Shooting Star. A love Story. Ch.6-7. Birthday. Autumn changes

6. Birthday

 

     Kenzo’s thirtieth birthday was celebrated with great fuss by his friends, despite his protests. They’ve  decided to throw a huge party and reclaim him, after such long absence. Half smiling, half annoyed, he followed them and relaxed a bit. His mind was totally elsewhere.

-You look changed, but in a good way-said one of his old friends, holding out a glass of drink  to him. You’re slim, tanned and surprisingly silent. Where’s that wild party guy I knew from high school?-he continued teasingly.

-I might have grown out of that-grinned Kenzo. And before you get worried: I feel fine! But thanks anyway for this party and remembering my birthday despite my long silence. Cheers, my friend!

-Hmmmm….I think you’re under some spell. Could it be Benzaiten’s touch?-asked the friend with a wink.

    But before Kenzo could answer that, a noisy group of youth, boys and girls came for the birthday man and called him to cut the cake.The rest of the evening he spent trying to escape the attempts of various female guests in getting him drunk and  perhaps engaged to one of them.He skillfully avoided all traps, making sure he wasn’t hurting anyone’s feelings. By midnight, he excused himself and JT drove him home.

     A warm, dim light was filtering through the glass panel of his living room and Kenzo stepped in, looking around inquisitively. A small, lit candle, nesting inside a lotus flower was flickering on the table, sending dancing shadows on the walls of the room. He recognised the  familiar scent of his love seconds before Ren’s arms encircled him from behind.

-You are the most beautiful gift !-murmured Kenzo, turning in his embrace.

-JT let me in-whispered Ren. I wanted to surprise you.

-You did and JT knows me well. Kenzo hold his love closer and buried his face in Ren’s hair, breathing in deeply. For a moment, the Universe ceased to exist around them. It was just the silence of the night and the rhythm of two hearts beating together: tadam, tadam…

   The first rays of the sun found them sipping coffee together on the balcony. Down below, the city was stretching its limbs and cracking its fingers, gurgling, hissing and buzzing louder and louder.

The morning light put a rosy sheen on Ren’s cheeks while Kenzo  was glancing at him furtively. He sighed, then blurted out:

-My uncle is coming today to visit. This has become an annual tradition lately. He keeps “encouraging” me to find a girl and marry her, settle down and give our family an heir. I keep trying to elude his offers but I don’t want to hurt him either. He raised me with love and affection since I was fifteen, after my parents died in an accident.So, it will take a few days till we can meet again….

 Ren bit his lower lip and kept silent for a moment. Then he turned to Kenzo with a gentle smile.

-Your uncle sounds very much like my father. He warned me before we went to the sea that he would want to have a serious talk with me. So, I can imagine what it would be about….

-It looks like we are doomed -continued Ren, chuckling.

-Let’s hope we are not!-grinned Kenzo. I still have a few aces up in my sleeve!-he added with a wink.

   They stood up and Ren took his bag, ready to leave.

-I must go now! You’ll find me feeding the Koi when you’ll be available!-he said, facing Kenzo.

    The goodbye kiss was long and bitter sweet. Fate was casting a long shadow upon them and they were sensing its chill, despite all bravery.

 

7. Autumn changes

  

 

         Uncle Seiji Nishimura was a venerable gentleman. Kenzo’s father had been his younger brother and the fatal accident left him heartbroken and responsible with the raising of his teenage nephew. The following 15 years had built a strong bond between them, so naturally, uncle Seiji wanted to see Kenzo fulfilled in all aspects.

     He was proud of the young man’s achievements, but  kept being concerned of his lack of interest in starting a family of its own. With Kenzo attaining his thirtieth birthday, he came to visit, determined to get a proper result this time.

-Don’t try to charm me off my feet, Kenzo!-he said laughing, as they embraced each other. I’ve learned your tricks these years. This year it’s my turn to make the rules and since I have to pay a visit to a distinguished  gentleman, I hope you will accompany me!

-I will, uncle! Don’t worry.-said Kenzo with a grin. JT will take us wherever you want.

-Good!-nodded approvingly the old man. Then tell him to be ready for tomorrow afternoon.

        The car rolled slowly into the quiet street. It was a pleasant area, far from noise and crowd, well protected by trees and colorful gardens. They stopped in front of a house bearing the lines of  classical architecture, adjusted to the needs of modern comfort. A tidy row of bushes was lining the pathway to the house. Uncle and nephew walked together to the door and a tall and lean man in his late sixties opened it , inviting them in a pleasant, slightly raspy voice:

-Please, come into my modest house!-he said with a polite bow.

 Uncle Seiji  returned the bow and presented Kenzo to their host.

-Professor Shibata! Allow me to introduce my nephew, Kenzo Nishimura!

-I’m honored, Professor Shibata!-bowed Kenzo.

-Come, come in, gentlemen!- said the Professor with a warm smile. It’s a good time for a tea and some talk.

   He guided them to a  well lit, spacious room, with walls covered in shelves full of books. They sat down around a low table.

-Sumiko!-said the host. You can bring in the tea.

    The girl carrying the silver tray of tea and cups was young and graceful. She moved quickly and with ease, serving each guest.

-My daughter, Sumiko!-introduced her the Professor. Sumiko, these are my old friend, Seiji Nishimura and his nephew, Kenzo Nishimura.

    She greeted them with such natural grace that for a moment Kenzo felt ….intimidated. She was so different from all the girls he ever met. And then, there was that lingering sense of familiarity that baffled him. He was certain he had never met her before; yet….Huh! He dismissed the feeling and focused on the conversation.

-Sumiko, why don’t you show Kenzo-san our garden while we talk here inside?-said the father after the tea.

-Sure, Father!-she said and turned to the young man. Kenzo-san! Do you like flowers?-she asked briskly. Taken by surprise, Kenzo reddened and muttered something.

    The garden was neat and well proportioned. Some narrow pathways were crisscrossing it, coiling around artful bushes and small flower beds. At the end of the garden, half hidden by the flow of Kana vines, there was a tiny pavilion, basking in the light of late summer dusk.

-Interesting!-said Kenzo. I see that you have a pavilion, but no pond nearby….

-It was Mom’s idea-said Sumiko. She wanted a pond with fish too, but Father was afraid we might fall in it, so they built only this. Sometimes we have blue flowers planted around it, like it’s water….

-You said “we”….

-Yes. Me and my younger brother. We were very small at that time….The pavilion became a playground and hiding place for us. Even now, he’s the one spending time reading inside the pavilion.He might be in there! Let me call him.

 She took a few steps forward and called:

-Ren! Ren!! Are you there?!

   Kenzo’s heart stopped. “NO!”-he shouted inwardly. “No! It cannot be!” But he already knew the answer. He just realised why Sumiko looked so familiar: she resembled a lot to Ren. They were brother and sister after all….Then, he heard him answering her call.

-Sumi?

    The curtain of Kana split and the youth stepped out in the light, trying to locate his sister. He saw Kenzo and froze, but Sumiko didn’t notice the exchange of glances. She grabbed her brother’s hand.

-Come on, Ren! We have visitors. I am Nishimura-san’s tour guide in our garden, while his uncle is talking with Father. Nishimura-san, this is my brother,Ren!

-Pleased to meet you!-said Kenzo, trying to capture Ren’s gaze. He could see how pale the youth  has turned.

-I’m honored!-replied Ren politely and his voice cracked for a moment. He took a deep breath, continuing: You will both excuse me, I feel a bit dizzy because of the sun. Anyway, Sumiko is the best tour guide one can have; so, enjoy your time in the garden!

  He put a peck on Sumiko’s cheek and hurried to the house. His eyes were dark with despair.

-Please don’t take him wrong, Kenzo-san!-said Sumiko worriedly. Ren is a very sensitive person and he suffered a lot when our Mom died. He was only two years old at that time….

-I can understand, Sumiko-san. I know how it feels. I’ve lost my parents when I was a teenager. I would suggest that we return to the house; your brother might need you and I think my uncle is ready to go home too. Thank you for your kindness in showing me around!

    Sumiko blushed.

-You’re welcome, Kenzo-san. Anytime.

 

Shooting Star. A Love Story.Ren

Professor Hideo Shibata was a well respected academic. He was a widower who have raised alone his two children, Sumiko and Ren. He was a shy and serious man in his forties, with a good name, a good job and already a good social status when he married Akemi. Though it was an arranged marriage in the tradition holding strong then, Hideo tried his best to make her happy and showered his very young wife with love and attention. She gave him two beautiful children; but after only six years of marriage, she died unexpectedly.

  At that time, Ren was only two years old and it was his sister, Sumiko who was three years older, who became his protector and surrogate mother. Consequently, she matured quickly,  growing into a lovely, responsible and reliable young girl, who was devoted both to her poetic little brother and their aging father. Ren adored her ;but with his father, he’d never really found a true line of communication. Ren was almost his mother’s incarnation in features and soul and for professor Shibata, that was both a joy and a constant reminder of his unexplainable loss. After finishing her studies at the university, Sumiko took a job and she also volunteered at a few charities. Ren was still studying….and sometimes, he was skipping courses for daydreaming in the Kana covered red pavilion.

   As for Kenzo, the following day, he was standing before the vegetal curtain a good half hour earlier, hoping that the elusive young man that has stuck in his mind, was inside the pavilion. He had spent what was left of his previous day trying to sort out his own feelings.

-I think I’ve got a sunstroke! My goodness! Why am I so strung up?-he murmured, pacing up and down his room. He’s just a boy! I’ve seen hundreds like him; they came in my life and left without a trace. Then why do I keep seeing him before my eyes ?!

   But he already knew the answer; this was not a boy like the others. The moment their gaze connected, Kenzo was hooked. Those deep, dark eyes reminded him of the silent, mysterious high mountain lakes, with limpide, clear waters. What he had seen inside them was a mixture of innocence and sensuality, with a tint of  autumn melancholy. And he fell in love.

   So, the next morning, he woke up early and called for JT to drive him to the park.  He reached the pavilion, stopped for a moment to catch his breath and then pushed aside the curtain of leaves with a firm hand. He knew what he wanted. And Ren was there.

The youth was sitting in the corner, leafing through a book. A few drawings were piled up beside him.

-Hello, Ren!-said Kenzo with a smile accomplice. Skipping courses again?

Ren looked up from his book, tilting his head.

-Good day to you, Nishimura-san! Nice to see you….again!-he replied, raising an eyebrow.

His eyes were sparkling with humor. The book was shut with a sudden clap and the youth stood up. He gathered his belongings swiftly and put them in his bag, removing a bulging paper pouch from there.

– I thought you might want to see the Koi in the pond so I brought some lettuce to feed them. Would you join me?-he asked, looking at Kenzo.

-Why not?-said the young man. But where can we find them?

-There’s a small ladder leading to a bench carved in rock behind the pavilion. If we wait patiently, the Koi will swim up to that place. They already know me; I bring them goodies each time. Come, let me show you!

   Kenzo followed him incredulously; the ladder was well hidden in the shadow. They both descended and walked till they found the rock bench. The waters of the pond were gently rocking under the sun. Ren shared the lettuce with Kenzo and they both crouched on the gravel.

-Tap gently the water so they would know  that we are here-said Ren encouragingly.

Kenzo followed his advice and delved his fingers in the l pond, sending small ripples ahead.

-Now what?- he asked Ren, eyeing him from aside.

-Now we wait-replied the youth with a grin.

       The shadow upon the water split and a huge white fish with blazing red patches swam up to them. It was heading straight to Ren, like it was greeting an old friend. The youth slowly handed him bits of salad and the Koi gobbled all joyfully. Then new ripples announced another visitor and this time; the dark head of a black Koi with red rimmed fins emerged from the depth before Kenzo, waiting for its treat. The young man was mesmerized. He carefully plucked the salad and fed his new friend, unaware of Ren’s intent gaze upon him.

Shooting Star. A Love Story.Introduction.

1. Intro

 

   At almost 30, Kenzo Nishimura was considered a golden boy and an eligible bachelor by the social medium. He was running a flourishing family business and he was a very pleasant young man, the heart of many events and parties that kept the front page of the magazines. Girls and boys were flocking around him and tabloids loved to “marry” him almost weekly with another socialite. Despite everyone’s diligent work on nailing him and bringing him to the altar, Kenzo kept smiling and moved on…..alone. Marriage was not high on his list yet.

   By the time summer moved into the city, Kenzo was fed up with the noise and agitation around him and decided to put an end to it. Abruptly. He refused to accept  any more party invitations and to take calls from his previous fun-buddies. His change of heart created a small commotion among the socialites; but then, another bright star of the parties took his place and became the number one attraction for the gossip columns. Kenzo followed the change of guards in the papers and news with a smirk and decided to take a vacation.

     It was a fine  day of mid June, with clear blue sky and showering sunshine. Kenzo left the office and took his car that was waiting for him at the entrance. Jun Tanaka, the driver (orJT, as Kenzo affectionately called him), was a man in his late fifties, dedicated to his young master ever since Kenzo was born. He was both  driver and guardian angel, and he knew him better than Kenzo would’ve admitted. This was a special bond that became stronger with the untimely death of Kenzo’s parents in a highway accident.

-I think I need an escape from the city-said Kenzo, hopping on the seat behind Taro. I leave it to you where we go!

   With an affirmative nod, the older man started the engine and they left the busy avenue. He stopped the car at the gates of a large  and seemingly deserted park. There were only a few people walking around or sitting on the benches. It was an odd hour and people were either at work or in schools. The place itself was bearing  calming, soothing beauty, with large areas of well trimmed grass, crisscrossing pathways, tree clusters. There was also a larger pond with small islands and a few colorful pavilions covered in Wisteria blossom and greenery, scattered along the shore.

  Eyes wide open in amazement, Kenzo left the car and walked through the gates. He left his mind wander, following the pathways around this unknown place. He breathed in the mixed scent of heated grass and flowers, admiring the artful garden arrangements, the graceful entwining of various trees and climbing vines. Soon,  he found himself near the pond, heading to a shadier, smaller pavilion painted in red, with cascading Kana covering the entrance.

    With a hand, he parted the curtain of greenery and stopped abruptly,  facing a person coming from inside. The first thing popping up in Kenzo’s mind was a line from ancient poetry: “His beauty can put the moon to shame.” It was younger than him, somewhere in his early twenties and a palm shorter than Kenzo. But he was lean and graceful, with deep, dreamy eyes in the oval of his face. The nicely curved lips and the straight, thin nose completed his features. From the casual outfit, you’d taken him for a student. As Kenzo was staring at him, the youth reddened a bit, then smiled and stepped aside, inviting him into the pavilion.

-Please!-he said. Come in and enjoy the place..Are you ok? -he asked, looking at Kenzo who was seemingly unable to utter a sound.

  With a gulp,Kenzo  regained his composure and returned the smile.

-Oh…yes, yes.I’m fine. It’s just…I didn’t expect to find anyone here. The park is so quiet and looks almost empty.

  The youth shook his head with a small laughter .

-Yes, people are busy working at this hour. That’s why I came here, skipping the courses but I have to go now. It was nice to talk to you. Have a pleasant day!-he said, preparing to leave.

-It was  my pleasure too-replied Kenzo. Let me introduce myself, before you leave! My name is Kenzo Nishimura.

-I know-said the young man, with a playful glimmer in his dark eyes. I’ve recognised you, when you entered. Your face is on the cover of every magazine. My name is Ren and I really have to go now! Goodbye, Nishimura-san!

  With a courteous bow, he slipped through the curtain of leaves and disappeared, leaving behind Kenzo with a strange, tingling sensation deep inside. There was a trace of ungraspable magic left behind by the youth, something that stuck with Kenzo, stirring the waters of his soul. He rushed to the entrance, leaving the pavilion in a hurry, trying to catch a glimpse of the departing youth. But he was nowhere to be seen. He  had vanished into thin air. Swallowing a jest of disappointment, Kenzo returned to his car.

-Thank you!-he said to JT, making himself comfortable in the rear seat. I think I found a new favorite spot for myself!