My body felt completely relaxed, as if I were still floating in the calm of the day before. Everything we experienced had been so special that it left a unique sensation running through me. It was as if even in my dreams I had been able to relive every moment.
Slowly, my eyelids began to stir. I opened one eye, letting the morning light filter gradually into my vision, then the other… but a sudden sting forced me to rub them. I carefully sat up from the futon and rubbed my eyes gently. The sun had already begun to brighten the sky with warm tones slipping through the curtains.
I stood up, still a little drowsy, and headed to the bathroom. I splashed fresh water on my face to wake up, letting the coolness fully sharpen my senses. When I returned to the room, I noticed something that no longer surprised me: Kaori's futon was empty, as usual. She was always an early riser, so I didn't give it much thought.
I sat for a moment, gathering my thoughts, until suddenly something crossed my mind and made my eyes open wide: today is our date! But… I didn't remember Kaori ever telling me the exact time. I put a hand on my head, caught between frustration and excitement. I had to be ready in case she appeared at any moment.
I decided not to sit around. I quickly changed into light training clothes: a sleeveless shirt and comfortable pants. I left the room and, as I walked through the temple halls, I greeted the few people already awake. Everyone answered kindly, which made me feel even more at peace.
I reached the temple garden, a place that always gave me serenity, and started a simple routine to wake up my body. A few squats, then push-ups. As the minutes passed, my mind cleared of worries while I combined movement with deep breathing. The training was light, just enough to stay in shape without tiring myself out before the date.
After a while, I checked my phone for the time. It was 11 a.m. I had started at 10, so exactly an hour had passed. I smiled, satisfied with the time well spent.
I stood, shook a little sweat from my arms, and headed back to the bathroom. The training, though short, had left its mark, and I already needed a shower. I stepped in, took off my clothes, and sank into the tub. The warm water wrapped me in a soothing relief, as if my body thanked me for every second.
After washing thoroughly and spending about five minutes in the tub, I stepped out, drying myself quickly. I walked back to the room, but once again, it was still empty. Everything was in order, but Kaori hadn't returned yet.
Not wasting time, I dressed to be ready in case she showed up. I chose something casual but neat: a strong blue T-shirt and black jeans. Nothing too formal, but enough not to look sloppy.
I looked at myself in the mirror for a moment, smoothed my hair with my hands, and took a deep breath. Today was important. A date with Kaori… and I wanted everything to go well.
Once I was fully ready, I opened the room door to step out… but then, an unexpected sound stopped me.
—Grrrrrr…
It came from my stomach.
That's when I remembered: I hadn't eaten breakfast!
I placed a hand on my stomach and sighed. "No wonder I feel so empty," I thought, as I walked calmly toward the dining room, letting the smell of freshly cooked food guide me.
When I arrived, I was surprised to see everyone already gathered: Tom, the old man, Masha, Sakura, Ren… and Kaori was there too. I wondered why they were all together at this hour. Eating breakfast… all together?
—Good morning —I said, trying to sound casual even though my stomach growled loudly.
They all answered at once with smiles. The old man was the first to speak: —Well, young Leo. How did you wake up today?
—Good, elder hehe. I just finished training and came out of the bath —I replied, scratching my neck. My voice sounded relaxed, but in truth, I was a little nervous to see Kaori, especially today.
The old man let out a light chuckle, as calm as always. Then Sakura raised her voice in that playful tone of hers:
—By the way, Leo… you're not forgetting what day it is, are you?
I froze for a few seconds. I could feel everyone's eyes fixed on me. Swallowing hard, I answered with confidence… though my voice trembled slightly:
—Eee… mmm… well, I just know there are 3 days left until the ceremony. I'm so excited! Aaaaah! —I said, raising my arms. My body filled with that tingling excitement. And I meant it.
Sakura smirked mischievously and crossed her arms: —Besides that, you've got plans today… —she said with a teasing laugh, like she knew she was setting me up.
Not missing a beat, I answered with full confidence: —Of course I've got plans! Right, Kaori?
I looked at her just as she was serving me breakfast. She glanced at me… and her face went from calm to deadly in a second. Without a word, she set the plate down on the table and out of nowhere—
Smack!
She slapped me across the cheek with her open palm.
—Ow ow ow! —I shouted, staggering. The hit made me see stars for a moment, like my head wanted to pop off my neck.
—W-why that slap?! —I asked in a trembling voice, rubbing my cheek as tears welled up from the sting… and the shame.
Kaori, with a dark glare that could freeze anyone, crossed her arms and replied in a stern, annoyed tone:
—What do you mean, "Right, Kaori"? I thought you had actually forgotten today was our date, idiot! I can't believe it! A so-called "powerful" guy like you can't even organize his own day properly?
Her words carried a mix of irritation and disappointment… but also a hint of concern. Completely defeated by her presence, I lowered my head and answered quietly, like a scolded child:
—I was just joking… I knew today was our date, really…
—Hahaha! —Sakura burst out from the other side of the table— That slap shook the strongest of us all, hahaha!
I just pressed my lips shut and decided not to answer. If I said anything, they'd all gang up on me… and I didn't want another slap. I just muttered:
—I already said I'm not some powerful being…
After that little chaotic moment, Kaori sat down next to me without another word. Her brow was still furrowed, but at least she didn't look like she was about to hit me again.
The mood relaxed. We all began to eat peacefully, and little by little, laughter filled the table. The girls started joking with each other, Tom let out a few soft chuckles, and the elder sipped his tea with a calm smile.
As for me, I ate in silence, smiling on the inside. Even though I had just taken a pretty solid hit… that small morning chaos made me feel part of something important.
And the best part… the day had only just begun.
After we all finished breakfast, we joined our hands as usual and gave thanks for the food. The atmosphere was warm and calm, as if everything were in harmony.
Ren and Masha were the first to stand. They left the dining room quietly, chatting together. I was about to ask where they were going, but stopped myself. What if they got annoyed? Maybe it wasn't a good idea to interrupt, so I just let them go.
Not long after, Tom also got up and, with his usual calm, said:
—Well, if you need me, I'll be trimming the garden bushes.
He said it while stretching slightly and walking toward the exit, pruning shears hanging from his belt. I just nodded.
Sakura, of course, didn't stay behind. Yawning like she hadn't slept at all, she muttered:
—Aaaaah… well, if you need me, I'll be in my room.
More sleep…? I wondered. I couldn't understand how she had so much energy to tease and at the same time so much laziness.
Finally, the elder stood with the help of his cane and looked at us with that serene expression he always carried.
—Well, Leo, Kaori… I'll be training the younger ones. If you're going out, please let someone know —he said in a firm but kind voice as he headed to the main door.
—Yes, master —Kaori replied respectfully.
I just nodded silently. The elder left, and then… it was only us two. The atmosphere changed completely: now it was much more intimate, much calmer. Just Kaori and me.
I turned to her and, with a mix of shyness and nervousness, said:
—Kaori… you're not mad anymore, right? Do you forgive me?
I said that while gently leaning onto her lap, looking for a bit of comfort. I felt her body tense for a second at first, then relax. I caught a glimpse of her face turning red as she lowered her gaze.
She let out a soft sigh and replied in a voice mixing curiosity with sweetness:
—Just tell me one thing… do you have something planned for our date?
That question hit me like a bucket of cold water. I stayed silent for a few seconds, staring at the ceiling, then answered honestly:
—Mmm… truth is, I'm not really an expert at this dating stuff… I was thinking we could grab some ice cream and then head to a park or… whatever, really. I'm not good at planning these things…
I turned my head away so I wouldn't have to look at her directly. It was a little embarrassing to admit it, but it was the truth.
Kaori watched me for a few seconds, then smiled. She gently ran her hand through my hair and said tenderly:
—Mmm… Well, how about we go for that ice cream? Besides, I know a perfect place to spend the rest of the day. How does that sound?
Still facing the other way, I nodded.
—That's fine, sounds perfect. And… sorry for being so bad at this. I just… don't want to ruin our date —I answered softly.
She let out a little laugh and shook her head.
—Silly… it's fine. The important thing is that we'll be together, right?
Her voice carried a special warmth. The kind that makes you feel at ease. Then she stood and, with a determined expression, said:
—Alright, then let me go change. I'll be out in a moment, okay?
I slowly sat up from her lap and replied with a smile:
—Okay. I'll be waiting outside the temple.
Kaori nodded, and without another word, walked toward her room.
As for me, I headed to the entrance. I put on my sneakers calmly, enjoying the soft morning breeze. Stepping outside the temple, I felt renewed. I leaned against one of the wooden pillars, gazing at the clear sky.
A new day was beginning… and this time, it was special.
A date with Kaori.