Chapter 874: A Perfect Bloom Week’s Sunday
Bloom Feast, Pedrarruna Manor’s Backyard.
The siblings Theo and Aurora were receiving their friends for the first time for an occasion like this. And after Theo’s heartfelt speech, they started eating on the delicious feast that Theo and Ayia had cooked.
Most of their friends were here. Samanth, Sayuri, June, Ryoko, Kumiko, Lauren, Max, Shoko, Shizuka, and Ayia. But Ayia was Theo’s girlfriend, and Shizuka was Ayia’s sister, so the two girls were considered Theo and Aurora’s family already.
This group of friends discussed happily as they ate the delicious feast.
The friends dug into the feast with gusto, their eyes lighting up at the spread before them. "This is amazing, Theo! You and Ayia really outdid yourselves," Sam exclaimed, her mouth full of the savory dish. "I can’t believe we are having a Bloom Feast amidst the Pedrarruna Forest! I have to post a picture of this on my stories." She said as she picked up her phone to take a picture
"Great idea, Sam!" Aurora exclaimed. "Let’s all take some pictures, guys! We have to register at this moment. It is our first Bloom Feast together." She excitedly picked up her phone.
She had already taken pictures of the dishes, decorations, and everything else before their friends arrived, but she hadn’t taken pictures of her friends.
"Come on, let’s take pictures!" Ayia exclaimed as she was equally excited to take pictures.
Just like that, they spent the next half an hour taking pictures all over the backyard. Pictures of the whole group together, individual pictures, and many other kinds.
At the end of it, their phones were filled with thousands of pictures.
"So, what’s on the agenda for the rest of Bloom Week?" June asked after they finally sat down again, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I vote we spend every day doing something fun and memorable. Maybe we can go on a tour of the temples of Elffire City tomorrow."
"June-nee! I was talking about doing exactly that with Theo yesterday!" Aurora exclaimed, "We definitely have to go on a Temple Tour tomorrow."
"Every Sakurean has the duty to go to a temple on Bloom Week, so I’m up for it." Ayia agreed.
"Ooh, if we are going to the temples tomorrow, we should wear traditional clothes," Ryoko piped up. "We can showcase our best spring outfits and have a mini photoshoot. It’ll be so much fun!"
Every Sakurean knew what spring clothes and traditional clothes were. These clothes were similar to festive Japanese yukata. And every Sakurean also had clothes like these in their wardrobe. That’s because all the schools in the Sakura Abode Country at some point demanded that the students wear these clothes for some ceremonies.
"Ah, my spring clothes are so outdated! What should I do?" Sam asked in worry.
"Me too!"
"My spring clothes are so old!"
"..."
The girls were worried about their spring clothes, as they wanted new and more beautiful clothes.
"Don’t worry, girls. I know someone. They can open a Spring Clothes store for us tomorrow." Ayia said with a proud smile, "We can go there tomorrow morning before going to the temples."
"You’re a lifesaver, Ayia!"
"You rule, Ayia!"
"Ayia for president!"
"..."
"If we are buying the clothes together. Why don’t we get ready together then?" Aurora asked.
"Great idea, Aurora-chan!" Ayia said with shining eyes, "We call all to gather in my house to get ready together."
Just like that, the girls combined to head to Ayia and Shizuka’s house to get ready together for tomorrow’s event.
After this, the group continued enthusiastically planning other activities for the rest of the week.
"Why don’t we go on a getaway trip?" Theo suggested.
The group’s enthusiasm was palpable as they discussed Theo’s suggestion of a getaway trip during Bloom Week.
"Where should we go?" Lauren asked, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "There are so many amazing places to explore during this beautiful season."
"We should definitely stay within the Sakura Abode Country," Max piped up. "It would be a shame to miss out on all the Bloom Week festivities here. I hear the cherry blossom avenue in Floraison City is breathtaking this time of year."
"Ooh, yes!" Kumiko exclaimed. "And we can’t forget about the hot air balloon festival in Aeroville. I’ve always wanted to go to that!"
The group nodded in agreement, their minds buzzing with excitement. "I know just the place," Ayia said with a mischievous smile. "Our uncle owns a resort in the Heartwood Mountains. It’s nestled among the Heartwood Forest and has the most amazing views. We can relax in the natural hot springs, go hiking, and even have a bonfire under the stars."
"That sounds incredible!" Aurora exclaimed.
"It’s decided then," Theo said with a laugh. "We’re off to the Heartwood Mountains. It will be the perfect getaway during Bloom Week."
The friends high-fived and cheered, already envisioning the memorable adventures that awaited them. As they continued planning, the sun set over Pedrarruna Manor, casting a warm glow on their eager faces. Little did they know, their Bloom Week getaway would be filled with even more surprises and laughter than they could have imagined.
Laughter echoed through the blossoming gardens as the sun began its slow descent. Aurora, as the hostess, produced a basket overflowing with warm, spiced cider and miniature pastries. The girls’ gossip flowed as freely as the cider, punctuated by peals of mirth and shared secrets.
Meanwhile, Theo, with Max’s surprisingly adept assistance, coaxed the fire into a roaring blaze, casting dancing shadows on the manicured lawns. The crackling flames provided a comforting warmth against the encroaching late afternoon chill.
As the sun neared the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, someone suggested a game of charades. The backyard became a scene of playful chaos, with enthusiastic gestures and wild guesses. Even the usually calm and collected Shizuka couldn’t help but crack a smile at Shoko’s hilariously exaggerated portrayal of a bumbling bee. The air buzzed with energy and good cheer, a perfect counterpoint to the quiet beauty of the setting sun.
Finally, as the stars began to pepper the darkening sky, a sense of peaceful contentment settled over the group. Tired but happy, they gradually drifted inside, the lingering scent of woodsmoke and blossoms clinging to their clothes.
With the arrival of the night, the group of friends decided to eat the rest of the Bloom Feast dishes that were left. They had once again a lovely meal, but this was even more magical as the backyard lights made the blossoming forest look even more fairytale-like.
The group of friends stayed together until late at night as they had the time of their lives.
The friends cheered and had fun, already looking forward to the week’s delights. As they continued to indulge in the delicious food and lively conversation, the manor’s backyard buzzed with laughter and the warm glow of friendship. It was a feast for all the senses, and a perfect start to their Bloom Week adventures.