As the lights of Kyoto bloom on a night, a young lady who recently graduated from high school in Kyoto entertains her friends at an after-graduation party at a restaurant. Her singing and dancing technique, as well as her style and posture, were all impeccable. As she glides, her fragrance fills the room with a fresh scent that transports the guys to the cherry blossom season.
"Ah, Aiko," a friend exclaimed, "you make us feel like we're back in cherry blossom season; the way you sing and dance hypnotizes us with your beauty."
"I appreciate your kind words." Aiko bowed her head
"However, it's awful that you're leaving," said one of her pals.
"I'd like to stay longer here, but I'd like to go across the world, fall in love, marry and have children, and then die quietly and rest in the hereafter with my husband," Aiko revealed, startling everyone.
Chiyo, one of her friends, gasped, "Wow, you have such wise words and future hopes."
"Yes, my Oka-San advised me to do what's best for me and make good decisions, and that's exactly what I'll do next."
"So, Aiko, where do you plan to go?" one buddy queried.
"I haven't determined what I want to do next; I have plans to work for the city of Tokyo, or I can work as a staff member at my Aunt's or Chiyo's Onsen," she stated.
"I'm hoping she'll work for me, and I'll have someone to accompany me," Chiyo added.
"That's great to hear, Aiko," her friends responded.
After a few brief conversations, everyone went, waving and good farewell. As she strolled through the street lights with her roommates, she decided to go to their dorm to finish packing.
"Oh! I can't believe you're leaving us, Aiko "a Kaguya stated
"We will definitely miss you," Aika expressed her regret.
"But I'm glad she'll work with me," Chiyo remarked.
"I'm not sure, but I want to go to Tokyo, and I don't believe your mother will object because your onsen is already crowded," Aiko remarked.
"True"
"When everyone has to graduate, my dear friends, it's only a matter of time," Aiko said. "I just want to travel and not be a loner when you three already have partners."
They say to her, "Hush, be quiet."
*laughs*
"However, I will genuinely miss you gals," Aiko stated.
"So, when do you plan on departing?" Kaguya was curious.
"Perhaps when we get back from our trip," Aiko said.
"Oh, that's only three days away, I'm going to miss you so much," Aika hugged.
"Be careful now, your makeup will be ruined," Kaguya warned.
As they walk back home, the four of them laugh.
When they arrived at the Okiya, there was a large tall person reading a book in front of the door.
"It's Mr. Takeshi," Aika said as they approached their dorm mistress husband who was the head of securities in the university.
"Ah, girls, you've returned," Mr. Takeshi said.
As they entered the dorm, they all greeted their dorm mistress
"Welcome back, go freshen up," the dorm mistress said.
"Yes " all the girls said as they went inside to join the others.
"My, how the children have grown," Mr. Takeshi exclaimed.
"Yes, new ones come every year, they share their experiences, and then they graduate to fulfill their futures," the mistress explained.
"True, I can't believe our Aiko is leaving," Mr. Takeshi said with a smile.
They both laugh as they share stories of her
*achoo*
Aiko sneezes as they thought about her
"Bless you" said Aika
"Maybe someone is remembering me," said Aiko
" Must be her secret lover" joked Chiyo
"Perhaps it's your Oba-San in the afterlife scolding you," a Aika joked.
"It is her, she might give me nightmares, even though she was a good grandmother, she was truly like an Oni," Aiko shivered as she remembered her.
"But we'll miss you, Aiko," one of the girls said.
"I'll pay you a visit."
"Why can't you be like your sisters, Aiko's role model?"
"Easy, mam , she'll learn and one day," Aiko said.
"Thank you for consoling me, you are always the best," Aika says as she hugs her.
"We'll see," Aiko said.
Two days had passed, and it was only one day before Aiko graduated, she was surprised by the members of the dorm who had come to bid her farewell and were given gifts and cards.
"Thank you for the days spent here, I'll truly treasure these memories," a tearful Aiko said as they celebrated.
The next day, Aiko boards the train and prepares to travel to Tokyo.
"Goodbye girls, I'll send you letters," she says as she hugs Kaguya and Aika.
"Don't forget about us," Kaguya said.
"Tell us when you get back," Aika said as she handed her a bracelet, "I made this with the beads I got, please treasure them."
"I'll do it."
As the train whistle blows, Aiko bids them farewell and settles into her seat.
"Let's see what Tokyo has in store for me now."