Memory of the heart #WATTYS2020

Chapter 38: Sadō

🍋 ⚠️ Mature content

When Didi arrived home, he called out "Tadaima." The house was quiet but he could sense her presence. He found a note on the shelf where he normally change to his home slippers.

Come to the study room. Before that, wash your hands and wear a plain hakama. Knock the door quietly one time and slid the door open. I'm waiting inside.
💛Yue.

He grinned. She must had gone through great lengths to prepare this surprise for him. He better matched her commitment. After all, he could not make his future wife angry with him for not following simple instructions like this.

He arrived at the study room and knocked on the door softly. He casually adjusted his hakama before sliding the door open. The sight before him caught him breathless.

She wore a pale pink kimono, her hair combed and pinned to the back, her face painted white. All at once, he felt being transported back to the geisha gathering.

Kaguya.

She took a deep bow, before looking up. "Konnichiwa, Tsuru-san. Welcome. We will start soon."

"Kaguya. Yue. Is that you?"

She smiled. "Be seated, please. Prepare yourself for the ceremony."

He saw the tea set up on the tatami mat. And a hana arrangement just beside it. Smiling, he kneeled across from her, "I have not done this for ages."

"I'm rusty myself. But this will be fun." She gestured towards the tray placed in front of him. She had prepared wagashi, Japanese sweet snacks that would help to soften the bitter taste of the tea. Didi bowed and took one to his mouth. His eyes widened at the first bite. It was delicious.