The night air felt balmy as fireflies fluttered to close around the enclosed structure occupied by the young geisha. Night creatures begun to roam as the odd duo halted near the small hut, sheltered against a dense forest and the perky female quickly raised the bar served as a lock so as to slid the erected bamboo door open.
The host move backward for her guest to gain entreè whose facial expression at no time altered since the duration of their trekked. Sometimes, Fukumi speculated if Haruka made an effort to crack a smile.
For unknown reasons, the female experienced a dull ache physically for the lone being.
She savored in the ronin's enigmatic presence, without a pause the perky girl rearranged the kitchen area that incorperated in the same space as the living room. Rust metal cutleries with slight dents due to regular usage and a memory linked to her sicken mother.
Eldest amongst three siblings, Fukumi had travelled all the way to Edo from her small village at a vulnerable aged of thirteen. Thankfully, the kind men from the same community had accompanied thus built the hut for her.
"Haruka san, you may wear my yukata for tonight since I'll be washing the one that you're wearing," she beamed.
Fire was lit inside the small pit whilst Fukumi awaited for the water to boil so she could arrange both of their bath. The only noise resonated in the hut was from the utensils. Whilst the water churned, the geisha strolled for a pile of clothes to yank a comfortable yukata and ambled toward the figure situated near the front entrance.
Both swords were between her legs as one leaned against her chest; an arm flung over the crooked knee whilst another leg curved slightly on the floor.
A lone figure dissociated from the living world.
"You don't have to trouble yourself," she spoke monotonously.
"My name is Minata Fukumi," she smiled even though her boarder look fixedly at the dark yard. "Haruka san is my first guest, it is the least I can do for anyone who comes to visit me."
The young girl kneeled professionally to outstretched both arms covered by the flowery patterned yukata. Patiently, she bid one's time just as forest-green eyes collided with her own and that suffered years of unimaginable agony. Fukumi could only ponder.
"I won't wear this," Haruka's voice jolted her to the reality. "It's too short for my height."
"Nobody will see Haruka san here except for me," she shifted on her knees a little. "The water is almost boiled for you to take a warm soak outdoors."
Jade coloured eyes flickered toward Fukumi; obsidian shade whilst hazel shade waist length hair parted in the middle framed her heart shaped countenance. Their gaze locked onto one another differed by personal thoughts and feelings.
Intense and wary.
Hopeful and kind.
Tapered fingers contrasted against the white tape grasped the edge of the lightweight material as Fukumi allowed both hands to fall away.
She advanced toward the makeshift kitchen to carefully fetch the pot of hot water all the way to the side of the hut and returned inside to replenish the steamy pot with cold water to reiterate.
Comfortable silence reigned between them whilst in the distance, a lone wolf howled followed by several others.
Fukumi accomplished the hardwork to serve her reserved visitor after another round to pour water. The brown haired female bowed with both hands placed in front.
"Haruka san can have the first bath," she stepped back. "You may hand me your kimono and I'll wash them later after I'm done with my bath."
In silence, the stoic figure got upright languidly to haul both swords and the kimono fisted in her free hand.
The quiet geisha reappeared at the kitchen to cook a simple meal for two of them although she had no clue whether Haruka would care to share dinner with her.
All of a sudden, Fukumi had a flashback to the night she first met the blonde haired gangster. She endured nervousness since it was her first time to attend to a roomful of men yet surprised to spot a female amidst those vile mouthed hoodlums.
A small smile lifted the corners of Fukumi's mouth because of the instant attraction for the solemn being.
The sound of footfalls alerted Fukumi as she pivoted on her feet still in a hunched position in time to bit her inner cheek by the weird vision of Haruka clad in a cheery coloured yukata. The lower hemline reached to the middle of her calves and the sleeves slight short yet it was enough to set a range of flutter in her belly.
Unruly blonde hair usually tied in a messy bun hung past her collarbone; right eye covered by a loose lock as water dripped down.
"Here," she delivered the worn kimono toward her. "I've washed my bandages so, I let it hang at the laundry line."
"Alright," she got up with a smile. "It's my turn to shower now."
As Fukumi move outdoors, the chilly breeze a blessing indisguise due to her flustered countenance. Long hair swayed behind her back as she stripped down to kneel in the tub of warm liquid.
Upon Fukumi's return from the bath which took longer since she had both their attires to wash and dry. The ronin was in the same location as earlier, although her eyes were shut and blonde head rested atop her arms.
"Would Haruka san like to eat with me?" Fukumi paused to pull down the binds in front of the entrance.
"No."
"Alright," Fukumi giggled. "Anyway, thank you for accepting my offer to stay the night."
Silence greeted the geisha yet she was not offended.
"I hail from a small village named, Takayama," she begun to relate her story. "My mother showed signs of illness before present she became bedridden, she was a strong woman capable of taking care her four children."
Fukumi sat in the middle of the quiant hall. Lukewarm vegetable soup alongside salty fish and tea. She took the first sip of the broth and nodded her head since the taste was mild. Incomparable to her mother's homecook delicacies.
"I was the oldest and chose the decision to become a geisha even though Yoshiwara district was teemed with prostitutes. I never realized until too late, but it was my own choice and... if I had to soil my reputation then be it. At least I could help my dying mother."
Tears naturally trickled down her cheek. All of sudden, Fukumi yearned her mother's warm embrace; she covered her wet face with both hands which trembled from the overwhelmed emotion.
No consolations from the apathetic ronin.
Soon, the fatigue geisha was able to compose her runaway feelings and continued with her meal in quiet muse.
Fukumi got upright to amble toward the neatly folded blanket. She glanced over one shoulder to peer at her "guardian" of the night by the doorway. The tatami mat silenced her footfall.
The blanket unfurled in both gripped as she tugged it over the body. A hand hovered on the top of Haruka's head but retrieved away.
One final work remained before Fukumi could retire for the night; she lugged the utensils with a pail of water. Since she was overpowered by sentimental thoughts, the girl recalled a song her mother had taught her.
Sakura, sakura,
Noyamamo satomo
Miwatasu kagiri
Kasumika kumoka
Asahini niou
Sakura, sakura hanazakari
Sakura, sakura,
Yayoino sorawa
Miwatasu kagiri
Kasumika kumoka
Nioizo izuru
Izaya, izaya miniyukan.
Fukumi eyelashes fluttered before dawn broke across the sky, her body was awake for the day ahead. She snuggled under the single blanket, before she glanced at the vacant spot the dark haired girl figured that the lone ronin had disappeared.
Both the borrowed yukata and the blanket neatly folded beside her head. Yet a gentle smile stole across her sleepy feature. She vowed to cherish last night close to her heart.
Even though it is a one sided love, my feelings will never change, my dear Haruka, she mused inwardly.