Chapter 875: Picking New Spring Clothes
The sun, a molten gold coin rising over the eastern hills, spilled its warmth across Elffire City on Monday, April 26th. Delicate shafts of light pierced the dawn, illuminating empty streets still damp with the lingering kiss of a spring rain. It was the second day of Bloom Week, a national holiday celebrated with joyous abandon throughout Sakura Abode, and the city wore the holiday’s vibrant colors. Cherry blossoms, a frothy pink cloud, tumbled from the ancient Sakura trees that lined the avenues, carpeting the usually bustling thoroughfares in a fragrant, ephemeral snow.
Fewer vehicles than usual disturbed the serene beauty; the normally cacophonous city hummed with a quieter melody, the gentle murmur of spring replacing the usual clamor. Everywhere, vibrant tulips in fiery oranges and sunshine yellows burst forth from meticulously tended beds, their faces turned eagerly to the sun.
The air, usually thick with the sounds of commerce and daily life, now held the sweet, intoxicating perfume of a thousand blooming flowers – a heady mix of cherry blossom, honeysuckle, and the earthy scent of newly turned soil. Even the stone buildings seemed to breathe easier under the benevolent gaze of the springtime sun, their grey facades softened by the profusion of climbing roses, their blossoms unfurling in a riot of pastel hues.
A lone store owner was meticulously cleaning the sidewalk in front of his now-closed store. He paused to observe a cherry blossom petal drifting down. He felt a pang of wistful pity. He wished that he could open his store, but even if it were opened, he knew that no customer would come during this Bloom Week. Everyone was busy enjoying the Bloom Week. But what bothered him deep down was his loneliness, as his most deeply desired was having a family to celebrate this holiday with, a feeling mirrored by several others quietly observing the holiday from their homes.
Most residents leaving their homes were heading towards the various temples hosting Bloom Week festivals. Long lines, though shorter than anticipated given the holiday’s popularity, formed outside several larger temples. Others strolled through the city’s parks, enjoying the abundant cherry blossoms. A family with young children laughed as they chased butterflies in Willow Park, their joy a stark contrast to the quiet contemplation of an elderly woman sitting alone on a park bench, reminiscing about past Bloom Weeks.
Traffic on the main roads leading out of the city was heavier than within the city itself, a steady stream of vehicles carrying citizens to various out-of-town festivities and family gatherings. The city’s central market was sparsely populated, with a few stall owners patiently waiting for customers. The usual midday rush hour never materialized. The overall atmosphere of Elffire City on this holiday Monday was one of peaceful quietude, a marked contrast to its typical weekday energy.
Flower Manor, Elffire City.
Yesterday, Theo’s group of friends combined to meet at Ayia and Shizuka’s house in the morning to get ready for their outing this Monday.
Everyone wanted new spring clothes to wear as they toured around the temples in the city. But no store was opened during Bloom Week, but Ayia has her ways. But to be more precise, it was the Yamada family that had its ways to get things done. As an ancient family dating back ever since the country’s foundation, the Yamada family had a vast network of connections all over the Sakurean territory. Although they didn’t own any traditional clothing store in Elffire City, Ayia just needed to call her father, and her father would be able to arrange for a top-tier store to open their doors willingly even during the Bloom Week. And the owner of this store would be even more ecstatic to have the opportunity of connecting with the all-mighty Yamada family.
That was how, on an early morning, four vans carrying hundreds and hundreds of traditional spring clothes in all sizes and styles arrived at the Flower Manor on that Monday, April 6th. And with the help of the manor’s employees, they managed to set up a great space where Ayia and the others could browse the clothing options.
Just like that, as the clock neared 9 am, Theo and the others started arriving at Ayia and Shizuka’s manor.
"Good morning, babe!" Theo said as he hugged and kissed his girlfriend, "I see we’ll have a lot of options to choose from." He said as he observed the room filled with all kinds of spring clothes.
"Morning, babe!" Ayia sweetly replied as she kissed him back.
"Good morning, girls!" Aurora said with an excited smile as she observed the multiple pretty spring clothes.
It has been a long time since she bought spring clothes. If her memory doesn’t fail her, the last time she bought spring clothes, her parents were still alive. Traditional clothes were expensive, and they were a luxury that Theo in the past couldn’t afford to pay for.
That’s why Aurora was so excited to get a new spring clothing item.
Theo was somewhat excited as well. He grew up watching anime in the orphanage, and there were always episodes in which the characters wore traditional clothes. So, he has always been curious to try wearing them.
Just like that, in the next 20 minutes, the rest of their group of friends arrived one by one.
Sam, June, Sayuri, Ryoko, Kin, Gwen, Kumiko, Shoko, Lauren, and Max arrived and were amazed by the display of so many traditional clothes.
Even Aurora’s friends arrived as well. Vivian, Carolla, Umaru, and Aurora had combined to go on a temple tour as well. So, everyone was going together. Plus, everyone knew and liked the three girls, so it wasn’t weird.
In such a way, suddenly, 17 people were excitedly going through the hundreds of options of traditional clothes that the Tullip Clothing Store had brought.
"Oh, the choices are endless!" exclaimed Aurora, her eyes sparkling with delight as she ran her hands over the soft silk of a vibrant yellow kimono. "I feel like a kid in a candy store, but with clothes!"
"I know, right?" Theo replied, his arms outstretched as he admired a traditional haori jacket. "I can’t decide between this navy blue and the emerald green. What do you think, babe?" he asked, turning to Ayia.
"Ooh, definitely the navy blue!" Ayia said, her eyes lighting up. "It brings out the color of your eyes, and the shade complements your skin tone perfectly."
"Navy Blue it is, then!" Theo declared, setting the jacket aside to try on later.
The room buzzed with excitement as the group chatted and laughed, admiring the array of spring clothes. Sam held up a delicate pink and white yukata, the soft colors accentuating her features. "I feel like a sakura princess in this!" she gushed.
"You look absolutely stunning!" June agreed, her eyes widening as she helped Sam tie the obi belt.
Sayuri, always the fashionista, had her eyes on a bolder ensemble. "I’m thinking of mixing and matching," she said, holding up a crimson haori with gold embroidery and a vibrant purple kimono. "It’s a bit unconventional, but I think it could work, don’t you think?"
Ryoko nodded enthusiastically. "Definitely! You know I’m all for unique fashion choices. Go for it, Sayuri!"
The manor resounded with laughter and the rustle of fabric as the group tried on outfits, offering opinions and compliments to one another.