You're Blooming the Wrong Way

Chapter Eight

"I'm sorry for the inconvenience, Lucy-chan. Right now, we don't have spare rooms, and I can only offer the room of my youngest son." Mai-san, the mother of Hana, smiled apologetically to me.

She told me not to call her Tita because it sounds weird. Hindi na raw siya sanay magsalita ng Tagalog sa tagal niyang naninirahan dito sa Japan. "But, you don't have to worry about him. He doesn't live with us since he rents an apartment near his school but we keep his room tidy, as much as possible. I hope you don't mind."

I waved my hand. "Not at all! In fact, I should be apologizing for troubling you, Mai-san." nahihiya kong sagot sa kanya.

"I'm really glad that Hana brought you here. I've been wanting to meet you, Lucy-chan." nakangiti niyang sambit.

I wasn't used to the honorifics, but I have to bear with it. Even the English accent of Mai-san was different from the usual Filipino accent. Sa pagkakaalam ko, twenty years na siyang naninirahan dito sa Japan. It's understandable that she already got used to their culture.

Ilang minuto pa kaming nagkwentuhan bago ako hiramin ni Hana mula sa kanyang ina. "Oh, you're right. She must be exhausted. We should let her take some rest." She placidly remarked. "Lucy-chan will be staying at Haru's room. Take her there, Hana."

Hana gestured me to follow him as he dragged my luggage. For the last time, I bowed at Mai-san before following the flower boy. I breathed a sigh of relief as we made our way upstairs.

"Your mother is nice." I broke the silence.

"I'm glad that you're getting along with her." Hana smiled at me before signaling the door in front of us. "Anyway, it looks like none of my brothers are home right now. Honestly, I'm quite relieved. Taki nii-san is weird, but he's bearable compared to Sora, at least. The latter is too passionate with women, and I wouldn't know what to do if he starts hitting on you." napapailing na sabi ni Hana.

Pumasok na kami sa loob ng silid. It was a plain room, even too plain for my taste. Kulay puti ang mga pader pati na ang kama. There was nothing much to see, save the shelf on the corner where a lot of trophies were displayed. Lumapit ako sa shelf at sinubukan kong basahin ang mga certificate. Napangiwi ako dahil wala akong naintidihan.

"My brother is a prodigal basketball player." Hana remarked when he noticed my confusion. "I respect Haru the most because he has achieved so much at a young age. Not only is he renowned in sports, he also excels in academics. He's truly gifted." Kung pwede lang maging heart ang mga mata ni Hana, malamang nangyari na iyon. He sounded so proud as he described his brother to me.

"He seems like a good guy." I commented.

"People often misunderstand him, though." He laughed at the memory of his brother. "He's smart, but Haru is also a bit of an airhead. He finds it hard to deal with people. They think of him as an insensitive guy, but he just lacks empathy." Inayos niya ang suot niyang salamin. "We're of the same age, but he thinks like a kid. Well, he did start school a year later than me." kwento niya.

Tinulungan na ako ni Hana na ayusin ang mga gamit ko. After that, he told me to take some rest. Ayon sa kanya, aalis kami mamayang gabi upang panoorin ang fireworks display ng cultural festival.

I was looking forward on it. After all, this is my first time in Japan. I want to make it memorable as much as possible. Pag-uwi ko, gusto ko marami akong baon na kwento kay Lars.

"Is it really alright for me to wear this?"

I was embarrassed the whole time Mai-san helped me get dressed in a yukata. It was a traditional Japanese garment, and it was made of cotton. Based on my research, it is usually worn during summer season, paired with wooden sandals. To be honest, it was a hassle to put it on, but Mai-san looked like she was enjoying it.