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It was early morning when Toko woke up, and the blazing sun was barely peeking above the horizon. The sunlight poured into the soft-colored bedroom.
She glanced around the room. Taking in the baby pink walls, decorated with numerous hanging plants, seashells, and various other nicknacks she’d collected over the years.
She shuffled underneath the soft, pliable silk covers. Her arm was outstretched, hugging someone. Through the delirious sleep, Toko inhaled the sweet scent of lavender emanating from her partner. She smiled as her other arm wrapped around Rui tighter.
She was surprised to feel the embrace reciprocated.
“I thought you were asleep.” Whispered Toko. Her voice had a husky tone due to its misuse from the night.
Rui shook her head slightly, “I’ve been awake for a while.”
”Why didn’t you wake me up?” Asked Toko, peering into her maroon eyes.
“You were sleeping so soundly, and we’re working on your garden today.”
Toko’s eyes lit up in realization, “That’s right!”
The blonde quickly sat up and gave Rui a short kiss on the cheek before she bolted out of bed and ran downstairs.
Rui smiled to herself, amused by her girlfriend’s behavior. She sank back into the comfortable bed. Closing her eyes, she often wondered how this was real.
…
The egg sizzled as it hit the pan; its orange yolk burst, mixing in with the whites. The other pan on the stove was frying Spam. The meaty charred smell infiltrated the house.
“The eggs are almost done!” Yelled Toko.
Rui nodded, “I’ll get the rice heated up.”
Even though the girls had arrived late the previous night, Rui still made rice. She turned on the rice cooker, allowing the rice to warm.
The hissing of the pan stopped as Toko transferred the scrambled eggs to some porcelain plates. Her spatula also scooped up the carefully grilled meat.
She neatly set down the plates on the kitchen island, along with a pack of roasted seaweed.
Rui placed the steaming hot rice in a bowl. She was delicately propping it on the quartz kitchen island.
With an inviting smile, Toko patted a chair for Rui to sit on.
“I know this isn’t the best breakfast, but it’s all we had in the pantry.” Toko disclosed.
“It will suffice, but sharing a meal with you will make it more enjoyable.” Said Rui, giving her a shy smile.
Toko flushed at her words, and her heart fluttered. It was always so romantic. She could never find the words to articulate how much Rui meant to her.
But she had found a solution to her dilemma.
…
Although it was still early morning, the sun's rays were blasting egregiously. Toko and Rui went out to the lush verdant garden in the backyard.
They walked through the dense and thick grass to a hidden little place. Rui had never seen the garden herself. Only in pictures would Toko show her.
Toko stopped to clear the curtain of bright green leaves, which revealed a collection of colorful flora. With every color, one could imagine. Birds were happily chirping and perched on the long branches of the fluttering trees. Bees buzzed from flower to plant.
The tree canopy covered the scorching sun from dehydrating the small, big, and various-sized flowers and plants.
Following the plants, there was a small pool of water with tiny yellow ducklings swimming around.
The humid, sticky air was suddenly suffocating as Rui inhaled the scent of the sweet flowers and the warm earth around them.
“It’s … amazing.”
Toko smiled. “Thanks, I made it as a way to say….”
Without saying a word, Toko wandered around the garden, picking a few bunches until she had a bouquet. Rui could only stare in astonishment. She was still admiring the beauty of it all. This sight was enough to put a man to tears.
“Here, hold these,” she said, handing the flowers.
Rui graciously accepted the flowers, watching as Toko dug into her tote bag. She was finally pulling out a book with a leather cover. Its parchment pages crunched as she flipped to a drawing with descriptions.
“The flowers I planted have different meanings.” Said Toko, “For example, a gardenia can represent beauty.”
She handed the book to Rui. “Read all of the meanings that match up with the flowers.”
Rui did just that, scrolling and flipping through the worn-out pages. With all the asters, carnations, and daffodils other varieties of flowers. They sat together at the edge of the water. She was flipping through the old parchment book. With every turn of the page, Rui was even more awestruck.
“Where’d you get such a book?” asked Rui.
“It was my great-grandma’s. She gave it to my grandma, who then gave it to my mom. And finally was passed on to me.”
They sat in silence for a few minutes.
“This is beautiful, and no one’s ever done something this thoughtful for me.” Tears were prickling her vision, so strange for someone who swore never to get close to the blonde.
Toko’s eyes widened. “No, no! You weren’t supposed to cry!” She exclaimed, wrapping her arms around Rui.
Rui giggled softly. “No, it’s pretty alright. Just unexpected.”
“Okay, just don’t get all sad on me!” Toko said. She kissed her on the cheek.
…
The sun was starting to make its way down the horizon. For the entire afternoon, Toko and Rui had spent their day pulling weeds and replanting a few plants eaten by squirrels and other critters.
They were sitting near the same little pond. Toko was standing in the water, skimming for any dirt and debris and occasionally picking up a baby duck to help it cross.
Rui’s delicate hands were quickly weaving a braid out of daisies. Her intricate craftwork finished the flower crown fast.
She stood up and strode into the shallow, lukewarm water. She placed the crown on Toko’s head.
“For you.”
“Why thank you,” Toko said. Giving her a playful smile. “How’d you even make this?” Asked Toko.
“A wilderness class.”
Toko giggled into her hands. She was blushing.
“Let’s start heading back.” Suggested Rui.
“We could watch the sunset. There’s a cliff nearby.”
Rui pondered over this idea. “Okay, let’s go.”
With their intertwined hands, they strolled in the forest that was the backyard of Toko’s grandparents’ house.
The path was soon replaced by tall and unkempt grass, with dandelions and shrubs sprouting from the ground.
The cliff ahead was overlooking a lake, surrounded by other rocky cliffs. There was a waterfall in the lake. From the height of the ridge, the people fishing looked like ants.
“Wow, it’s higher up than I expected.” She said.
Toko nodded in agreement. “We can sit down by the clear patch.” She pointed to a spot that seemed to be taken care of.
They sat down with their knees touching. They watched the sun's retreat as the fiery god pulled his chariot down to signal nightfall was upon them. Soon the moon goddess would illuminate the earth with her lune.
When the sky was dark enough, little stars glittered brightly in the night sky. They lay down on the overgrown and prickly grass. Neither wants this moment to end. The moon was a crescent, representing rest and rejuvenation.
“Check it out. It’s a waning crescent.” Said Toko, pointing at the glowing arch above.
However, Rui wasn’t looking at the moon. She was studying Toko’s glowing features. The curvature of her cheek, spotted with freckles from the sun, laced with her wavy blonde hair.
Sometimes the girl wondered if Cupid had struck her when she had her head turned or if he had just mindlessly let his arrows fly.
“Is there something on your mind?” Asked Toko.
Instead of answering, she rolled over and just kissed her softly.
…
Rui was absentmindedly plucking the weeds from the ground as they lay in comfortable silence. She noticed a dandelion and plucked it for Toko.
”Make a wish.” She said, holding out the dandelion.
Toko took the little flower in her hand. She considered what she wished for the most. Suddenly her heartbeat began to accelerate. Her cheeks dawned a pink blush. She blew on the dandelion, and they watched as the little white particles dispersed into the night.
“What’d you wish for?” Rui asked.
“If I say it out loud, it won’t come true.” She teased, giving her a coy smile.
Rui groaned but ultimately accepted defeat. There was no prying anything out of Toko.
“I want to stay with you forever.” She whispered. So quietly. Rui almost thought she imagined it.
A warmth spread on Rui’s cheeks, soothing emotion that had been foreign many moons ago.
Rui smiled before joining their hands together.
“Yes, I’d love that too.”
…