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The vivid hue of flowers of the meadow, amidst the flowery fragment when she inhales. Faint gusts of a spring breeze in her direction drift onto her face, and the gentle howl of the wind engulfs her tiny ears. Glistened sunlight kisses her skin, fluffy cotton clouds washed up parts of the bright blue skies.
Her youthful eyes pondered on the beautiful scenery in front of her. It wasn’t her first time visiting the beauty of nature- especially when the time was perfect. When the ground was not purely white snow, the crystallization covering the tree branches melted, and the shivering wind no longer stroked her reddish cheeks.
“Mumei!”
She hummed in response.
A trace of footsteps imprinted on the flowers guided her to the calling. Mumei moved faster as she began to recognize the voice.
Mumei called back, “Kronii!”
She can distinguish the dark-blue haired amongst the blooming colours. Kronii stretched her arm to the sky and waved. Mumei gazed up at her hand and then towards her face beaming. Despite the hefty breaths, the itches in her throat slow down. A force of energy sparked as she ran faster— one step in to jump towards the blue-haired.
“Wait Mumei!” Kronii shouted.
The proximity between both of their faces was inches away.
Kronii's eyes widened, and her body became stiff. Her arms extended forward, a glance towards Mumei. A soft smile slips out of her surprised expression, while the shakiness of her hands persisted.
Mumei’s eyes squinted, finding the look on her amusing. She locked her arms around Kronii’s neck unexpectedly, and Kronii let out a small yelp. The gravity between them pulled downward, and Mumei felt herself falling onto Kronii's arms. Not a thought of fear lingered in her mind, she let herself move forward, her chin settled onto her shoulder and closed her eyes.
If time could take a picture of the moment.
Seconds before their bodies collide together and fall onto the soft flowers.
A beautiful illustration would be displayed.
The wind blew behind Kronii, the dark-blue hair swayed in front. Mumei felt the breeze against her face, her long beige-brown ponytail fluttering behind her. Blossoms contrast perfectly with the vivid green beneath their feet. Far away from the two children, the rocky mountains can be narrowly glimpsed by the naked eye. Shaded in with the clear skies of blue and soft clouds.
White ruffles on the ends of Mumei’s dress sweep over the flowers. A lilac ribbon wrapped in a perfect knot on her waist, attached to the ribbon was a pair of owl feathers that drooped downward. Her black dress was one of her favourites to wear, despite it differs from the vibrant hues of nature. She stood out, and she noticed that.
Kronii could distinguish her from afar, and there was not a flaw to that. She was the prettiest flower in the blossoms that surrounded them. Even if the flush of scarlet red crept on her skin. She would never have the guts to say it out loud. Behind the pureness of soft amber, they study her like an owl.
The all-white blouse and pants made her look heavenly. An angel walking amongst the beautiful creations that the world can offer. Velvet blue string knotted on her neck, two long strands laced onto her arms. As she wasn’t able to make a perfect ribbon knot to her liking. However, to the brown-haired, it added more reason to adore her even more.
The shades of white and black meet.
A tick of a second.
Time resumes from taking its photograph.
They both fell. Kronii’s back thump on the cushion of soft flowers and grass. An immediate groan broke free from Kronii, however, Mumei had a cushioned fall into Kronii’s arms. She giggled right by the blue-haired’s ear, feeling Kronii’s arms slowly enveloped in her black dress.
“Hee hee…”
“I- was not ready for that,” Kronii spoke.
Mumei pulled herself away from the cozy snuggle she had on her shoulder. There should have been a hunch of guilt for not giving her a warning. However, the lingering sentiment of worry took over. Mumei already knew what was to be expected if she expressed regret at these moments. Kronii would promptly dismiss her small apology, as it would have not bothered her that much. Yet, she still put her head down and whispered, “Sorry.”
Ocean blue caught golden-brown once more in a swift motion. A finger nudges her chin upward, taking Mumei by surprise. Soft blue waves in Kronii’s eyes, tugging the strings of her to not look away. Pools of honey swayed side to side, struggling to withstand and accept the gaze. Yet, the quietness between them slowly vanquishes the resistance. Bright amber reflected the steady blue waves, they glistened together.
“It’s okay.” Kronii brushed off one of her bangs to the side, “I’m just glad I can see you again.”
Warmth filled inside of her. A wave of chills was brushing onto her skin, it gave her goosebumps. There weren’t any gusts of wind that made her body shudder at that moment, yet she ignored the urge to ask about the feeling. Her head lowered onto the soft white blouse, while her hands sought to hold onto her, clutching onto the sleeves instead.
Kronii noticed the sudden change of position, gazing downward as she unwrapped one of her arms. Fingertips softly twirled strands of the brown hair, “Mumei you feel that way too?”
“Yes.” Mumei adjusted her head to the side, her ear pressed against the clothing. She felt her heartbeat, “I’m happy that you’re here too.”
—
Her little feathers on top of her head fluttered as the howls of wind became intense. A sad pang on her expression, she was disheartened that the two had to head inside a bit too soon. Kronii persisted through Mumei’s whiny remarks, holding hands the whole way going indoors.
Mumei sprung off from her sandals as soon as they went inside. Her little feet scurry over to her room, tip-toeing on her taller table to grab the brown-covered book. Kronii’s holler echoes the emptiness of the house, her frantic footsteps are noisy enough that Mumei can overhear them from her room.
The blue-haired stood in the middle of the hallway when she saw her.
“Kronii, let's read this,” Mumei exclaimed.
She flipped the cover open, sitting on the carpet floor.
Kronii sat next to her. An arm envelopes Mumei’s shoulder, as they both scooch over to minimize the space between them. Mumei's head leaned towards her shoulder, and Kronii did the same onto Mumei’s head.
“Is this a new story?” Kronii glanced downward.
Mumei hummed in acknowledgement.
The two sat down till time started to disrupt the loss of sense they had of the world.
Kronii kept quiet most of the time, leaving Mumei to read the words printed on the pages freely. Some moments occurred when Kronii made comments relating to the illustrations, either to discuss or hoping to make Mumei laugh.
But, Mumei laughs at Kronii regardless if she tried or not.
“Kronii don’t make fun of the characters,” she chuckled at Kronii’s droll comment, “they are just cats trying to find cat food!”
A huff escapes from her lips, “I just think it’s dumb! Why did the white one have to jump off? They could have just waited for the rest of the group instead of injuring themselves!” Kronii felt the sign of defeat at the logic of the story.
“Kronii it’s time to go!”
Both of their heads faced each other.
Mumei’s eyebrows furrowed, making grumble noises as she closed her book without forgetting to place a bookmark in-between the page they left off. Kronii sighed, her hand patting Mumei’s cheek as she gazed attentively at the brown-haired.
“I have to go now.” As the blue-haired was about to stand up fully. A hand clutched onto her white sleeve, not allowing her to move immediately.
Mumei’s head lowered, not wanting to lock eyes with her, “Can you stay a bit longer?”
Silence lingers in the bedroom. Mumei could feel her breaths subdue, awaiting a response from Kronii. Instead, she felt her grasp on the sleeve begin to lower, her head tilted upward to Kronii’s side. The deep seas in her blue eyes peered into the depths of the golden pools of honey. A sudden itch of dryness crept in her throat— Mumei didn’t know what to say,
Kronii squatted to have both of their stares at the same level.
“I will come back okay?”
Mumei finally let out a response, “Promise?”
The corners of Kronii’s lips curved up, “Promise.”
Their pinky fingers intertwined. Kronii’s promise brightened Mumei as she stood up. Her hand inched closer to Kronii’s, hoping her gesture was obvious enough that she wanted to hold onto hers. She complied as soon as her fingertips just barely touched her.
“Let’s go out quickly, maybe the stars are out now before I go!”
They both left together, their hands intertwined as they greeted both of their parents that waited for them outside. Tiny luminous dots are drawn on the dark painted canvas above their heads. Kronii pointed at many of them, her eyes glinting in amazement at the number of stars glowing. Mumei had her fair share of stargazing, it was no surprise, though observing the change of look from Kronii. It was a gem in her eyes.
Mumei said her goodbyes first, and Kronii responded by repeating the promise they made.
Amber eyes glimpsed from afar, dark-blue hair blending at the night hues. Mumei waved one more time, even if her friend was facing away from her.
—
Kronii came back as she promised.
They finished off the picture book that they started months ago. Pages of the book had already worn from neglect. As they flipped through the pages, the sound of shores called. Mumei paused her movement, staring at the alluring waterscape. Summer wind flew in the air and her body sprung up.
Her feet stepped onto the soft peachy sand, and her hands clutched the smooth fabric of her summer dress, raising it so the edges won’t get wet. Shimmering light water washed her feet, and Mumei squeaked. However, quickly she was in delight by the fresh reflection of the water she stared below. Tiny pebbles underwater were comfortable enough to step on and she splashed the water around with her feet.
She was in her own world.
Kronii watched her from the sand. Her arms stretched and she exhaled once more as she cracked her knuckles. Adjusting her glasses before standing up, brushing off any excess sand from her rear end. She rested one hand on her sunhat and walked close to the water shore.
“Don’t get your dress wet.”
Mumei turned back, “Come here Kronii!” She faced in front of the blue-haired. “The water is so nice against your skin.”
Kronii tilted her head before she shook it side to side. Yet, she walks close to Mumei. Submerging more of her legs into the gentle waves. The wind slowly took a break, leaving both of her hands to have a chance to touch the water.
“It’s a bit cold hmm.” A grin appeared on Kronii’s face.
Mumei caught that grin of mischievousness instantly. “Don’t you dare do what I think you’re doing.” Her eyes furrowed, backing away slowly, with her hands still raising her dress. “Kronii I swear if you-”
A light snicker rang in her ears. Kronii’s eyes gleamed, however, her grin displayed playfulness. She dipped her hands into the waters one more time, before flickering directly at Mumei. “Surprise!”
Drops of water splashed onto her face.
“Kronii!!!” She shut her eyes and ran away carelessly.
There wasn’t a hint of irritation from the brown-haired, she enjoyed these moments. Times of them being by themselves became limited, they both knew that. Kronii had many reasons to counter her infrequent visits, in truth, Mumei would never be mad. If she can only see her months or even years later, she would accept it, though it would be a lie if it doesn’t make her sad.
“Come back here Nanashi Mumei!” Kronii ran, the palms of her hand carried a little pool of water.
“I’m going back to the sand!”
Mumei should just keep appreciating the time they had.
—
It had been a year.
Autumn welcomes them, creaks of air outside blew more harshly, and the sun sleeps earlier in the evening. Orange hue painted the skies, in the moment of nature, they rang out the change of season. Crimson yellow light submits down the horizon, remaining sunlight that spreads and streams throughout on the freshly dyed red rooftop, and through Kronii’s bedroom window.
“Let’s go outside.”
Kronii faced towards the window. Beams of light shine through the glass and to her face. Blue eyes squinted, and as the yellow-orange hue passed through, the iris somehow brightened to a crystal-like hue. Sunlight kisses her pale skin, creating a shadow figure on the walls.
Mumei’s glistened, she stared at Kronii, then glanced at the window, “Wouldn’t it be cold?”
The blue-haired shook her head, “It’s fine… trust me it will be worth it.”
Her hand clasped onto Mumei’s, pulling the younger one up. They put their coats and their boots on as they bid their short goodbyes to both of their parents at the dinner table. Reassuring they’ll be back as soon as it became dark. Mumei held onto Kronii firmly as the taller one took the lead.
Kronii huffed, as she bummed down onto the grass with Mumei next to her. The two catch their breaths, leaning onto the rigid bark of the tree. Mumei slouched more to lean on Kronii’s shoulder. Her face flushed, along with Kronii’s by the amount of walking, and at one point running to the location. In Kronii’s exact words, “It’s beautiful to see, we just have to be there in time!”
Brown eyes squinted, at the sunset in front of her.
“Mumei you good?”
She took one big inhale, “Yeah…”
Kronii glanced downward before she held onto Mumei’s hand one more time. One great tug and she was up on her feet, however, her walking was more sluggish. The blue-haired dragged her out towards the sun, and Mumei starts to wonder why Kronii wanted her to see it.
“Here we are!” Her voice exclaims out to the world.
Mumei’s expression was paled, the heat building in her jacket trickles sweat inside of her clothing. Her eyes twinkled in astonishment, her mouth curved to a circle— the scenery was beautiful.
Down below them were acres of trees, blackened by the shadows created by the sunset. Mumei had never seen this scenery before, the edges of the horizon darkened as the sun slowly fell, while the reflected colour of the grey moon broke through the orange skies. One day, she would keep this image in her memory and illustrate it.
“It’s beautiful isn’t it?” Kronii had been staring at her ever since they arrived.
Golden-brown shined as ever, especially through the blazing ball, illuminating them bright like the stars. Long ashy-brown locks fluttered in the air gracefully. Reddish tints plastered on her cold ears, and pink-red crept in her soft cheeks. Mumei’s face turned, the corners of her eye wrinkled, and a smile surfaced. “It is Kronii.”
Her arms envelop the blue-haired, clutching the hem of her blue coat. “Thank you for showing me this. I will never forget it.” Her head lowered, feeling the warmth in her chest.
The gentle breeze fluttered, both of their hearts quivered inside. Kronii inched her finger against the edge of Mumei’s coat and tugged it a bit too roughly. It made her glance upward. Ocean-blue eyes narrowed in the opposite direction, nibbling her bottom lip as flustered tension aroused her deep red ears. She couldn’t say it out loud, the sudden dryness in her mouth would be unbearable to reveal her shy request.
An adorable hum escaped from Mumei’s lips, she acknowledges the timid appeal. Her soft hands clasped onto hers, their fingers fitted each other perfectly like always.
They had their significant moment, the colour of stopped time was on them once again. Winds flow to the new season, the sun takes its final departure, granting the night to take its course. Soon, the darkened clouds drift and are shaded fairly to the night skies. It was their signal to go back home.
“Let’s go now Mumei.”
“Okay… and Kronii?”
“Yeah?”
“Thank you for bringing me here.”
“No, thank you Mumei— for letting me show you this moment. I had always waited for you to see this.”
—
How long has it been?
Curtain lights glowed in her bedroom, she sat comfortably on her bed. Holding onto the green-eyed brown bear she got for her birthday. It was Kronii’s gift to her, along with the bear it had a small ribbon wrapped neatly onto one of its arms. The blue-haired confessed that the stuffed bear reminded them of her, and Mumei recollects the moment her vision became glossy. Wet tears oozed out the corners of her eyes, and she sensed the tenderness of Kronii’s embrace. Despite this, the surprised tone in Kronii’s voice cracked a few times, not realizing the impact it had on her.
Her fluffy, silken white dress cushioned her sitting. She wore many black ribbons onto her long glistened light-brown hair. A slightly larger black ribbon was tied along with her pair of feathers at the right side of her hair. Along with a singular white ribbon clipped near her shoulder. With a golden-yellow hair clip on one of her bang strands, her outfit made her doll-like.
Her picture book from years ago lay open on her bed. On the final page of the picture book, it had a blank white sheet. It was Mumei's idea, to take the painting supplies she had, and paint the blank page along with Kronii. Truly, it felt like a brilliant idea, and Kronii even praised her for it.
Painted fingertips smudged onto the blank canvas, each finger had its own colour to use. Whether the thumb colour was green or blue, or when they combine colours to create a new one. The two did it all, mixing their creative ideas which left a couple of paint spills on their clothing, the carpet floor or even on their faces. None of them spoke a word to each other as they painted, they let the imagination happen, as the colours will blend in the unity of their collaborated art.
Once they finish, Mumei mentioned that artists credit or sign their art when it’s completed. They pick a colour of their choice, smudging their whole palm with the paint and imprinting their hand signatures on it.
Those times were very memorable.
She clutched onto her stuffed bear. Mumei’s eyes shut, feeling a tear breaking its way from her eye. It drips down onto her rosy cheeks. Darkness surrounded her, but she could picture the blue skies and the lucid colours of the meadow. Dark-blue hair waved through the skies, the wind gliding softly. A pair of ocean blue lit up in greeting, the corners of her lips curved. A fond expression appeared on her face, and her hands intertwined with hers, slowly pulling the brown-haired closer and closer. Mumei’s fingertips stroked the soft warmed cheeks, the blue eyes curved like the moon, and her two pointy fangs surfaced into a captivated grin.
Mumei could hear her name being called softly— again and again.
She sniffs once more, and the swarm of tears trickled, she couldn’t hold them any longer.
Mumei missed Kronii.
—
In their tiny, little world, revolve around the tale of two girls. They cross paths many times until life became harder, and the vibrant colours between them start to dull due to time. Oil paint filled in the blanks in their picture book, even if the imperfections and the background start to disorient the detailed illustration. Once, it has been painted, the canvas will always be filled with memories.
Mumei sat on her front porch, she swung back and forth, feeling sunlight kissing her smooth skin. She had matured, and her body flourished into a beautiful lady. Yet, the golden-brown shined as always, the pair of feathers on her hair had preserved its soft beauty exterior. She kept her ashy-brown hair long, along the golden-yellow clip on her bangs.
Mumei slowly shut her eyes, her voice sang quietly to herself, as the winds passed by once more. The lyrics of the song were unforgettable for her, but she could not remember the title of it.
Time stops for a moment.
“In this tiny little world…”
“It was just the two of us…”
Her ears pitched on sudden gravel noises, a blaring engine noise coming from afar.
“The oil paints…”
“Filling in all the blanks in our picture book…”
A sound of a car door closing.
“In this crumbling world…”
“I slowly shut my eyes, and for a moment—”
Sensations of nostalgia linger in her skin.
“Our little story keeps on going.”
Mumei’s eyes slowly opened, the beating of her heart fastened and bursts of emotion crept inside of her. Trembles in her hands as she grips onto the rope, prompting herself to stand up and walk towards the painting.
Dark blue hair amongst the blue skies, and the white clouds. Ocean waves gazed directly at her, softening in a moment of influence that washed her whole expression. A noticeable face, with features that makes her breathless, she finally found the missing page of their picturebook.
“Just like a movie,” she muttered to herself.
She reached out to hold onto the missing painting with her fingertips.