Chapter 45: Tulips

The room fell in silence for a few minutes as if our world was shattered. 

"You're probably thinking about us right now. But I want you to follow your dream Aoi. I don't want to hold you back."

"Let's not think about it for the time being okay?" 

A few minutes later, I went home and told Yukino that we'll pick her up tomorrow. 

I was on my way home and the news actually got into my head so I decided to stop by the playground near the hospital to clear my head of things. I sat by the slide where I previously did. 

What should I do? Considering how much time Yukino has left, I think it's best if I cancel this Europe thing if I want to be there for her. There will be other opportunities for me so I think going now is not the best option there is. But I certainly have to keep this a secret from Yukino till May. 

The next day, uncle picked me up from my house before going to the hospital. 

"Hop on." Said uncle as he rolled down the window of the pickup truck. 

"Thanks for picking me up uncle." 

"You really are a hassle, but you being there when we pickup Yukino will probably be the best course of action to make her happy." 

"I do have one favor though." 

"What's it now?" 

"Can we stop by a flower shop? I want to give her a bouquet of flowers." 

"Fine." 

On our way to the flower shop, I noticed how cherry blossoms are already starting to bloom. I guess April is fast approaching and spring really is coming. 

"Can you take Yukino on a trip for me?" Said uncle with a cigarette on his mouth.

I've forgotten about the trip Yukino and I planned on doing because of the events that happened this past month. I guess this will be the perfect time for us to do that. That is if she can handle one.

"Can she go on a trip? You know, keeping in mind her condition." 

"She'll probably be able to handle a trip or two." 

"Sure then uncle, we already planned that sometime ago but many things happened so I guess this time might be perfect." 

A few minutes later we arrived at a flower shop so we stopped by.

"I'll wait for you here kid." 

I made my way inside and I was greeted by the store clerk about the age of 30. She was beautiful though, with long brown hair and a petite body she will undoubtedly attract every man who is to enter this store. Except for me of course, I only have my eyes for Yukino. 

"Welcome sir! Do you have anything in mind already?"

"Not really, what can I get for someone being discharged from the hospital?" 

"Follow me sir, we have a variety of choices." 

I followed the store clerk around and this place really is magical, being surrounded by lots of beautiful flowers as the pleasant smell accompanied us inside. It's like a place out of a fantasy movie. 

"Here sir. I would suggest the tulips though." 

There were a lot of choices to choose from, there were roses, Iris, Peonies, Daisies, and many more. I can't seem to pick one for myself so I just went with what the store clerk recommended. 

"Tulips will do then." 

"Great choice! Let me prepare it for you then." 

It was your choice though. The store clerk then went to the counter to prepare it so I followed. 

After the transaction, I went back to uncle.

"Thank you, please come again." 

Uncle and I then made our way to the hospital. I decided to wait by the smoking area as he picked Yukino up. I instructed uncle to tell her that I wasn't able to make it today just for a little bit of surprise. I then lit a cigarette as I waited for them.

I stood by the hospital entrance and waited for them to come out. A few minutes later, Yukino and uncle came out and she was a bit surprised but not quite like the reaction I expected. I expected her to come rushing towards my loving arms but that wasn't the case. As they came closer, Yukino's face started to radiate an irritated look.

"Are you not surprised?" Asked I.

"A bit, but not because of your presence, I already knew you were here, I'm not dumb to be fooled by uncle's poor lying skills. The flowers surprised me a bit though." 

"Here. That was quite disappointing." 

"Tulips huh? Tulips mean perfect and deep love. That was quite thoughtful of you." 

"O-ofcourse. Do you like them?" 

"I guess you didn't know what they meant huh? But yes, thank you for the flowers Aoi and for picking me up." 

Yukino spread her arms asking for a hug still wearing an irritated face so I did. 

"Congratulations on being discharged." 

Yukino and I sat by the back of the pickup truck to get some open air. I guess this is the perfect timing to bring up the trip so might as well do so.

"Remember the trip we talked about?" 

"Oh yeah, we did talk about that. What of it?" 

"Let's do it." 

"Now? I need to rest a bit first, you know? I just got discharged from the hospital." 

"Oh of course. A week from now, would that be good?" 

"I think? You'll need uncle's permission though." 

"He already allowed us to so that shouldn't be a problem." 

"Oh really? Then where should we go? And how long would this trip be?" 

"I'll look up some places on the internet. A 3 day trip would be nice." 

"Let's do that then!" 

Yukino smiled so brightly after saying those words. I guess she really is looking forward to this trip. I feel bad that I almost forgot about it because of work and other university stuff but I'll be sure to make it up to her. 

Her beauty radiated to me as the cherry blossoms behind made her even more beautiful. All of it was displayed to me as if my eyes were filming her to perfectly remember this moment. Her eyes, her smile, how her hair was being swayed back by the wind. All of it was ingrained in me. 

"It's already spring huh?" Said Yukino.

"Yeah, it might be my favorite season. I love cherry blossoms after all." 

"Me too. I guess it's perfect that our trip will be during the spring season." 

"Yeah, but what makes it perfect for me is that you will be the one I'm going with." 

Yukino blushed a bit and looked down before answering.

"Stop it with the romantics! But, yeah. I guess you're right.

We arrived at my apartment as they dropped me off before going back to their house. I guess I'll be busy arranging the perfect itinerary for the trip these upcoming days huh?