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Every morning, I open my shop following the same routine. As I push open the old wooden door and the faint creak echoes, my heart always beats a little faster. Far from Kansai, I spend my days surrounded by flowers in this small flower shop in Tokyo, quietly by myself. The morning light filtering through the well-maintained glass windows softly illuminates the flowers that were lined up just yesterday. In that moment, I always think: flowers really do have a variety of expressions.
Today, I begin my preparations. I replace the water and adjust the positions of the flowers on the shelves, proceeding as usual. I’m not fond of moving my hands unnecessarily, so I like to prepare efficiently and precisely.
That’s when it happened. The shop's bell rang unexpectedly. It was still before opening hours, so I looked up in surprise.
The person who entered was a guy around my age, maybe a little older. He was quite flashy … The first thing that caught my eye was his two-tone hair, black with white under it. I couldn’t help but wonder where he got such a hairstyle; it was eye-catching.
“Uh, sorry, but we’re not open yet…” I called out in my usual tone.
He glanced at me and wore an expression that suggested he was deep in thought.
“… I see. Then I’ll wait here until you open,” he said, beginning to look around at the flowers in the shop.
What a strange person …. I thought as I returned to my preparations. However, it felt quite uncomfortable with someone’s presence behind me. Each time I sensed his gaze, my hands moved a little slower than usual. What usually felt like a quiet task became somewhat cramped.
Nevertheless, I managed to finish efficiently. With the water change complete, I placed the last flower on the shelf. Glancing at the clock, I noted there were just a few minutes until opening time. Well, it’s fine. I picked up the “Closed” sign from beside the door and turned it to “Open”. It was right on time.
“Thank you for waiting. We’re open now,” I announced.
When I called out, he briefly met my gaze.
“Got it.”
I returned to the counter.
“What kind of flowers are you looking for?”
“… I don’t know.”
Huh? You come before opening hours and you haven’t decided? I inwardly criticized him harshly. Surely, someone visiting a flower shop would have at least some purpose? Yet this guy had simply entered and was just gazing vacantly around at the flowers. Well, I suppose this happens sometimes. All I can do is endure.
The faint scent of flowers wafting through the shop provided a slight sense of calm. In this space, still filled with the morning’s quietness, I watched him over the counter. His flashy two-tone hair stood out, but there was also a clumsy aura about him. Contrary to his appearance, he might be a rather cautious person internally.
“Are you looking for flowers to give to someone?”
I asked again, this time in a softer tone.
“No, not exactly …”
He hesitated, shifting his gaze to the flowers in the shop.
“… no, let’s say that’s what I’m looking for. I want flowers for someone I like. I’m not familiar with flowers, so … what do you think would be good?”
For someone he likes. I reacted to his words while trying to remain composed. How the fck should I know? I couldn’t help but criticize him again, inside. But these vague requests come up surprisingly often in this line of work. Especially when it comes to “someone they like,” people tend to have their own preferences but often can’t decide for themselves. That’s why they come to me for help.
“Well then, could you tell me a little about that person? What they like or what colors they prefer? Knowing even a little would help me make some suggestions.”
When I suggested this, he seemed to cloud over slightly. The soft light in the shop cast shadows on his face, and he looked like he was choosing his words carefully. He appeared a bit troubled and hesitant. What a clumsy vibe, I thought.
“That’s … I don’t know.”
“Pardon?”
I blinked. He really doesn’t know! I nearly blurted that out but held back and stared at him intently. It seemed like he was thinking about something, but could it be that this guy doesn’t know much about the person he likes? Or perhaps … he’s not even sure if he truly likes them?
The morning light streamed in softly, and the flowers stood quietly in place. The pink gerberas smiled gently, while the white lilies maintained their serene silence. He appeared to follow the flowers with his gaze, yet he seemed completely at a loss.
“I see ... then let me propose a few options. I’ll pick out a few flowers that would suit the person you have in mind.”
As I said this, I first reached for the carnations. They’re a safe choice that people generally enjoy. With their abundant color variety, they can be used for almost any occasion. Given the vibe I was getting from him, I figured it wouldn’t hurt to choose something that didn’t require too much thought. It was unlikely to miss the mark.
Next, I chose gerberas. Bright and simple, these flowers give off a lively impression. They’re cute in appearance, making them easy for both the giver and receiver to feel at ease. Since he was likely in unrequited love, I thought lighter flowers would be better without too much weight.
“How about carnations and gerberas? Both are lovely and tend to be well-received.”
I lightly lifted the two types of flowers and suggested them to him. He tilted his head slightly at the sight but soon nodded.
“Those two are fine.”
His rather nonchalant reply made me think once again that he wasn’t putting much thought into this.
He accepted the flowers, paid without hesitation, and left the shop without a second thought. He simply said, “I’ll come again,” and disappeared as if he had melted into the air.
Watching him leave, I felt an indescribable, strange sensation. His two-tone hair swayed in the wind as he walked away. His carelessness and confident demeanor seemed oddly mismatched. For someone who was giving flowers to someone they liked, he doesn’t seems to think about it carefully. It felt a bit anticlimactic to see him take the flowers so lightly after I had put effort into choosing them.
“What a strange guy ….”
I muttered to myself as I returned to the counter, ready to start the next task. Well, there are all sorts of customers in the world, and it’s probably best not to dwell on it. Without thinking too deeply about him, I began my usual flower care routine.
Once again, the quiet and peaceful morning time returned.
“Can I count on you again today?”
“Yes, understood.”
Those words have become so familiar to my ears.
I remember the day he first came into the shop. Honestly, I never expected him to return, but I’m genuinely happy that he does.
Every time he visits, he buys flowers, but he always leaves the choice to me. Does he trust my taste, or does he just not have any particular preference? Either way, it’s become my duty to choose flowers for him.
As I select the flowers, I glance at him. He always seems languid, waiting for me while observing the flowers in the shop. Occasionally, he’ll ask, “What kind of flower is this?” But I never get the sense that he’s particularly interested in them.
I don’t know anything about this man. I don’t even know his name, nor what kind of work he does or what his hobbies are.
I can’t help but wonder what kind of person he likes. I’m curious whether things are going well for them. He buys flowers frequently, so maybe they’re already together? Or perhaps he’s still grappling with something?
I walk quietly through the shop, glancing at the colorful flowers. It’s a task I’m used to, but every time he comes, I sometimes struggle with which ones to choose. Since I have no idea who he’s giving them to, I can’t just pick any random flowers. The shop’s reputation is at stake.
Today, I’ve chosen blue gentians. They evoke feelings of sincerity and melancholy, and I think it’s best to select flowers that aren’t too flashy, yet still beautiful, to match his nonchalant demeanor. The gentle hues of the gentians seem to suit him somehow.
I also added a white lily. The lily embodies strength and elegance. Its vibrancy is appealing, and it’s a flower that anyone would appreciate, ensuring it will please the recipient. Since I don’t know what kind of person he likes, a stable combination like this feels safe.
“How about this for today?” I show him the bouquet.
He responds as always, “… yeah, I’ll leave it to you.”
He seems utterly uninterested in the flowers, yet he always buys them without complaint about my choices. It’s a mystery. Usually someone would consider which flowers suit the recipient or imbue them with meaning … but this man is not like that.
After finishing the payment at the counter, he suddenly noticed the survey form placed there.
“What’s this?”
“Oh, we’re currently conducting a customer survey. If you wouldn’t mind, I’d appreciate your feedback.”
“Hmm.”
His expression remains unchanged, but without hesitation, he picks up a pen and begins to fill out the survey. There’s a whimsical air about him, yet he answers diligently. He’s truly an unexpected person. I thought filling out a survey would be a hassle, but seeing him do it makes me feel like I’m gradually getting to know him.
I steal a glance at what he’s writing. The questions are all straightforward. “Are you satisfied with the flowers you purchased this time?” “How did you feel about the atmosphere in the shop?” “How was the staff’s service?”
But my gaze is drawn to the last question … the name section.
“Narumi Gen …”
I find myself reading it aloud without thinking. As soon as my voice escapes, I realize it and quickly look up, only to see him looking back at me, slightly surprised.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I just found out your name, so I—”
“What about you?”
“Pardon?”
“Your name.”
“Oh, it’s Hoshina Soushirou.”
For a brief moment, his gaze captures mine, and I think I see the corners of his mouth lift just slightly … or at least I feel that way. But then he quickly returns to his usual blank expression and says, “Well then, I’ll come again,” before briskly leaving the shop.
Left alone in the silence of the shop, I find myself repeating the name Narumi Gen in my mind. What is it about that name that sticks with me?
That smile … was it just my imagination?
Since that day, the conversations between Narumi-san and me gradually increased. At first, we exchanged only simple phrases like “the usual, please” and “understood,” but now we were able to talk about other things as well. Honestly, I never expected our relationship to progress this far.
Today, the bell above the door chimed cheerfully, and footsteps echoed through the shop. As usual, I called out a greeting from behind the counter.
“Welcome back, Narumi-san. Would you like the usual today?”
While saying this, I glanced around the store, considering which flowers he might like. However, the words that returned to me surprised my expectations.
“No, today I was thinking of … growing some flowers at home. Do you have any recommendations?”
I was momentarily taken aback, my eyes widening in surprise. He seemed completely uninterested in flowers until now, so why the sudden change? The idea of wanting to grow flowers on his own was unexpected … what could have sparked his interest?
“Well, if you’re a beginner, how about a cactus or pothos? They don’t require much care, and they look nice, so I’d recommend them for beginners.”
I pointed to the cactus lined up on the shelf, adding a brief explanation. The small cactus were easy to care for and had a certain strength to them. I thought they would suit Narumi-san well.
“How about this one?”
Narumi-san glanced at the cactus, contemplating for a moment before answering shortly.
“Yeah, that’ll do it.”
His usual light response made me smile as I returned to the counter to proceed with the payment. I wondered if he genuinely wanted to grow flowers or if there was another reason behind it.
Just when I thought we were finishing our usual transaction, Narumi-san stood still after completing the payment.
“Is there anything else?”
When I asked, he hesitated for a moment, appearing slightly reluctant to speak.
“Well, the thing is … it’s my first time growing flowers.”
I figured as much, I thought, but I found it amusing, so I’m trying to stifle a laugh. I had never thought he would consider flowers so seriously.
“So, I was wondering … could you give me your number? So I can ask about them.”
That request genuinely surprised me. It was unexpected for Narumi-san to ask for my number. However, seeing his serious expression filled me with a small sense of joy. Having someone take such an interest in flowers makes me happy.
It wasn’t the first time a customer had asked for my number, but knowing it was Narumi-san caused a strange tension to rise within me. Normally, I would offer the shop's number, but for some reason, I felt a strong urge to write down my own.
“Of course. Feel free to ask me anything.”
As I said this, I took a business card from the counter and neatly wrote my number on the back. When I handed it to him, he took it and stared at it for a moment before nodding slightly.
“I’ll be in touch.”
With just that, Narumi-san grasped the cactus in hand and quietly left the store.
As I watched his retreating figure, I felt a slight sense of dissonance in my chest. The normally indifferent Narumi-san was beginning to show a little interest in flowers. Though it was just a small change, it felt like the distance between us was closing, leaving a strange sensation lingering in my heart.
That night, as I settled down in my room, my phone vibrated in my pocket. I looked at the screen to see a message from an unfamiliar number. Who could it be? I felt a bit nervous as I opened the message.
“It’s Narumi. I wanted to ask a bit about the cactus. Is that okay?”
My heart raced. The unexpected timing of his message surprised me, but receiving a direct message from Narumi-san felt strangely surreal. I typed a response, my fingers trembling slightly.
“Of course. I’m happy to help with anything.”
His reply came quickly. Narumi-san began asking detailed questions about how often to water the cactus and where to place it. Seeing him, usually so expressionless and cool, ask questions with such earnestness felt refreshingly charming.
“It’s important not to overwater the cactus. Also, place it in a sunny spot.”
“Got it. Growing flowers is surprisingly deep.”
After a while, our conversation continued until, suddenly, Narumi-san’s messages stopped. Then, a surprising message came through.
“I’d like to treat you to dinner as a thank you. How about we go together sometime?”
I couldn’t believe my eyes. Dinner … with Narumi-san? Why? What should I say? My mind raced, and I found myself frozen, still gripping my phone.
Was this just a friendly invitation to dinner? Or did it mean something else…?
No, he already has someone he likes, so it can’t mean anything else. I was overthinking things.
Normally, I would respond casually to such an invitation, but this time felt different. I felt like I needed to prepare myself a little before responding, so I hesitated.
After a moment of inner conflict, my fingers began to move, and I typed a reply.
“That sounds good. Tuesday works for me since the shop is closed that day. How about then?”
As soon as I sent the message, I felt a wave of anxiety. I wondered what kind of response would come back, and for a while, I was left in a state of unease. But soon, Narumi-san's reply arrived.
“Alright, then. Let’s meet next Tuesday. I’ll be in touch.”
Staring at my phone, I couldn’t suppress the excitement in my chest, taking a deep breath. I never imagined I would meet Narumi-san outside of the shop, but I felt a mix of anticipation and anxiety about what our time together would be like. My heart continued to race with the thrill of the unexpected.
Tuesday.
When I arrived at the meeting place, Narumi-san was already there, waiting for me. After a moment of awkward silence, we entered a stylish café that Narumi-san had chosen, which had recently opened.
As soon as I stepped into the café, the sophisticated interior caught my eye. The soft lighting and wooden decor created a calm atmosphere, making it exactly the kind of trendy place I expected.
“This place is stylish. Do you often come to places like this?” I asked Narumi-san.
“Not really …” he replied modestly.
I glanced at the café menu. I had heard rumors that their Mont Blanc was delicious, and I had been curious about it for a while.
“I’ve been curious about this place. I heard they have a delicious Mont Blanc,” I said with a light laugh, and it seemed to pique Narumi-san’s interest a little.
“Do you like Mont Blanc?” he asked.
“Yes, I quite like sweet things, especially Mont Blanc,” I answered honestly. I thought talking about sweets might lighten the mood a bit.
“I see …”
He gazed at me. Narumi-san's expression was still hard to read, but I wondered if he had something on his mind.
After ordering our meals and desserts, our conversation naturally began to flow. We hadn’t talked much until now, but I felt a little happy to gradually learn more about Narumi-san.
As our food was served, we continued chatting while we ate.
“Have you always wanted to be a florist?” Narumi-san suddenly asked.
I thought for a moment before answering slowly. “Well, not exactly … but I happened to read a book about flower meanings one day, and I thought they were beautiful. That sparked my interest, and I started to like flowers. So I thought being a florist would be nice.”
“I see. Are you knowledgeable about flower meanings?” Narumi-san seemed interested.
“Well, if you ask me if I’m knowledgeable, I wouldn’t say so …” I continued with a wry smile.
Then, Narumi-san asked another question. “What’s your favorite flower?”
I paused briefly before answering. “I have several, but … I’d say irises. The flower language of irises is ‘hope.’”
As I talked about the vivid colors and elegant shapes of irises, as well as the positive meaning of their flower language, I realized I was getting a bit passionate about it. I could feel Narumi-san listening intently to my words, which encouraged me to share more about other flowers I liked, their meanings, and why I loved them.
“I have other favorite flowers too. For example, I really like baby’s breath. The flower language of baby’s breath is ‘gratitude’ and ‘innocence,’ and I think there’s something indescribably beautiful about how those small flowers gather together to create a big beauty. They don’t stand out on their own, but when they’re with other flowers, their presence really shines. They go well with any flower and seem to create harmony wherever they are … that’s what I love about them.”
Next, the thought of roses came to mind.
“And then, of course, there are roses. Roses symbolize ‘love’ and ‘passion,’ but their meanings change depending on the type and color. Red represents passion, white represents purity, and yellow represents friendship. It’s interesting how each color carries its own message. That’s why choosing a rose to match the feelings I want to convey is enjoyable.”
As I articulated the thoughts behind each flower, I felt those feelings anew. Each one was precious and dear to me.
“In that sense, every flower has a special meaning, so choosing one is difficult … but flowers are really wonderful. Each one has its own story and depth.”
For a moment, I glanced at Narumi-san’s expressionless face and suddenly thought, If I had to compare Narumi-san to a flower, what would it be?
After a moment of thought, the answer came quickly.
… Narumi-san is probably a sunflower.
The flower language of sunflowers is ‘admiration’ and ‘vitality.’ Their straight and tall posture, always facing the sun, resembles Narumi-san perfectly. He might appear expressionless and unfriendly at first glance, but he has a certain presence that strongly impacts my heart. Plus, he used to be indifferent to flowers, but recently he’s begun to take an interest, which feels similar to the brightness of sunflowers.
While pondering this, I felt a bit shy watching Narumi-san seriously listen to me talk. I realized that I hadn’t had many people who listened to my words so attentively before. Even with his usual expressionless demeanor, there was a gentle aura about Narumi-san that made me feel grateful inside.
Narumi-san was intently listening to what I had to say. Although his expression looked as it usually did, I felt there was a certain softness in his gaze.
When the Mont Blanc arrived at the table, I suddenly realized I had been talking a lot and hurriedly apologized.
“Oh, I’m sorry for talking so much ….”
Narumi-san shook his head slightly.
“It’s fine. Listening to you talk helps me learn more about flowers, and it’s interesting.”
Those words gave me a bit of relief. However, when Narumi-san pointed out that I had forgotten to eat the Mont Blanc, I hastily grabbed my fork.
The moment I took a bite, I was surprised by the creamy, rich flavor. My mouth naturally broke into a smile, and I couldn’t help but exclaim my thoughts.
“What is this … it’s so good …!”
Seeing my excitement, Narumi-san laughed. I felt a bit embarrassed by that smile. Do I look childish?
Desperately trying to change the subject in my mind, I thought hard.
“By the way, why did you suddenly decide to start growing flowers?”
Narumi-san lowered his gaze slightly and seemed to choose his words carefully before answering.
“… because the person I like loves flowers. At first, I wasn’t interested in them, but recently I’ve started to think flowers are nice.”
That single sentence squeezed my heart. Right, Narumi-san has someone he likes. The flowers he bought every day at the shop were probably for that person ….
Feeling a swirl of complicated emotions, I found myself asking.
“Are things going well … with that person?”
The moment I said that, I regretted it. It was a mix of wanting to know yet not wanting to know, and my feelings were tangled up. Narumi-san didn’t answer right away; after a brief pause, he smiled softly.
“Yeah, I think it’s going well.”
Hearing those words made a strange heaviness spread in my chest. I couldn’t figure out what the confusing feelings were, but I could barely manage to squeeze out a response.
“I’m glad.”
However, even when I took another bite of the Mont Blanc, the delicious taste was no longer there.
At night, when I got home, I sighed heavily as I locked the door. The unease in my chest wouldn’t go away. Ever since I heard that Narumi-san had someone he liked, my heart had been in turmoil. I sank into the sofa, wondering why I felt so down.
I knew from the start that Narumi-san had someone he liked. He came to my shop to buy flowers for that person, and I had understood that, even supporting him in his endeavors.
“It’s nothing more or less than that … It should be …”
I tried to convince myself, but deep inside, something kept pricking at my heart.
And in a fleeting moment, a thought slipped out.
“Do I … like Narumi-san?”
As soon as those words left my mouth, it felt as if something collapsed, and my feelings became crystal clear. At the same time, I sank even further into despair. A wave of anxiety and sadness rushed over me, as I couldn’t help but acknowledge my feelings.
I had no clear moment of when I started liking Narumi-san or what triggered it. However, looking back, I think it was a buildup of small events that led me here.
At first, Narumi-san was just a regular customer. He was expressionless, always indifferent, leaving the choice of flowers to me. I didn’t even know his name and felt no emotions toward him. But as he continued to visit the shop, our conversations gradually increased, revealing different facets of Narumi-san.
For instance, behind his expressionless facade, there were moments of kindness and shy smiles. Although he didn’t say much, there were gestures that showed he cared, and occasionally he would throw me serious questions that felt genuine. With each glimpse into Narumi-san’s humanity, I found myself unwittingly drawn to him.
One particularly memorable moment was when we first learned each other’s names. When he asked for mine and briefly showed a softer expression, it felt different from his usual emotionless demeanor, and I sensed a strange warmth. At that moment, something might have begun to change within me.
Gradually, I found myself waiting for Narumi-san to come to the shop. Every time I talked to him, my heart felt lighter, and his every word became something special to me.
The feelings I developed for him may have naturally sprouted from those daily interactions. By the time I realized it, it was already too late.
The person I like has someone else they like. I never imagined that such a simple fact could hurt this much.
I acknowledged my feelings for Narumi-san. I know he already has someone he likes. So, I decided to support Narumi-san’s love instead. Setting aside my own feelings, it’s better to watch over his happiness. Thinking that way might make things a little easier.
With that thought in mind, Narumi-san came to the shop again today to buy flowers. As usual, he left the choice of flowers to me.
“The usual, please.”
I smiled and nodded. The flowers Narumi-san buys are surely for the person he likes. Since they are for that purpose, I want to choose the perfect flowers to support his feelings, even just a little. However, today, different emotions swirled inside my heart. The flowers I picked began to feel like my own feelings.
Then my eyes caught on a chrysanthemum. A flower that symbolizes autumn.
“How about this one today?”
I picked up the chrysanthemum and showed it to Narumi-san.
“Chrysanthemum, huh … well, I’ll leave it to you.”
As usual, Narumi-san entrusted everything to me. I understood that it was his style, but today, that indifference pierced my heart just a little.
The language of the chrysanthemum flower signifies “nobility” and “true love.” It might be a suitable flower for Narumi-san to give to someone. Yet, deep inside me, a bittersweet feeling spread.
As I carefully wrapped the chrysanthemum, I realized something. Through this flower, my feelings were increasingly directed towards Narumi-san. But I couldn’t express it to him. This was a flower meant for him.
I maintained a smile and handed Narumi-san the bouquet of chrysanthemums.
“I think they’ll be pleased.”
“I see.”
Narumi-san accepted it, and as usual, he gave a light bow before leaving the shop.
As I watched his back disappear, I sighed with a complex mix of emotions.
The next time Narumi-san came to the shop was on a slightly windy autumn day. The bell at the door rang, and Narumi-san appeared as usual. Today, a chilly breeze was blowing, and I noticed the cosmos swaying in the autumn wind outside the shop.
I smiled lightly and greeted, “Welcome, Narumi-san.” As always, he simply said, “I’ll leave it to you today,” entrusting the flower selection to me.
Today, I decided to go with cosmos. The language of the cosmos signifies “harmony,” “humility,” and “a maiden’s true heart.” It somehow reminded me of Narumi-san’s innocence and the shape of his love.
The cosmos swaying in the wind felt like a symbol of Narumi-san and his partner’s relationship. Narumi-san, usually expressionless and difficult to read, showed a gentle side when it came to the person he was giving flowers to. I decided to entrust that true heart to these cosmos.
“How about we go with cosmos today?”
I pointed to the cosmos outside the shop.
Narumi-san squinted a bit as he looked outside.
“Yeah, that’s fine.”
I quickly chose the cosmos and wrapped the bouquet more carefully than usual. As I was wrapping, the autumn breeze suddenly blew into the shop, and I felt as if my heart was being swayed by that wind as well.
“Is this alright?”
I held out the bouquet, and Narumi-san nodded as he accepted it.
“I’ll come again.”
With just that one word, Narumi-san left the shop once more.
As he stepped outside, the bouquet of cosmos lightly swayed in his hand with the breeze. Watching that scene, I couldn’t help but feel a bit envious of the person Narumi-san would be giving these flowers to.
Like the cosmos swaying in the autumn wind, I wondered if my feelings were also continuing to sway.
A week later, Narumi-san visited the shop again. It was a calm autumn day, with clear skies and soft sunlight, the temperature just right. A slightly chilly breeze blew, but it was perfect weather for a walk outside. Narumi-san arrived a bit earlier than usual, and as the bell above the door jingled, his figure appeared.
“Welcome, Narumi-san. Shall I help you choose some flowers today?” I greeted, a smile on my face.
“Please,” he replied shortly, scanning the interior of the shop. I had grown accustomed to his expressionless demeanor, but lately, I had started to glimpse the kindness that lay beneath it. Today, as always, his quiet warmth radiated around him.
What flowers would suit someone like Narumi-san? I pondered for a moment and decided—today, it would be dahlias.
Dahlias are flowers that draw people in with their beauty and grace, their meanings including “elegance,” “grace,” and “gratitude.” I believed I could express Narumi-san’s quiet kindness and the thoughtfulness he occasionally showed through these dahlias.
The air was crisp that day, and the gentle light made the deep colors of the dahlias stand out even more beautifully. I thought about how Narumi-san’s charm truly shone through in the quiet moments of daily life, and I carefully selected the most stunning dahlias for him.
“Today, I’ve chosen dahlias. They are vibrant flowers, yet they possess a calm charm,” I said, presenting the bouquet to Narumi-san.
“Dahlias … they’re beautiful,” he replied, surprisingly pausing to admire the flowers, a hint of appreciation in his voice. I was taken aback by his reaction, but a warmth spread through me. It felt special that he acknowledged the beauty of the flowers.
“Thank you. I hope they bring joy to the person you’re giving them to,” I said, my heart a mix of pride and longing.
Narumi-san nodded quietly, “Yes,” and cradled the bouquet tenderly as he left the shop.
As I watched him walk away with the beautiful dahlias, a lingering sense of unease remained in my heart. The beauty of those flowers and Narumi-san’s kindness merged within me, stirring an indescribable emotion.
In that serene moment, I realized how deeply I was drawn to him, even as I wished for his happiness with someone else.
That day, a cold autumn rain was falling, and droplets pattered against the shop windows. When Narumi-san walked in, I was taken aback for a moment. His hair and shoulders were wet from the rain, and he looked somehow different from his usual clean-cut self.
“Welcome, Narumi-san … it’s pouring, huh?” I said, trying to mask my surprise.
“Yeah … it started pouring suddenly, and I didn’t have an umbrella,” he replied, his expression unchanged as he shivered slightly from the chill.
I quickly fetched a towel from the back and handed it to him. “Here, please use this. It’d be terrible if you caught a cold.”
“Thanks,” he said, a bit taken aback, but he accepted the towel and began to dry his hair and shoulders. The shop was quiet, with no other customers around, and the sound of the rain echoed softly inside.
“There aren’t any other customers, so please take your time. How about some tea?” I offered.
I brewed a warm cup of tea for him, and we sat across the counter, sipping quietly while listening to the rain. It seemed like Narumi-san didn’t mind this peaceful moment. He was usually quiet and didn’t express much emotion, but in times like this, his calm demeanor conveyed a sense of serenity.
“What flowers should we choose today?” I asked, trying to steer the conversation back to flowers.
However, Narumi-san held his cup and looked a bit lost in thought. After a moment, he met my gaze.
“I didn’t come here specifically to buy flowers today.”
I was a bit surprised by that. It was rare for Narumi-san not to be looking for flowers. But I quickly composed myself and continued.
“You’re quite the unusual customer to show up on a rainy day even though you’re not buying flowers. Well then, please relax a little while you’re here.”
I continued speaking naturally, though I noticed his expression seemed slightly troubled.
“Sorry for coming to the shop without buying flowers … am I bothering you?” he asked, a hint of concern in his voice.
“Not at all! I’m happy to see you, whether you buy flowers or not,” I blurted out, surprising even myself with my words. But in that moment, I thought I saw Narumi-san’s expression soften just a bit.
“I see. Then, I suppose it’s alright to stay a little longer,” he said.
“Of course, please do,” I replied, feeling warmth spreading through my chest at his words. Amid the intensifying rain outside, a quiet time flowed between us.
About an hour later, as the rain began to weaken and show signs of stopping, an idea struck me. I retrieved aster flowers from the shelf where I had displayed them.
“Here’s a little treat for you. Take this with you when you leave,” I said, presenting the asters to him.
Narumi-san stared at the flowers, surprise flickering across his face. “Is it really alright?”
“Of course. Rainy days are special,” I assured him.
He accepted the asters, his words still few, and picked up both the asters and sweet peas. It was clear he didn’t know the meanings of those flowers, but I chose not to tell him. The flower language of asters is “loving memories,” which perfectly encapsulated my feelings for him in that moment.
I couldn’t help but wonder where he would take those flowers and whom he would give them to. A pang of longing tugged at my heart. Yet, I maintained my smile as I sent him off, saying, “Please come back anytime.”
After the door closed, the sound of rain faded into the distance, enveloping the shop in a serene silence. The asters, carrying my unspoken thoughts, were whisked away somewhere. I knew my feelings might never reach him, but for now, I thought that was alright.
It happened while I was getting ready to close up shop. The sky had already turned dark outside, and a cold wind swept through the doorway as I tidied up the sign outside, feeling a slight chill that made me hunch my shoulders. When I returned inside, the quiet air of the shop surrounded me as I organized the counter area. Just then, the door chime rang.
"…Narumi-san?"
It was unusual for Narumi-san to come by at this hour. He usually dropped by in the mornings, but today the sun had long since set. Feeling curious, I greeted him as usual.
"Welcome, Narumi-san. Will it be the usual today?"
As he stepped inside, a calm, distinct atmosphere drifted in with him along with the cold wind. Although I was used to his visits by now, I still felt a bit nervous every time we met face to face. As usual, I assumed I’d pick out the flowers, and Narumi-san would give them to someone special. He always left the choice up to me, so I figured today would be no different.
But the next words out of his mouth froze me on the spot.
"No, today ... I'll choose them myself."
“… What?”
I couldn’t help but let the surprise slip into my voice. Narumi-san, who always let me choose, suddenly said he’d pick the flowers on his own. I couldn’t hide the astonishment that must’ve flashed across my face. My mind went completely blank, scrambling to understand why he’d say something like that out of nowhere.
—Ah, he’s going to confess.
A tight, constricting feeling gripped my chest. I stood behind the counter, unable to move, as I watched Narumi-san walk around the shop, his expression more serious than I’d ever seen.
His eyes followed the rows of flowers, scanning each one intently. Without realizing it, I found myself mesmerized by the sight. This was the first time I’d seen him show such a focused interest in flowers. Maybe he’d started to care about them little by little, picking them out for the person he liked over time. That thought stirred a dull ache deep in my chest.
As the minutes ticked by, closing time drew closer. I flipped the shop sign from “Open” to “Closed,” sealing us off from the world outside. And just as I was finishing the last of my tasks, Narumi-san returned to the counter, flowers in hand.
A red rose—symbolizing "love" and "passion."
A white lily—signifying "purity" and "nobility."
A yellow gerbera—meaning "ultimate beauty" and "kindness."
A blue star—representing "trust" and "happiness."
And lastly, baby’s breath—signifying "gratitude" and "innocence."
He’s serious, huh? These flowers … they’re filled with so much meaning.
As I took in the significance behind each flower he had carefully chosen, I felt certain. Narumi-san wasn’t just buying flowers—this was real. Whoever he picked these for must be someone incredibly special.
"Can you arrange them into a bouquet?"
His voice came out calm, steady. I swallowed the unease welling up inside me and responded as professionally as I could.
"It might take a little while, is that alright?"
"That’s fine," he said, smiling softly as he took a seat to wait. But every time I glanced at that gentle smile, my chest tightened a bit more. Who could this person be? The question spun around and around in my mind. Whoever they were, they must be wonderful to have captured Narumi-san’s heart.
I was holding the flowers I had chosen as I stepped into the workshop, where I began crafting the bouquet with care and precision. Out of sight from the counter, I worked diligently, but my hands trembled, and my heart was in turmoil. I fought back tears as I arranged each flower, trying to make them as beautiful as possible.
—Who could it be for?
That question kept surfacing in my mind, only to fade away again. The thought of Narumi-san handing this bouquet to someone he loved made my chest ache. But no matter how much it hurt, I couldn’t do anything about it. After all, I couldn’t stop the feelings I had developed for Narumi-san.
Eventually, the bouquet was finished. It was the most beautiful one I’d ever created. As I looked at it, a wave of both pride and sadness washed over me.
—So this is the bouquet that will help him make someone else happy.
I stared at the bouquet, trying to suppress the tears that threatened to spill. But deep down, I already knew the answer. All I could do now was hope that the person Narumi-san gave this bouquet to would smile happily. That was the only way I could support him.
Carrying the bouquet, I returned to the counter. The flowers I held were the ones Narumi-san had chosen, meant to be given to someone special. So, I hid the slight pang of sadness I felt and handed it to him with my usual smile.
"It’s finished."
The moment I handed the bouquet to Narumi-san, I felt both a sense of accomplishment—knowing I had made something beautiful—and a deep sadness, thinking it was meant for someone else he cared about. But I prepared myself to see him off with a smile, just as I always did.
However, when Narumi-san pushed the bouquet back into my hands, my entire world came crashing down.
"What …?"
The bouquet was back in my hands. I couldn’t hide my confusion, and anxiety began to spread through my chest.
Why?
No matter how much I asked myself, I couldn’t find the answer. Could it be that he didn’t like it? Maybe the combination of flowers I had chosen wasn’t right. Or perhaps the bouquet didn’t match his feelings. These thoughts flooded my mind all at once.
"That’s a bouquet for the person I like."
I heard the words, but my heart couldn’t process them right away.
A bouquet for the person he likes … so why did he give it back to me?
I couldn’t understand Narumi-san’s true intentions. Just a moment ago, he had been looking at the flowers with such joy. So why was he returning them to me? He had chosen these flowers for someone special, but now he was handing them back—why?
"Yes, I understand. I’m sorry if it didn’t meet your expectations. I can remake it if you’d like …"
I scrambled to find an excuse, forcing the words out. But they felt hollow, and deep inside, I didn’t even know what I was saying.
—Was the bouquet I made not good enough for him?
A sharp pain gripped my chest. I had made countless bouquets before, but I’d never felt anything like this. I never imagined that the bouquet I had created for Narumi-san wouldn’t be accepted.
But Narumi-san shook his head.
"No, it’s perfect."
I was even more confused. If it was perfect, why did he give it back to me? If he liked it, shouldn’t he be giving it to the person he cared about?
"But, um, why are you giving it to me …? You should give it to them before it withers."
I blurted out the words without thinking. Inside, I was desperately trying to grasp the situation, but my mind couldn’t keep up.
"Because I’m giving it to them right now."
Huh? Giving it to them … now?
It took a few seconds for me to understand what he meant. And the moment I realized it, my face grew hot, and my heart began to race.
"Uh … wait, hold on … do you mean … me?"
I tried to form a coherent sentence, but what came out was a jumbled mess.
Narumi-san, standing before me, held the bouquet in his slightly trembling hands, his face bright red. I was caught between disbelief and the stark reality unfolding in front of me.
"I’ve liked you for a long time, Hoshina."
Though Narumi-san's voice trembled, it was filled with sincerity. My mind went blank, and I couldn’t find any words. The idea that Narumi-san liked me—it was unbelievable. But the look on his face and the sound of his voice told me his confession was real.
"B-but, you’ve always been buying flowers for someone you liked …"
"That was … just an excuse to come here, to talk to you."
I gasped. I had always thought Narumi-san was buying flowers for someone else. To think it was just a pretext to have conversations with me … the scenario I had imagined in my head completely crumbled.
"Since when …?"
I asked in a shaky voice.
"It was when I happened to pass by this shop and saw you … It was love at first sight. But I didn’t know how to talk to you … so …"
Narumi-san, his expression more serious than I had ever seen, was struggling to find the right words. His ears and neck were bright red. Seeing him like that, my chest tightened even more.
"Will you go out with me?"
As soon as those words echoed through the shop, I held my breath. My whole body grew hot, and my heart pounded wildly in my chest. The bouquet that had been pushed back into my hands suddenly felt heavier.
Narumi-san’s trembling hands held the bouquet, and the face I saw past those hands was entirely different from the playful one I was used to. He was dead serious.
I stood frozen in place. No words came to mind. Why would Narumi-san … someone like him, choose me? But Narumi-san’s unwavering gaze was fixed on me, and the intensity of it made me want to crumble under its weight.
"… yes."
I nodded slightly. At that moment, emotions I could no longer contain welled up inside me.
"I like you too, Narumi-san."
As those words left my lips, Narumi-san’s expression wavered, surprised for a brief second, before he smiled, as if relieved.
I hugged the bouquet tightly, as if I were holding Narumi-san’s feelings themselves. The scent of the flowers seeped deep into my chest, filling me with warmth.
[END]