I played the first notes of the piece and I felt it resonate throughout the forest. I closed my eyes and felt how every being in this place heard my cries through my passionate playing. Every element, even the birds that are chirping distantly made it all so emotional for me. It definitely brought me back to the time when Yukino first led me to this magical place.
I finished playing and I never even noticed that I was crying the whole time. I reopened my eyes once again to see all of them also letting out a tear. Shin's face was even funnier seeing how she cried like a baby while clapping her hands. I bet my playing reached all of them. I'll really miss these guys. Surely. They were the first genuine group that I became a part of. A bond that would last forever no matter where we go or how long we weren't able to see each other. I'm sure that when I go back here in Japan, our relationship will stay the same.
"I'll miss you Aoi!" Said Shin, rushing to me for a hug while still crying.
"Do your best there Aoi! Make sure that you'll be a world renowned novelist okay? When you get back I'll be the best writer here in Japan so be prepared!" Said Haruto while wiping snot from his face.
"I'm just proud of you already Aoi. Don't stress yourself over there okay? Just do what you would normally do and I'm sure you'll be fine. We'll be waiting here okay?" Said Arata as Kaito nodded in agreement.
"Don't worry about us here okay? I'll take care of Yukino for you so do your best in becoming the best novelist that ever existed." Whispered Hina.
"Don't worry guys. I'll bring home the good news okay? You'll be sending me off tomorrow right? Save the crying for that then!" Said I, trying to hold back my own tears after hearing all of what they had to say.
We had a group hug before deciding to go back home. It's getting a bit late after all and we'll be early tomorrow as well. The night was filled with vibrant colors. Something I haven't seen in a while ever since the day of the trip.
The very next day, I woke up early as Nakamura-san picked me up from my apartment. It was the day of my departure so he's getting all teared up.
"You ready Aoi?"
"Yes, thank you for picking me up."
"This much should be expected, this will be my last day of being your editor after all. Just don't forget about me, okay?"
"That's not possible, Nakamura-san. If it weren't for you guys and the company, I never would have had the opportunity to go abroad to pursue my writing dreams. I'm really grateful to you all. There's now way I'd forget."
We made our way to the airport and the weather was really good. A good cold breeze despite the sun being out. A good omen maybe? I sure hope so.
The guys were already waiting for me at the airport. Yukino never said a word on the group chat, but still, I hope she'll be there to at least see me off. Though the chances are slim, I'm keeping my hopes up.
A few minutes later, we arrived at the airport. I stepped out of the vehicle and waved at Nakamura-san before going inside the airport. He was all teared up as he waved me goodbye one more time before going off.
"Aoi! Don't leave us!" Said Haruto clinging on to my left leg as I dragged him near the boarding station. Just look at this kid.
"Be safe there Aoi okay? Let me know if you need something. Not that I can go there but at least you told me." Said Shin.
"That's really helpful. Thanks." Said I, sarcastically.
"Well then, see you when you're all high and famous, Aoi." said Hina.
"Do your best!" Arata and Kaito said in unison.
"I'll be off then. Be safe and well guys!"
I waved them goodbye one last time before entering the boarding station. Yukino didn't come after all. Well, I guess that's to be expected. I boarded the plane with the hopes of being able to achieve my dream. Not only for myself but for her as well. All she wished for was for me to be successful after all.
The flight from Japan to Paris is a long 14 hours and 45 minutes so I listed things that I can do to entertain myself. I brought books and even downloaded some movies. Throughout the flight, my routine revolved around watching movies, reading, and sleeping. The flight was boring to be honest. Had I not listed things I might have died of boredom.
I looked out the window just to see us above the clouds. I wonder what Yukino's doing right now. Maybe editing that video? Watering the plants outside their house? Reading a book? Eating? Thinking of me? I guess I'll never know.
I woke up to the sound of the pilot giving us a heads up that we'll land in Paris in a few couple of minutes. I arranged myself and prepared for landing. We arrived at the airport and I was stuck finding Mr. Lambert who is supposed to pick me up today. Mr. Lambert will soon be my new editor for the publishing company where I will work with from now on. Did he get the time right? I hope he didn't forget to pick me up. I sat by the bench to again read a book that I brought to kill some time as I waited for him.
A few minutes later, a tall man with blonde messy hair came running in my direction waving at me.
"Aoi? You're Aoi right? You're the only Japanese looking person here after all. I'm sorry I'm late, there was heavy traffic on my way here."
What if I'm just a random Japanese person who happened to be here as a tourist? How would he even explain himself?