After the Rain

                                    

                                          
Coarse the rush-mat roof
Sheltering the harvest-hut
Of the autumn rice-field
And my sleeves are growing wet
With the moisture dripping through 
- From "One Hundred Poet" translated by Peter Morse, 628-681
This is my favorite poem. I first discovered it when I watched "Classmate" the movie. I don't why it made me so happy, it always made me feel alive. This poem is just too beautiful to not hear. 
The art, the words and the just the story itself. In one of the scenes the main character forgets the words of this poem... his soon to be lover comes and finish it for him. They completed each other. The rain stopped and the sun was up... they smiled again.
I chose this poem for this chapter to portray how strong Cherry and Joe's love is. They complet each other. 
Joe's pov:
Cherry has been smiling less than usual. Can I blame him? He went through shit, and I was useless in that moment. I wanted to help him feel better even if it's for a moment. I stayed up all night thinking about what I can do, and I ended up with the greatest idea ever. I promised him that we would go on a date someday, but the time was never right. He been out of the hospital for a few days now and he rested as the doctor asked. He forbidden him to do anything stressful, so I been keeping my eye on him... I knew he couldn't stay still. Work kept his head busy from everything. 
I wanted to take him on a date he would never forget. So, I brainstormed ideas all night, trying to imagine the every case scenario possible, hoping I didn't forget anything. It needed to be relaxing and as beautiful as him. 
I told him to meet me at my restaurant. Today I was closing earlier than usual. I cooked for us tasty sandwiches and a strawberry short cake, since it was his favorite. Everything else was ready in the car. I was taking him to a place that reminded me of him, far from everyone and hidden from the darkness. Kaoru been acting very weird lately. Every time I would call him 'princess' he would look away. At first, I thought he was acting shy about it, but I was wrong. His expressions were empty, and he would zone out. It worried me. He was never the 'talker'; I had to analyze his every move and observe him to know if he was okay or not. I hated that he couldn't directly talk to me about his problems. He knew I wouldn't judge him or laugh at him, but I guess some people have quiet hearts.   
As I was checking the time, the bell of the restaurant door rang. Here he was, standing in his beautiful white kimono. Beautiful. 
"Hey, you!" I welcomed him, with a smile. 
"Hey..." He replied, with no expressions or reaction. 
"Are you okay?" I asked, worried.
"Yeah... I just feel..." He stopped mid-sentence. Feeling what? Why does he never continue?
I sighed. "Come here" I signaled with my hands, asking him to come closer to me. He started walking toward where I was standing but he was still being cautious of me. He was even prettier up close. I grabbed him by the hand pulling him closer, our body pressing on each other. 
"What is it, stupid gorilla?" he asked, looking to the side. 
"Can I have a 'welcome kiss'?" I responded shamelessly. I didn't care where we were, I needed to feel his warmth. 
"Are you stupid? We are in..." Before he could finish, I pressed my lips deep onto his. I tasted every corner of his lips, sucking on them. I wanted more but I had to control myself.