The two were chatting leisurely when, before they knew it, the tram entered a tunnel. After passing through this not-too-long pitch-black tunnel, the scenery outside instantly changed its appearance. Completely different from the bustling scene of numerous high-rise buildings standing everywhere, low old-fashioned houses and fields spread out widely before their eyes.
"Coming to this area, the atmosphere is indeed completely different. The feeling of the countryside is really good."
The rich green is dazzling, and there are no buildings stretching vertically. After more than an hour on the tram, the scenery has changed so much.
The sky feels higher and wider than usual, making people feel relaxed and happy. Although I currently live in a big city for the convenience of work, I feel that this place is more suitable for my personality.
"Do you know this area around here?"
"Well, my home is nearby."
Hearing my reply, Blake suddenly turned his gaze outside. I pointed at the particularly tall iron tower in the direction of my line of sight. Blake tilted his head slightly and turned around.
"Near that iron tower."
I always take this tram when going home, so the landmark iron tower comes into view quickly.
"Oh."
"Although it's a very rural place. In the past summers, there were a lot of children running around naked and barefoot everywhere."
Now the roads have become asphalt, and such scenes have become less. But this is still a very rural place. I still like my hometown to this day. If I were to live in seclusion, I would definitely choose there.
"Come to my home during the summer vacation? It's very cool here in summer. I always come back."
"Ah?"
"There are mountains and rivers. After the sun sets, everyone goes home. It's such a rural area."
As I said this, I smiled. Blake, on the other hand, kept looking at me with wide eyes. I waved my hand in front of him, and only then did he finally come to his senses.
"Is it okay?"
"As long as Blake doesn't dislike it."
"I don't dislike it."
Blake shook his head vigorously from side to side. I couldn't help but laugh with my shoulders shaking. Sometimes I like the relaxed expression that Blake shows inadvertently.
"Then make time for it."
This year's summer has one more thing to look forward to. If Blake can also like my rural area, I will be very happy. Although there are fireworks festivals and various activities, as long as there is an activity with a suitable time that I can participate in, I'm starting to look forward to it now.
"Ah, you said you know this area around here. Have you been here before?"
"Well? Ah, no, not yet. Or rather, I didn't know before."
Although I go back to my hometown every year, in fact, I didn't know there was a place I like nearby. If I had known, I would definitely have gone there often.
Perhaps because of this, none of my family members told me about this. When I go back to my hometown, my family members always gather together. So I don't like acting alone very much.
"Well, it seems it was built recently."
Seeing me pouting slightly, Blake comforted me with a gentle smile.
Looking at the rural scenery, about forty more minutes passed. After transferring to a bus, we finally arrived at our destination. The bus slowly drove into the bus terminal and stopped in front of the entrance of the park. Sure enough, because it's during the consecutive holidays, there are a lot of people, but it's much better than the crowds in the city.
"Are you okay?"
I looked back at Blake who got off the bus half-awake. He nodded while yawning. This action of his made me laugh uncontrollably. I can feel a bit of an age-appropriate atmosphere from him. It's very cute.
"It's too early in the morning."
The current time is a little past half past nine. Considering the travel time and so on, today I undoubtedly got up much earlier than usual. Not to mention Blake who is not good at getting up early. It must be even more difficult for him.
"Well, it's still okay."
Blake said vaguely, proving that he fell asleep quickly after transferring from the tram to the bus. Before arriving here, he slept deeply using someone's shoulder as a pillow. At first, his weight made me both shy and happy, and my heart was beating rapidly. But as time passed, I thought his sleeping face was cute and was immersed in a small happiness.
"By the way, the girls sitting nearby just now, when getting off the bus, their reactions were a bit strange. Did I talk in my sleep while sleeping?"
"No, you didn't. Well, I don't know what's going on."
Indeed, four girls on the bus kept looking back at the sleeping Blake many times. The glances they threw were honestly a bit uncomfortable. But for some reason, when they passed by me, they said with big smiles that you two have a good relationship and then left. What on earth does this mean?
"How do we look from other people's perspectives?"
Not only them, but what would others think when seeing us together. I don't think about this when in school, but when coming out like this with just the two of us, I suddenly have such a question.
"Well? Me and Ben?"
"Well, yes."
For my question that I have no clue about, Blake's sleepy eyes changed and he opened his eyes wide. He blinked, then put his hand under his chin and kept staring at me.
"How should I put it. Ordinary friends, or a relationship of senior and junior. I'm often told that I don't look my actual age. Ben looks much younger than one would expect."
"Well."
"Ben can be more confident."
Seeing my plain reaction, Blake showed a helpless wry smile.
"It's good as long as it's not an uncle-like relative."
Hearing my muttering in a low voice, Blake smiled helplessly. Indeed, this twelve-year gap can't be narrowed no matter what. I know it's useless to worry. But I still don't want to be considered mismatched by people around.
"You care too much. Ben is very cute."
"Cuteness is redundant!"
"All right, don't worry about these things. Let's go. Since we got up early so rarely, we want to enjoy it properly, right?"
"Ah, well."
Suddenly being grabbed by the arm by Blake and pulled gently, I started walking. Then we came to a big gate.
Looking up at the gate, because of looking forward to the happiness to come next, my cheeks relaxed unconsciously. How many years has it been since I last came to the zoo. It feels like it's been a really long time. It's really been too long. I can't hide my feelings.
"I didn't expect Ben to like the zoo so much."
"You're a bit looking down on people now."
"No, no. I just think it's very cute."
I complained many times that Blake who was smiling with narrowed eyes was too annoying, but he showed an even happier expression.
Compared to amusement parks, I have liked zoos better since I was a child – I was often told by my mother that I'm a child who saves money. It is said that when I was a child, I would stroll around idly in the park all day. As long as I was brought here, I would be in a good mood. She still says this to this day.
"Blake, do you like animals?"
I'm only asking him now. He, on the other hand, answers me with an extremely gentle smile.
"Yes. Like Ben, the same inside and out, very pure, and can heal people."
"You've been adding an extra word since a while ago."
From this morning until now, he has said many sweet words many times. I finally can't take it anymore. The way he speaks is very natural, which makes me feel itchy even more. I don't dislike it. I'm just shy.
"I'm not lying."
Facing me who is frowning and pouting, Blake frowned slightly and tilted his head gently. But I pretended not to see his expression and walked towards the entrance.