Ren's POV
"It's mesmerising," I said fixated on the scenery.

"Welcome to "Eden Orchard Grove" Haru said spreading out his arms wide and grinning like a total fool.

"Where exactly is this place?" I looked at Haru utterly confused. He walks ahead of me and goes straight into the beautiful forest of tall trees and magical haven. I look around captured by the beauty of ivy vines swirling with no possible end.

There were Purple and Violet Orchids, Red and Pink Tulips, White Lilies, Orange and Red Marigolds, all different petal coloured of Roses, bright yellow Sunflowers and Bluebells. I laughed and ran around tugging on Haru's hand. He turns around and notices my happiness shining brightly as the Sun. He smiles at me and pats my head, I blushed at the interaction, but found it very comforting and longed for much much more...

I caught a glimmering glimpse of water and out of my own curiosity, I slowly started walking towards it, coming across to a calm still pond. Haru comes from behind me and gestures towards the bright pink flowers resting on top of the water. "They are called Lotuses," He said smiling.

"How do they stay seated on the water?" I asked very confused and intrigued. Haru looked at me and scratched his hair. He rubbed his chin, thinking of an explanation. "It's really difficult to explain." He said.

I crossed my arms and huffed in irritation. "I'm smart and clever, I'm sure I can keep up. Now tell me." I glared at him. He chuckles slightly and raises both his hands in a sign of defeat. "Fine, you win, I will tell you."

He pointed towards a bench that was big enough for more than 2 people. "Let's go and sit over there." He said. I nodded my head and we walked towards the wooden bench.

"Is it alright if I can take off my jacket?" I asked him. He didn't say anything for a moment and instead closed his eyes, mumbling a few words. I waited patiently for him to reopen his eyes and started to think that I and Haru were both going mad and we were losing our sanity. "Yes, you can."

We both sat down and I made myself comfortable, by laying down and leaning my head on Haru's lap and positioning my body in a way to not fall. It was obvious from Haru's expression, he resented my actions, but did not say anything further.

Haru began talking. "Lotus flowers emerge from murky ponds. The flowers always look so clean and pure against the background of the dirty pond. Because of this, the lotus flower has always become associated with purity and beauty in the religions of Buddhisms. The ancient Egyptians observed that in the night-time the lotus closes its flowers and sinks into the water, this also relates to the rebirth and the Sun; in actual fact, the Lotus slowly emerges from a pond over a three day period and then blooms in the morning until mid-afternoon." Haru stops talking and pauses to stroke my hair.

"So basically, Lotus flowers grow in a murky dirty water... In a place of darkness, the lotus flower provides light and beauty". I answered carefully.

"Yes," Haru said. "They can also restore people's faith and provide hope, during difficult times."

I liked Haru's answer and reasoning, it was very interesting and gave me hope that even though Haru sees me as his younger brother, my feelings for him can be pure right. Even during dark times, there is still a chance for me to be with Haru forever.

"We should go, we haven't even gotten to the best part of our date yet." Haru's eyes twinkled as I gazed up at him.

"What do you mean? How can there be anything better than this peaceful place I get to spend time with you?" I said softly.

Haru stands up and my head rests on the plank wooden bench. I sit upright as I reach out for the outreached hands my lover was holding out to me. "Haru can't we just sit on this bench?" I asked whilst taking my time standing up.

"Why? I have something that I want to show you." He said grinning. He holds my hand and pulls me up. I fall to his chest and started trembling slightly. Haru strokes my cheeks and leans his face forward. I patiently wait for a kiss, but... nothing happened. I open my eyes to see Haru quizzically staring at me with sadness behind his eyes. I blush profusely out of embarrassment and he pushes me away gently as he nervously laughs covering up the awkward encounter.

"Ren I am kind of surprised you haven't asked how all this is even possible." He pinched my elbow.

"WHAT?? Of course, I did! I asked you where we were and was so confused by all this." I said wavering my arms about.

"Ok then you can ask your questions." He said calmly.

"Promise not to ignore them." I crossed my arms.                                 

"Promise." He replied.

"Ok then, first of all, why was the ground shaking?" I asked linking my arm with Haru.

"Well, this place has to be kept hidden. The only entrance is a secret underground that rises and is brought up to land." He said picking a flower.

"How do you know of this place?" I asked.

"Haha, it's stupid really..." Haru said blushing slightly.

"No tell me, I want to know," I said rather eagerly.

"Ok...When I was younger, I had this book. It was Fairy Tale book and had so many different stories of fantasy and magic. Haruko used to read me a new chapter every day until I reached the age of 7. To which I then became too old for stories. I remembered how she told me to grow up because I would
always beg her to read the book." I nodded my head in a response to me listening.

"There was a new chapter she read and I remember falling in love with that one particular chapter. It was beautiful and interesting with a secret garden filled with treasures, fairies and magical creatures that held and possessed special magical powers. The book was published by one of Haruko's close friends. It also became a bestseller and I was the first person to read it."

"What was the book called?" I said interested.

"The tale of two lovers" he said twirling the flower he was holding and placing it in my hair.

I cringed at the name and started to laugh.
"What's so funny?" Haru looked at me confused.

"What kind of name is that? What book genres were you into?" I said still laughing.

Haru smiled at me. "The book was a summary of a two lovers adventures. That's why we are here... because I lov- wanted to show you someplace interesting."

I stopped laughing and froze staring at Haru. "What were you going to say?"

He shook his head and said nothing more. I felt like I missed something important.

"Any more questions that you would want to ask me?" He said grinning.

"Is it magical?" I asked curious.

He nodded his head. "Yes it is... in fact I wanted to introduce you to some of my friends"

"Friends? But there's no one here but only us!" I said whilst taking out the flower that was intertwined in my hair.

"Just follow me and everything will be revealed. Just trust me."

"Wait no! I still have more questions!!" I said panicking.

He avoids my gaze. "Ren I promise to explain everything to you. I have never told anyone of this place and you just have to trust me."

~•~
"Haru it feels like we have been walking for hours! Are we nearly there yet? Where are we going?" I asked him again. He moves sideways and I came face to face with a little gate.

"Haru please stop walking and just explain to me what is going on!!!" I shouted at him. My breathing becomes heavy as tears form in my eyes. I cover my eyes with my hands and sit on the grassy floor hugging my knees to my chest.

"I'm scared". I said my voice breaking. "I don't know what's happening and I just want you to explain... just stop ignoring me"

Haru rests his hand on my head and picks me up bridal style. My hands awkwardly rests on his chest and he brushes away my tears.

"Stop...Baka put me down". I said quietly.

"Ren we are nearly there. Just through the gate lies the twining, twerpling wonders of nature"

"It'd better be safe." I said irritated.

"Would I ever lie to you Ren dear?" He said smiling.

I huffed in response and snuggled deeper into his strong hold. "I don't care where we are unless I'm with you, Haru." I said breathing in his sweet scent.

"Me too Ren. You have no idea how happy I am to see you smile and laugh for once."

I looked up at Haru's beautiful eyes and kind face, I couldn't help it but be mesmerised. I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulled myself to be levelled with his face and kissed his lips.

"Mmm-mmggg Ren stop!" I was suddenly dropped to the floor and stared up at Haru in utter confusion.

He wiped his lips and a sudden feeling of hurt overtook me. "H-Haru why?"

He kneeled down and held my face. "Ren this has to stop. I'm your older brother and a responsible adult. I can't do this to you... it's just not right to keep up with the charade of false hope." He said wiping my silent flow of tears.

"I-I don't understand?"

He sighed and picked me up.

"LET GO OF ME!!" I screamed kicking and pushing his face away. "Don't touch me!" I yelled at him.

"How dare you Haru! You used me and now you are throwing me away. All this time I thought you actually loved me... but your a liar and a coward."

"I HATE YOU!"

I ran away opening the damned stupid gate with tears blurring my vision trying to get as far away as possible from Haru. I still can't believe I just said that... I don't even want to look back and see the hurt and sadness in his face... because it was me who caused it.

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AN:
Wow it has been so long since I last updated... sorry 😅
I have a new schedule of updating every Sunday, because I feel bad for not keeping up with this, plus I really want to finish it off.

Thank you x

-WiseGalaxy