The city of Kyo was built in the center of a giant forest and is truly a contemporary urban phenomenon. Its wonder is matched by the backdrop of modest hills which have helped shape the city into what it is today.
The materials these hills brought were of great importance, but they were also influential when it came to architectural designs as the vast majority of buildings follow the flowing round shapes of those very same hills and continue the overall aesthetics.
ƥαṇdα- ηθνε|·ƈθm The skyline is spreading with elegant skyscrapers and they all seem to be in perfect unison despite being different. Recreation is impeccable in Kyo and it has attracted a lot of attention. Many different cultures have left their mark not just on international relations, but also on the city's identity. What historically was a city of little diversity has grown into a large melting pot and it's this that unites the 1 million people to this day.
It's this multicultural identity that has truly left its mark. Hundreds of coffeehouses, clubs, and food carts offer a plethora of culinary choices and those who feel hungry for something else can enjoy one of the many parks, clubs, city exploring, or one of many other recreational venues.
Kyo is the third largest city of the Eastern empire. Today there's a festival in the city and Alex chose this city to go on dates with Sakuya in their free time.
Fancy stalls were lined to either side of the pathway, the commercial street was filled with stalls like these. The stall owner sat in their respective stalls, they were in uniforms as they promoted their products, making the whole place very rowdy.
The pedestrians continued walking by as they giggled and talked. They also visited the stalls to check out the goods. Dressed in Yukatas, the noises they made blended in with the other noises at this festival. Suffice it to say, it was very loud and festive.
Alex wasn't in traditional clothes, he was wearing a simple white shirt with black trousers. Casually dressed, however, didn't fit well with his expression. He looked very bitter.
The reason? A girl in front of him. He remembers to have asked her to dress lightly.
Sakuya didn't look the same as usual.
She lost her everyday modern clothes and got herself a nice Yukata.
It wasn't just a simple Yukata. It's white with gold embroidery. The design looked like its artist was trying to capture mysticism in its element. She also had lacey satin near her sleeves, making her look like an imperial princess out on new year's eve.
Sakuya was all smiley right now, in fancy dress and surrounded by stalls, she was a happy camper judging by her giggles.
Like a dainty butterfly, she zipped through the crowd. Her exquisite Yukata, her appearance, and her laughter attracted the attention of nearby pedestrians.
Some of the stall owners even gave her free fruit when she visited, naturally, she's very ecstatic with the treatment she's getting.
This bubbly princess became a sight to see in the commercial district.
Alex's bitter look collapsed when he saw the bright smile she had. He felt like it was worth it to join her in this festival's participation.
''Your yukata does suit you, my princess, you're gorgeous.'' Alex finally complimented her on her look and as if she had been waiting for this since the beginning, Sakuya smiled.
Seeing that smile, Alex involuntarily smiled and felt that everything was worth it.
''It took you long enough. Let's go play.'' She said before offering her hand and Alex took it, it was the start of their date for real.
The two completely immersed themselves in the festival.
Sakuya led Alex through the commercial district as they participated in all kinds of stalls: Goldfish scooping, snacks, stall games, and buying each other gifts, they pretty much toured the whole place. After they filled up their stomach, they looked at their hands which were filled with shopping bags packed to the brim with gifts.
Some of it, she bought for herself, the others they got from stall games. They also bought a bunch of crap they didn't need. They decided to give Maria, Luna, Saeko, Gracier, Incursio, Artemia, and Incursio some of the gifts they bought. They sank a lot of dough into this endeavor.
Luckily, Alex's rich thanks to his multiple investments (Restaurants, Real states..). He's pretty much in the top percentile of the wage spectrum. He carried over a ton of gold coins, if converted, he can probably buy the whole island if they are willing to sell anyway.
Sakuya knew about this so she didn't hold back, she accepted the womanly instinct within herself and she purchased all the stuff that fancied her.
Until,
Boom boom boom
Fireworks appeared in the sky, littering the dark landscape with iridescent colors.
The two lovebirds found a quiet place to enjoy the fireworks.
''The fireworks are chaos and predictability - their explosive gifts finding their own time and space to own. As they do, I am the spectator, the one seeing their blazing trails arc above. There's something about them that warms me even in the cold, as if their stray sparks passed into my blood.'' Sakuya declared as she enjoyed the spectacle in the sky.
Alex chuckled and said in turn.
''I always wanted to draw rainbows in the dark, hold pencils of pure light, I guess that's why I love fireworks so. As we head out together with the stars all around, a blanket for this planet that's half asleep, half awake, I'm already imagining their colors, cradling a box of matches in my hand.''
Sakuya stopped watching the fireworks and turn to look into those heterochromia eyes, she stared into those eyes for a moment before stating.
''You are good with words Alex.''
Alex chuckled before sealing her lips.
BOOM!
Big fireworks exploded at the moment as if blessing this couple, wishing them everlasting love.
Sakuya's eyes widened for a moment before she reciprocated by putting her arms around Alex's neck as they kissed passionately.
'His kiss is not at all the same as those movie stars, but one steeped in a passion that ignites. It is the promise of realness, of the primal desire that lives in us all. And with it, he tells me that he is awake, connected within, that he embraces himself rather than hide as a copy of those romantic idols.' Sakuya remarked inwardly as the couple kissed some more, forgetting everything around them as if they were the only ones in the world at the moment, nothing else matters.
In that moment of the kiss, their chemistry becomes an ever-bright flame.
Humans are far more sensitive animal than current culture suggests, for we evolved our emotional intellect to keep us together as families and communities. Our ancestors survived because of their deep feelings and their ability to read emotions in others. They were not lone wolves yet family "packs" who loved and defended one another.
Sakuya understand this saying and more than ever she realized her feelings for this man had grown deeper than in the beginning, if, in the beginning, it was all because of a promise between sworn sisters, now it was evolved, and her feelings for this man were genuine and she wouldn't hesitate to declare them.
As sunlight enters raindrops and emerges as rainbows, so love enters the soul of each person and emerges as their passions in the arts, in science, in nature... in whatever sparks their curiosity and drive. It is how they find their truth and purpose. It is how they give of themselves to others. Love is what makes us who we are, it is the energy that brings us to life.
After kissing for a good five minutes, they stopped staring into each other eyes.
'Some call it bewitched; I call it love. For there is an emptiness in the freedom of being alone and liberty in being caught in that divine spell. And so when I see in his eyes the feelings of my heart, we become one... and if that isn't magic then I cannot say what is.' Sakuya mumbled to herself.
''I love you like you're the last of my kind. It is as if you speak the same language as I, yet no other is able. To be around you is like finally not being alone - as if all my life I've been isolated, in a windowless room, in a doorless room... and then suddenly you walk in as if strolling over a summer meadow. How is it that you are so much more than sunshine? How is it you breathe life when no other can? Why is it you are my medicine? Who could love me more than you? So, my love, know this - while I breathe I am yours in mind, body, and soul.''
Alex was shocked by the sudden declaration but it didn't take long for him to regain his cool and he took her hands in his while declaring.
''I love you too my princess, I promise to do my utmost not to make you suffer too much, believe in me and our love.''
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