Moonlight Flower

Chapter 17 - The Flower Festival

One morning, Lance went to his university. He received a green envelop from the Director. He said, "Lance, I know it's sudden but you need to decide within three days before the school opening next month. I'm really looking forward to a favorable response since this is a rare opportunity. You are the chosen one for this batch. If you will say no, then we will have to give that to the next one, that's why we need you to give us your decision soonest."

After three days, he went back to the university and handed back the envelop.

As he was walking in the Fountain Park, he saw many tarpaulin of the upcoming Flower Festival that was already being advertised a month ago. Just then, he received many messages from his classmates' group chat. He back-read and then send a "coming" reply.

The day of the Flower Festival came. It started in their city just five years ago since the Mayor's family is fond of flowers from different countries and he wanted to showcase it to his people. It is already open from 8am but the real deals are the flowers that bloom so brightly and glow under full moon of the last month of summer season.

Lance went with his five classmates by 6pm. After having dinner together, the same girl whom Lance was with at the Fountain Park last time was also with them. As they were on the foot before the 100-step staircase to reach the peak of where the flowers under the moonlight were showcased, the girl signaled something to her other four classmates and they all nodded and put a thumbs up. Some mouthed "good luck", "go girl" and giggling for her.

"I'm really glad you are free to join us," said the beautiful girl at Lance.

"I actually like flowers, too," Lance said with his usual smile. "I'm glad to come with everyone. Hey, wait, where are they? Can you see them, Meg?" He looked around but couldn't see them in the crowd.

"I think they saw something and stopped," Meg softly said. "They will just follow. Can we go ahead?"

"Oh. Ok."

"But," she said, looking away and blushing. "Since it's crowded, we might get separated, too. Can I hold your hand?"

"Eh?" Lance asked.

"Well, I don't want to go up alone," she shyly said. "But if it's not ok with you, I will just make sure that I'm following you."

He saw she was really worried getting alone since they were already separated with the group. He looked hesitant but answered with a smile, "Okay. I will offer you my left arm."

Her eyes lit up and she put her right arm on his left arm and they proceeded to climb up.

Meanwhile, Claire was also going to the night of the Flower Festival with her two co-workers/friends – Miki and Misa. She really didn't want to go since she's not fond of flowers but seeing how they really wanted to, she can't help but accompany them.

After climbing the 100-step staircase to the top, one will still have to walk at least 500 meters to reach the main spot of where the different kinds of flowers are planted. It was almost as big as the Fountain Park.

There are already a lot of people on the side of the plantation to see the flowers blooming until the moonlight. An announcement was heard saying that they will witness those flowers glowing around 9PM. Since it was still 8PM, Lance and Meg decided to sit down first on the street food section. They took an empty seat on the side. Then Meg excused herself to go the comfort room.

Inside, she retouched with her make-up, patting some foundation on her face and glossing her lips.

Claire had just gone out of the toilet and went to the sink to wash her hands. She happened to glance at the girl on her left, which was Meg. She then remembered it was her she saw last time with Lance at the Fountain Park. Miki also went to the sink to wash her hands.