Melancholy of Flowers
Reunion
Chapter One
Reunion
The bell rang around eight-o-clock in the morning as the bright sun rose higher into the sky. One young man was racing toward the building door, struggling to hold onto his bag. His auburn hair blew lightly in the wind and his teal blue eyes were full of determination. He raced inside, flew up two sets of stairs and down the hallway.
“I’m late! I knew I shouldn’t have stayed up all night with Kento!” he thought to himself as he stopped in front of a door. He carefully opened the door only to find students, plus the professor starring at him.
“You are late Cye Mouri,” said the professor.
“I’m so sorry. My alarm clock didn’t go off, it won’t happen again,” Cye said as he closed the door behind him.
“Well make sure it doesn’t. Please take your seat.”
“Yes sir.”
Cye’s face grew red as he took his seat. He could feel eyes on him and it didn’t feel good. He got out his notebook and textbook and opened to the pages he was supposed to be on. As the professor continued his lecture on Japanese history, Cye couldn’t help but not pay attention to what the professor was saying. History didn’t bore him or anything, it’s just that lately, he was having trouble concentrating on other things. His friends went off to different colleges other than Ryo and Kento. They were going to the same college as he was. Sage went to Osaka for school and Rowen went to America for a transfer student scholarship. Of course Cye missed his two friends, it wasn’t the same without them. But the one person he really missed was Hana. It had been a whole year since he saw her. He worried about her everyday and night. Wondering if she was doing alright and if she would ever come back to him.
Time flew by and class was over for Cye. He packed his things and walked out the door. As he got out of the classroom and into the hallway, he saw a girl about two feet shorter than he was, she had short brown hair with clips in it, and blue eyes. She was standing against the wall just outside the classroom door. She looked up at Cye and smiled gently.
“Hey Natsumi,” Cye said.
“Oh..... hi Cye.... how are you?” Natsumi asked softly.
“I’m doing alright. How about yourself?”
“I’m fine.....”
There was awkward silence between the two of them afterwards. Natsumi’s face turned red every time she looked at Cye.
“Say Natsumi, do you have any classes next?” Cye asked.
“No... why?” Natsumi asked.
“My two friends and I are going to hang out by that big cherry tree. Care to join us?”
“Sure.... I mean.... if that’s okay with you.”
Cye laughed. “I’m the one who is inviting you silly. Don’t worry about it.”
Natsumi’s face turned even redder at the response she got. “Okay.....”
“Great. Let’s go.” Cye took Natsumi’s hand and led her outside where Ryo and Kento were waiting.
“DUDE! What took you so long?” Kento asked.
“I was talking with Natsumi,” Cye replied.
“Hello Natsumi,” Ryo said.
“Hello Ryo.....” Natsumi said, still holding Cye’s hand.
“What’s with the holding hands thing? Are you over Hana or something?” Kento asked.
“What?! No...... I’m......” Cye said, his face getting red.
“Who’s...... Hana?” Natsumi asked.
“Cye’s girlfriend,” Kento smiled.
“Girlfriend........” Natsumi said quietly.
“Yeah. She’s away for now, but I’m sure she’ll return,” Kento said.
Natsumi took her hand away from Cye’s and just stood there, looking at the ground.
“That’s enough Kento!” yelled Cye.
“What?” Kento asked.
“I’ll tell you later Kento,” Ryo whispered. “But for now you should stop talking.”
“Whatever dude. Hey, are we just going to stand here? Or are we going to go to our favorite spot on campus?” Kento said.
“Sure. Are you coming Natsumi?” Ryo asked.
“Um...... I’m not sure......” Natsumi said softly, still looking at the ground.
Cye glared at Kento then took Natsumi’s hand again.
“Natsumi, don’t worry about it. Let’s just have some fun together,” Cye said.
Natsumi looked up at Cye with wide eyes then nodded slowly.
“Good, let’s go,” Cye said and led Natsumi behind him.
Meanwhile, at the Tokyo airport, a girl with tanned skin and long black hair and blue eyes stepped off the plane and inside the airport. A smile on her face as she walks in.
“Kento, stop stealing my sandwiches!” Cye yelled.
“Can’t help it man, they are just so good!” Kento said with a smile as he devored another sandwich.
Cye sighed as he tried to eat the rest before Kento could get his hands on them.
“Are you okay Natsumi?” Ryo asked.
“Huh? Oh...... yeah.....” Natsumi said.
“You haven’t eaten anything,” Ryo said with a concern face.
“Oh..... I’m not really hungry........”
“Here. Have one of my sandwiches,” Cye said, handing one to her.
“Thank you.......” Natsumi said as she took it.
“So, you give her one and you tell me not to eat anymore?” Kento asked.
“That’s because she’s not eating. You ate your lunch, half of Ryo’s and three of my sandwiches. You had enough,” Cye said.
Kento pouted and drank his water. Natsumi took a bite out of Cye’s sandwich and smiled.
“It’s very tasty,” she said.
“Thank you. I knew you would like it,” Cye smiled.
Natsumi just sat there, red in the face, starring at her hands.
“Natsumi, there is something bothering you, you can tell us what it is. We won’t say anything to anyone,” Cye said as he put a hand on her small shoulder.
“I can’t........” Natsumi said softly. “I can’t........ tell any of you...... I’m sorry.”
“Don’t sweat it,” Ryo said. “If you don’t want to say anything, then we won’t pressure you.”
Natsumi smiled at Ryo’s comment and ate the rest of Cye’s sandwich.
“Aw man! I have math in like two minutes!” Kento said as he got up. “I can’t stand the subject! And the teacher isn’t so great either.”
“Have fun,” Ryo said.
“Yeah yeah. I’ll catch you guys later.”
“Bye Kento,” Cye said.
Kento raced off, leaving only Ryo, Cye, and Natsumi alone.
“What class do you next Ryo?” Cye asked.
“Um.... I think I have English next,” Ryo said. He looked at his schedule and then nodded. “Yep. English in about...... five minutes or so, so I should get going as well.”
“Okay. See you after school?”
“Yeah. We are going to Mia’s after all.”
“That’s right. Forgot about that.”
“So I’ll see you outside the campus at three.”
“See you there.”
Ryo waved to Natsumi and then walked off in the opposite direction.
“Who’s Mia?” Natsumi asked.
“She’s an old friend. We knew her since our teenage years. She’s cool. If you want you can join us,” Cye said.
“Sure.......”
“Great. Meet us at the entrance of the campus. We’ll take my car.”
“Okay.”
“Well I have to get to bio class. The teacher there is more strict then our history teacher. I have to get there at least five minutes early. What class do you have next?”
“I have creative writing next.”
“I’ll walk you to your next class.”
“You don’t have to....”
“I can’t just leave you here by yourself.”
“Okay.....”
Cye helped Natsumi up and the two of them walked off to the nearest building.
“I hope this will be enough food the boys,” Mia said as she sat the groceries down on the table. “I know Kento’s stomach and I’m pretty sure this isn’t enough.” She laughed and headed into the kitchen. But before she could get there, there a knock at the door. “Coming.” Mia opened the door and a shock expression went onto her face.
“Hi Mia. Long time no see,” Hana said.
“Hana. Hi! This is such a surprise. Come in,” Mia said.
“Thank you.” Hana entered Mia’s home and looked around. It hadn’t changed at all since the last time she was there. Everything was the same.
“How have you been?”Mia asked as the both of them sat down on the couch.
“I’ve been okay.”
“How was your family doing?”
“Oh....... they are fine....” A sad expression faded onto Hana’s face.
“Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. I’m just tired is all.”
“Well I would be, but hey, Cye and the others are coming over soon. You should stick around. I bet Cye will be surprised when he walks through that door and sees you here.” Mia winked at Hana and got up.
“So everyone is still together?”
“Well, Rowen went to America for a scholarship program, and Sage is in Osaka.”
“So only Cye, Ryo and Kento are left.”
“Pretty much.”
“I see.”
“Why don’t you help get set up for the boys come.”
“Sure. I’d love to.”
Three-o-clock came around and Kento and Ryo were already waiting by the campus entrance. Cye and Natsumi walked over to them together.
“Natsumi is coming?” Kento asked.
“Yes Kento. I invited her,” Cye glared.
“The more the merrier,” Ryo smiled.
“Let’s get going before Kento makes any more remarks,” Cye said and took Natsumi’s hand and led her to his car.
“We’ll meet you there Cye,” Ryo said.
“Okay,” Cye said as he helped Natsumi in the car.
Cye got in and started the car. Natsumi looked out the window and saw Ryo and Kento get into another car.
“Ryo doesn’t have a car?” Natsumi asked.
“Not yet. Kento normally drives him to school with him,” Cye said as he backed out of the parking spot. “You’ll like Mia. She’s nice and is always there if you need her.”
“That’s good to know I guess....”
Twenty minutes passed until they got the big house in the forest. Natsumi stood in front of the house, looking it over.
“This place is huge,” she said in awe.
“Yeah, it’s even nicer inside,” Cye said as he got out of the car.
“Who’s car is that?” Natsumi asked. She pointed to a black car that was parked behind Mia’s jeep.
“I have no idea. Is Mia having someone else over?” Cye questioned out loud.
“We are here!” Kento yelled.
“About time,” Cye smiled.
“Hey, we were right behind you!”
“Who’s black car is this?” Ryo asked.
“Dunno,” Cye said. “Let’s go in.” He grabbed Natsumi’s hand again and led her to the front door. Before he could know, the door opened and Mia stood in the doorway.
“You know, I could hear Kento’s voice from inside the house,” she smiled.
“That’s because he has a big mouth,” Ryo laughed.
“Can I help it if I’m loud?” Kento said.
“Yes,” Cye said. “Mia, this is Natsumi. I invited her.”
“Oh. It’s nice to meet you Natsumi,” Mia smiled.
“Same here....” Natsumi said shyly.
“Hey Mia, who’s car is behind yours?” Ryo asked.
“Oh, well.... we have a special guest,” Mia said. “Come in.”
The gang entered the house.
“FOOD!” Kento shouted and raced toward the table that was full of food.
“Try to save some of that for other people Kento,” Cye said.
“CYE!” screamed a voice.
Cye felt someone pounce him from behind that made him fall to the ground.
“Well, well, if it isn’t Hana. How’s it going?” Kento said.
“Hana?” Cye asked. He turned his head and saw the same beautiful blue eyes he loved so much starring at him. “Hana....”
“Hello Cye. Long time no see,” Hana smiled sweetly.
“When did you get back?”
“A couple of hours ago.”
“Really? You haven’t wrote to me or said anything.”
“Yes I have. I wrote to you lots of times. Didn’t you get my letters?”
“No, I didn’t.”
“Oh well, it doesn’t matter. I’m here now and we can be together again.”
Cye looked at Natsumi who stood there in silence. She wasn’t looking at him, but the ground again. Hana helped Cye up and hugged him tightly.
“Natsumi..... I’m sorry. I didn’t know she was going to be here,” Cye said.
“Who’s Natsumi?” Hana asked.
“She’s a friend of mine, but we’ll talk later okay hun?”
“Sure.”
“THESE CHIPS ARE AWESOME!” Kento yelled as he stuffed his face with food.
“Kento how many times to I have to say it? Leave some for other people!” Cye ordered.
“You snooze you loose.”
Cye grabbed the chip bowl and Kento tackled him to the ground. Spilling the chips on the ground. Ryo laughed then looked Natsumi who was still starring at the ground. He felt bad for her because he knew that she liked Cye very much. And to see his girlfriend suddenly show up, it wouldn’t surprise him if she just dashed out the door right this second. But she didn’t, she just stayed put where she was and suddenly smiled.
“It’s nice to meet you Hana,” Natsumi said with a small smile.
“Huh? Oh, same here,” Hana said with a big grin. “Thanks for watching out for Cye for me. I know he can be a handful.”
“He’s.... one of a kind..”
“Hey, let’s the two of us sit on the couch and let the men duke it out over food.”
“Sure..... sounds great....”
The two of them walked over to the couch and started talking to one another. Cye and Kento stopped what they were doing and just starred at the two laughing women.
“Wow..... that’s something I didn’t expect,” Cye said.
“You’re telling me. Natsumi knows Hana is your girlfriend. You would think she would get all angry and stuff,” Kento said.
“Natsumi is not like that,” Ryo said. “I guess....... she just figures that there is no way to change things. So she is making the best of the moment as she can.”
“That’s deep Ryo,” Kento said.
“But he’s right,” Cye said. “Natsumi is a shy girl who doesn’t like to speak her mind. And if she gets caught in a moment where she feels uncomfortable, she will try to forget about the current event.”
“Yeah... but she’s probably hurting inside non the less,” Ryo said.
Cye didn’t say anything and started to clean up the chips that were on the floor.
“What? Does Natsumi have a crush on Cye or something?” Kento asked.
“You really are slow aren’t you?” Cye said.
“Hey, I don’t realize these types of things.”
“Yes she does.”
“That really sucks then.”
“Yeah. Thanks to you and your big mouth.”
“I didn’t know!”
“Well know you do and what’s done is done.”
Around five everyone started to head out. Natsumi rode home with Ryo and Kento while Cye and Hana were left alone. The two of them went into the forest and to the waterfall that Cye showed Hana a year ago.
“Wow. This place hasn’t changed a bit!” Hana said. “It’s just as lovely as I remembered it.”
“I’m glad you still like it,” Cye said.
“Of course.”
“Did you fix everything with your relatives?”
Hana just stood there, not saying a word. “Yeah..... I did......”
“You don’t sound happy. What happened?”
“It’s nothing....”
“It’s something. I want to know what happened to you while you were there.”
Hana’s shoulders started to shake as tears leaked from her eyes.
“Hana?”
“My family....... abandoned me.....”
“What?!”
“You remember when Shijisha took over my body?”
“Yeah. What about her?”
“When she left my body for good, she left some of her powers behind. I realized this while I was at my Uncle’s house. I found out that I could levitate things. It was pretty cool, but I wanted to keep it a secret. But........ that didn’t quite turn out the way I wanted it.”
“I’m listening.”
“One night, my Uncle and my Aunt were discussing about how my parents were always careless. It made me really mad. That’s when I realized that I could destroy things around me, just because of my emotion. My Aunt’s dining room was destroyed because of me. My Aunt totally went mad and told me that I was the spawn of Satan. She told me to get out of her house and to stay away from their family. That happened recently....... that’s why I came back here.”
Hana sank to the ground and sobbed as Cye wrapped his arms around her.
“A family who says that, shouldn’t be called family. Family doesn’t say those kind of things,” Cye whispered.
“But it’s my fault........”
“Nothing is your fault. You didn’t know about your powers. It’s okay.”
Hana turned and cried into Cye’s chest. Cye stroked her hair and kissed her head.
“You have me now and I won’t banish you.”
Hana continued to cry and the two of them stayed where they were until the sun finally set and the moon came out.