Can the Camellia bloom? (1)

It was Wednesday when the rugby club held a muscle training session in the private gym. Shouichi decided to attend the practice every once in a while. Autumn was in full swing, and the temperature had gradually dropped to a comfortable 25 degrees Celsius — a welcome change. It took him roughly two hours to finish the weightlifting session with the club members. Despite the ongoing chaos at home, with Yoko avoiding him like the plague, he figured that maintaining his physical health was the least he could do.

After talking with his best friend, Ayane, she told him that Yoko's mentality had improved. She had started eating more, smiling more, and laughing more. The news made Shouichi's heart bloom with happiness. Still, he wished he could be the one to make it happen. "I wish I could make you smile like that again... Why couldn't it be me?" He pondered melancholically as he opened the gym's door to leave.

During a mindless stroll, Shouichi found himself standing in front of Yoko's sweet shop, now looking abandoned. The "Closed" sign had been hanging at the door for a couple of weeks. The shop had always held a special place in his heart. The friendship, laughter, and love that flourished within those walls felt so recent, he could still remember her voice and sweet smile as though they happened yesterday.

"If only I stayed with Yoko-san... This wouldn't have happened," He muttered, clenching his fists in frustration. "I failed you... I failed you, Yoko-san." The voice of malice in his heart refused to leave him. "What am I supposed to do? She's not talking to me... She doesn't even want to see my face…" He recalled the disdain in her eyes.

"I'm home," Shouichi called out as he entered his house, quietly slipping off his shoes and placing them neatly on the rack. As expected, there was no reply. With his head hung low, he trudged upstairs to his room. The layout of the Yamamoto residence was unusual, with his room nearly directly opposite Yoko's. If both their doors were open, they'd be able to see each other clearly. As he reached the hallway, Shouichi hesitated, glancing timidly at Yoko's closed door. He then slowly turned the doorknob to his own room.

"Shouichi-kun…" A soft voice called from behind, causing Shouichi to jump. He spun around quickly. It was his mother, Yoko, in a white tee and jeans, looking as beautiful as ever. She nervously peeked out from a small gap in her half-open door. "Oh, hi, Yoko-san," Shouichi greeted, feeling a little nervous himself. "She's actually started dressing normally again... That's a good sign," He thought.

"Would you mind if we talk for a bit?" She asked, her eyes inviting him in. Shouichi couldn't contain his smile, his heart swelling with happiness. "Yes... Of course."

***

Shouichi sat on the edge of her bed, leaving an arm's-length gap between them. He wasn't sure how to act or what to say. It felt like an eternity since he and Yoko had last interacted like this. "I wanted to reopen the store," Yoko said, breaking the silence, her gaze fixed on her clasped hands in her lap.

"Huh? Mom..." Shouichi turned to look at her in surprise. "Are you sure?"

"I'm sure now," She smiled at him — the same sweet smile that always brought him immense joy.

Shouichi's breath caught. "Wha ~ What if… What if~." He started to hyperventilate but struggled to speak, words failing him.

Yoko reached out, gently taking his hand in hers. "You'll protect me, won't you?" She asked, her voice soft, her touch warm and soothing. "Yes... Yes, I will." His response was filled with a calm certainty, her warmth comforting his soul.

"I know it's been tough for both of us," Yoko continued, her voice trailing off. "I'm sorry, Shouichi. I'm an adult, and I took it all out on you."

"Mom, please don't do that," Shouichi said urgently, urging her to lift her head. When she did, he met her affectionate gaze. His heart began to race as he saw the tenderness in her eyes.

"About the store... please let me know when you plan to open it again. I'll help however I can," Shouichi said, eager to shift the topic to the sweet shop while nervously ruffling his hair.

"I will," She smiled, a bright, genuine smile that made his world seem colourful again.

"Alright," Shouichi said, his voice full of emotion. "It's been nice talking to you, Mom. It means everything to me."

"Then... would you give me a hug, too?" Yoko asked, her voice soft with a plea Shouichi couldn't refuse.

"Of course," He replied, opening his arms wide to embrace her. Yoko's frail body fit snugly against his, and for a moment, nothing else mattered. Her delicate form, once more slender than he'd remembered, melted into his embrace. The elderflower fragrance of her perfume enveloped him, its fresh, comforting scent grounding him in the moment.

"Hehehe... I love you," Yoko whispered, resting her ear against his chest.

"I love you too," Shouichi replied, his words filled with sincerity and warmth.

***

A week later, the Yoko Sweet Shop reopened, running smoothly once again. It had taken significant effort from both mother and son to get the shop back in business, but it had also given them something else — newfound purpose. Yoko's mental state had improved so much that Ayane no longer needed to visit every day. Yoko had begun to cook, bake, and practice making drinks just like she used to. The painful memories seemed to have faded, leaving space for a sense of normalcy.

Ayane continued to visit every other day, checking in on them both. She had played such a crucial role in Yoko's rehabilitation, and Shouichi couldn't thank her enough for all she had done for him and his only family.