Chapter 72 - ? Yellow Ribbon ? (1/2)

Hinata kept silent company as Rika drove the dirt roads up a mountain side. His attention caught the fleeting sight of yellow flowers along the road side. He felt the faded yellow ribbon tied to his hair.  A promise he had made with Eiji surfaced to his mind.

It was made during summer the year before.

They had settled into their new home in Mimaki about the time the local shrine was holding a summer festival.

A lot of families had gathered to celebrate and enjoy a treasured moment before their men left for war.

A lasting scent of morning glory was carried on warm winds, which gently stirred through a milling crowd of young children tugging their mothers kimono's for treats, or running around carefree between elegant women in bright floral kimono's, charming men in manly yukata's or dressed in their uniforms ready for war.

Swaying high in the warm night air were strings of festive coloured lanterns. Running rows along many box stalls.

The lanterns formed a procession towards the steps of the main worship area where offerings were given.

Hinata and Eiji had given their offerings together and placed their ema with Okamisama.

The mood was light, pleasant and comfortable as they strolled through the crowds to see each stall that were either selling food, trinkets or fun with side-show games.

It was sweetened with children's laughter or young love being treasured or discovered with fervent gestures, hand holding or cuddles.

Hinata experienced euphoria as he strolled side-by-side with Eiji in matching blue yukata's, with the clacking of their geta's making the same rhythm along the pavement.

They had played some of the games, shared yakisoba on a step beneath the waxing moonlight, and scooped for goldfish. A skill Eiji mastered.

Hinata carried his bag of orange goldfish with care to make sure it would stay alive. The bag had been sealed with a bright yellow ribbon for that extra touch.

”Hina-chan. Come.” Eiji had said when he led Hinata away from the main activity.

They had wandered out of the shrine grounds and entered the sunflower meadows that ran into the fields of their backyard.

”Where we're going?” Hinata frowned, concerned they were going to lose their way amongst the tall stalks that concealed their presence from the moonlight.

Eiji held Hinata's hand tighter as they continued their trek closer towards their home.

He led them up a path to a discreet clearing in the woods, where the moon beamed brightly over a rock crop that they could sit on.

They sat on the rocks, snuggling close to each other.

The sky was clear and high above the trees with the warm breeze playing through their hair.

Hinata frowned when he realized that his own hair had grown almost past his shoulders.

”Oh dear. I need a cut.” He examined his long tufts.

”Your hair is beautiful. I like it long.” Eiji dreamily ran his fingers through Hinata's hair. Drawing him into a tender kiss.

Hinata swooned and eased into Eiji's embrace. If only this moment could last forever. They both knew that tomorrow was another day close to when Eiji had to return to war.

Hinata didn't understand why. Eiji had finished his term with the navy, and with honours. Why re-enlist?

”Why do you have to go back to war?” Hinata whispered to Eiji's chest.

”We need the money. Japan needs soldiers.” Eiji's voice was deep and heavy against Hinata's ears.