First Love, Late Spring. | Baji Keisuke

Epilogue

First Love, Late Spring.

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When you were ten, your grandmother used to tell a folk story. Where people who are connected with red string are meant to be, soulmates to be exact. It cannot be seen by the naked eye— it’s a red invisible string which connects two innocent souls to each other. As a child, you have so many questions to ask.

How long is it?

Does it break if the distance grows between the two souls?

Does it come with different colors?

As you grow, the universe eventually gives you the answers. Even if you thought that breaking the relationship with someone would cut the string, it didn’t. Red strings are like feelings— strong and sturdy. That even any impediment or hindrances couldn’t break it. It's a long and magical thread, even a thousand miles can’t tear apart.

A faint cheshire cat smile appears on your face; you took a sip of your drink. The night after the wedding went more romantic than what you expected it to be. The hotel room serves for both of you to echo your muffled words and laughter. It was the most magnificent night in your life you’ve ever experienced.

Indulging in his warmth felt nothing but surreal. You could remember from last night his whimper, his heartbeat, and the way he touches you. It felt tender and pleasurable.

He really showed how much he loves you. He kisses your scars, your marks, hell even the particular part of your body you were insecure with— he healed it with a kiss. He even asks you to teach him the anatomy of the body. “You have a mole here,” he said, as he pressed a kiss on it. He held your face tenderly saying, “You are so beautiful, to me.” He made the night worth cherishing.

As you enjoy the view on the terrace, a snake of arms wraps around your waist. He’s awake.

“Good morning,” You felt his warm breath against your neck. Your face expressed delight at his arrival. “Good morning to you too, sly cat.” You greeted me back.

“Do you usually wake up at this hour?” He popped the question. You shake your head. “I just happened to wake up early today. Do you want a coffee?” You offered the mug you’re holding. He took it from your hand and took a sip. The hotness of the drink almost burned his tongue. You laughed at his reaction.

“My bad, I didn’t tell you it was hot,” You said between your laughs. “Then you should apologize too for yesterday because you looked extra hot,” With his comment, you slapped his arm. He rubbed his covered sleeve and pulled a pout. “Why are you so mean?”

“I’ll take you out for a date. Want some fancy dinner or just a cozy one?” He asked, pulling you closer to him. “Anything as long as I’m with you,” You replied.

He was thunderstruck with your answer. “Since when did you learn to be romantic?”

You snickered, “I learned from the best,” referring to him. Baji giggles.

May 4 2018.

The flowers from cherry blossom trees are starting to fall out. It’s late spring, May 4, the exact date you said yes to him 12 years ago. Young and naive. New to the concept of love, yet with the butterflies chanting on your stomach, you said yes. From that day, you knew your life had changed.

Walking on the same road, same route towards the place you were bound to meet. In your left hand, you are holding the gift you prepared just for him. In your right, there’s the basket filled with food because you planned to have a picnic to spend this day. You wore something comfortable yet still eye-catching. Though, with or without, presentable or less, you always get his attention. Even in a crowd of people, his eyes are on you only.

As you arrive at the place, he wasn’t there yet. You begin to unfold the blanket you’ve prepared, and place it under the sakura tree. You took the bento from the box, double checking if it’s still placed nicely. Behind you, there was Baji with hands behind his back. You stood as soon as you saw him.

The way he looked reminds you of the way he confessed in the same place. Hands behind his hand, messy hair due to the breeze disheveling his black locks. He hid a flower behind his back, 12 years ago.

“Y/N,” He stuttered. Cute. Reminds you of 14 years old Baji, trying to say the line he practiced the whole night. “Hmm?” you answered.

“I got you… two cats!” He revealed two cats who were hidden behind his back a minute ago. A black and white fur cat. You scoot closer to his figure, excitingly take the cats to your arms. “How cute!” You exclaimed.

He sees you smile subsequently receiving the fur babies. He can’t help but feel warm flush suffices on his cheeks and ears. “They remind me of Yin and Yang!” You nod in agreement.

“What should we name them then?” You asked, cuddling the two felines in your embrace. “Hmm..”

“How about Kon and Hei?” You suggest.

“Kon? As in shortened Chaos?” He asked, in which you nod.

“And Hei as Heiwa. Peace!”

Baji could be the embodiment of chaos and excitement. His personality is not shallow and dull— he is walking with a wonderful soul. Burning cars whenever he’s hungry, but afraid to make his mom cry? Yep, he’s that type of person. Unpredictable. Full of enthusiasm. As soon as he came into the frame— your life has never been dreary. From the smallest and biggest, he made it even more exciting. On the contrary, you were the peace. Even if you consider yourself as bland, he told you you were the peace in his chaos. He brings the turbulent aspect of you; you bring the benevolent margin of his personality. He was the thrill in your tranquility. You were the good in his bad. Over the years of being together, you fathom that you eventually become the other part of him. Just like puzzle pieces meant to be beside each other. Chaos and peace. The excitement and calm.

“I love you, Keisuke,” You say. Standing in the same place 12 years ago. As the flowers fall down and crash against the green grass surface, the wind blows harder. A gleaming smile surfaces across his veneer. “And I love you too, Y/N,” Was all he could say before landing a sweet and long kiss against your lips.

At this moment, there was no other thing important aside from you. He was all about you. No more keeping score, just keep the two of you warm. After years he was thrown inside the rabbit hole, there was you who took him out. In the darkest days of 2008, you become his daylight. It was a bad time, yet he survived. There is nobody else. Just you and him, under the cherry blossom trees.

Isn’t it romantic to kiss your first love in late spring?