Chapter 471

Garden of Eden

It was evening by the time we finally reached our destination.

The land of Japanese maples and lush gardens of heavenly serenity.

Traditional Imperial architecture of the western capital, rising high above,

curving with delicate ornamental engravings and carving.

We awoke from our slumber many times to transfer between train lines,

only to return to our dosing after some small talk.

It seemed like excitement and cheery spirits

will always take a toll on our energy.

But we were here now.

Finally.

Kyoto.

Chapter 472

Garden of Eden

The train dropped us off at Kyoto station.

What an incredible sight it was.

Fifteen storeys stacked one on top of the other,

a sprawling complex of metal, glass, everything in one,

shopping mall, hotel, movie theater, restaurants,

the second largest train station in all of Japan.

Under one roof, we could not believe what filled our senses.

The ceiling soared up, hundreds of meters it must have been, above us.

Here and there, trains whistled and rumbled,

here and there, passengers rushed this way and that.

The excitement of travel filling the air.

The seven of us, luggage in tow, were like...

ants of the utmost insignificant size,

the enormous world spinning about.

Miko suddenly interrupted our awe-filled wonder,

summing it up in one phrase,

"Oh my god."

Chapter 473

Garden of Eden

Where did we start?

"Mmm...I smell food...." One of us said.

"I smell food too..."

"I smell a delicious meal coming up..."

"I smell clothes..."

We all laughed.

"How do you smell clothes?"

Miko shrugged. "I've got a sixth sense."

She giggled. "Just kidding!"

"Alright then, let's grab something to eat first."

With that, we headed off into the first Garden of Eden.

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Garden of Eden

It only just started.

Paradise.

Nothing was like a change in scenery,

exploring undiscovered frontiers,

embarking on a relentless adventure.

The seven of us had been dropped off in a world of sights and sounds.

Was that a good thing?

Or was paradise too good to be true?

Chapter 475

Garden of Eden

After a quick meal,

our nerves tingling with excitement and anticipation,

we nearly ran out of the family restaurant,

rushing through the station.

It was getting late and we would soon have to check into the hostel.

"We've got... half an hour or something." Takashi, our minute man told us.

"I've got to check out those shops!" Miko grabbed Juria and Airu's arms.

I skimmed over the map that we brought.

"Alright, let's meet at the north exit then."

"8:30?"

"Mmk." Juria smiled.

Looking helpless, we watched as Miko dragged the other two away.

Chapter 476

Garden of Eden

At eight thirty there was no sign of them.

"Sheesh. Girls." Akira muttered.

We laughed. "Mendokusai!"

Ten minutes later, they were still missing.

People were coming and going, the sky above was dark,

the waning golden sun had long gone.

Where were they?

"I'll call them."

*Mendokusai - Bothersome/what a bother

Chapter 477

Garden of Eden

There was no answer.

"They didn't pick up."

We exchanged worried glances.

"What if they're in some kind of trouble?"

"Should we look for them?" Soshi glanced at the time.

"Alright." I felt uneasy.

"Akira why don't you stay here in case they show up?"

He nodded and leaned against the wall.

"We'll split up. Call if any of us finds them!"

Chapter 478

Garden of Eden

"No need for that!"

We spun around at the sound of their voices, huffing and panting.

"Sorry..." Juria looked truly apologetic.

"We got lost..."

We sighed in relief.

"That's to be expected from you guys!" Soshi retorted.

"Next time no more shopping, girls!"

Worry and anxiety soon exploded into a fit of giggles,

doubling over in a release of tension from our bodies.

It seems like the blessing of Mount Fuji was still upon us.

Nothing could ruin our trip.

We were so sure of it.

Chapter 479

Garden of Eden

By the time we reached the hotel by foot, it was another ten minutes later.

Because of the tight knit design of Japanese cities,

everything was accessible and nearby stations.

Our hotel was a cheaper hostel, mostly inhabited by young backpackers,

people who came and went, only pausing briefly for a night's rest.

Despite the budget and pricing, hostels were generally in good condition.

In Kyoto however, good condition was an understatement.

As soon as we turned on to the side street,

the low shingled roofs greeted us behind a quiet wall,

undisturbed by the bustle of the main city roads.

Right away, Kyoto's revered traditional culture welcomed us,

as if time had reversed, travellers out of place with our attire and luggage.

Through the gate, politely, cautiously,

we knocked on the sliding shoji-style doors.

"Welcome to Rakuen Ryokan. We are honored to be your host. We've been expecting you."

*ryokan - traditional style inn

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Garden of Eden

"Please wear these slippers."

We bowed and took off our shoes at the lobby, as per custom.

The rest of the inn was on a raised platform covered in tatami flooring,

soft textured mats tickling our feet, suspending us above a cushion of straw.

In our slippers now, we followed the hostess silently down the dimly lit halls.

It was like we were suddenly in a Japanese palace.

Even as Japanese, we usually don't get to visit such places.

Too assimilated were we, into the life of urban Tokyo.

Without a moment just to take a deep breath and rest.

My tense mind at once began to relax.

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Garden of Eden

"It's so pretty..."

Airu whispered beside me, smiling softly.

"Yeah...it's so pretty it makes me tired." I grinned.

I heard her giggle and whisper something inaudible.

We had reached our rooms by now.

The two sliding doors opened up slowly.

Our hostess, a pretty woman of thirty with her black hair tied up beckoned us in.

"Douzo. Girls on the right, boys on the left.

The maid will be with you shortly.

Please enjoy your stay!"

She bowed.

Then we were left alone in paradise.

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Garden of Eden

"Sugeeeeeee!" Soshi exclaimed.

The two doors had thrown us into a giant room,

like a sudden clearing in the forest,

opening up to the sky above and beyond in all directions.

Ambers, browns and green highlights

of the wood, tatami and green plants,

simple straight edges of low tables and cushioned seats,

left lots of empty space of the utmost minimalism.

On the far side of the room,

floor to ceiling sliding windows and shoji screens

opened out to a porch and pavillion walkway

connecting all the guest rooms.

It was the definition of Japanese beauty.

"I call this futon!" Miko was already behind the divider for the female dorm.

We all laughed and it suddenly became a race to claim our territory.

Was fun and happiness a sin?

*Sugee - Amazing/awesome (colloquialism/expression)

*futon - Japanese style bedding, a simple padded mattress and quilts placed on the floor

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Garden of Eden

There was a small knock on the door.

"Excuse me." A maid slid open the door and came in carrying a tray of tea.

"Thanks."

She placed the tea down on the table in the central area and bowed.

"Please also change into the yukata."

We waited until she left and burst into laughter.

"I feel like a wild kid here." Someone remarked.

It was so true.

We were a juxtaposition against the ceremonious manner of the tradtional inn.

That only made it more adventurous.

*yukata - traditional style garment/robes, like a kimono, usually for the summer, made of cotton, often worn in tradition inns (ryokan)

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Garden of Eden

A while later, the maid returned with the cotton yukata

and we retreated to our dorm areas to change.

It was about time to fit into the atmosphere of the inn.

"I need a bath."

"Yeah, that would be good."

Soon after, we were sitting around the table waiting for the girls.

All we could hear was their fit of giggles

while they took up another ten minutes.

"Once again, we prove that girls are a bother." Akira joked.

I laughed. "Isn't that obvious?"

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Garden of Eden

"Alright, we're ready!"

"Let's go!"

They finally emerged.

For a brief moment there was silence.

I could tell the others were staring at them.

It was a sudden change.

I couldn't help but admit their newfound grace.

With their hair tied up and flowing yukata,

I was sourly reminded of Aoi.

When I lit up with warmth seeing her beauty in a shining yukata.

Aoi who was still in her hospital bed.

What on earth was I doing here?

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Garden of Eden

The baths were mostly empty at this time.

The only people left were at the shower stalls.

"Ah... this feels so good." I heard Airu's voice on the other side of the dividing wall.

"Kimochiii..."

There was a giggle and the sound of a small splash.

Although the two communal bathtubs were connected,

there was a wall that ran down the length of the room,

just high enough to separate the two genders.

Takashi glanced at me awkwardly.

I shrugged.

"Make some noise!" Soshi hissed.

We laughed.

*Kimochi ii - Good feeling/sensation

Chapter 487

Garden of Eden

The water was scalding hot,

steam swirling above,

filling the room with mist

like a sauna.

At first I could only put my feet in,

covering myself with a towel

not nearly as big as it should be.

Soon, my feet turned pink,

slowly entering the bathwater,

the aroma of spices and herbs

filling my senses.

The water was up to my chest now,

and I closed my eyes leaning back quietly.

I could feel my muscles relaxing,

from my toes to my neck,

each tight knot unravelling.

My mind was also drifting off.

As the worries and stress washed away,

I was left in my own world.

My own world...

all that was left in my mind was...

Aoi.

Chapter 488

Garden of Eden

Aoi would never be able to leave my mind.

I'd always think about her.

I had a feeling I knew what Airu would say to all this.

"Fight on! Live your life to the fullest!" Probably.

Was Aoi really stopping me from finding myself again?

My path ahead.

Yuya had told me to take up both of our burdens.

What exactly did that mean?

I sighed and sunk deeper into the water.

How would my mind ever relax?

"Seiji!"

Chapter 489

Garden of Eden

There was a large splash and all of a sudden, my head was soaked.

"Dude!" I laughed and launched a counterattack.

The waves swept over the entire bath.

It was not a large bathtub and soon water was overflowing from the sides.

Luckily, no one was around.

"That's what you get for dozing!"

Soshi hollered and ducked underwater while sending waves my way.

"So much for a peaceful soak." Takashi grinned and joined the fray.

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Garden of Eden

"You guys are so immature!" Airu called loudly from the other side.

I heard more giggles and some whispering.

"Stop talking bout us behind our backs!" I replied, laughing.

"We're not. Just talking about you behind the wall!" She didn't even skip a beat.

Soshi chuckled. "I'd prefer if you talk about us to our faces."

"Yeah, why don't you girls come over?" We laughed.

"You pervs!" Miko shouted, sounding appalled.

"Fine, fine, we'll go over there." Soshi threw his towel over the dividing wall.

We heard them squealing when they saw the white towel.

"Gotcha!"

"That's so mean!"

I couldn't help but enjoy the scene, laughing at their cute reaction.

I'd probably be insane if I didn't let myself have a good time with friends.

Right?

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Garden of Eden

"That's it!" I heard Airu's voice.

For a brief moment there was silence.

And then, it was raining hot water all over.

There was her laughter. "Success!"

"You're gonna get it!"

I snapped back and launched a retaliation,

churning the bath waters into a hurricane.

There was the sound of screams and splashing.

"Stop it!"

Instead, all four of us summoned a tidal wave their way.

It felt like summer all over again.

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Garden of Eden

We didn't receive any splashes back.

Then all hell broke loose.

I fell backwards as something hit me in the head, hard.

Splat.

"Man down!"

All I could see was white and felt water streaming down my face.

"Headshot." Akira announced reluctantly.

There was the sound of cheers and clapping on the other side.

"Take that, Seiji." Airu's voice was full of triumph.

I pulled the towel off my face.

Only to see the other three hit in the face with more wet towels.

I chuckled. "I think we've lost."

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Garden of Eden

"Excuse me, but you can't do that in here."

We spun around in shock.

A maid in a yukata was behind us bowed deeply,

her cheeks flushed with embarassment.

"Please try to be considerate of other guests."

She bowed again and left as suddenly as she came.

"A girl..."

Takashi shoved Soshi underwater, laughing.

It seemed like we could never stop laughing.

The happiness would never end.

That's what I thought.

Chapter 494

Garden of Eden ii

By the time the girls returned,

it was well into closing time.

The entire inn began to disappear into the night,

lamps and lights one by one faded to shadow.

In the halls, every here and there was an electric powered wall lamp,

flickering gently like a little orange flame.

They cast soft shadows on the tatami flooring underneath,

moving in an entrancing dance against false candle lighting.

We had to sneak quietly through the inn,

careful not to wake our neighbours.

We heard their giggles before we saw them.

It seemed like girls could get really giggly in a new environment.

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Garden of Eden ii

"Shhhh... stop giggling!" I teased.

"People are sleeping now." Soshi added, checking the time.

We took our places around the low table and drank some of the tea.

It was warm since it had just been replaced by our maid.

It was good tea. Even I could tell.

I glanced at Airu who was across from me.

Her eyes seemed to twinkle.

I smiled to myself. She definitely liked her tea.

"Good?" I winked at her.

She nodded, grinning knowingly.

The cure of our souls.

Chapter 496

Garden of Eden ii

We were sprawling out on the floor now.

My muscles could not have been any happier after the soak.

The healthy rush of warmth throughout my body

made me feel both refreshed and sleepy.

It was just like after exercise, an unexplained happiness

spreading slowly but surely.

I heard someone sit up.

"Hey, where's Takashi?"

"Oh yeah... where did Juria go?"

Chapter 497

Garden of Eden ii

I sat up.

They were missing.

"Where are they? Should we look for them?"

Miko's eyes glazed with worry.

I shook my head.

"Takashi told me he was going for a walk."

"Oh..."

"I think they'll be fine."

I had a feeling I knew what he was up to.

After all, we seem to have lost track of the date.

March the 14th.

I remembered.

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Garden of Eden ii

"I guess we should wait for them right?"

Airu glanced over at me.

Was it obvious that I knew something?

"Yeah. Guess so." I shrugged.

"Well then!" Miko stood up. "Let's do something."

Soshi grinned.

"I want to go check out the common room. There's gotta be people still up."

Miko grabbed his arm. "I heard they have a giiaaaant TV."

"No way!"

"Yes way!"

Soshi glanced over. "You guys coming?"

Chapter 499

Garden of Eden ii