Blossom ✿

L

どれだけ離れていても
この声だけは途切れない
溢れる想い 止まらない

✧✿✧

As the fifth grade dawned, I fully intended to maintain my status quo, embracing my role as the class prankster with gusto. However, when you sauntered into our section on that fateful first day, my resolve wavered without a second thought. The mere sight of you ignited a spark within me, a fervent desire to not only impress but also to prove myself worthy of your attention.

Inexplicably, my excitement soared to new heights, and once again, I found myself weirdly drawn to the idea of giving studying another chance. Yet, true to form, I had no intention of forsaking my mischievous ways; after all, what fun would fifth grade be without a few well-placed pranks along the way?

This time around, the spotlight may not have shone as brightly on my academic achievements, yet I found solace in the subtle acknowledgments from our teacher, who, more often than not, would commend my efforts in front of the class. It was enough to draw my gaze towards you, seeking out that familiar expression of disinterest, now tinged with a subtle shake of the head.

Strangely, it was in those moments of your quiet indifference that I found a sense of validation and satisfaction, as if your tacit approval held more weight than any applause from the front of the class ever could.

The routine persisted Into the first term, but then something shifted. I distinctly recall the post-summer return, my eyes inadvertently lingering on you. There was a subtle change, something I couldn't quite pinpoint, and for the first time, I found myself unintentionally checking you out. It was as if the summer had woven a subtle transformation, and my newfound awareness sparked a curiosity that lingered beneath the surface of my carefree exterior.

Your small and petite frame had caught my attention – not that I considered myself some kind of hulk. Your eyes, a gentle shade of brown, held a captivating warmth. Your nose, delicately small with a cute bump on the bridge, added an endearing touch.

Short strands of hair cascaded just below your shoulders, and as the pieces of the puzzle clicked into place, I realized the subtle change that had captivated my attention: your once neat bob cut had blossomed into slightly longer locks over the summer break.

Then came that extraordinary moment when, for the first time ever, I excelled in a class test. Summoned to the front after what felt like an eternity, the teacher proudly showcased my perfect score – twenty out of twenty. The applause of my classmates echoed, but what truly mattered was when my gaze sought yours.

To say I was stunned would be an understatement. My eyes might as well have bulged out of their sockets, yet I managed to compose myself. There you were, clapping for me with a small but genuine smile gracing your face.

Something surged within me, propelling me towards a decision I knew I had to make. As the lunch break approached, I felt an urgency to bridge the gap between us. When the opportune moment presented itself, I practically sprinted to your seat the instant the teacher stepped out.

"Hi," I blurted out, extending my hand with a newfound boldness. "Let's be friends." It was the same phrase I had rehearsed countless times in my mind, now spoken with a mix of nerves and excitement, hoping for a positive response.

Surprise flickered across your face, mirroring my own astonishment. Your hesitant glance at your best friend in the front revealed a shared sense of disbelief. Yet, as her small smile broke out and a nod of approval followed, you turned back towards me with a smile of your own. Accepting my outstretched hand, we sealed the pact with a handshake.

And with that simple gesture, m'lady, the wheels were set in motion for what would become the most incredible years of my life.

Somehow, amidst our shared antics of sneaking chits, pulling pranks, and engaging in whispered conversations during lessons, I inadvertently became your guide through the world of mischief. Despite the frequent scolding from our teachers, you seemed to thrive in our shared rebelliousness.

Yet, amidst the chaos, one thing remained consistent: your academic prowess. Despite our best efforts to slack off, you continued to maintain the top position in class, a testament to your innate intelligence and unwavering dedication.

The curious thing was, despite our shared reputation for mischief, the teachers never attempted to separate us. Perhaps, in their wisdom, they recognized the positive impact you had on me. Since the day I approached you and asked you to be my study companion, my grades had experienced a steady ascent.

Finally, there was someone who truly listened to my struggles, someone who took the time to understand why studying had been this back-breaking for me. You became my confidant, my ally in challenging the hurdles of academia. It warmed my heart to see you make time for me, to share my concerns with your mother, who always seemed to have a solution at the ready.

You didn't just teach me subjects; you taught me how to learn, how to overcome obstacles and forge ahead with determination. And for that, I will be forever grateful.

Perhaps it was this newfound synergy, this bond of mutual support and growth, that prompted the school to keep us together, in the same sections, ensuring that our journey through education remained intertwined.

As sixth grade unfolded, our friendship continued to deepen, solidifying into a bond that seemed unbreakable. My mother, touched by your unwavering support and the positive influence you had on me, took it upon herself to express her gratitude to yours. What began as a simple thank-you blossomed into an unexpected connection between our families.

Before we knew it, our parents had become friends as well, sharing stories and laughter over cups of tea, forging a camaraderie born out of our friendship. It was a bond that extended beyond our school days, with my parents gently reminding yours to keep them informed should you ever considered changing schools, a testament to the trust and respect that had blossomed between our families.

Then somehow, that year, I stumbled upon the peculiar resident of your garden: the Agave Americana. Even the name seemed odd, as if it belonged to some alien species. Learning about its eccentricities only added to its mystique – the fact that you had nurtured it for eight years already, with the promise of blooms still years away, officially cementing its status on my official list of The Weirdest Things on Planet Earth.

As I marveled at the weird thing in your garden, it became more than just a peculiar plant – it embodied patience and resilience, silently marking the passage of time much like our enduring friendship. Little did I realize then that, similar to the Agave Americana, the most beautiful and meaningful aspects of life often require time to fully bloom and reveal their true splendor.

✧✿✧

(Fall in love)
君への愛が 愛が
ゆらゆらゆらゆら
(Fall in love)
花びら舞って巡るように
Your love, your love, your love, your love