flowers for the brave

___

Takuya always thought that Izumi was kidding when she said that she would let him and Kouji to have a date with her if they managed to beat Cherubimon back in the Digital World, so once they returned, he never mentioned anything about it. Not that he was expecting, anyway.

But then she texted him and asked whether he was free this weekend. And since he was free, they decided to meet at the park. That was when she said that it was a date, and when he blinked dumbfounded, she said that she already promised him and as a responsible lady, she should keep it—stating that Kouji had already got his fair share on the last weekend.

She gave him the liberty to arrange their day. Takuya wished he’d known this earlier so that he could ask Kouji for advice about what he should do on a date. Takuya didn’t know anything about a date or a girl; he could quickly count the number of his female friends and he wouldn’t even need ten fingers for that. It was cloudy when he looked up, so things might get ugly if they stayed outside. He chose the aquarium eventually, although he instantly regretted the decision when he glanced at the ticket price.

However, Izumi insisted to buy her own ticket as if she could read his mind.

It was rather predictable what happened next. Izumi, being the new girl who hadn’t had her chance to check out local amusements, was mesmerized with little creatures swimming casually inside the tanks. She hopped from plastering herself at one glass to another, while Takuya was following behind. The way she behaved reminded him of Shinya more or less; she acted like a little kid who had never seen a fish before.

As they made their way out, they happened to pass the souvenir shop. He intended to at least buy her something for a memento, but Izumi made her own way by grabbing a shark doll to the register. And just before Takuya could stop her from paying by herself again, he glanced at the price in the shelves. There was no way he could afford that doll with his current balance.

For real; if only he found out about this whole thing beforehand, he certainly would be more prepared.

“Oi, Izumi,” he called as they got back on the street. The pavement was damp, which was a sign that he made the right decision by staying inside. “Are you hungry? Do you want me to buy some burgers for you?”

“I had plenty of breakfast this morning, thanks.”

“A coffee, probably? I know a good place around here that sells amazing ice latte.”

“Why do you want to buy me something so badly?”

“Well, this is a date after all. I feel less like a man if I didn’t treat you something.”

Izumi sighed. “I can’t believe you still have such an obsolete thought in this modern day.” She walked away leaving a helpless Takuya, but let him overtook again as she stopped in front of a florist. She gazed at the colorful petals that were so inviting, especially with a hint floral scent which gave her a reminder that springtime would soon leave the city.

“But if you insist…” her voice made Takuya halted and turned around. “You can buy me a flower.”

“Huh?” Takuya glanced at the displays. The price was still within his budget if he only bought one or two. “Okay. Which flower do you want?”

“Hmm. Surprise me?” Her short response made Takuya startled. “I’ll wait here. Now, now!”

She gave him a light push enough to make Takuya entered the store. The florist noticed his arrival, greeting him with a warm welcome. At this stage, Takuya didn’t have any choice but to stay. It would be rude to get out of the shop empty-handed after being busted, especially he only had a pathetic excuse of ‘being pushed by a bossy lady’ if he wanted to leave without making any purchase.

He glanced at Izumi who was standing behind the automatic door, proudly smiled with an enthusiasm. Takuya sighed and started to scan through the available flowers. He didn’t understand flowers just like his zero knowledge about girls and dates, but he knew he should avoid rose because they were often associated with romantic things. He was then attracted to a bunch of peonies with the color similar to her D-Scanner and the clothes she wore on their adventure in the Digital World. Since he had enough money to buy three, Takuya finally decided to take them with his fingers crossed.

“Excuse me,” he then approached the florist in the register. “Is there any particular meaning to these flowers?”

“Peonies? Oh, yes. It’s a symbol of bravery.”

Bravery. That’s good. She’s brave. And it was most probably her favorite color, although judging from clothes could be a total misleading.

“Great. This will do, then.” The florist accepted his payment and offered Takuya an additional ribbon to tie them up for free, so he didn’t mind. There was still a little feeling of uneasiness as he made his way back to Izumi, but he tried not to care and just went for it. “There, there. Flowers for your highness.”

Little did Takuya notice, it was Izumi who was actually startled now. “Eh?”

“Come on. Where do you want to go next?” Takuya started to walk ignorantly. “I’m actually hungry, so you should make a room for burger—”

“Wait, Takuya!” The boy was forced to stop once again. “Why are you buying me peonies?”

“Uh, well. The florist said that it means bravery, so I think it suits you. They have the same color as your D-Scanner and your clothes anyway.”

However, Takuya didn’t know that in Italy where Izumi grew up, peonies were often given to a lover, which was why Izumi was trying so hard to hide her blushing cheeks.

Takuya also didn’t know that she was lying when she said that he had gone on a date with Kouji earlier. The truth was Kouji refused right after Izumi had mustered all her courage to text him about her promise, so that Izumi had to change her strategy when she invited Takuya. In addition to that, Kouji also said, ‘I know you have a thing for Takuya. Don't waste your time with me or you will regret it later.’

Kouji was right. Izumi didn’t regret her bravery to ask Takuya out today.

sa • ku • ra

___

It was ironic how vivid her memory was even though the surroundings were so dark back then. She was known as a courageous woman among her friends, so she wasn’t bothered the slightest for walking along such an empty street. It was the usual path she took every time she went home from her part-time anyway; she just happened to come home very late that night.

But yet again, danger never really saw its prey beforehand.

Sora remembered watching pro-tips about self-defense on the internet right after a friend forwarded it to the group chat. She even read the safety pamphlet from the university thoroughly when everyone didn’t even bother to read and immediately threw them to the bin. It all seemed very easy to do—‘everyone should be able to do it,’ as she quoted from the professor in her orientation day. But it was different when you got involved in the real situation. Have you ever felt your knees getting so weak you weren’t even able to stand up? How your voice barely escaped your mouth and your mind got so hazy you couldn’t even remember all the things you had learnt? 

There were two of them—cigarettes and alcohol reeking altogether.

She never knew which one who should be responsible.

Ken was still in the academy back then, but as he actively engaged with his seniors at the criminal affairs bureau, they could arrest the assaulters pretty quick. Nevertheless, even a lifetime sentence would never be able to rewind the time. Their unjustifiable action had snatched away her heyday of youth, replacing it with a permanent great depression in addition for a life inside her womb.

She never thought about being a mother in such a young age, but she also didn’t have the heart to abort it.

Sora often fought with her mother; and they never were about lives, so this time she was prepared to defend until the very last. However, when she told her intention to keep the baby, her mother turned out to be the biggest supporter she could ever ask for. She gave Sora advice and comforted her when she was in the deep abyss every time the memory came back to haunt. She didn’t even ask her to attend the graduation ceremony, even though most parents were dying to see their kids in cap and robe, only because she didn’t want her daughter to get hurt.

(She came anyway, despite receiving some disgusted looks and whispers. She wanted to prove that even survivors could achieve their dreams and no need to be ashamed. Her parents were the ones who clapped the loudest that day, and they even dissed the people who badmouthed her.)

Sora was also grateful for having such a bunch of wonderful friends that supported her with the decision. Once the news spread, Mimi took the next flight to Japan without hesitation, holding the crying Sora and never let go. Hikari and Miyako helped her to prepare some stuffs for her baby girl (it’s a girl!) and even gave her ideas for the name (she liked Haruka Takenouchi since it was similar to her father’s name and the baby girl would be born in spring anyway). Jyou was not a doctor yet, but he was so reliable every time Sora came to him to seek additional medical advice. Yamato was stationed outside Tokyo, but he would always call at least twice a week and went to see her each time he visited home.

Above all, Taichi was the one who put her on a pedestal—she finally understood how Hikari felt after all this time. He accompanied her to the doctor visit when her mother was not available, dropped by her house with some foods he claimed to be ‘healthy for a mother-to-be’ according to the books he read (—the fact that he read was actually fascinating enough). The most unexpected one would be how he came with her to attend the prenatal classes and when the instructor asked whether he was the father or not, he answered a big yes without hesitation.

They never really talked about it afterwards. He probably was just being nice so that people wouldn’t know the truth and gave her a hard time.

Spring came unknowingly fast. Sora got into the labor a few days earlier than doctor’s prediction, and it was a very hard one. She got into the emergency room for being critical, and when she finally woke up after a heavy sedation, they told her that her baby girl didn’t make it.

And just when she thought there was nothing that can hurt her more other than that dreadful night, the news shattered not only her heart but also her mind and soul.

She spent the following days above the hospital day without being able to function properly. She didn’t respond when someone visited her, nor had an appetite to eat even her most favorite food. She questioned herself where she did go wrong for the entire noon, before weeping by herself at night. She was mentally ill, and even though the doctors said such phase was normal given her condition, everyone couldn’t help but worry sick.

That day, Taichi came after he finished his class. The first thing he said was, “Let’s go outside. There’s something I want to show you.”

She didn’t respond, but he lifted her to the wheelchair anyway.

Sora had never shown any meaningful expressions for the rest of the week, but as they entered the hospital yard, her eyes jolted slightly in surprise. Her room was facing the other side of the hospital, so she didn’t know the cherry blossom had bloomed. The soft breeze blew away the pink petals around them, hinting a mild scent similar to the perfume she used to wear.

“You said that you want to go for a hanami, right?” Taichi said, and she remembered saying so a few months back after they got back from a regular check-up. They passed a line of bald cherry blossom trees, and she said that on the next spring, she would go to see them blooming with Haruka, so that she could witness how beautiful the period that gave the inspiration to her name.

(But Haruka was not here. She never was.)

“Sora,” Taichi whispered, and when she realized, he was in front of her kneeling. “I’m sorry. There isn't a manual I can read about dealing with someone who is grieving, and I know saying ‘you’re a strong woman’ over and over again won’t make anything less bad—but you have to know that you are a strong woman.”

He paused for a bit before continuing. “And I know this will be very selfish of me, but as I waited outside the emergency room a few days back, I couldn’t help but thinking about losing you. I thought about how such a tough woman I’ve ever met became so frail and there was nothing I could do. I was so helpless and afraid. And that’s why I swore that I will never let go of you if I had another chance to hold you once again.”

Taichi handed him a big brown envelope, and even though he said that she should open it only if she was ready, she had already opened it as if she had not heard the warning.

It was a marriage registration.

“I know I may not be a good man. I am reckless and I haven’t even finished my college just like you guys,” Taichi confessed. “But I have talked to your parents, and after I graduate next month, my professor has offered me to work with his firm. I promise will work hard for your happiness.”

“B… but why…?” Sora was finally able to speak up with such a hoarse voice after days of silence. Her eyes teared up at instance as her hands trembled. “Why me…? I’m a worthless piece of damage.”

“You’re not.” Taichi embraced her in a tight hug, placing his forehead above her shoulder. “You’re a sakura, Sora. You’re the most beautiful thing ever, and it’s okay for you wilt, because eventually, you will bloom at your finest and make people realize how amazing you are.”

His words only gave her more sobs, and little did she know, Taichi was also holding back his tears as they were both so fragile at that moment. But it was him who also made Sora realized that although sakura means the transient of life, it was also a symbol of a rebirth. Maybe someday, she would get a chance to meet Haruka once again, but that wasn’t all.

Maybe this was also her chance to finally live a new, better life.

waiting for spring

___

There were a lot of things that happened last year. New chosen children. A pink digivice and a Digimental. The Kaiser, who turned out to be one of the kindest persons she’d ever met. Holy Stones and BlackWargreymon. Visiting Hong Kong. Many more kids having their own Digimon partner, just as she dreamt about.

The year had passed. It was nearly two months after they celebrated a new one.

Hikari had to stay late at school that day, and it happened that Takeru just also finished his basketball club, so they decided to go home together. It was never an awkward moment between the two of them; they had a good talk while walking beneath the sunset. Although they were in the same class, it was as if they never ran out of things to converse—even with the most random topic yet.

“Do you know about the Groundhog Day?” asked Takeru with his ever-perfect English pronunciation. “So there’s this thing in America where you observe this ground squirrel called groundhog. They usually live beneath the ground just like a rat, but they will crawl up around this time. If the weather is clear, the groundhogs will see their shadow and becomes terrified, so they’ll run back to their hole. That means the winter will last longer.”

Hikari chuckled. “What happens if it’s cloudy?”

“Then the spring will come sooner.”

She gave him a slight smile, then her eyes wander aimlessly to the horizon. “Afraid of their own shadow, eh…?”

“You still too?”

There were a lot of things that happened last year, including her being dragged to an unknown world. Come to think of it, she was just like the animal; running of the shadow, only to find out that it was actually her mirror image. She was afraid of the darkness she created by herself.

“Sometimes,” answered Hikari. “I know I told you that they won’t drag me down anymore, but I can’t help to think about it unconsciously.” It was only natural for her to tell the truth with him. He was the one who saved her from that miserable universe anyway.

“You really have to hold it all by yourself, eh?”

“What else I can do? I grew up like this.”

“And I grew up with you.” Takeru walked a step ahead, only to turn himself to face Hikari so she had to stop. “And I thought that was enough, but I guess I was wrong.”

“Well, best friend still keeps secrets with each other, right?”

“So you’re saying that we should be more than just ‘best friend’ for you to open up?”

That was a surprise attack—especially with him saying such things with a stern face. Hikari was taken aback, but Takeru changed his expression upside down in just a moment by laughing it off. “It’s not wrong to have such feelings. Your name may mean ‘light’, but that doesn’t mean you have to be incandescent every time. So I’m just asking you to rely on me more. Help me help you. Let me see the dark sides just as well as I’m seeing your bright side.”

She remembered how he screamed at her with frustration about the same thing just before she was drawn into the Dark Ocean. However, the Takeru in front of her right now was so gentle. There was no hesitation in his word, but his lips curled into an amiable smile. Maybe he learned from his mistakes back then, but maybe also because Hikari finally started to understand that his words were true.

“Ah.” The curve in his mouth grew wider as he changed the direction of his sight. “Look away, Hikari-chan. I think even the groundhogs no need to be afraid of their own shadow anymore.”

Hikari glanced following his gaze to find a temple across the street. There was a plum tree standing firmly beside the gate. At the ends of its branches, reddish petals began to appear—some of them still in buds for being so shy. They always said that sakura may had been the symbol of the flowering period, but it was ume blossom who joyously dance to welcome the season.

Spring was really close….

“Let’s go.” His voice pulled her back from the reverie. “It’s getting late. We should hurry.”

She gave a small nod in response. Just as Takeru turned around and resumed walking, the wind blew strong enough to swing her red knitted scarf. She spotted their shadows above the pavement, and the illusion nearly gave her another blush. Takeru’s arm seemed stretched long enough to catch the end of her scarf. It was as if they were holding each other’s hands.

(That was when she realized he was close too. All she had to do was to reach him.)

mistletoe

___

Remind him to choke Yoshi later as he just spread a fake news by shouting, “Mimi-chan, please come back—Yamato’s cranky here without you!”

“Shut up!” Yamato yelled back before leaning closer to the phone again. “Don't listen to him.”

“Well,” Mimi hummed from across the line. “From what I’ve just heard, I might have to agree to him.” 

...okay, maybe he was a little cranky. Call him a whiner, but it was going to be their first Christmas as a couple, so it was only natural for Yamato to expect a quality time together, right? Be that as it may, due to her schedule as a first-year culinary student in Paris, Mimi was not able to come back home—which means more and more days had passed since they last met.

At first, Yamato was trying so hard not to complain, especially because Mimi sounded very excited when she informed that she would have an internship on a famous bistro starting last autumn. However, the universe seemed to make fun of him by showing how lovesick the people around him were; Takeru who was going to have a Christmas dinner with Hikari’s family, his bandmates who brought each of their girlfriends to tonight’s gig, even his recently re-married parents decided to go to Yuzawa for a second honeymoon.

“Is it okay for me to bring a gratin dauphinois to your grandparent’s house?” Judging from the background noise, Mimi sounded a little busy—maybe in the middle of preparing something. According to her, she would have a shift before Christmas Eve tomorrow, but she got a day-off on the twenty-fifth, so she decided to visit Yamato’s grandparents and celebrate Christmas together. “I heard it’s a regular thing here on Christmas, so I don’t know if your Mémé will also cook it. But it’ll be far weird to bring a Japanese food on Christmas!”

“Mimi, I don’t even know what a guratan doufinowa is.” Her French was better than his, indeed. He even called his French grandmother with Obaachan. “Just bring anything you like to cook. You can even show up empty-handed wearing t-shirt and no make-up, and they won’t even mind.”

“Not funny, Yama.” She was probably pouting. “What will you have on Christmas, by the way?”

“I think I still have time to order KFC.”

“Don’t be a sloth. You can make a better meal by yourself.”

Yamato was exasperated. I want your cooking. Why do you have to cook for my grandparents instead?

A crew came announcing from the door that it would be their turn to play shortly. His bandmates started to rise, gave a final kiss to their lovers before leaving the waiting room. Yamato sighed, standing up with his bass guitar in one hand. “Alright, time to go. I’ll call you back after the show, okay?”

“I bet the others got a nice good luck kiss from their girlfriends.” She chuckled. “Do you need one too?” 

He rolled his eyes as he made his way out. “Don’t be so cringey—”

Just when Yamato passed the open door, someone pulled his arm from the side and when he thought he was going to fall, his lips were caught into a kiss. As his eyes widened in surprise, he was more confused when he found that Mimi was standing there in front of him. And when she drew back from that short kiss, she gave nothing but a sly smile.

“Don’t get me wrong. It’s the mistletoe.”

Still trying to process the whole moment, Yamato looked up to see a mistletoe hanging above the door of their waiting room. Mimi bid her à tout with a wink and walked towards the exit; her laugh echoed pleasantly along the hallway, leaving her boyfriend dumbfounded with just a few minutes before the show.