Pat 1102

Monotone Love

Man, what a really long trip Basil speaks as he stretches himself out, standing in

front of a train that he has just walk out.

A cool breeze makes him feel cold again after sitting in the coach with a heater for a

long time. His hands are shaking a little bit and the pollen of flowers that came with the

breeze makes him sneeze.

I guess I really need to wear this coat again then, maybe a mask too Basil mumbles

to himself as he stroll along the fence that blocks him from the outside world. Sigh, I guess I

am somewhat allergic to these flowers then. He grabs the top of the fence and looks at the

park down below.

The park is so crowded that he couldnt even see the pathway, maybe there are some

festival going on there. The trees around the park are full of pinkish white flowers with a

group of people sitting below them.

As he is walking down the stairs, he looks at how different the place looks compare to

his homeland. The sound of people echoing through the hallway, the crowded food stall on

the side of the corridor and the monotonous voice from the speaker announcing the schedule

of the train.

I wish the train station at my hometown has something like this he talks to himself

again as he looks for the right exit that was written on a paper given to him earlier.

In the moment that he is walking toward the exit, something catch his attention. Its a

basket that has just fell, rolling towards him and a girl who is trying to pick up the various

plants that has just fell out. He stops the basket that has nearly roll pass him and picks it up.
Pat 1102

Here He then returns the basket to its owner ....Thanks The girl replied

emotionlessly, as she looks up towards Basil with her emotionless amber eyes. Something

make Basil feels weird when he looks at her, maybe its the color of her eyes, maybe its how

she stares straight into his, or maybe its just something unexplainable. As she starts to stand

up and step her toes forward, Basil grabs her small hand without thinking. As he starts to

bring back his consciousness, he flinch and pulls his hand out quickly. His eyes widened as if

hes shocked at something. Sorry! I I didnt mean to do that!

Its ok The girl answers as if nothing has happened, her violet hair waves as she

walks away leaving Basil behind with frustration.

What was that? Why did I do that on a girl that I just met? He thinks to himself,

blushing and covering his face with both of his hands, sitting down like someone who just got

punched. Oh god What a bad start for my trip He thinks to himself again as he look at

the gray metal watch on his wrist. Its nearly time now, stop thinking about it Basil, think as

if nothing has happened. He stand up quickly and rush to the exit, as he arrived to the exit he

found someone is waiting for him. Excuse me, are you Mister Ocimum basilicum A

stranger with a white hair ask Basil as he walks out of the exit.

Yes, so you must be Mister Cornus Kousa? Basil turn his head to the person and

ask. Hahaha, Yes nice to meet you, Nick names Kousa, just call me that Kousa smiles,

staring at Basil with his pinkish red eyes.

Im Basil. nice to meet you too Basil then bow his tall body while Kousa reach out

his hand to shake with Basils. They look at each other awkwardly and then laugh.

They taught you well! It seems Kousa said surprisingly.

They also taught you well too! Basil replied.

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Well then, let get your stuff back to the dorm and go out for lunch Kousa said to

Basil as he walks forward.

Err Yeah Basil then follow him to the dorm.

It looks kind of old... Basil stares at the gate a bit disappointed. The entrance is

an old Japanese style gate, with an old inari statue in the front. The front gate has a sign

hanging on it, it looks so old maybe more than 30 years old.

Yeah...I know Kousa also stares at the dorm, but with a little grin on his face Its a

little bit weird for a dorm to be like this He turns to basil as he walk towards the gate. The

inside is a lot better though, come in He open the gate and walks inside, Basil follows him.

On both side of the path are bamboo trees growing about two or three meters tall, it covers

the pathway with shade and dead leaves. Kousa leads Basil to a little red bridge that cross

over the pond. There, Koi and Sturgeons can be seen lying under the shade of a clump of

cattails. On the way, Kousa and Basil exchange conversation about their daily life. As they

walk a little bit further, they reach the front of the dorm.

Well... forget I said before, this place looks amazing Basil is astonished by how the

dorm looks.

Hahaha, welcome to the dorm mate Kousa laugh as he slaps Basil shoulder. Well

then, lets get you to your room Kousa smile as he turn to Basil.

Yeah! Basil smile back, both laugh joyfully. About one hour later, Kousa then ask Basil

whether if wants to go out or not

Its nearly noon now, shall we go out Kousa ask Basil who is arranging the stuff.

Sure, just a sec lets me finish up this first Basil replied back as he remove the last gear from

his bag.
Pat 1102

After Basil finish his task, they walk out to an alley nearby. They walk past a plant

shop that grabs Basils Attention. Basil stop by to look at something.

This looks very familiar, I must have seen it somewhere before Basil thinks to

himself.

Thats from Eburia, its one of my pottery collection A woman walks out from the

store with an umbrella.

Oh thats why it looks familiar, its from my country Basil replied to himself.

There are more of those in the store if you are interested, I also have plants from that

zone too The woman said as she open up her umbrella.

If you are interested in something you can ask my niece, shes inside the store The

woman walks out of the store hurriedly.

Hey Basil, Do you want me to order anything for you! Kousa shouts from the front

of the restaurant.

Yeah! Just order what you think is the best! Basil replied back.

Ok, I will be waiting then! Kousa then enters the restaurant.

Basil enters the shop with some curiosity, the shop is decorated by many plants and

potteries. As basil step toward the back of the store, he walks past an old picture that is

hanging on the side of the counter. The picture consists of a woman, a man, and a girl, It

looks like joyful family. Then a noise can be heard coming from the back of the store. As

Basil gets closer the sound starts to get louder. A girl is sitting on an old plastic chair, singing

and cutting down branches and leaves from a rose. Basil recognized her, she is the girl who

he help at the train station. Basil stares at her, captivated by her beauty. The sound of a phone

call interrupt his daydreaming, it also interrupt the song that the girls mumbling.
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When are you going to come?! Your food is cooling down! Kousa talks through the

phone.

Sorry! Im coming right away! He quietly talk to Kousa, not knowing that the girl

knows about his presence.

Excuse me, are you interested in something? As Basil turns to the direction the girl,

she is standing in front of him.

Err Sorry! Im just looking around His voice shook as he looks the other way.

Ok... If you have any questions I will be at the counter The girl said tonelessly as

she walks away.

Basil leaves store quietly, with his face as red as a chilli

Pat 1102

The next morning.

This school is huge Basil eyes widened, astonished by how big the school is. As

he walk into the school, he heard some whispers from a group of girls that was looking

towards them a while ago.

Is that Kousa Senpai?

Yes, thats him

Hes so cool!

Whos that tanish guy walking with him?

Is he the new exchange student?

He looks kinda nerd

But hes kind of cute though

After they walk pass those girls, Basil then talks to Kousa

Youre kinda popular, those girls are freaking out when they see you

I know, I wish Im not, though Kousa replied back

Why? I thinks its kinda good, having people asking you out for a date or receiving

chocolates from lots of girls Basil replied back, unexpected of the answer Kousa gave to him

earlier.

Well, I dont really like people to bother me, besides I like to make others feel happy

more than making them cry Kousa replied back as he walk up the stair into the building.

I see Basil then follow Kousa.

Pat 1102

By the way, you are in the same class as me so just follow me Kousa said after they

reach the stairs inside.

As they reach the front of the classroom, someone shout from afar .

Good morning Kousa A tall, skinny man wearing a brown t-shirt and a black jeans

greets Kousa as he walks to the front of the classroom.

Good morning Mr. Willow, how was the blind date Kousa turns his head quickly as

if he was expecting this to happened.

Itsucks, absolutely He speaks melancholically, sighing and looking down at the

ground.

Hahaha, I was expecting that Kousa replied as he steps into the classroom.

Err...Are you alright mister? Basil asked worriedly.

No, I got used to it already Willow replied back.

You're the exchange student name Basil, right? Willow asked as he look the

namelist in his hand.

Yes, Mister... Basil answered as he nod his head.

Im Willow, your homeroom teacher. Pleasure to meet you Willow replied, looking

at Basil.

Nice to meet you too, Mr. Willow Basil smile and bow down a little.

Ill tell you when to come in and introduce yourself to the others. Also just to let you

know, if I look like Im depressed, its just the way I look so dont freak out or something

Willow took his greenish eyes off Basil and follows Kousa inside.

What a weird man Basil thinks to himself.

Pat 1102

Alright everyone, Today we have a new student coming to our class. Be good friends

with him Willow talks before he yawn and sit on the chair next to blackboard. He calls Basil

into the room and starts to yawn again.

Basil then enters the classroom and starts to introduce himself. As he take a glimpse at

the students in the front of him, he see someone familiar. Its the girl from the shop that he

entered. Hes a little bit shock at time, but also a little bit happy.

You can sit next to Crocus at the back of the room Willow point to the desk next to

the girl that Basil was looking earlier.

He walks to desk and sit down. He looks at Crocus, but she didnt seem to notice his

presence.

Err... Hello Basil talks to Crocus who is looking out at the the window.

Crocus turns slowly, as she starts to a say something.

Hi She answers with a toneless voice and then turns back and look at the flowers

outside. Basil is confused, he has never met someone this quiet before.

Im Basil. nice to meet you Basil tries to talk with her again.

Im Crocus nice to meet you too... Shes still looking at the outside world, resting

her chin on her tender hand

The day turns into dusk, as well as the people in the school. Its about 17.10 now and

Basil and Kousa is going back to the dorm. On their way back, they talk about how Basil

thinks about the school and how different it is from Basils old school. Its going to be a long

Journey for him..

Pat 1102

Its nearly 2 months from that moment. Basil now starts to know how he feels about

the lonely quiet girl name Crocus, his affection starts to grow stronger and stronger towards

her but he kept it with himself.

My friend I thinkI..have fell in love with Crocus Basil talks to Kousa as they

are walking back to the dorm.

Really! what are you going to do next, mate? Kousa sounds very surprised as he

smiles towards Basil.

I dont really know, thats why Im telling you right now. I want some advice Basil

sighs, a little bit depressed.

I heard that she is currently working at her Aunts plant store. Why dont you try

working there, I think it would be one way to help bonding your relationship Kousa said

Yeah, I think thats a very good idea. Thanks man Basil replied with a smile on his

face. I have to go now, bye! Basil then runs off ahead of Kousa

See you, friend! Kousa smile as he walks back to the dorm.

Basil rushes to store, expecting it to be closed because its about nearly 7 pm. now.

When he arrives the door is half closed, the same woman that he saw earlier is watering the

plants in front of the store.

Excuse me, I want to register as an employee here. Do I have to fill in a form or

something? Basil asked the woman, frustratedly.

The woman looks at Basil and starts to laugh. Hahahaha, you dont have to be that

formal, were not that kind of store

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Im Bracken, the owner of this shop. Come in first She said as she walks into the

shop. As they sit down on wooden round table, Bracken asks Basil.

Why would you to want to work here? Bracken ask as she drinks her earl grey tea.

I like tree and Plants and.. You know Basil replied with a little bit of lies.

I see, I got many exotic plants, I can take you for a look Bracken said as she stirs he

cup of tea.

Its ok, err Im in a bit of a hurry today Basil smile fakely.

Ok then, You can come anytime you want, Im here all the time Bracken said as she

walks away to put her cup at the sink.

Also, I think my nephew is at the same school as you, her name is Crocus She said

after into the living room again. If you know her it would be better, she might be kind of

quiet but she is very friendly. Shes a little bit shy because doesnt usually talk with others

Bracken said

Is she here right now? Basil asked Bracken,

No, shes gone out to the market Bracken replied.

Oh,ok Basil said as he looks at his watch.

I have to go now. See you tomorrow err... Ms.Bracken Basil stand up from the

chair and put it back into place.

The shop opens until six, so dont come after that Bracken said as she make a

another cup of tea, while Basil walk to the front door.

Ok miss! Basil close the door and walk out from the shop,

Yes! I made it! He smiles in joy as he runs back to his dorm.

Pat 1102

It was nearly a week now that he started working at the shop, Crocus doesnt really

seems to talk much but so he starts to think that what hes doing right now might not work.

As hes sweeping the front of the shop, he looks at Crocus, thinking about should he do to

make her talk to him more. He then looks closer at what she is doing, she seems to be a little

bit confused with what she is doing right now.

Can I help you with something? Basil ask Crocus as he walks near her.

Crocus flinch a little bit, turning towards Basil. its nothingI just dont know

how to cut this out without damaging the flowers She replied with an emotion voice and a

poker face.

I think I might be able to help you with it, Ive done this many time back a time old

school He takes the bouquet of flowers and try to cut the excess parts out.

...You like...to do something this? Crocus asked quietly as she looks closely.

No, Back at my old school, I usually have to do a lot of decorations for the school

because Im in the art club. Mostly the decorations are flowers so Im kind of familiar with

it Basil replied as he gently cut down the branches of the flower.

You like to make bouquets? Basil asked

A little bitIm kind of interested in it Crocus said as she stares at the flower.

I can teach you a few things that I got back when I was at the club, do you want to

know it? Basil turns to Crocus as he smile a little bit.

Really...You want to really teach me? Thanks alot Crocus smile toward Basil

Basil blushes as he looks at Crocus, he turns head away and try to finish the cuttings
Pat 1102

Its..nothing! he the gives back to the Bouquet to Crocus.

Thanks Crocus takes the bouquet back and waters it a little bit.

Basil smiles as he looks at Crocus This might not be that bad after all He thinks to

himself.

What do you think? Is it good enough? He asked Crocus.

I think its ok, thanks a lot Crocus replied back with a smile on her face.

From that moment, Crocus starts to talk more with Basil, she starts to greets him

when they see each other. For Basil, he feel something that he never felt before in his life, the

happiness that he felt, the feeling of wanting to be with someone, the feeling of love

You seems to be friends with her now Kousa talks as he walks to school together

with Basil. Hard work pays off, eh?

Im so happy right now, hahaha Basil replied back to Kousa, as they walk into the

school.

And when are you going to tell your feeling towards her? Kousa ask Basil.

Im not really sure, I dont think I have to tell her my feelings. I think keeping it with

myself would be better Basil replied as he looks toward the maple tree near the sidewalk.

Why Kousa asked frustratedly.

Im kind of scared, what if she doesnt like me, what if she thinks of me as just a

friend. If it happens, I wouldnt be able to look at her again Basil replied as he both of his

hand touches his head.

Pat 1102

Dont worry man, Im sure she would accept your feelings, Im really sure Kousa

said as he put his hand on Basil shoulder, as they walk back to the dorm.

The time has past as fast as a how days turn into nights. In a blink of an eye, Its

nearly the time for Basil to go back. On the last day of his trip, there is going to be farewell

party for him at the school and it might be today that he will confess his feelings to Crocus.

When are you going to confess to her, theres only one day left now Kousa asked as

Basil ask.

Its gonna be today Basil said to Kousa as they walk into their classroom.

Hi Basil! A group of people greets Basil as he walks in.

Hi Basil replied back as he walk past a them.

Where is she? He thinks to himself as he looks around the classroom.

Mr.Willow, did you see Crocus? He ask Willow who is drinking a coffee on the

same old chair.

Ahh... I see her walked out a while ago, maybe see goes to the flower garden

Willow replied.

Thanks, teacher Basil said as he runs out of the door.

Your welcome, student Willow then drinks his coffee.

Basil arrived at the flower garden and see Crocus is looking at the flowers. He then

walks toward her.

Hi, Crocus Basil smile.

Hi, how did you know im here? Crocus asked as she pull herself up.
Pat 1102

Mr. Willow told me to find you here Basil replied as he scratch his head.

I see... This is the last day right? Crocus asked as she look at Basil

Yeah...I will miss the shop a lot, Hahaha He laughs but doesnt seem happy.

Yeah, I will miss you a lot too Crocus said tonelessly as she looks down to the

flowers again.

Wait...What did you say? He was a little bit confused.

...I said I will miss you alot...you stupid.. She looks down at the ground, Blushing.

Basil was shocked with what Crocus said to him, He blushes as he tries to say

something.

Sorry...Im not that good at stuff like this He was a bit embarrassed .

Im not too Crocus smile at Basil. You have something to say to me right?

Er...You know, I...I love you, Please...b..be my girlfriend? Basil voice shook as he

tries to confess his feelings.

Yes Crocus smile at Basil as grabs his hand. Basil smile as his mind is now as blank

as a space from the happiness. He doesnt really know what to do next.

Congrats! A shout can be heard from afar. Distracted by the sound, Basils

consciousness came back to him.

Wait? why are you guys here! He was surprise as his entire classmate runs walks

toward him.

Everyone knows it man Kousa said Its very easy to tell, hahaha They all laugh.

You guys are the worst, still thanks Basil replied with a calm tone.
Pat 1102

I think we should leave the lovers together, dont want to interrupt the happiness,

hahaha One of the classmate speaks.

We will be waiting at the classroom mate, dont come late Kousa said as he and the

others walks into the building.

Basil and Crocus looks at each other and both laugh and follow their friends back to

the classroom.

As day pass into night and night pass into dawn, Basil sets off to the train station.

Visit us again sometime my friend Kousa tells Basil when they arrived at the of the

dorm entrance.

For sure man Basil said as he pull his bag out of the entrance.Thanks for

everything man, see you soon Basil walks out with baggage.

See ya mate Kousa shout out as Basil walks away farther and farther.

As he arrive at the train station, Crocus is waiting for him. Basil runs to her and hug

her as if it would be his last time.

I will be missing you so much Basil said as his tear fell down from his eyes.

I know... Its not like im going to be gone, You know Crocus said as she pats

Basils back. You can find me here... I will be always waiting for you.

As they were talking to each other, the sound of an announcement can be heard

throughout the station For Passengers who is leaving for Nagashima, Please enter the Bus at

Platform four now

I will be back I promised, please keep this for me He hand a small rounded bell to

her.
Pat 1102

I will keep it as best as I can, good bye Basil Crocus took the bell as she says

farewell to her beloved boyfriend.

Good bye, Crocus Basil took off as he walks into the station leaving his beloved

girlfriend behind. He walks to the platform and enters the train.

As Crocus walks halfway to the shop, She accidentally drop the bell that Basil gave to

her. Its roll further and further and stop. Crocus follow it and as she going to pick it up, a

loud noise can heard HONK! HONK!. As she turns toward the sound, It was too late. The

loud sound ends as quickly as it starts. Now, the only thing that can be heard is the sound of

rainfall bouncing off the galvanized roof and the sound of someone shouting panicky.

Why does it have to rain at this point of time Basil looks out of the window, as he

waits for the plane to takeoff. As he pulls out his phone and was going to close it, he receives

a call. as Basil answer the call, he was shocked. He rush to the air hostess and said

I have to leave now, Please open the door for me! He shout out as his tears starts to

fall off.

Sorry sir, but we cant do that, The plane is leaving right now The air hostess told

Basil as he falls to the ground.

Please! I have to go now...Please! Just open the door for me! Basil punch down on

the floor and starts to cry. The plane starts move as it reverse from the jetway. It starts to turn

and goes toward the take off lane

We are sorry but we cant really open the door for you, The plane is going to take off

really soon, Please go back to your seat The air hostess said angrily as she walks away.

Basil was shocked with what heard, it was too fast for him to accept the truth. As his

tears flow off to the side of his cheek, he looks into blank horizon as the plane starts to took
Pat 1102

off. In his head right now are the memories of the happiness he has got. Wishing that Crocus

is fine, He close his eyes as everything around him turns quiet.

10 years later.

A man walks down the train that has just arrived at the platform, he stroll along the

fence that he once passed 10 years ago, As he walk to the stair to the bustling hallway he see

something that grabs his attention. Its a basket that is rolling toward him, as he pick it up a

woman is standing straight in front of him.

Hi

Hi

Tears start to fall from his eyes as the woman looks at him with a big wide smile

Welcome back, Basil.