Minami Tenya - Animate Story

“Memories of Camellia”

Tenya doesn't understand.

How special it is to me when he looks me straight in the eye and says, "You're beautiful."

Tenya and I took a break to visit Kyoto, where signs of spring were beginning to arrive.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Tenya-kun."

As I ran over, my unfamiliar wooden sandals clattered on the cobblestone road. Tenya-kun, who had already finished getting ready and was waiting for me in front of the shop, turned around when I called out to him and gave me a soft smile.

"Hmm... Just as I thought. The kimono suits you well."

"Oh, thank you. Kimono rental stores are amazing. I didn't realize there were so many different patterns, I'm surprised."

I rarely have a chance to wear a kimono. I was overwhelmed by the many gorgeous patterns on display, and the store staff recommended a few minutes ago. Not only the kimono, but also the drawstring bag, wooden sandals, hair accessories, and even hair and makeup. Before I knew it, I was ready, and I was standing in front of the mirror in an unfamiliar outfit.

"Is this a camellia pattern?"

"Yes. When I told the shop assistant that I was going to see the botanical gardens, she said, 'Then this pattern would be good for you.'"

The kimono with a cream background and red camellia pattern is not too flashy, and I felt calm when I put it on my shoulders. That's why I decided on this pattern...

"Your hairstyle is nice too. You often wear it down, so it's refreshing to see it tied up."

"I hope so… But, Tenya, your bangs are... well, unusual.”

"Oh, I had left it to the store staff, and it turned out like this."

His parting in the middle made his forehead more visible than usual, and it reminded me of him in high school, making me excited. On top of that, like me, Tenya was wearing a kimono. The combination of a navy blue kimono with a black obi sash may be popular among men, but when he wears it, it feels very special.

"Is it weird? If it bothers you, I'll fix it."

"Eh..! N-no! It suits you so leave it as it is!"

"Really?"

"Yeah. And the kimono too. It's so cool!"

Wanting to hide my excitement, I unconsciously spoke louder. Then, Tenya-kun drew his face closer to mine, and I involuntarily held my breath.

"Is it the kimono that's cool? Or me?"

“..... You.”

I was astonished at how quiet my voice had been. But he seemed satisfied, and his winter sky blue eyes, literally right in front of my eyes, narrowed.

"I see. I'm glad."

And again, he smiles softly at me.

It was a little after the new year that I was invited to go to Kyoto to see camellias. He told me that he had come up with the idea when he was drinking with the male staff of Fill Flower. I had been hoping to have the opportunity to see many different kinds of camellias, so I was very happy with the invitation.

The thing is, it's not just a date, it's a trip. Since we started dating, we've been going back and forth between each other's houses and staying over, but this is the first time we've traveled together. As the date approached, my tension grew, and the Kyoto sightseeing guidebook I was rereading to distract myself from it became covered in sticky notes.

"Today we mainly went to the botanical gardens, and tomorrow we'll head to Arashiyama."

"Yeah. I went on a school trip in middle school, but I haven't had a chance to go since then."

We walked along the streets laid out in a grid pattern on our way to the botanical gardens. We also had the opportunity to pass many people wearing kimonos, and the refined way they spoke from time to time gave us the impression that this was a place different from Tokyo.

"My school trip was to Kyoto too. And Nara too."

"Nara is nice too. The deer in Nara Park were a little scary though..."

"Now that I think of it, I remember one of my friends having his shirt eaten."

Although there were some differences, we were from close neighborhoods and had a lot in common to talk about. When we talked, I remembered all sorts of things from those days.

"There were lots of camellias blooming at a house on the way to my high school. They were beautifully pruned, and after the December camellia bush season was over, the pale pink Suihagoromo and Otome camellias, as well as the red and white picture parasols, started to bloom in early spring and were really beautiful."

As I recalled my memories, Tenya seemed to think for a moment, then looked at me.

"Oh... are you talking about that house on the corner of a crossroads, where the osmanthus flowers bloom in the fall?"

"Eh?"

In response to Tenya's question, I searched further into my memory.

"...... Yeah, I think so. I remember it being a house where seasonal flowers bloomed.”

"That’s my grandmother’s house.”

"Tenya-kun's?!”

I let out a cry of surprise at the sudden coincidence.

"When I was a kid, my grandpa died, and my grandma has been living alone ever since. That's why I chose that high school. I thought since she lived nearby, I'd be able to see her easily."

"I see..."

"Some of the plants got sick a few years ago and have dwindled considerably. It's a little frustrating to think that maybe I could have done something about them now."

"Plant diseases are difficult to deal with. No matter how well you take care of them, sometimes it's too late."

"Hm. But the undamaged ones are still blooming beautifully. Next time, let’s see them!”

"Are you sure? I want to go! Actually, the reason I wanted to see different kinds of camellias was because it reminded me of that house."

"I see... Grandma will be happy if you come. Can we pick out some souvenirs from Kyoto together?"

"Of course. Hehe, I'm looking forward to it."

"Yeah, me too."

We were so happy that our scattered memories had come together, and our steps naturally became lighter as we headed to the botanical gardens.

The botanical gardens are bustling with tourists. In the camellia area, which is in full bloom, many trees planted by variety are covered in large flowers. There are also early-blooming cherry trees in the garden, and most of the visitors are looking at them. It may seem a bit of a pity, but thanks to that, we were able to have the blooming camellias all to ourselves.

"Oh, Tenya-kun. I saw this camellia at your grandmother's house. It's so beautiful!"

The flower, which is written as "Awaotome" on the explanatory plate, is also known as "Otome Camellia". The shape of the overlapping pink petals is like a work of art, and I love it.

It's a great variety.

I turned to look at him behind me and our eyes met.

"Hmm. It's so beautiful."

I was captivated by his soft voice and expression, as if he were admiring the most precious treasure in the world.

(Is that towards the plants? Or...?)

A faint hope grew in my heart, and my cheeks grew warm. Whether he knew about my shallow feelings or not, he grabbed my hand and supported my stumbling body.

"You're so beautiful, I don't want to show anyone else."

The words whispered in my ear made my body tremble. Then his lips gently touched the outline of my ear, making me twist in an unbearable tickle.

"Umm, Tenya-kun..."

I managed to turn my head towards him and he kissed me with a smile that seemed ready and waiting.

"No?"

His words fell softly between slightly parted lips.

I think it's unfair that he makes me choose when he's always free to do so. But I'm sure that the choice I make is what he wants.

"Not… that you can’t."

The fingers on my chin slowly tilted me up, and I was reflected in his eyes again.

"You're more beautiful than anyone else right now."

Tenya doesn't understand.

How special it is to me when he looks me straight in the eye and says, "You're beautiful."

Just one word from you fills me with so much happiness.

(I wonder if my heart will hold up during the trip...)

It's only the first day, but I'm already completely at his mercy, which makes me feel uneasy about what the future holds. But there's definitely some expectation mixed in, and I think Tenya can see right through that.

I accepted the kiss that fell upon me again. It slowly spread inside me like sweet nectar.

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