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The bullet train arrived at 10 am. The engine whistled as the wheels skidded through the tracks before stopping at the platform. People slipped in and out like phantoms, from young children to the average elder with a cane.
Makoto's outfit was business casual. She wore a black turtleneck concealed by a baby blue blazer, followed by black tights and brown riding boots. When she entered the train clutching her bag, her carmine eyes tracked down a waving hand in the crowded train. The pale, slender fingers were easily distinguishable, and Makoto sat across from her.
Haru was fashionable for this trip, as was her general attire. She added a touch of charm to her outfits. Her long sleeved seagreen shirt dress perfectly hugging her slim frame, with opaque tights covering her legs. Peach colored Mary Janes on her feet, and her pink lips pressed into a small smile. She was happy to see Makoto.
This trip would be a nice distraction from everything. For the average teen, it was mostly school and a part-time job. For Makoto and Haru, they didn't have that privilege anymore. Not when they joined the Phantom Thieves for the sake of their beliefs, adding on to their school life in Shujin Academy. A crusade against the oppressive society in the name of justice. At a glance, society would assume they were a bunch of misfit kids who played dress up. But what would they know? The Phantom Thieves weren't evil, they just wanted to reform society.
But sometimes, it was just daunting. Makoto and Haru had this trip planned for some time, and the day fell into their laps. On a Sunday. Relatively quiet, and it was sunny. Some winds, but overall the weather was perfect.
It was Haru who insisted on it. Despite her shy demeanor, she wanted to take Makoto to a very special place outside of the city. Maybe because Makoto expressed interest in the plants she had been growing on the rooftop at school. It was a chance for Haru to break out of the shell, and to Makoto's surprise, Haru had become a completely different person. Cheerful and excited that someone would enter her world of gardening.
And despite her duties as student council president, Makoto did make time for this special occasion.
"There is a place I want to show you that is far from the city," Haru said last week over the school rooftop. "Please, you must come with me."
Time had gone in a flash; last week seemed like eons. Makoto was curious as to what Haru wanted to show her. It had to be related to her gardening. What else could it be?
They would chat about simple things as the train drove through the tracks. School, work, mementos missions, LeBlanc, and past palaces they infiltrated to change the hearts of the corrupt adults. Just all the things they knew, but one thing Makoto did was keep constant eye contact. Haru's eyes were alluring because of how big and bright they were. Her light hair was the shade of brown, a contrast to Makoto's dark hair. Then, there was the wool-like texture of Haru's hair, fluffy and golden whenever the sun kissed it.
Why was Makoto staring at her so much?
Haru would inquire, and Makoto would blush. She didn't mean to stare into her eyes, but it happened. On the other end, Haru felt self-conscious. A small pink hue tinted her cheeks.
It would take an hour for the train to make the final stop. Makoto allowed Haru to depart from her seat first, as if she were Cinderella at a ball and Makoto was the chauffeur of the pumpkin carriage. They would leave the train. On the platform, Makoto looked around.
"Where are we?" She asked. From the horizon, she saw a very colorful field.
Haru smiled. "It's a special place I found long ago. Come with me." She took Makoto by the hand and dragged her out of the station. They would pass by the vacant street and go on foot. It was the countryside, and they were far from Tokyo. Endless mountains spread out, and Makoto saw Haru's footprints easily imprinting on the dirt road with each step.
Makoto didn't even let go. Haru would traverse through the dirt path with her, their hands clasped together like a chain. Never breaking, unyielding. The wind would give out a small breeze, strands of Haru's hair blowing behind, tickling Makoto's nose.
Eventually, the dirt path evolved into green grass with a hint of dew. A contrast of life upon their view of a meadow abundant with flower beds. The air was pure enough that it passed through Makoto's hitched breath. Her mouth agape and her eyes widening at the marvel.
"It's beautiful."
"Yes. This place is known for its beautiful flowers. I remember coming here with my Father once, and I visit it every year since," said Haru. She stopped and knelt to touch one of the flowers' petals. A light pink, the same as the color of Noir's dress shirt. "This is a primrose. They are known for their many colors. They are early bloomers."
Makoto nodded. "I see. You brought me here to see these beautiful flowers."
"It's wonderful, is it?" Haru asked, her hands behind her back. "I knew you would like it."
She twirled her dress, a smile gracing her face. "You do, right?"
"Yes," said Makoto, her eyes once again drinking in her presence. "I do…"
Haru could sense Makoto's gaze. She chuckled and sat on the grass, patting her hand. "Come here."
Makoto obeyed, sitting next to her. The wind blew over the blooming flowers, the petals locked in a dance to the gust. "This place is nice."
"See those flowers on the left?" Haru asked, pointing. "Those are tulips."
"Yes, I know of those."
"And the ones on the right?"
Makoto squinted her eyes, trying to decipher the plant. They appeared to be roses, but not quite, due to the leathery leaves and smooth buds. "Hmm, ah, those are camellias!"
"Yes, you remembered!" Haru cried. "Oh, and those?"
"Those are apricot blossoms."
"And the ones behind?"
"Bluebells."
"And how about those on that tree on the right?"
"Easy, cherry blossoms."
"Wow! Makoto, you know your flowers," Haru said.
Makoto smirked, proud of her triumph in botany. "I do study a lot."
"I am really happy you know a lot about them. Before, it didn't seem like you were so knowledgeable," said Haru. "The only other person who knows about flowers is Ren! He worked in a flower shop for a while."
"Well, I can't say I did all the work. You played a role."
Haru blinked in surprise. Was she truly an influence? Did she have this much of an effect on Shujin's student council president? "Really?"
"I suppose it started when I saw you care for those plants at school," Makoto explained, a smile tugging at her lips. "It made me interested, too."
"Oh, that's wonderful," Haru said. Her smile grew wide. "Maybe we can grow some plants together! I was thinking we could try orchids. But they can be difficult to maintain…"
"I wouldn't mind. We could study how to care for one, and we put it to the test."
"That sounds like a great idea."
Amid conversation, Makoto yawned, with Haru tilting her head. "Tired?"
"Huh? Oh, sorry... I've been quite busy. With the student council and our role as Phantom Thieves… I don't think I get enough sleep…"
"Hmm," Haru pondered, touching her chin with her index finger. "There are certain teas that can help you sleep, like chamomile. Have you tried that?"
"I have, but it doesn't help me much."
"Well, that's not good. Since we are here now, I think you can catch up on some sleep. How about… oh, I know!"
It was swift and surprising. Haru pulled Makoto's head down to her lap. The president let out a quick gasp at such a gesture. "Haru?!" She cried in disbelief, her cheeks flushing pink. What was she doing?
"You need rest," Haru answered softly. "So, please…"
Makoto's face was beet red. Her fingers trembled as she tried to reach out and stammered. "N - no. I - I couldn't - "
"It's all right," Haru whispered, before her slender fingers caressed Makoto's forehead. "Please, for everything you do for us… for the Phantom Thieves as Queen, rest with me."
How could she protest that? After all, it wouldn't hurt to relax. And the way Haru was making her heart pound, her breathing ragged. Makoto took a deep breath. Her face was still flushed as Haru looked down at her tenderly. Her eyes were half-lidded, and her lips curved upward.
"Just relax," she said.
"All right, but I must return the favor," said Makoto. She picked a yellow primrose from the meadow and tucked it behind Haru's ear. "There, you look lovely."
It was a rather tender display, and Haru's lips quivered as she felt the flower behind her ear. Her cheeks rosy as rose petals. Her heart fluttered. Was Makoto reciprocating?
Makoto returned a smile of her own as she looked above. Despite the beauty of this earthly paradise, there was one flower that stood above the rest. She was looking right at it, she cupped her hand over Haru's cheek.
"Thank you for bringing me here. I needed this."
Haru's eyes widened before releasing a tender smile upon Makoto's confession. The afternoon sun basking her hair in a golden hue.
"Thank you for coming."