Chapter 471
Garden of Eden
It was evening by the time we finally reached our destination.
The land of Japanese maples and lush gardens of heavenly serenity.
Traditional Imperial architecture of the western capital, rising high above,
curving with delicate ornamental engravings and carving.
We awoke from our slumber many times to transfer between train lines,
only to return to our dosing after some small talk.
It seemed like excitement and cheery spirits
will always take a toll on our energy.
But we were here now.
Finally.
Kyoto.
Chapter 472
Garden of Eden
The train dropped us off at Kyoto station.
What an incredible sight it was.
Fifteen storeys stacked one on top of the other,
a sprawling complex of metal, glass, everything in one,
shopping mall, hotel, movie theater, restaurants,
the second largest train station in all of Japan.
Under one roof, we could not believe what filled our senses.
The ceiling soared up, hundreds of meters it must have been, above us.
Here and there, trains whistled and rumbled,
here and there, passengers rushed this way and that.
The excitement of travel filling the air.
The seven of us, luggage in tow, were like...
ants of the utmost insignificant size,
the enormous world spinning about.
Miko suddenly interrupted our awe-filled wonder,
summing it up in one phrase,
"Oh my god."
Chapter 473
Garden of Eden
Where did we start?
"Mmm...I smell food...." One of us said.
"I smell food too..."
"I smell a delicious meal coming up..."
"I smell clothes..."
We all laughed.
"How do you smell clothes?"
Miko shrugged. "I've got a sixth sense."
She giggled. "Just kidding!"
"Alright then, let's grab something to eat first."
With that, we headed off into the first Garden of Eden.
Chapter 474
Garden of Eden
It only just started.
Paradise.
Nothing was like a change in scenery,
exploring undiscovered frontiers,
embarking on a relentless adventure.
The seven of us had been dropped off in a world of sights and sounds.
Was that a good thing?
Or was paradise too good to be true?
Chapter 475
Garden of Eden
After a quick meal,
our nerves tingling with excitement and anticipation,
we nearly ran out of the family restaurant,
rushing through the station.
It was getting late and we would soon have to check into the hostel.
"We've got... half an hour or something." Takashi, our minute man told us.
"I've got to check out those shops!" Miko grabbed Juria and Airu's arms.
I skimmed over the map that we brought.
"Alright, let's meet at the north exit then."
"8:30?"
"Mmk." Juria smiled.
Looking helpless, we watched as Miko dragged the other two away.
Chapter 476
Garden of Eden
At eight thirty there was no sign of them.
"Sheesh. Girls." Akira muttered.
We laughed. "Mendokusai!"
Ten minutes later, they were still missing.
People were coming and going, the sky above was dark,
the waning golden sun had long gone.
Where were they?
"I'll call them."
*Mendokusai - Bothersome/what a bother
Chapter 477
Garden of Eden
There was no answer.
"They didn't pick up."
We exchanged worried glances.
"What if they're in some kind of trouble?"
"Should we look for them?" Soshi glanced at the time.
"Alright." I felt uneasy.
"Akira why don't you stay here in case they show up?"
He nodded and leaned against the wall.
"We'll split up. Call if any of us finds them!"
Chapter 478
Garden of Eden
"No need for that!"
We spun around at the sound of their voices, huffing and panting.
"Sorry..." Juria looked truly apologetic.
"We got lost..."
We sighed in relief.
"That's to be expected from you guys!" Soshi retorted.
"Next time no more shopping, girls!"
Worry and anxiety soon exploded into a fit of giggles,
doubling over in a release of tension from our bodies.
It seems like the blessing of Mount Fuji was still upon us.
Nothing could ruin our trip.
We were so sure of it.
Chapter 479
Garden of Eden
By the time we reached the hotel by foot, it was another ten minutes later.
Because of the tight knit design of Japanese cities,
everything was accessible and nearby stations.
Our hotel was a cheaper hostel, mostly inhabited by young backpackers,
people who came and went, only pausing briefly for a night's rest.
Despite the budget and pricing, hostels were generally in good condition.
In Kyoto however, good condition was an understatement.
As soon as we turned on to the side street,
the low shingled roofs greeted us behind a quiet wall,
undisturbed by the bustle of the main city roads.
Right away, Kyoto's revered traditional culture welcomed us,
as if time had reversed, travellers out of place with our attire and luggage.
Through the gate, politely, cautiously,
we knocked on the sliding shoji-style doors.
"Welcome to Rakuen Ryokan. We are honored to be your host. We've been expecting you."
*ryokan - traditional style inn
Chapter 480
Garden of Eden
"Please wear these slippers."
We bowed and took off our shoes at the lobby, as per custom.
The rest of the inn was on a raised platform covered in tatami flooring,
soft textured mats tickling our feet, suspending us above a cushion of straw.
In our slippers now, we followed the hostess silently down the dimly lit halls.
It was like we were suddenly in a Japanese palace.
Even as Japanese, we usually don't get to visit such places.
Too assimilated were we, into the life of urban Tokyo.
Without a moment just to take a deep breath and rest.
My tense mind at once began to relax.
Chapter 481
Garden of Eden
"It's so pretty..."
Airu whispered beside me, smiling softly.
"Yeah...it's so pretty it makes me tired." I grinned.
I heard her giggle and whisper something inaudible.
We had reached our rooms by now.
The two sliding doors opened up slowly.
Our hostess, a pretty woman of thirty with her black hair tied up beckoned us in.
"Douzo. Girls on the right, boys on the left.
The maid will be with you shortly.
Please enjoy your stay!"
She bowed.
Then we were left alone in paradise.
Chapter 482
Garden of Eden
"Sugeeeeeee!" Soshi exclaimed.
The two doors had thrown us into a giant room,
like a sudden clearing in the forest,
opening up to the sky above and beyond in all directions.
Ambers, browns and green highlights
of the wood, tatami and green plants,
simple straight edges of low tables and cushioned seats,
left lots of empty space of the utmost minimalism.
On the far side of the room,
floor to ceiling sliding windows and shoji screens
opened out to a porch and pavillion walkway
connecting all the guest rooms.
It was the definition of Japanese beauty.
"I call this futon!" Miko was already behind the divider for the female dorm.
We all laughed and it suddenly became a race to claim our territory.
Was fun and happiness a sin?
*Sugee - Amazing/awesome (colloquialism/expression)
*futon - Japanese style bedding, a simple padded mattress and quilts placed on the floor
Chapter 483
Garden of Eden
There was a small knock on the door.
"Excuse me." A maid slid open the door and came in carrying a tray of tea.
"Thanks."
She placed the tea down on the table in the central area and bowed.
"Please also change into the yukata."
We waited until she left and burst into laughter.
"I feel like a wild kid here." Someone remarked.
It was so true.
We were a juxtaposition against the ceremonious manner of the tradtional inn.
That only made it more adventurous.
*yukata - traditional style garment/robes, like a kimono, usually for the summer, made of cotton, often worn in tradition inns (ryokan)
Chapter 484
Garden of Eden
A while later, the maid returned with the cotton yukata
and we retreated to our dorm areas to change.
It was about time to fit into the atmosphere of the inn.
"I need a bath."
"Yeah, that would be good."
Soon after, we were sitting around the table waiting for the girls.
All we could hear was their fit of giggles
while they took up another ten minutes.
"Once again, we prove that girls are a bother." Akira joked.
I laughed. "Isn't that obvious?"
Chapter 485
Garden of Eden
"Alright, we're ready!"
"Let's go!"
They finally emerged.
For a brief moment there was silence.
I could tell the others were staring at them.
It was a sudden change.
I couldn't help but admit their newfound grace.
With their hair tied up and flowing yukata,
I was sourly reminded of Aoi.
When I lit up with warmth seeing her beauty in a shining yukata.
Aoi who was still in her hospital bed.
What on earth was I doing here?
Chapter 486
Garden of Eden
The baths were mostly empty at this time.
The only people left were at the shower stalls.
"Ah... this feels so good." I heard Airu's voice on the other side of the dividing wall.
"Kimochiii..."
There was a giggle and the sound of a small splash.
Although the two communal bathtubs were connected,
there was a wall that ran down the length of the room,
just high enough to separate the two genders.
Takashi glanced at me awkwardly.
I shrugged.
"Make some noise!" Soshi hissed.
We laughed.
*Kimochi ii - Good feeling/sensation
Chapter 487
Garden of Eden
The water was scalding hot,
steam swirling above,
filling the room with mist
like a sauna.
At first I could only put my feet in,
covering myself with a towel
not nearly as big as it should be.
Soon, my feet turned pink,
slowly entering the bathwater,
the aroma of spices and herbs
filling my senses.
The water was up to my chest now,
and I closed my eyes leaning back quietly.
I could feel my muscles relaxing,
from my toes to my neck,
each tight knot unravelling.
My mind was also drifting off.
As the worries and stress washed away,
I was left in my own world.
My own world...
all that was left in my mind was...
Aoi.
Chapter 488
Garden of Eden
Aoi would never be able to leave my mind.
I'd always think about her.
I had a feeling I knew what Airu would say to all this.
"Fight on! Live your life to the fullest!" Probably.
Was Aoi really stopping me from finding myself again?
My path ahead.
Yuya had told me to take up both of our burdens.
What exactly did that mean?
I sighed and sunk deeper into the water.
How would my mind ever relax?
"Seiji!"
Chapter 489
Garden of Eden
There was a large splash and all of a sudden, my head was soaked.
"Dude!" I laughed and launched a counterattack.
The waves swept over the entire bath.
It was not a large bathtub and soon water was overflowing from the sides.
Luckily, no one was around.
"That's what you get for dozing!"
Soshi hollered and ducked underwater while sending waves my way.
"So much for a peaceful soak." Takashi grinned and joined the fray.
Chapter 490
Garden of Eden
"You guys are so immature!" Airu called loudly from the other side.
I heard more giggles and some whispering.
"Stop talking bout us behind our backs!" I replied, laughing.
"We're not. Just talking about you behind the wall!" She didn't even skip a beat.
Soshi chuckled. "I'd prefer if you talk about us to our faces."
"Yeah, why don't you girls come over?" We laughed.
"You pervs!" Miko shouted, sounding appalled.
"Fine, fine, we'll go over there." Soshi threw his towel over the dividing wall.
We heard them squealing when they saw the white towel.
"Gotcha!"
"That's so mean!"
I couldn't help but enjoy the scene, laughing at their cute reaction.
I'd probably be insane if I didn't let myself have a good time with friends.
Right?
Chapter 491
Garden of Eden
"That's it!" I heard Airu's voice.
For a brief moment there was silence.
And then, it was raining hot water all over.
There was her laughter. "Success!"
"You're gonna get it!"
I snapped back and launched a retaliation,
churning the bath waters into a hurricane.
There was the sound of screams and splashing.
"Stop it!"
Instead, all four of us summoned a tidal wave their way.
It felt like summer all over again.
Chapter 492
Garden of Eden
We didn't receive any splashes back.
Then all hell broke loose.
I fell backwards as something hit me in the head, hard.
Splat.
"Man down!"
All I could see was white and felt water streaming down my face.
"Headshot." Akira announced reluctantly.
There was the sound of cheers and clapping on the other side.
"Take that, Seiji." Airu's voice was full of triumph.
I pulled the towel off my face.
Only to see the other three hit in the face with more wet towels.
I chuckled. "I think we've lost."
Chapter 493
Garden of Eden
"Excuse me, but you can't do that in here."
We spun around in shock.
A maid in a yukata was behind us bowed deeply,
her cheeks flushed with embarassment.
"Please try to be considerate of other guests."
She bowed again and left as suddenly as she came.
"A girl..."
Takashi shoved Soshi underwater, laughing.
It seemed like we could never stop laughing.
The happiness would never end.
That's what I thought.
Chapter 494
Garden of Eden ii
By the time the girls returned,
it was well into closing time.
The entire inn began to disappear into the night,
lamps and lights one by one faded to shadow.
In the halls, every here and there was an electric powered wall lamp,
flickering gently like a little orange flame.
They cast soft shadows on the tatami flooring underneath,
moving in an entrancing dance against false candle lighting.
We had to sneak quietly through the inn,
careful not to wake our neighbours.
We heard their giggles before we saw them.
It seemed like girls could get really giggly in a new environment.
Chapter 495
Garden of Eden ii
"Shhhh... stop giggling!" I teased.
"People are sleeping now." Soshi added, checking the time.
We took our places around the low table and drank some of the tea.
It was warm since it had just been replaced by our maid.
It was good tea. Even I could tell.
I glanced at Airu who was across from me.
Her eyes seemed to twinkle.
I smiled to myself. She definitely liked her tea.
"Good?" I winked at her.
She nodded, grinning knowingly.
The cure of our souls.
Chapter 496
Garden of Eden ii
We were sprawling out on the floor now.
My muscles could not have been any happier after the soak.
The healthy rush of warmth throughout my body
made me feel both refreshed and sleepy.
It was just like after exercise, an unexplained happiness
spreading slowly but surely.
I heard someone sit up.
"Hey, where's Takashi?"
"Oh yeah... where did Juria go?"
Chapter 497
Garden of Eden ii
I sat up.
They were missing.
"Where are they? Should we look for them?"
Miko's eyes glazed with worry.
I shook my head.
"Takashi told me he was going for a walk."
"Oh..."
"I think they'll be fine."
I had a feeling I knew what he was up to.
After all, we seem to have lost track of the date.
March the 14th.
I remembered.
Chapter 498
Garden of Eden ii
"I guess we should wait for them right?"
Airu glanced over at me.
Was it obvious that I knew something?
"Yeah. Guess so." I shrugged.
"Well then!" Miko stood up. "Let's do something."
Soshi grinned.
"I want to go check out the common room. There's gotta be people still up."
Miko grabbed his arm. "I heard they have a giiaaaant TV."
"No way!"
"Yes way!"
Soshi glanced over. "You guys coming?"
Chapter 499
Garden of Eden ii
"Sure." Akira got up, his hands in his pockets.
"Seii?" Airu tilted her head.
"I'll be fine here. I'll wait for them to get back! You guys have fun."
I smiled assuringly.
"Okay then.." She looked a little disappointed.
I waved them off and watched as they snuck down the hall.
The door closed.
I was in my own world.
Chapter 500
Garden of Eden ii
They must have went out this way.
I slid open the shoji screen silently,
feeling the rush of cool air into the room.
A deep breath was what I needed.
The fresh midnight air filled my lungs.
The scent of flowers, grass and the pond nearby.
I let out a sigh and stretched out my arms.
Spring's embrace.
New life.
Even in the darkness, that was all I could feel.
A new school year was coming soon.
How are you doing Aoi?
Chapter 501
Garden of Eden ii
She must still be asleep.
I could see her in my mind now.
Her sleeping form softly illuminated by the hues of night.
Her gentle breathing; the rhythm of her heart.
I could see it all and feel it all.
I took a step on to the walkway,
suspended above the pond underneath.
Decorative lamps hung at regular intervals,
warm golden auras against the darkness.
In the shroud of midnight,
I felt as alive as I've ever been.
I was connected to Aoi still.
I just wished that would never change.
Chapter 502
Garden of Eden ii
March 14th was the day I had given Aoi my present.
White Day, when I finally confessed my feelings for her.
I wished I could give her the present of waking up.
Waking up to know that nothing has changed between us.
Had it? Had things changed?
As I stood here, miles away, I was in a different world.
Like I had been thrown into a different dimension.
An era away.
Five days seemed so long.
When will I return to her side?
Chapter 503
Garden of Eden ii
I rested my palms against the wooden railing.
The walkway was sheltered by a rooftop, built out of hardwood archways.
Snaking all around the inn, over the pond, against the walls,
by the garden, through the trees, here and there.
They will stand, withstanding weather and time, day by day, year by year.
There was only the sound of crickets left.
All was silent.
Reluctantly, not wanting to breach the silence, I slipped out my phone.
"Seiji?" A voice said on the other end.
Chapter 504
Garden of Eden ii
"Hey, Yuya-niisan."
"I guess you guys are still up huh?" He chuckled.
"For sure. It's only midnight!"
"Glad you got to Kyoto safely. How is it?"
I breathed out slowly. "It's amazing."
"Like we are in a new world." I added.
There was the sound of him shuffling around.
"Aoi's doing fine." He suddenly said.
He knew what I was thinking all along.
I exhaled again, in relief this time.
"Don't worry about her. I'm at the hospital right now."
"Thank you, niisan."
"Don't mention it."
*nii-san - older brother (title out of affection in this case)
Chapter 505
Garden of Eden ii
"I feel bad too, that I've always been busy.
Luckily I'm free for a few weeks."
"I'm glad. I'm sure Aoi is happy to see you!"
I heard his quiet laugh. "Probably."
"My bandmate has to visit his parents back home.
They aren't doing so well."
"What happened?" I asked.
"His father was hospitalized because of a stroke."
We became silent for a while.
"Sorry to hear that." I didn't know what else to say.
"His mother is also getting old. He mentioned that he had to help pay off the bills."
"That's tough."
"Yeah. We all have it tough. Seiji, you too."
I smiled. "I'll manage. It's spring after all."
Chapter 506
Garden of Eden ii
"It's always good to have a break though. This trip is good for you."
"I guess so."
"Cheer up, Seiji. Enjoy yourself while you can."
He always knew me best.
"Alright, I'll try."
"Once you're back, you'll be right by her side."
"Yes, sir."
I heard his smile. "Good."
"Oh," He continued. "Let's jam some time."
I haven't been playing guitar for a while.
He always knew what I needed best.
As soon as I get back, I would play guitar again.
That after all was my talent right?
"Don't forget who you are Seiji."
Chapter 507
Garden of Eden ii
He was right.
Suddenly, I remembered what I had to tell him.
"Yuya, can you do me a favour?"
"Haven't I already done you enough favours?" He joked.
"No way!" I laughed. I was used to his brotherly sense of humour.
"What is it?"
"Please play the music box by her counter. It's the song she wrote."
"Ah yes."
"I've been playing it every night for her. I think Aoi wants to hear it."
He assured me he will remember to do so.
"Thanks, niisan." I felt a weight slowly lightening from my chest.
"Thank you so much."
Chapter 508
Garden of Eden ii
There was silence again. The crickets had gotten quiet.
As if they were listening to our conversation.
I felt a smile creeping across my face.
I wasn't sure why, but I knew Aoi was doing well.
The more she hears that song, the closer she would be to waking up.
I too, should do well.
For that, I had another person to thank.
"Seii.."
Chapter 509
Garden of Eden ii
It was Airu.
"Hey."
She looked a little flustered.
"Sorry... just wondering where you went off to."
"No problem." I smiled. I wondered if she could see it.
"Just taking a walk."
"Oh ok. I'll wait inside." She started to turn.
"Sure you don't want to join me?"
She hesitated. "Really?"
"Mhm."
Chapter 510
Garden of Eden ii
Eventually, our steps matched.
Left, right, left, right. In unison.
Even in just our yukata floating slightly above our ankles,
it wasn't cold. Instead, I felt warm and alive.
Whether it was because of the bath, the phone call, the trip, Aoi or Airu, I did not know.
Nor did I need to know. In the moment, all that mattered was that I was content.
We were near the garden now, Japanese maple trees stood steadfast all about.
A little trickling stream lead through the garden, emptying into a small koi fish pond.
Bamboo shoots deliberately lined the water edge, accompanying stout round rocks,
polished and glistening in the moonlight.
Quietly and peacefully, everything breathed at the same rhythm.
Chapter 511
Garden of Eden ii
We leaned against the wooden railing soaking in the moonlight.
It was nature's way of guiding someone through the night.
On the walkway, the hovering golden lights was man's way.
No matter what it was, most importantly, was that dawn would come.
"It's such a pretty night." She said softly.
I agreed.
We remained silent for a while.
"You were thinking about Aoi right?"
"Yeah.."
She smiled at me. "Always so faithful."
She sighed up at the moon.
"The moon's rays shines upon you two.
Always. Always. In the darkness. In the storm."
Chapter 512
Garden of Eden ii
I looked at her, surprised at her contemplative tone.
Her face shone under the moonlight, hair sparkling.
A breeze caught her bangs, dancing against her cheeks.
She met my gaze.
"It's always different for me."
I waited for her to continue.
"I don't seem to be able to do what you do."
"I live in the present... perhaps because I don't want to think of other things."
"My past. Even my future. That's something I haven't figured out."
"I just can't do what you do."
She sighed and looked away.
"I wish you'd understand."
Chapter 513
Garden of Eden ii
"Airu..."
She shook her head.
"Can you do me a favour?"
She was still watching the moon hung high above us.
"Of course."
She spun to face me all of a sudden.
Her eyes pleaded with me, swimming with determination.
"Just for this trip. Let me be selfish."
Chapter 514
Garden of Eden ii
I looked at her, confused.
What did she mean?
"Just for this trip. For four days."
Her eyes spoke of determination.
"Live in the here and now."
I hesitated. "What do you mean?"
"The here and now, the present moment."
She paused and mumbled. "With me..."
Chapter 515
Garden of Eden ii
"Seiji, just for these few days, take a break."
Then she stopped and turned away.
"Promise me you'll stop thinking about Aoi."
My heart stopped.
"What?"
"Promise."
I stared at her, speechless.
But Aoi, was everything to me.
Could I give her up for a few days?
Chapter 516
Garden of Eden ii
Her eyes were full of tears.
The moon was still shining.
But my heart stopped.
My Aoi.
For four days?
She turned away so her back was facing me.
I saw her wipe her cheek.
"Never mind."
"I'm so selfish. I would never be like Aoi."
"Or you..."
"Forget I said that..."
"I'm so stupid."
Then she ran towards the inn.
Chapter 517
Garden of Eden ii
I watched as her form disappeared into the darkness,
slowly becoming smaller, farther away.
There was a sudden pang in my heart.
I wanted to call out. Don't leave!
But nothing came.
I couldn't do that to Aoi could I?
Yet, even Yuya told me to take a break.
He would take care of her while I was gone.
I could trust him.
Aoi, forgive me. Just one more time.
Let my soul be free.
Chapter 518
Garden of Eden ii
"Airu!"
I owed her too much.
"Wait!"
I had to show her what my true feelings are.
I ran towards her fading figure,
into the darkness, away from the moon.
Swiftly, I reached her and grabbed her arm.
Her eyes shone in a myriad of sparkling fragments,
broken up by her tears.
She sniffed and looked down, away from me.
Then I embraced her.
Chapter 519
Garden of Eden ii
We stayed like that for a long time.
She was warm in my arms.
I could smell the sweet fragrance of
mangoes and orchid in her hair,
softly nestling against my face.
All about, the cicadas began singing a quiet song,
swirling around into the night towards the moon.
She breathed softly against my chest, sniffling.
"I'll promise."
Were my words.
Chapter 520
Garden of Eden ii
"For the rest of the trip."
"I'll be here, with you."
She lifted her face towards me,
cheeks warm with pink.
"Really?"
I wiped away the tears on her cheek.
"Yes."
"Airu, thank you for everything you've done."
"You were the one who made me stand back up."
She smiled softly.
"I'll be in the here and now."
"I'll try for you."
She hugged me.
"I'll help you."