Chapter 74

Perking up to the red sky, the sun was sinking between the clouds. The gentle wind was brushing my side bang to the side. My hair was tucked neatly into a bun, revealing my neck to the cold breeze. I remember that my mother will hold my hand while pointing towards the sun whispering,

''Mi-chan, look Mr sun was going home right now. Lets bid him goodbye and head home, your father must've been waiting for us.''

''Mi-chan, what are you staring at?'' Hikaru tapped my shoulder.

''Oh...it was nothing...anyways let's get in.'' I give out a weak smile.

Hikaru held my hand and guide me inside the hall. As soon as I step in the room, I saw there's a pile of flowers was coating the coffin behind it.

I fold my leg and sits straight on my back on the light brown tatami floor. In front of me, there's a plain frame that's holding the picture of my parents. My eyes then hang low at the floor while I look down at my black dress, wondering when could this end.

The smell of the burning incense filled up every edge of the mourning hall as the Buddhist priest was reading a sutra next to the coffin. I was the first to burn the incense following by my relatives and so on. The noise of weeping was no longer a stranger to my ears after spending the whole night listening to my tears.

''I am so sorry for your lost.''

''I offer my condolences.''

''Stay strong, I know that as the time passes by, things will be better for you.''

All those words keep on reciting by the guest that come forwards to give their final respect. I keep my head down facing to the floor while bowing at them.

As time pass by, the guests slowly take their leaves and the crowds were getting lesser after the priest has finished their reading. My legs began to feel numb after sitting in the same place for like 2 hours.

Therefore, I notice that it's already night time outside so I decided to take a fresh air to ease down my mind. As I was about to get up, my wrist was grabbed by surprise. Turning my head back, I saw Yuuto was there behind me. He was wearing a formal black suit and paired with a black tie.

''Yuuto-kun, how long have you been here? I thought that you have already head back with your mother just now.''

''It doesn't matter. Miyu-chan, please let me come with you.'' Yuuto looks at me with his green eyes that's glimmers earnestly.

''Um....what if I say I am heading the washroom? Will you...still come with me.'' I try to tease him but my weak voice makes it seems like I wanting to end my life there.

''Of course, I will. I did do everything for you if you want me to.'' He gives me a loyal puppy look while being so stubborn for some reason.

''Pfft!! I am afraid that those ladies will hit you with their bag before you could even come and hand me tissues if the toilet runs out of it.'' I flicked his head.

''Come, let's go outside and enjoy the fresh air. Being inside here for so long was so suffocating.'' Gripping his hand tightly, I take him outside along with me.

''Hikaru-kun, I will be going outside for a while. It won't be that long and I also have this baby sitter with me.'' I called out.

Hikaru just smiles at me. Then he mouthed me to buy him some tea from the vending machines.

'Okay.' I mouthed him back.

Then I notice that my grandmother smiled at me weakly before she talks with Hikaru. He seems a bit surprised in the middle of the conversation but then he nods his head as he gives out a relief smile, agreeing on something. I wonder what they might be discussing about...

***

I went outside with Yuuto and look up above the dark sky. The stars are hanging all above the night sky, filling up the empty spaces of the countryside night sky.

''Miyu-chan, can you see that bright star?'' Yuuto points up towards the brightest among the stars.

''That was the spring triangle, am I right?'' I look at the three brightest stars that are forming a triangle.

''Yes, it was prominent spring asterism formed by the bright stars of Arcturus in Boötes constellation, Spica of Virgo and Regulus in Leo.'' Yuuto began to explain deeper about the stars which almost remind me of my father who loves to tell me about the stars whenever we are out camping.

My eyes began to get teary as the flashback appears before my eyes but I hold it back because I don't want to cry anymore. Clutching tightly my dress, I then look up to the sky while letting go a heavy sigh.

*Sigh~*

''So it means it was almost the end of the spring right?'' I sighed.

''Yea and the summer is coming.'' Yuuto turns at me.

''So...do you have any plan for summer?'' His fair skin makes his red hair stands out underneath the moonlight. I notice that his eyes were filled with worry and he seems concerned about something.

''Not really... I think we should be heading inside but first I need to buy Hikaru-kun his drink.''

''Okay...'' Disappointment was all written on his face after knowing that I don't look forwards for summer like I always do.

I let go a tiny smile as I went back into the hall while Yuuto followed me from the back.

''Um...Miyu-chan, who is that?'' Yuuto asked me as I place in the money inside the vending machine.

''Hikaru-kun? Oh, he is my baby—"

''Your baby?! What do you mean by that?! Was he your boyfriend?'' Yuuto suddenly holds both shoulders while he shakes the soul out of me. His face goes pale as his eyes are widen in disbelief.

''Miyu-chan, tell me!'' He pushes me to the front and back.

''Can you stop shaking me like I was a piggy bank when you are desperate for your money?'' I scolded lightly as my head is getting dizzy.

''But I am curious who he might be!!'' Yuuto pouts his cheek in frustration.

''Well, first of all, he was not my boyfriend or anything. He was my baby cousin that's one year younger than us.'' I explained.

"Now, let go of me will you?" I shoot him a frustrated glare.

"O-okay!"

Yuuto seems relieved as he let go of me. I feel weird when I saw him acting like that but I ignore it. I silently press the button under the green tea display. Instantly the green tea roll down and landed on the pick-up box. I flip open the cover, picking up the tea saying,

''Let's go back inside.'' I smiled as I shakes the bottled green tea.