CHAPTER 888: FLOWER BUNNY INN

Tsukihana Village, Kodama no Yama, Sakura Abode Country.

This was the name of the place in Yamatese, but in English, it was:

Moon Blossom Village, Heartwood Mountains, Sakura Abode Country.

It was here, amidst the vibrant energy of Bloom Week, that Theo and his friends unanimously decided to dedicate the remainder of their holiday to this enchanting destination. The Flower Bunny Inn, a name that conjured images of springtime whimsy, welcomed them approximately thirty minutes before the sun reached its zenith.

As their van pulled up, the inn’s very structure seemed to breathe tales of a bygone era. A weathered sign, its paint faded but its lettering elegant, proudly declared: "Established in 1898." This wasn’t just a building; it was a living testament to history. The architecture itself was a striking homage to traditional Yamatese wooden structures, exuding a sense of timeless craftsmanship. Three stories ascended, each floor adorned with the distinctive, gracefully curved lines of a traditional wooden roof, catching the dappled sunlight filtering through the surrounding foliage.

"Wow, this place is even more amazing in person!" Sam exclaimed, her eyes wide with delight as she stepped through the ornate wooden doorway.

"I told you!" Ayia beamed, a proud smile gracing her lips. "Shizuka found it, and honestly, I was a bit skeptical at first, but she has the best taste."

Theo, with a fond smile at Ayia, added, "You really outdid yourselves, both of you. This is exactly the kind of escape we needed."

Inside, the air was thick with the comforting scent of aged wood and perhaps a hint of blooming jasmine.

"Welcome to the Bunny Flower Inn! I’m Yoshiko Hana, the owner. But you kids can call me Grandma Iko. How can I help you, children?" She said with a kind smile.

"Thank you, Grandma Iko!" Ayia replied with a brilliant smile, "I’m Yamada Ayia, and we have a reservation here."

Grandma Iko’s eyes twinkled when she heard that, but she didn’t change her expression as she said, "Sure, let me process your check-in, kids."

The check-in process was smooth, handled by the kindly, elderly woman with twinkling eyes. After securing their keys, they were directed to their respective rooms.

A chorus of appreciative murmurs followed them as they ascended the creaking wooden stairs. "Seriously, Ayia and Shizuka, you’ve outdone yourselves!" Max declared, a wide grin on his face. "This inn is absolutely perfect."

"It’s so cozy and authentic," Gwen added, her voice soft with admiration. "I love the little details."

The sleeping arrangements had been thoughtfully organized. While most of the friends opted for their own private sanctuaries, Max and Lauren, a couple who had been together for years and already shared a home, it was obvious that they decided to share a room. "It just makes sense, right?" Lauren said with a shrug and a playful nudge to Max. "Why unpack twice?" Max chuckled, slinging an arm around her shoulder. "Exactly. Besides, I like having you nearby."

Theo and Ayia, a newer couple, were also settling into their own separate rooms, a sweet anticipation of shared moments hanging in the air. Even newer still were Kin and Gwen, whose relationship had blossomed for less than 72 hours. They exchanged shy, happy glances as they headed towards their doors, the excitement of this new Chapter palpable.

With their luggage safely stowed, they agreed to regroup in half an hour. "Okay, everyone," Theo announced, clapping his hands together. "Let’s unpack, freshen up, and meet downstairs in the dining area in thirty minutes for lunch. I’m starving!"

"Sounds like a plan!" Aurora chimed in, already heading towards her room. "I can’t wait to explore more after we eat."

Theo entered his room and was immediately struck by the astonishingly detailed and authentic decoration. This Inn was a remarkable testament to a bygone era, its main structure echoing the elegant simplicity of centuries-old Japanese wooden houses. Beneath his feet, the comforting spring of the tatami mats was a tactile invitation to relax, a stark contrast to the polished marble or cold tile he was accustomed to. The majority of the doors, crafted from delicate paper screens, slid open with a hushed whisper, further immersing him in the atmosphere. Even the smallest touches, like the subtly scented incense wafting from a hidden alcove and the intricate carvings on the wooden beams overhead, contributed to an overwhelming sense of cozy tranquility.

Theo’s gaze drifted to the balcony, where a breathtaking panorama unfolded. It faced a meticulously maintained garden, a riot of color and life that perfectly captured the essence of the current season of blossoms. Delicate pink cherry petals drifted lazily on the gentle breeze, carpeting the lush green grass below, while vibrant azaleas and serene wisteria vines added splashes of purple and white. The air itself seemed perfumed by the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers. He realized with a quiet appreciation that most of the rooms they had booked shared this exquisite garden view, a thoughtful touch that ensured a shared experience of natural beauty for all guests.

The only element that seemed to break the historical immersion jarringly was the ultra-modern bathroom seamlessly attached to the room. Gleaming chrome fixtures, a spacious, walk-in shower with multiple spray settings, and heated tile flooring felt like a deliberate anachronism. Yet, paradoxically, Theo found himself utterly relieved by this incongruous addition. While he could appreciate the aesthetic of the traditional room, he privately confessed to a strong preference for the conveniences and hygienic assurances of modern bathrooms. The Inn, in its careful blending of past and present, had managed to cater to his desire for both authentic charm and contemporary comfort, striking a perfect, albeit unexpected, balance.

An hour later, the group of 14 friends (11 girls and 3 boys) gathered around at the inn’s restaurant to have lunch and plan their activities for the rest of the day.

The lunch at the Flower Bunny Inn’s restaurant was a delightful chaos of chatter and clinking cutlery, a symphony composed by fourteen friends with appetites as large as their enthusiasm. It seemed that Grandma Iko, bless her soul, was also the inn’s cook on top of being the owner and receptionist. But of course, she wasn’t the only inn’s employee. There were many others, but it seemed like Grandma Iko liked to lead the tasks. And she had outdone herself with the lunch meal, presenting a spread that was as visually stunning as it was delicious.

Platters overflowed with glistening grilled fish, artfully arranged bento boxes, and mountains of fluffy rice, all accompanied by a variety of pickled vegetables that would make even the most stoic palate pucker with delight. Max, ever the pragmatist, had already navigated his way through three servings of tempura, a feat that earned him appreciative nods from Gwen and a gentle eye-roll from Lauren. Theo, meanwhile, was attempting to conduct a serious discussion about potential afternoon activities, but his words were often drowned out by Sam’s impassioned recounting of a near-miss with a rogue petal on her balcony, a story embellished with dramatic hand gestures that nearly sent a soy sauce bottle flying. Ayia, sensing the need for focus, managed to steer the conversation back to the matter at hand, her voice cutting through the friendly din.

"Alright, team," Ayia announced, expertly intercepting the airborne soy sauce with a quick flick of her wrist. "We’ve got a whole afternoon to explore. Thoughts?"

A flurry of suggestions erupted. Aurora suggested a hike up Heartwood Mountains, a prospect that made Kin visibly pale; he wasn’t the most physically conditioned person, and he didn’t want to make a shame of himself in front of his new girlfriend if they went on a hike.

Shizuka, ever the planner, pulled out a meticulously folded map of Tsukihana Village, pointing out various temples and artisan shops. Theo, his stomach finally appeased, chimed in, "What about the river? I saw some rental boats earlier."

But it was Sam who, after a moment of thoughtful chewing on a piece of daikon, declared, "We should definitely do the scenic spots this afternoon. And then, we absolutely *have* to hit that spring festival tonight! Grandma Iko mentioned it."

A collective wave of agreement swept through the group. The allure of ancient traditions and the promise of late-night revelry under the soft glow of lanterns proved irresistible.

With their afternoon agenda firmly set – a leisurely tour of Tsukihana Village’s most picturesque corners, culminating in the vibrant spectacle of the spring festival – a palpable sense of excited anticipation settled over the group.

Even Kin, reassured that no mountain climbing was involved, managed a small, contented sigh. They pictured themselves wandering through ancient streets, admiring the graceful architecture of Moon Blossom Village, and perhaps even acquiring some charming trinkets to commemorate their trip. It seemed like it would be a lovely afternoon after all.

It was during their lunch, that Kaori (Ayia and Shizuka’s big sister) arrived to enjoy the holiday with them.

"Hey, guys!" Kaori greeted everyone with a smile.

"Kaori!"

"Kaori-san!"

"I missed you so much, Ka-chan!"

"..."

Just like that, the restaurant was drowned in cheers and shouts as everyone stood up to greet and hug their friend. It has been months since they saw her, so everyone missed her. After a warm welcome, Kaori finally was free to sit at the table. But she was especially happy that her friends missed her and were happy to have her.

Theo and the others continued their lovely lunch as they talked lively with each other. There were only two other groups of guests in the inn. A middle-aged couple and a father and son pair. And Theo’s group managed to bring life and bustling energy to the inn.