[PG-13] January 31

[silverdoll14]

Warning:
This is fully a product of imagination. I don’t own anything or anyone except for the story of course.


January 31
Author/s: EuNic monkey
Genre: Love, Angst, Pensive
Released : Feb 9, 2011
Status: Oneshot
Word Count: 3 220 words
Characters: reader and prefered SJ member

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It’s been awhile neh? Here I am standing on our favorite place. The snow is melting and I could see snowdrops blooming. Amidst the oppressing snow, the cypress tree stands tall and strong here, near the edge of the cliff. Look at that, a beautiful view of the sea nearby. So beautiful and serene I’ve got to say. My hand moves on its own as I start tracing its rough texture. Ah, this tree has been witness to a lot of our memories right? A very special tree in our hearts, indeed it is.

Do you remember the first time we met here? The snow is just melting and snowdrops are starting to bloom just like now. Yeah, it is January that time too, a month of new beginnings. I bear in mind both of us were carrying carnations. Actually, it is a single flower of white carnation. I remember we got it both from the same flower vendor nearby who just opened a flower shop and is giving away a flower of white carnation for good luck.

<FLASHBACK>

“Wah, so beautiful!” You squealed in admiration of the beautiful scene laid in front of your young eyes. Even in the cold atmosphere, the scene of the beautiful beach illuminated you. “Wah! So pretty!” You squealed once again, holding tight to a single white flower. Because of your tight hold, you accidentally squeezed it between your chin and your palm that it snaps into two. You can’t help but to cry. You can’t accept that something so beautiful snap broken to your hands. You crouch down, burying your weeping face behind your knees and then suddenly you heard someone spoke in front of you. You looked up finding a boy, standing there with uncertainty.

“Here, you can have this.” said the boy. He then pushes forward his right hand, carrying the flower you wanted. He looked away flushed but you didn’t bother with your innocent mind.

“Real-ly?” You sniffed. Still not looking back at you, he nodded. Just like in cue, you wiped off your tears and accepted that single flower. You were too delighted that you instantly hugged him. He was flushed more by the sudden reaction he got from you that he pushed you softly but strong enough for you to let go of him and then ran away. You stood there clueless that all you could do was to blink your eyes to his disappearing figure.

<END OF FLASHBACK>

Funny as it may seem but our first meeting was really memorable. Do you know the reason why? Because no matter how awkward we ended it, we still walk through life together. It just reminds me that we were meant to be. Maybe that single white carnation bonded us together.

<FLASHBACK>

Since your house was near the scenery you discovered yesterday, it became your favorite place. With your young spirit, you hopped your way to that place. But then someone was already there that you pouted for the reason that someone beat you coming there. However it didn’t stop you in enjoying that moment that you made up your mind staying and may be friend with that someone.

“Annyeong ha-, oh it’s you!” You greeted but gasped halfway as you saw the young man you met yesterday.

“What are you doing here?” He exclaimed.

“Eh, can’t I stay here?” You frowned on his reaction.

“No…” He looked away.

“Eh?! That’s unfair!” You said and tears started to dwell on face that you instantly cry. He looked at you worried and hesitant of what to do. He panicked and tried to hush you down.

“Ss-sssh! Don’t cry… you… uhm… ah, you can stay. I promise.” He tried to sooth you. You looked into him and wiped your tears with a smile, he instantly looked away. He sat back on the ground, his back facing you as his front faces the beautiful sunset that was unfolding. You just sat beside him and faced the same.

“From now on, you’ll be my best friend and I’ll be your best friend.” You broke the silence with a bold declaration.

“Huh?”

“That’s a promise okay?” You smiled at him, confusing him more. You just grabbed his hand and sealed your words with a pinky promise. He twinkled several times and slowly gave you a nod.

<END OF FLASHBACK>

Did you remember that summer, 13 years after our sealed promise? We were chasing each other at the beach nearby, trying to get there first to the cypress tree. We had a bet that whoever lost the race would treat the winner for an ice cream. It might sound childish with our ages that time but we didn’t care. We just played like the old times. But then something happened and it changed everything between us.

<FLASHBACK>

“Wah! I won’t let you!” You tried your best to win that race. He was ahead of you that he played a trick, stopping in front of you and blocking your way to the tree. There were only laughter and giggles that came from both of your mouth.

“Hahaha, I’ll definitely won!!!” He teased you more. You pouted your lips and pushes him softly but then he was imbalance that he slipped in the wet sand, pulling you on top of him. Both of you landed softly but you didn’t expect your lips too to land on something soft and it was in his lips.

You quickly stood up, avoiding his gaze as you felt your cheeks being flushed.

“I- I…” You started speaking, unsure of what you should say or do next. It was really awkward. He stood up too and dust a bit the sand off his short. He then walked towards you with a smile. “Come on, let’s just go there together. I’ll just treat you next time.” He said and offered you his hand. You felt your heart skipped a beat like everything stood still. But even if it was like that, your hand accepted his like you accepted him in your life.

<END OF FLASHBACK>

Nothing really changed after that. We still hanged out together but then maybe we just hided to each other how the kiss changed our eyes for each other. Until one day, like the first time we met, he had brought same kind of flower. But this time, it had a completely different meaning.

<FLASHBACK>

Like your routine every Saturday afternoon, after all your chores and home works were done, you went to the tree to meet up with him. You were holding into your notebook when you passed by the flower shop.

“Good afternoon!” The vendor greeted you.

“Oh, good afternoon to you too sir.” You smiled back to him.

“These are carnations right?” You asked about the familiar flower that caught your eyes.

“Yes, red carnations to be exact. It symbolizes admiration and the words I like you, my dear.” The vendor replied.

“Wow, the flower of admiration.” You gasped in awe. You then watched as the vendor carefully cut a single flower from the bunch and gave it to you.

“Here, give this to the person you admire… or maybe even to someone you like…” He smiled at you, giving that single flower. At first, you thought of your mother but the other meaning of the flower made you think otherwise and that made you blushed furiously.

“I… g-gomawo ahju-s-si…” You replied shyly. He smiled at you and patted your head and went to attend the other customers. You left the shop, still full of blush in your cheeks and a single red carnation in your hand.

You arrived at the place, finding it empty. You pouted at the fact you arrived there earlier that him. “Oh well…” You just shrugged the thought of waiting and sat near the tree, leaning your back on its big trunk. You started reading your notes in your notebook. Your eyes slowly closed when the breeze blew gently, carrying the scent of the beach. It made you relaxes, feeling the nice atmosphere the nature had to offer.

“Yosh~” Someone greeted that you instantly looked sideways and a forefinger was pointed at your cheek. “An- nyeong~” He greeted you in a cute manner as you smiled at him. He sat beside you that you failed to notice that he was hiding something from his back. Both of you enjoyed the view and there was silence until he decided to speak. “Did you know carnations were the flowers of January?” You looked at him a bit confused. You didn’t know why he was bringing such a random topic. It would be understandable if it was January now but now that summer breeze reigns, definitely it wasn’t January that day. “Well, I just remember it was January too when we first met.. You know, January 31… that time we are carrying the same flower and those are white carnations, right?” You nodded in his statement, touched that he remembered such details when both of you first met. You looked at him with determine eyes, wanting to know where this conversation was leading too. “Well, I found another color of carnations and I wanted to give it to you… something I can do when I can’t say it to you…” He grinned at you and you were confused more. “Here…” He then presented you a bouquet of carnations with color you didn’t expect.

“Red carnations?” You asked as you looked at him. You could see a hint of blush shading his cheeks as he nodded. “ W-why?” You slipped with your words feeling flushed.

“Well… I- I… how should I put this…” He stammered, in doubt how to explain. “Well, I wanted to say something but I can’t find the courage… so I just give you that flower to say to you what I want to say…” He said shyly but full of honest.

Your blush turned redder as you bit your lips. You took a deep breath then started narrating. “You know, before I arrived here. I passed by the flower shop… I was really curious about that flower I see that is so familiar yet in different color. He said it was red carnations, that’s why it is so familiar. He cut one for me and said give it to someone that implies the meaning of the flower. I thought I should give it to umma but I made the right choice not giving it to her.” You then looked again to him. “You do know of the red carnations right?” You asked. He was about to say something but choose to bit his lower lip. You knew that if he did that, it meant that he was caught or he couldn’t lie. You smiled then looked at the sunset that was unfolding. “It implies I like you… or may even I love you…” You added. You then got the single red flower you were keeping, looked at it and faced him once more. “ That’s why I’m giving it to you…” You said. Without a word he hugged you tight then whispered on your ears.

“Saranghae…”

“Na doo saranghae…” You replied. He then let go of you and the held your chin, capturing your lips. Under the limelight of the setting sun, you were held close by the man you love.

<END OF FLASHBACK>

Days turn weeks. Weeks turn months. We never have felt dull just being with each other. Closer we stay, as our love blooms deeper. But like any relationships, there will be a time when we need to let go and say goodbye. In order to go further, we need to set each other free. But we’ll remain together in our hearts, won’t we? Like the cypress tree that is faithful to witness our love, we will be faithful to our love.

<FLASHBACK>

The wind blew gently, the winter was leaving to give off for the spring that was coming. Warmed by your thick clothes, you stood there beside the cypress tree as you watched the calming waves nearby. You felt something would change like how the wind change pertaining January would turn February after this last day of the month and never be delayed.

“I’m sorry if I called you on such a short notice.” He spoke from your back that snapped you back to reality.

“Ani… gwenchana…” You smiled but it was half-hearted for you felt heavy within your heart.

“Say… I… uhm…” He started but couldn’t find the right words to continue. He couldn’t even looked into your eyes and you knew that he was afraid… afraid to tell it to you ad hurt you.

You walked towards him and cupped his cheeks, giving him strength with a simple gesture you could offer. “Take a deep breath… and the say it…” You gave him an assuring smile. You knew it somehow, what would be store to both of you afterwards. But there was something that made you calm right that moment despite the tension that was rising. Slowly, he closed his eyes and snuggled under your touch. You couldn’t help but to shed one lonely tear drop because with all your might, you stopped the others to fall.

“I’m sorry…” You could see tear pouring down from his closed eyes that you wiped it off. You could no longer hold it that you finally let go the rest of your threatening tears.

“I need to g-go… and say… g-goodbye to us… I’m sorry… but it’s over for us… I m-must…” He broke his words as he cried. Your tears were getting deeper and heavier. It was hard to stop that you felt breaking down any moment but you held yourself together and faced him with a smile.

“Then I am letting you go..” You started then sniff. He was holding onto your hand that was cupping his left cheeks.

“But always remember this arasso… I will and always will love you… goodbye isn’t an end but a start of a new point in life. I know someday we’ll meet again. By that time, I know my heart still beats for you and forever will be faithful like our own cypress tree, faithful to where it stands. I’ll be waiting… till we meet again.” You said to him and kiss him on his lips, sealing another promise you would fulfill. You got his hand and placed a white carnation. “Goodluck in fulfilling your dreams… I love you…” Your final words too him and ran back to your only sanctuary right that moment, your house.

On the other hand, he stood there still weeping. It might sound selfish but he knew it would b better. With one final tear rolling on his cheek, he looked up and smile. Under the limelight of the sunset, he mouthed words only the wind would know. Maybe the wind would deliver it to you.

“Thank you… saranghae…”

<END OF FLASHBACK>

6 years may have passed and changes might have occurred but something stays the same. I still keep looking back to the memories we have created before, hoping one day we’ll do more in the future. My heart stills beats for you. My body still yearns for your warm. I wonder if I’ll be given another chance to hold you in my arms. I admit I lose hope sometimes but I know someday we’ll meet again and talk about those times, creating new one together. When that time comes, under the sunset, I’ll find courage to say those words I couldn’t before.

Now that I found you… Would you give a chance to those things? Meet me at our place this Monday, Jan. 31, 2011… I’ll be waiting.

You folded the letter you received two days ago when you arrived from America and put it back to its place. You heaved a sigh as memories of the past came back to you. Yes, a lot had change within those 6 years. He was now a successful and popular idol that was loved by many. Right after he pursued his dreams, you migrated to another country to further your studies and now both of you were successful in your own fields. But like him, there were things that are still the same. You still loved him and like you promised him that day, you were still waiting for him. You took a deep breath then proceeded to your destination. There was uncertainty of what would happen after everything that had passed. After minutes, your destination was getting closer that you felt chill in your spine. Perhaps you were anxious or nervous. After all of those years, could it work out like before? You noticed the flower shop from before and it was still the same except this time there were two attendants now. One was the flower vendor from the time together now with his wife. You smiled at them when you saw them smiling at you. They still remembered you and you were thankful. You walked further and a big tree was on the view. The cypress tree still stood there amidst the snow that coated it in winter, amidst the years that had pass.

“He is right…” you smiled. Finally, you arrived at the place. The cool breeze blew softly and you could smell the beach nearby. It felt like Déjà vu coming back once again. It was like the time when both of you first met, when snow drops came blooming and the cypress tree stood tall and proud. Years had passed yet it was flesh in your mind. Too bad this time you didn’t have a flower of white carnation. You wanted to give it to him, not for Good luck but for something else.

Suddenly, a bouquet of the flower you wanted the most came in your front from a hand from someone in your back. You instantly looked back and tears started pouring on its accord. You automatically hugged them man in front of you and he did the same. He held you in his arms like he wanted to o fall all of those years. Words weren’t needed for your each others’ presence was already enough. But like what he wanted to do, he spoke near your ears. “Thank you… I love you…” and captured your lips.

Under the sunlight, both of you sat under the tree. His arm was around your shoulders as your was leaning on his shoulder. Both your back rested comfortably to the tree trunk. The sun was setting, hiding its grace under the horizons of the endless ocean and it warmed your hearts. There was only silence until he spoke once again. “Oh, this is for you. A perfect flower to describe us… after all of those yeas…” He said to you will full of himself.

You looked at him with a smirk and a raised of your eyebrow, “Oh, really? And why is that?” You asked in a teasing manner.

He pouted for he knew what it meant when you reacted like that. “Why bother telling when I know you already know what I’m going to reveal.”

You chuckled a bit then faced him. “That’s because I want to hear it from you…”

“pure love… we felt nothing but pure love for each other…”

“Exactly…” You replied and nuzzled under his embrace.



------------------


In that day when snowdrops blooms even if the snow just started melting, in the last day of that month, when January turns February…it was January 31 when two people met carrying the carnation of pure love.

January 31, a day when changes will happen as it will turn to another new month, saying goodbye to the first month of the year yet a turning point for a new hope. Even so, some things still doesn’t change truthful to its purpose like the cypress tree that signifies faithfulness, their love still held on to each other through all of those years. Together, they’ll face the future with open arms.


FIN.




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Author's Notes:
I'm running late so I'll edit this later... Leave comment, please and thank you...

Edited:
This is just something I wanted to share in celebration of my 18th birthday last January 31… hehe… I wanted to post it that day but certain commitments strain me from posting it so it’s kinda late. Sorry about that. I hope you do like it. I tried my best to mash up everything related to my birthday and one of my favorite songs which is Kaze by Arashi… I don’t know if I did okay since I know it’s a bit confusing or even not related to each other… I think? Waaah!!! Please be the judge of that. Maybe by reading this, you’ll know me better especially my personalities… LOL~ That’s all. You know how comments make me happy so please leave some. Tell me too who you imagine.

Story inspired by:
- KAZE by Arashi (one of my favorite songs)

Facts:
- January's birth flower is the Carnation or Snowdrop.
Colors of Carnations: White carnations suggest pure love and good luck. Light red carnations, are used to represent admiration, while, dark red is meant to convey deeper sentiments of love and affection. Purple carnations imply whimsy and flightiness. A yellow carnation means disappointment, and rejection. Pink carnations carry the greatest significance, beginning with the belief that they first appeared on earth from the Virgin Mary's tears, when she wept for Jesus as he carried his cross - thus making them the symbol of a mother's undying love. Pink carnations are also given as a sign of thanks or gratitude.

Snowdrops are one of the first flowers to appear in the year and so they symbolize the hope of new life. They sometimes even appear before the snow has melted. Some say it is bad luck to pick them and bring them indoors. A single snowdrop in the house is seen as an omen of death because the petals look like a shroud. Young girls who pick them before Valentine's Day will not marry that year.

- January's trees are Fir, Elm and Cypress
The Cypress Tree symbolism includes understanding the role of sacrifice and is associated with the god of the underworld, Hades.

- January 25 to February 3: Cypress, the Faithfulness
Strong, muscular, adaptable, takes what life has to give, happy,content,optimistic, needs enough money and acknowledgment, hates loneliness, passionate lover which cannot be satisfied, faithful, quick-tempered,unruly, pedantic and careless.