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It’s cold when Shuichi walks through the street. Sunny enough to warm things up, yet quickly brisk when the wind cuts through the air. Not the most ideal conditions, but it’s nothing that bothers him, at least not enough to keep him from his task.
Months have come and gone since the killing game met its end and everyone made it out alive. There were ups, and there were downs (oh, how there were downs…) but with time and patience, the group slowly worked to rebuild the bond most of them formed.
Well, somewhat. Some of them left as soon as they could, never to be heard from again if not choosing to stay in contact with a select few, while others chose to stay in the area to keep close. In Shuichi’s case, he and Kaede decided to share a place in an apartment that some of the others were also staying at. Being as close as they were, it only made sense for the two to pair up, especially after everything that happened. Added with it being affordable enough to give them time to build themselves back up and enough space to not have to walk all over each other, it didn’t take long for them to adjust.
But of course, it isn’t to say that there haven't been challenges. Despite the killing game being nothing but a simulation, the effects that came from it were very, very real. Nightmares and intrusive thoughts were near daily occurrences, and if you were murdered or executed, those pains stuck with you. Some were, well… “Lucky” with nothing more than a stab, but those with more full-body effects were much less fortunate. Kaede was one of the prime examples of that, not only being hung and dragged by her neck, but being crushed on top of that? It’s a miracle that she’s recovered as well as she did.
And while recovering she did, it was still something that haunted her no matter how much time had passed. On the day-to-day, she might feel a tightness around her throat or soreness in her muscles. At its worst though, she’s lucky if she can even move out of bed, let alone walk around without feeling as if spikes were constantly running through her body, and that’s not even covering the mental anguish that would weigh over her sometimes…
It hurt Shuichi to see her like this. He knows it’s not anyone’s fault, but he can’t help but feel that if he did things differently, Kaede could’ve been spared, even if it meant taking the fall himself. Kaede tells him that it's fine, that she’s fine, but Shuichi knows that isn’t the case, not always, at least. Whether she knows that he knows is debatable, but considering it’s a habit that Shuichi finds himself falling into, it doesn’t take much to notice it in others.
Regardless, Kaede always found it in her to pick him up from his lowest… It was only fair that Shuichi did the same. Given their situation it wasn’t easy to just go out and do something elaborate, so something small would have to do for now. Thankfully, he knew just the place to find something special for Kaede. Turning down a block, Shuichi manages to avoid any gazes from the other people bustling by and focus in on his destination drawing closer.
Forever Florist. It was a flower shop that’s been open for some time now, but continues to attract buyers near and far, and for good reason. With a wide variety of flowers and plants to choose from and all sorts of arrangements you can put them in, it’s no wonder they’ve been as popular as they have been. With it being the middle of the day though, the store is left pretty empty, which makes it much easier for Shuichi to handle. Walking up to the front entrance, he pushes the glass door open with a soft jingle of a bell and steps inside.
The refreshing yet calming scent of lemongrass and lavender fills the air, and the light green and cream white space is illuminated under the lamps from the ceiling. Warm and homey, a perfect break from the weather outside. Taking it in, Shuichi slowly meanders around the shop, attempting to get any vague idea on what to get Kaede. A varied bouquet would be the best way to go, but… How does he even begin to start picking which flowers to use? Before his brain could simmer over, footsteps could be heard coming from the back area behind the counter.
“Shuichi?”
Turning to see who that voice belonged to, Shuichi could see that it was none other than a former classmate and fellow friend; Gonta.
“Gonta- hey!” He cracks a smile at the sight, strutting over to the counter with content. “I didn’t realize you got a job here…”
“Hehe, yeah, he started just a few weeks ago, but Gonta been really happy here.” He nodded in return. “He sorry for keeping you waiting! He had to deal with some extra supplies coming in all of a sudden.”
“It’s fine, really, I’ve just been looking around anyway.” Shuichi reassures. “How have you been doing? Holding up okay?”
“He been doing well, especially since he get to see his good friends again.” He giggles, which makes Shuichi smile sheepishly. While they’ve made sure to keep in touch after everything, it wasn’t super often they got to get together physically. So it was moments like this that really mattered for the both of them.
“Yeah? Well, it’s always nice to see you too, Gonta. Have you been in touch with anyone else?”
“Mhmm, Gonta got to be with Kirumi and Ryoma the other day, and he talked with Miu more last night.”
“Oh? That’s really good to hear, I’m glad you were able to make amends with her.” Shuichi remarked. He was quite curious about how they two would get along after… Well, that . Gonta was so avoidant out of not wanting to hurt her, but despite her fears, Miu held little resentment for what he did. Even then, she probably holds that more to a certain someone else, which…
“I uh… I assume you haven’t had the same result with Kokichi?”
Gonta’s face fell some, and even if he didn’t try to show it, Shuichi could tell he was feeling tense. Glancing down at the floor, he picked at one of the buttons on his apron before sighing quietly, returning the other’s gaze.
“... No, Gonta can’t say that he has.” He replied with a hint of disappointment in his voice. “B-but it not a big deal, really! Maybe Kokichi just been busy, is all.”
Busy. Gonta said the same thing when Shuichi last inquired about his absence, and while he doesn’t want to say that’s a lie, he can’t help but feel that such truth was waning thinner and thinner the longer this silence went on for. Shuichi doesn’t know the full details (nor does he want to pry for them as it really wasn’t his business at the end of the day), but from what someone else alluded to, it sounded like the last time Kokichi and Gonta talked one on one ended in some sort of argument… One that was enough to get Gonta out of all people heated. Whatever is was that got him so upset or if that was the reason that Kokichi, for one reason or another, dipped was unclear, but with Shuichi’s full honesty… Maybe it was for the best.
“I see, I’m sorry to hear that, Gonta… But hey, it sounds like you got at least a few people within your circle, and you know I’ll always be here for you when you need someone.”
“... Yeah, you right. Thank you, Shuichi...” Gonta smiled. “Ah- um, sorry, he got a little off track of things.”
Shuichi chuckled, simply shaking his head. “It’s really nothing to be sorry for, you know… But ah, I could use some help, actually.” He spoke. “I want to get Kaede something like a bouquet to cheer her up, but I’m kind of at a loss on what to get her exactly.”
“He sees! Hmm… Well, do you know what flowers she like most?”
“I know there’s lionsheart and lily of the valley, I believe bellflowers, too?”
Gonta nodded along, making an internal note of each flower as he scanned the arrangements around them. Before he could say anything more though, the doorbell rang, indicating someone else coming in.
“Well well, if it ain’t the two greatest bros I know!”
“Kaito!” Gonta perked up, that more genuine smile returning to his face at the sight of the other man.
“Big guy! Sidekick! It’s good to see you guys again.” Kaito beamed. “Hope I’m not missin’ out on too much fun, hehe.”
“Ah, no, not much really. I was just looking to get Gonta’s help on something.” Shuichi chuckled softly.
“Oh yeah? Whatcha both workin’ on?”
“I want to get a bouquet for Kaede, but… I’m stuck on what kind of flowers to pick for it.” He curled his mouth to the side in thought. “So far I’m thinking of bellflowers and lionsheart since I know those are her favorites, but that’s all I have.”
Kaito nodded with a hum, leaning against the front counter as he also started to think it over.
“Hm hm hm… Well, if both of those flowers are gonna be pink, maybe adding some white or purple might help? Like an orchid?”
“Ohh, yes! Daisies and camellias might also be very nice as well.” Gonta added. With the ideas flowing in, he got to work on putting the arrangement together, playing around with the different styles and colors of wrapping to match with the florals selected. It took some picking around and bits of back and forth, but eventually the three were able to make some final decisions for the bouquet: A pink, purple and white mix of tulips, lionsheart, heather, bellflowers, and water lilies. Displayed neatly in a striking music-printed wrap, Gonta emerged from the back to bring it up to the front counter
“How does this look?” He asked, carefully holding it up to the other two.
“Oh… It looks so beautiful.” Shuichi gaped at the sight. “You were right, I think the purple really does make it stand out.”
“It sure does.” Kaito agreed. “You killed it with the placements, Gonta. You really are one hell of a florist!”
“Oh, it nothing, really…” Gonta blushed. “He just happy that it look nice.”
“Well of course, you always know just how to pay attention to details like that.” Shuichi affirmed him. Satisfied, he slid his card over to pay, and in return Gonta handed the flowers over.
“Thank you both again, I don’t think I could’ve ever figured it out on my own.”
“Don’t sweat it, bro! Just let us know how she likes it.”
“I will… I hope Kaede enjoys it.” Shuichi uttered
“I’m sure she will, anyone would get excited to receive somethin’ like that. I gotta say, I’m kinda jealous!” Kaito laughed. “... Hey, that reminds me. Didn’t you say you wanted to get me a lil something as soon as you got this job?” He asked, turning back to Gonta.
“O-oh, did he? Gonta sorry, he didn’t mean to forget!” He replied. “He just wanted to make it perfect for you.”
“Well, knowing what you can do, I’m positive whatever you make will blast me all away the moon and back.” Kaito winked, which made Gonta giggle bashfully. Rolling his eyes playfully, Shuichi took this as his sign to head out and did just that, making his way out through the doors to leave the lovebirds two to their own devices.
-
Locking the door behind him, Shuichi eventually makes it back to the apartment with both himself and the bouquet in one piece. Not like there was much danger, really, he’s just happy to be out of that wind… To his surprise, Kaede was nearby in the kitchen, so Shuichi had to be quick to hide the flowers behind his back to be safe.
“Kaede?”
“Oh- Shuichi!” She perked up upon noticing the other, her face picking itself up from its blank state as she found something.. someone, to focus on. Despite her somewhat wavering stance, her smile was as warm as ever. “I was wondering where you went off to.”
“Heh, yeah, just thought I’d go for a little walk.”
“Is that so?” She cocked her head, glancing at him up and down. “... Does holding your arms like that have something to do with it?”
“Well… Perhaps.” Shuichi admitted. “But you have to close your eyes if you want to see it.”
“Hmm… Alright, if you insist.” Kaede chuckled, doing just that.
“Okay, now hold your hands out.” Shuichi vocalizes, and with her hands out and ready, he brings the bouquet from behind and gently places it onto them. It takes a moment, but eventually Kaede holds onto it enough for Shuichi to let go. “And… Open..”
On cue, Kaede opened her eyes slowly, though seeing the arrangement in her hands they blinked wider. Her mouth slightly agape, she doesn’t utter another word for as long as she keeps staring at the flowers. The soft heather, the vibrant lionsheart, the bountiful bellflowers… She truly was in awe at the sight.
Which almost made Shuichi worry some.
“Kaede… Do you like i-” Before he could finish the question, she carefully sets the bouquet onto the countertop before tumbling over to squeeze him tight. It caught Shuichi by surprise at first, but realizing it was a good reaction, had little hesitation when hugging her back.
“Shuichi, I-I… Thank you.” Kaede spoke as she found her words. “Really, thank you! I didn’t think you were planning on getting me anything, let alone something so beautiful…”
“Really? You know I like to get you stuff every now and then.” He remarked.
“I know, but it’s just… I guess it’s the thought that makes it more special to me, you know?” She pulled away some to look at him. “It having my favorite colors, first of all… And how did you know some of those flowers were also my favorites?”
“Hmm… I suppose that’s just a detective’s luck, isn’t it?” He laughed. Kaede laughed too, and after sharing a kiss she pulls fully away before picking up the flowers again, her eyes showing that genuine sparkle once more.
“Thank you, Shuichi, I love it… I love you.”
“... I love you too, Kaede.”