pulled my hands away and realized I was still holding the Sakura petal I had found earlier today. Seeing the petal in her hands brought a childish smile to my face. The moment I held the Sakura petal and the moment I held Chitose's hand felt remarkably similar. Just as I hadn't let go of the petal I had found by chance; I swore to myself that I wouldn't let go of Chitose's precious smile either.

"Hahaha, Chitose do you know you are like Sakura petal."

"Sakura petal? Are you saying I'm so lightweight that the wind could blow me away?"

"Yes, haha."

"I don't understand what you are saying but you are silly Arstel."

We laughed together as the night passed and a new day began in Japan. It was my fifth day here, and I knew there were many more experiences awaiting me on my journey. This marked the start of my new relationship with Chitose, filled with unforgettable moments from my trip to Japan. I would never regret traveling here.

"itterasshai, don't forget to keep a look on my daughter future son in law." Chitose's mom waved to us with her gentle smile teasing us.

"M-Mom, how did you know about us?" Chitose at shock.

"Ufufufu, I was going to wake up Arstel-Chan yesterday, but I heard some commotions and just peeped just to find you two enjoying youth yesterday."

"Whaaaat?" Chitose and I exclaimed in sync. We looked at each other happily and then turned to Okaa-san with a smile. Together, we sent her off with well-wishes, eager to visit more places in Japan. We waved as she was ready to depart...
 
                                                           "Ittekimasu"


     
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