“You are my cherry blossom.
Floating through the air,
Gliding down without a care.
You are my cherry blossom,
Coloring my world with wonder.
Brightening my day with your soft thunder.
You are my cherry blossom,
Coating the landscape with beauty.
Is this your sacred duty?
You are my cherry blossom,
My cherry blossom.
Do you blush for me?
For only lovely me?”
Tae vocalized for a moment at the end before turning towards Lena.
“What do you think? Is it all right?”
She had closed her eyes to soak in his soothing voice. She shook her head. “No. It’s divine. It carries so much peace. I love it!”
Tae chuckled as his fingers scratched his dog’s head. “Did you hear that, Yeontan?” He bent his head to whisper in the pup’s ear. Yeontan glanced up at Tae. “Lena thinks Cherry Blossom is divine.”
He smiled up at the apple tree. “How apt. I’ve always considered cherry blossoms to be a gift from God. Their beauty is so sublime. The way they blanket the ground. To form a gentle carpet for us to tread upon. They give their tender lives to add a layer of comfort to our steps.”
Lena smiled at Tae. The boy was a born poet. Everywhere he looked he saw beauty. Even in her.
“I need to work on the second verse now.” Tae examined the syllable count of his first two lines before he began to compose.
“I think you should use the ideas you just shared with me in your second verse. The ones about cherry blossoms cushioning your steps.”
He pondered that idea for a moment then began to sing.
“You run on ahead of me
Soaking the ground with your beauty.
You cushion life’s rock hard ground
With your soft presence all around.
“You comfort me with your sweet lips.
You glance at me, and my heart dips.
I find joy in your tender kiss.
Every moment with you is bliss.”
Lena smiled and shook her head. “I don’t know how you do it, Tae. Every time. It’s pure perfection.”
He grinned. “I’ll never lose confidence in my gift with you around. Now I need to write the beginning of that verse. Hmm. It was four-four-four-four followed by five-four-four-four.”
“But you could take out the first word in the five beat and make them all fours.”
“Hmm. Yes. That’s a good idea! That’s eight fours then. It has to match this verse too. Hmm. Cherry blossoms falling…”
He closed his eyes and his expression smoothed out as a gentle tranquility filled his countenance. Then he began to vocalize. After a few minutes, he began to sing.
“You’re a bloom bright, a shining light.
Your lashes raven, my safe haven.
Eyes a-glowing, sweetness showing,
Your love’s blowing. Where are we going?”
Lena’s face split into a wide grin. But she didn’t say anything.
Tae glanced sharply at her. “What? No exclamation of praise? It’s not beautiful?”
“It’s quite lovely, Tae.” Her lips quirked. “Now. I want to hear the whole thing. Together. In order. Serenade me, please.”
She leaned her head back and closed her eyes as she held her little furball close to her heart. Tae smiled at her as his eyes traced her captivating countenance. She was so pretty. He was fairly sure she had no idea, though.
They were only friends. They could only ever be friends, but that didn’t stop him from enjoying her delightful presence. Or from noticing what a beauty she was.
He inhaled sharply and glanced out at the wide world surrounding them. They floated in the midst of it as though lost on a deserted island. With a garden paradise planted in its center. Instead of sea, they were surrounded by other tall buildings and bright blue skies.
Today was a perfect day. The sun was shining brightly yet lending gentle rays to the happy, spring day. A slight breeze was ruffling their hair. Just enough cool to balance the warmth of that radiant sun. The sky was a deep cerulean blue today. With puffy, white clouds.
“Look!” Tae pointed at one shimmering cloud mass. “It’s Yeontan and Tatayeon!”
Lena followed the path of his finger and laughed at his fancifulness. Tae was such an odd and wonderful blend of personalities. So serious sometimes. Other times so playful. Like now. With a brilliant gift for song writing. And a deep voice that gave her chills. He had beauty to match his talent too. But he didn’t think so. This attitude lent him a humble air that was so appealing. It was no wonder so many people adored him.
“I see tteokbokki!” she exclaimed.
“And soju,” he murmured.
She glanced at him. “The perfect lunch.”
“Shall we get some later today and have a picnic here in our secret garden?”
She beamed at him. “I’d like that. But how is this garden secret? Everyone in the company knows about it.”
He leaned towards her mysteriously and whispered in her ear, “This garden is where I spill my secrets to you…”
