Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Cherry blossoms had just begun to bloom and shed their petals down onto the sidewalk below, as a welcome breeze blew through the neighborhood. A quaint retail district, where many citizens decided to set up their own local businesses had begun to garner all sorts of chatter and visitors around it. A blue haired girl had begun to prepare for opening herself. She wore a light pink bandana on her head with her blue hair tied into pigtails low on her head and cascading down her back. She wore a dark colored apron with cyan accents over a light gray button up and white pleated skirt that reached her knees, as well as dark leggings with blue mary jane shoes to match the cyan accents on her apron. The girl wiped sweat from her forehead as she let out a deep exhale, as she adjusted the final bouquet of flowers in its place. She then turned her sign from Closed to Open. A pastel blue sign with white accents, much like her shop’s whole vibe, a cute flower shop with pastel blues and greens along the walls and furniture. Her counter was a pastel green for example, she also had many little trinkets around such as her favorite Sonic figures and her leek stickers placed carefully on the cash register only slightly peeling.

Her venue neighbor caught her eye and the blonde girl waved at her, “Hey Miku! Lovely flowers today!” She grinned, as she held her basket full of bread in one hand and gave a thumbs up with her other.

“Haha! Thanks, Rin! Your bread looks particularly tasty today!” She replied with a grin, and a wave back.

“Well, you know where to go when you’re ready for your lunch break!” Rin giggled as she walked into her bakery with a quiet ‘bye!’ as she closed her door.

Rin was always pretty nice to Miku, but she had a habit of overworking her brother a little. He only worked part time at the bakery to help Rin get her footing with her first business, but Miku swears she sees him begin to regret that decision every time he leaves one of his few shifts there. Miku checked her watch, on the subject of part timers she actually had her own part timer she hired recently. She just had no idea where she could be right now. As she questioned she heard a loud crash and a just as loud apology. …Is that her…? Miku admittedly just put an ad out and just was going to test their ability in person but she now sees that it was likely a bad decision to be so hasty and desperate for someone to help. A green haired girl in a light orange jumper dress over a yellow shirt came in with a huff, “I’m so sorry I’m late… I got caught up in some traffic… I brought you a snack and coffee from that cafe a few blocks down, so please…don’t fire me yet!” She handed her a coffee and a small pastry. This was likely from Meiko’s cafe, the pastry seemed all too familiar.

“Thanks, you’re okay…Just…try to be on time next time, please.” Miku sighed with a smile as she took the drink and snack from her hand, placing them on the counter.

“Yes, yes… Of course.” She nodded and smiled a bit nervously.

“Okay, now. Let me describe the job to you. It’s pretty self explanatory. Your two jobs will either be register, which is simply returning change to the customers, making sure the money is all in order, and of course giving the customers that promised Miku service! And the other job is to just help me keep the flowers organized, keep them stocked, and greeting customers and helping them with any questions they may have.” Miku explained as she took a sip from the coffee, sweet coffee, with a bit too much sugar added… Well. Better than black I suppose. Miku thought to herself. 

“Okay, sounds good! Um…what should I do today?” She questioned, adjusting her bangs with a hand.

“I think register, the questions are often about the flowers and what’s best for what occasion, which you will need to learn by just watching me, I think.” Miku nodded, with a smile, “Oh, and your name is…Gumi right?”

“Ah! Yes! Gumi! That’s meee!” She shakily smiled, with a quick glance around the store and back to her.

“Hey…it’s okay. Just calm down. I’m sure you’ll do fine. I’m not upset by your tardiness. Just…show me you care about helping me around and I’ll be satisfied with your work.” The blue haired girl gave a smile, and a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

The slightly taller girl sighed and nodded, “Okay… I’ll do my best, Miss Miku!” 

“...W-We’re the same age… You can just call me Miku…” Miku looked at her with a small smile.

“I’m sorry…! Gosh I’m already messing this all up!” Gumi ran behind the register, “I’m just going to do my job! Believe me, I can do it!” 

Miku nodded, “Alright, I believe in you!”

Miku laughed a bit at her antics, as she greeted their first customer, the same guy every morning…

“Hello Kaito!” Miku smiled, as she waved at him.

The taller blue haired man looked at her with a wave, “Hey again, Miku!” He crossed his arms with a smirk, “I see you have a new part timer, really expanding the business I see?” 

“well…I’m trying to, giving flowers to everyone is so fun! And I’m sure everyone appreciates it.” Miku smiled, “And I assume you’re here for the same bouquet you get every morning? How many have you given to her by now?”

Kaito laughed nervously, “ABSOLUTELY NONE! That’s the problem…” 

“Then where are my bouquets going!?” Miku yelled, looking at him with the sternest face she could manage.

“My mom, for the most part. Sometimes I go to finally give one to her after she gets off and then chicken out and keep it for myself… And a few times I uh…well…I was really hungry and curious.” Kaito rubbed the back of his neck.

“You can NOT be serious. You ATE the flowers I sold you?” Miku pinched the bridge of her nose.

“...They were very organic. Okay, today is the day! Once I close up shop today and after she gets off I’m going to ask her out, promise!” He raised his arms up defensively, “I just have to find the right words…” 

“You better, your whole income is being spent here. And as thankful as I am for the patronage, I worry for your wallet. You’ve become a good friend at this point.” She laughed a bit as she shook her head at his antics.

“Yes, of course, I will no longer be here every morning! Maybe every week instead!” He pointed a finger up as he smiled, and picked out a bouquet with a collection of blue and red flowers, “Let me–”

“Kaito. Just take them, for free. If you come back tomorrow I'll charge you triple if you waste my kindness.” Miku looked straight into his eyes.

“Y-Yes ma’am! Good luck, newbie!” He waved at Gumi and thanked Miku before rushing out.

“He’s absolutely hopeless, Gumi…” Miku sighed, shaking her head. 

Gumi laughed a bit, “Yeah…but I get it. It’s really hard to ask out someone you like, don’t you think?” 

“Well…I wouldn’t know. I’ve never dated anyone.” Miku walked closer to the counter and leaned on it.

“Oh, me neither. But I mean…imagining it is so scary! Like…if they reject you after you were so vulnerable… I think I’d rather just return to the earth after that, and never leave.” Gumi said, looking very dejected all of a sudden. 

“Well Gumi, rejection is a part of life sadly. If you truly put your heart on the line and the other person doesn’t accept it, it's nothing to be upset over…people aren’t going to feel the same as each other as much as you want them to. But hopefully when you do find someone, you will have reciprocated feelings.” Miku smiled and swayed as she talked. 

“Well…yeah…you’re right. I probably wouldn’t actually wanna do all that. But it’s scary! I get him, is all I’m saying. I hope he finally asks the girl he likes out.” Gumi smiled, “Who’s he been trying to ask out for so long anyway?”

“Just the barista that you got the snacks and drink from.” Miku smirked, “I don’t know if he stands a chance.” 

“WHAAAT!? Yeah no. I don’t think he does either. She’s out of his league.” She seemed just as shocked about this newfound town gossip.

“He’s very obvious too, literally everyone knows but her. Well, let’s hope for his sake she likes funny guys.” Miku laughed a little as she pushed off the counter.

Gumi laughed as well and nodded.

The shift went by as normal, customers Miku had seen countless times before, some new. Of course, Miku greeted them all with the same smile she gave everyone. This store was clearly Miku’s passion, the bond she had with her returning customers showed how much joy she really got out of this job, the flowers and her ability to explain them surely showed this as well. Eventually lunch time rolled around, and Miku put up an Out for Lunch sign. 

“Alright, lunch time Gumi!” Miku cheered as she threw her arms in the air.

Gumi sighed, sprawling her chest and arms over the counter, “I didn’t think you had so many customersss….” 

“Ouch…” Miku said with a hand over her heart.

“N-Not like that! Just…it’s a local place…!” Gumi exclaimed, standing up straight.

“Haha., it’s okay, I get it.” Miku laughed, “Well, let’s go get our lunch!” Miku opened the door to the store as Gumi walked out and looked next door.

“A bakery! Cute!” She smiled, looking at Miku.

“Yep, I get bread from her every day! She makes the best bread in town.” Miku smiled, closing the door behind them and locking it.

Gumi had looked in the window and her face evidently grew more red than before. It then became clear to Miku… This part timer did indeed have ulterior motives. Who’s Miku to get in the way of that? As long as she did the work Miku didn’t mind her employee thirsting for her venue neighbor. 

“Gumi, I’ll leave you in charge of getting our lunch. I’m gonna take a walk!” Miku said, winking at Gumi.

Gumi nodded as she scrambled to find her words, “Uh…y-yes Miku! I will get that for you!” She rushed into the bakery as Miku laughed a bit.

Miku walked down the block, all the different venues clearly personalized to each owner. Pet store, very orange and caters to cats. Next door, a retro music store, a distinctly sixties vibe in there. Comic book stores, electronics, boating supplies, bookstores, the list goes on and on. If there was a product you wanted this street had it. Miku stopped in her tracks, a little parlor she neglected to notice before. A clearly marine inspired aesthetic with glimpses of the alternative scene. Miku looked in the window, there she saw a girl with pink hair pulled back into a hastily styled bun, a black crop top with a translucent black mesh top over revealing a few tattoos down her arm, she wore a high waisted black skirt with a slit on the side and the chunkiest black boots on that Miku feared would definitely hurt her feet. The woman was carefully etching into someone’s skin with her needle, and was hard at work. Her tongue poked out over her black lips as she concentrated. Miku was entranced, but looked away, she knew how much more awkward it would be if she was caught staring. 

Miku began her walk back to her own store with a red face and racing thoughts about this mysterious woman. She had never seen that little business, tucked into the corner beside Kaito’s ice cream store somehow. Perhaps she was always so focused on getting her ice cream after a hard day at work and to bug Kaito, but this store must have always been there. How had she not seen this woman before…? She felt so familiar but…Miku has definitely never seen her. She would remember someone so… STOP. Miku didn’t have time for romantic ventures. Her flower shop…she wanted to create something bigger than this. She had no time for these hedonistic ventures. She met Gumi in front of the door again. 

“Hello! I got us both these bread bowls, she said you liked them.” Gumi smiled, holding a bag in her hands. 

“Thank you, Gumi. I appreciate it.” She smiled, unlocking the door and holding it open for Gumi. 

Gumi walked in and started immediately fawning over the baker girl next door, “Gee Miku, your friend next door is so nice! She was telling me the best ways to make bread for myself, and was telling me all about you two’s businesses and how they’re perfect together as date night gifts… She sells cakes! Carrot cake!! I might get some once we’re off!” She grinned and set the bag down on the counter and stepped behind it once again. 

Miku smiled and nodded, “Yeah Rin and I have joked about how we’re perfect for that romantic night together. My flowers and her cakes!” 

Gumi nodded and smiled as she opened the bag to pull out their lunches. They talked and ate before Miku had reopened the store much to Gumi’s whines claiming she was enjoying the talk. The last of the regulars came in and enjoyed a conversation with Miku and introducing themselves to Gumi before the fateful end of the day came. Miku had officially locked the door for good, as Gumi stretched.

“Wooow…today was fun! Your job is really fun, Miku!” Gumi smiled, as she jumped up and down on her heels.

Miku smiled, “Thank you, Gumi.” 

“Of course! It is carrot cake time though, so uh…see you tomorrow!” She waved as she went back into Rin’s bakery with a mission. 

Miku laughed to herself before she herself turned on her heels to go get an after work treat at Kaito’s. As she made her way there she noted the usual stores, and of course there on the corner stood the very tattoo parlor she only noticed today. She noticed the lights were dim, it must be closing time for her too. Miku shook her head and brushed off her thoughts of the stranger, before walking into the ice cream store. Blue walls and an all too sweet man standing at the counter, to greet Miku. 

“Mikuuuu!” Kaito waved as a grin creeped on his face, “How’s it going!?”

She walked up to the counter with a smile, “It’s going good, just closed. Waiting expectantly for your update tomorrow.” She looked at him with a playful laugh. 

“Look. It’s going to happen. Don’t doubt me.” He pouted and huffed, “Do you want your usual mint chocolate chip?”

“Yeah, of course!” Miku smiled, as she looked over at the ice cream flavors behind the glass. 

Kaito began scooping the ice cream into a cup, Miku spoke up again, “Kaito, how long has that tattoo parlor been there next to you?”

Kaito looked at her as he handed her the ice cream, “Golly…it’s been so long I don’t remember. It’s been there about the same amount of time I had my place opened. You only just notice? I mean you never struck me as the type to really want too many tattoos so it makes sense you’d overlook it.”

Miku nodded, as she scooped some of the ice cream into her mouth, just as delicious as always, “Do you know the owner?”

“She kinda sticks to herself. I don’t think she talks to much of anyone.” Kaito commented, his eyes glancing up clearly trying to think about it, “Honestly normally she goes straight home once she closes.”

Miku continued to eat her ice cream, “I see.”

Kaito raised an eyebrow at her, “Why? Something happen?” 

“I just never knew it existed.” Miku shrugged, “Yep. That’s all.” She laughed the most forced laugh known to man. 

Kaito decided to ignore it, and just smiled, “Okay. Well, yeah. I think she sometimes comes in here. But never makes a habit of it like you.” He began to clean the counters as his closing time was approaching as well. 

Miku nodded with another scoopful in her mouth, “I see. Maybe you don’t know anything because of your one track mind. Oh Meikooo…” She laughed as she saw Kaito roll his eyes. 

“Well. I’ll have you know I’m being entirely truthful. No one else around here really knows her either.” Kaito stated. 

The bell above the door rang as another customer came in, much to Miku’s surprise it was the pink haired woman she saw. Of course. We speak about her and she’s summoned. Miku thought. 

The woman glanced at Miku before turning straight to Kaito again, “Hey.”

“Hello! Nice to see you this evening!” He glanced at Miku with a smirk as he kept speaking, “What would you like today?”

“Strawberry. Uh…in a medium cup please?” The woman said, taking out her wallet and then her credit card. 

“Okay! That’ll be five fifteen!” Kaito smiled as the machine in front of the pink haired woman prompted her to pay. 

“Thanks.” She said, pulling some hair behind her ear and going to pay, “How’s your night been, neighbor?” 

“Pretty quiet, ice cream is a day business indeed.” Kaito chuckled quietly to himself, “You?”

“Also quiet. But I’m appointment based so I’m not surprised.” She slightly shrugged, “Been next door for years and I never got to say, you truly do have some of the best ice cream I’ve tasted.” 

As Kaito scooped her strawberry ice cream into a cup he smiled, “Thanks! I make it with love!” He laughed. 

“Hah… Well. Meiko over across the street says she can tell.” The woman laughed as well as Kaito’s face grew a bright red.

“I don’t need both of you teasing me now! She’s not all I think about! I have other things too! Like ice cream, my growing scarf collection, my love for spinning, and many other things!” He glared up at her from his hunched position watching her continue to stifle laughter. 

“Like what? Her brown hair…her brown eyes…the coffee she makes… We all know.” She rolled her eyes as he finally handed her the ice cream. 

“Look. You can’t bully me in my own establishment! Plus like I said there’s a plethora of other things I think about!” He crossed his arms, “So there.”

“Okay fine fine. I’ll leave you alone.” She laughed, “Thank you again for the ice cream.” She turned to walk out, but waved at Miku before she left. 

Miku watched her leave and then looked back at Kaito, “Huh. So she knows you enough to joke with you… You liar…!” She pointed accusedly at him.

Kaito raised his arms defensively, “Look just because she knows that doesn’t mean I know anything about her! Maybe I’m just very obvious!”

“Well finally you get it.” She crossed her arms, after she threw away the cup, “I’m heading out though. Thank you for the ice cream. And for not explaining everything to me, traitor.” She dramatically turned her head away and began to walk out. 

Kaito sighed dramatically and waved to her as she left, “See ya tomorrow, when you forgive me.” 

This caused Miku to giggle at his antics. Miku couldn’t help but think about that woman again, she really felt so familiar. Familiar yet unknown… One thing is for sure she’s an oddball no matter what. Miku decided it best to just walk back to her apartment and just watch some shitty reality tv to get her mind off it. This lingering feeling only made her feel more and more lightheaded and dizzy. It was best to just shove it to the back of her mind and focus on her life. Her career depended on it. 

Chapter Text

Another spring day in the quaint little district yet again, and Miku, having just opened, already had so many racing thoughts. The morning passed by before she could even begin to enjoy it with all the thoughts in her head. First, she missed her morning coffee at Meiko’s, she couldn’t do her normal morning walk of the park, and now she only barely made it on time to open her shop. She really needed to calm down these thoughts, and fast. The day ahead was young, and it was best to look ahead. 

She thought she’d be free of her friend for one day and could focus on the other customers, but lo and behold in walked the taller blue haired man. 

“Kaito. Please. I thought you said you’d do it…” She hung her head, with a disapproving shake to add insult to his injury. 

“And I went to! But she had closed before I got there so now TODAY is the day, and I’m going to buy a SECOND bouquet so she knows my real love. It was a sign. I can’t just use one…I need TWO!” He held up two fingers and grinned, “I’ll be out of here. Okay?” He quickly picked a bouquet of roses, and scrambled his way to the register. 

“You’re paying triple, don’t think I forgot.” Miku looked at him with a mischievous smirk. 

“Okay, and I’ve accepted this.” Kaito nodded, with a smile holding out his blue wallet, a keychain dangling from it, a small orange keychain Rin had bought for him to a matching ice cream one she held. 

Miku only charged him for half price, she’d never actually treat him in such a way. Kaito thanked her and rushed out once again. Like clockwork. It all felt so familiar. He’d be back tomorrow, she was sure. 

She was glad she could at least take a quick breather for a whole thirty seconds until someone else walked in. A visitor she didn’t see often made his way in, with a wave and a fresh basket of bread. 

“Hey Miku!” The blonde boy had set the basket down on the counter, “Long time no see.”

“Huh. It does feel like it’s been a while, Len. What have you been up to?” She asked, looking at the basket, “And what’s this?”

“Rin made too much. Gave it to you for free.” He shrugged and smiled again, “As for what I’m doing…I’m pretty proud of this…I’m getting my own dance studio set up. Rin’s helping me.” 

“Oh really? Congrats Len! I know how much you enjoy dance!” She smiled and took a piece of bread to eat.

“Yeah! It’s pretty exciting. Rin was telling me about that new part timer of yours,” He leaned over the counter.

“Yep. She’s…interesting. She seems willing to learn, but she definitely has her priorities set somewhere else too I think.” She snickered, as she absentmindedly picked at a sticker on her register. 

“Rin said she seems nice. But awkward,” Len picked at his fingers with a small laugh, “But I guess I’ve been there.”

“You never left.” She shook her head lightly in emphasis as she took a bite of the bread in her hand, “But that’s a perfect way to describe Gumi honestly.”

“Okay. Uncalled for. I’ll have you know. I’m nowhere NEAR as awkward as I was in high school.” Len pointed accusedly at her, “You yourself weren’t innocent. Don’t think we forgot that Sonic phase you made everyone’s problem.”

“Phase? I never left that phase either, firstly. Secondly, I’m proud to be a Sonic fan, there’s no awkwardness to be found.” She crossed her arms with a smile, before going for another piece of bread. 

“Okay, okay. Friendly fire. We can all agree at least we’re not the level of awkward Kaito has reached, right?” He asked, holding his hand out.

“Right. Never.” Miku shook his hand with a chuckle, “He says today is the day. Which he said yesterday. And the day before that.”

“And the day before that, so on and so forth. We know.” Len rolled his eyes and laughed, “Welp. I’m on part timer duty today, can’t be meandering around for so long or Rin will have my head in the next basket. See ya!” He waved and walked out, though Miku did see the boy almost trip over nothing and fall over. 

Miku’s day went by as normal, set up flowers for the customers, help them find what they need, sell them. Rinse and repeat. And she was sure it would stay that way, lunch was the exact same. Except she already had bread there, she was happy to stay in her little shop with all the thoughts she had. And just when she thought the day would continue it’s blissfully redundant cycle a customer she didn’t expect walked in. 

The woman, the pink haired one from the tattoo parlor, and she seemed…more solemn. True, from the little Miku could see of her the day before she wasn’t the cheeriest gal on the block, but even today she seemed different. She looked at Miku and waved a slight wave, Miku waved back. 

She was looking at the flowers around the shop, Miku felt a lump in her throat as she watched her every move. Miku had any flower you could expect, this wasn’t a ‘what if the customer is dissatisfied’ anxiety, oh no no no. This was ‘oh shit. Why is the one person who sets my thoughts aflame in my shop right now???’ She smiled and kept a brave face. A red face, but a brave one. 

The woman eventually picked some flowers out and walked up to the counter in front of Miku. She set the two bunches of flowers down with a small sigh. 

“Um…hello! So these are what you want?” Miku asked, gazing down at the flowers, noticing the woman’s gentle grip on the flowers.

“Yes. This is what I want.” She nodded, “I’m happy Kaito told me a bit more about your shop as I did not know there was a florist closer to me.” 

That traitor! Miku thought, It wasn’t enough to lie to me, he had to inform this woman about my shop too? 

“Oh, yeah! Hehe…I’ve been told it’s very convenient here.” She smiled, with a slight nod. 

The woman glanced at her apron, and back to her face, “Miku? That’s your name?” 

“Uh! Yes! Miku. Hatsune Miku!” She tapped her fingers on her desk, fumbling her fingers across the register as she typed in the numbers, “Forget-me-nots and asphodels, these are…quite the pair of flowers!”

The woman laughed a bit, “Yeah. I know. They were my last girlfriend’s favorite flower, forget-me-nots. And well. I like asphodels.” She messed with her hair as she kept her smile, “I know I shouldn’t hold onto the past, but I just have good memories of the flowers now.” 

“Wow, that's beautiful. I’m glad they’re so meaningful to you. Most people just pick flowers and move along.” Miku laughed a bit nervously, “But! I think the meanings behind flowers are beautiful. Forget-me-nots are never ending love, so it is hard to not like them. Asphodels though…they’re death and mourning. Quite the difference! Not that I intend to pry, it makes sense you just like them.” 

“Yeah. I mean, I guess I walk around looking like a widow all the time.” The woman couldn’t help but smile, “But until they make a darker color, I’ll stick with black.”

“And pink! You…have pink hair. It’s quite the opposite of the black! I suppose you’re full of contradictions.” She fiddled with her bangs as she spoke. 

“I guess so. But, aren’t we all?” She shrugged, and looked at Miku expectantly before Miku jumped and looked at the total.

“I’m so sorry! That’ll be twenty one dollars!” Miku’s face grew red as she spoke, an embarrassed smile reaching her lips. 

“You’re fine. This place is rather cheap compared to other flower shops too. No wonder Kaito always comes here for his…endeavors.” She laughed a bit, as she pulled out her credit card and held it over the machine until it beeped. Before pulling it away and putting it back in her wallet and grabbing the flowers, “Alright. It went through. Thank you, Miku.” She turned to walk out but Miku stopped her.

“Hey wait.” Miku held a hand out as the woman turned around, “Erm…uh…sorry… What’s your name?”

The woman hesitated for a moment, looking down at her hands then back at Miku, “Luka. Megurine Luka.” She smiled and walked out of the shop. 

Miku stood in silence as she watched her leave. Luka… She seemed nice, very mysterious, keeps to herself for the most part, but nice. Then she remembered…Kaito… His transgressions wouldn’t be forgotten. He ratted her out, and for that he could never be forgiven, for it was too deep a betrayal…

She eventually closed her store as the day winded down and straight to the traitor’s shop she went. She opened the door, scanned to make sure it was empty, before pointing at him, “You absolute traitor!”

Kaito looked at her and swung his arms up, “Whatever I did, I’m sorry?” 

Miku narrowed her eyes with a smile, “You told Luka about my shop… And she showed up today!”

“Oh that?” He dropped his arms with a smirk, “I’m not sorry about that one. I’m helping the both of you, so lost in your own feelings you can’t see the spark right there…”

“I’ll have you know there is no spark. I’m happily single. Not all of us are pining as hard as you.” Miku crossed her arms and huffed. 

“So you say, but I know those looks you give each other. Admit it, Miku. You have a crush. You just really really like the goth lady on the block. That’s okay! We all have our types. You just happen to like the dark and brooding type. Perfectly okay. I can tell you more about her too, since we had a discussion this morning.” He smiled, “I’ll be your wingman to the end, Miku. It’s the least I can do.”

“I don’t want a wingman! I don’t even know my own feelings yet. Even if you are right, I can’t worry about that stuff. And…and…she surely wouldn’t feel the same. I mean she seems like she has everything together far more than I do, I’m a total wreck in comparison! She walks like she has a purpose, a sense of…knowing what to do next. I don’t have that.” Miku rubbed her neck, and looked down. 

Kaito looked at her with a soft smile, as he leaned over his counter, “Miku… Look at me.” She looked up at him, “Look at me. And look at Meiko. You don’t think I relate at all??” He laughed, “You guys say I’m totally oblivious but I know that I have no chance. That’s why I’ve been putting it off so long. But that’s the thing. If we don’t try, we won’t know! I mean Meiko obviously has her life together, she has a group of friends, she’s got a rich life outside of work, she’s always got plans on the weekends when she doesn’t work. She obviously has a lot of plans for her own life, hell she has employees! Something I haven’t even gotten around to— But in the end everyone is in different stages of a ‘complete’ life. Although that’s the thing, there never is one. We’re all constantly working to better ourselves until we die, and that’s the beauty of it!” 

“…Wow Kaito. That was insightful. I didn’t expect that from you.” She smiled, and laughed a bit, “But really. Thank you.”

Kaito laughed a bit, “Yeah, of course. You’re my friend, Miku. And I take care of my friends. I’m not the most serious guy, but I know when to be there for my friends!”

“Hehe…yeah. You’re a great friend, Kaito! Thanks so much. And absolutely tell me more about Luka when you can. Please.” Miku stared at him, and he simply laughed. 

“Of course. Next day off, I will. We’ll have a little talk session.” Kaito laughed, “Funny, your part timer also came asking for love advice. I guess I’m the Sage of romance.”

“We’re all screwed. You haven’t even asked her out yet.” Miku looked at him with a disappointed expression.

“Today! Is! The! Day!” He clapped with each word to emphasize, “I promise! I have both bouquets and everything! There’s no way I’m backing out now!” 

Miku laughed, “Sure. We’ll see.” She leaned back in a laugh, and sighed. 

“Did you want any ice cream?” Kaito asked, “I’m closing soon.” 

“Nah. I’m not in the mood, sorry Kaito.” She smiled, as she put her hands in her apron pocket. 

“Not in the mood for ice cream!? Absolutely blasphemous. There’s no such thing. You mean to tell me you’ve decided to just loiter in my store?” He asked, clearly appalled. 

“No one's in here.” Miku said, laughing, “If you had customers I’d leave.” 

“You know why I keep the store open past five right?” He asked. 

“Hm? Why?” She asked, tilting her head slightly. 

“For you. You always wanted my ice cream. After I closed I extended it an hour. Most of my customers don’t even know I’m open this late. I do quite enjoy our after hours talks so I was okay being open slightly later.” He smiled, and sighed, “Honestly…when I first came here I didn’t think I’d fit in too well but I have grown close with you and Rin and you both have been so kind to me…”

Miku smiled a bit, “That’s so sweet, Kaito. And yeah, of course we’re kind to you. You’re a good guy. You’ve always been since you got here.”

“Thank you. That means a lot.” He laughed a bit, “I’ve always been pretty weird so a lot of people didn’t know what to make of me. My mom always told me I’d find my people soon, and I’m glad to see she was right.” 

“Your mom sounds like a nice lady, Kaito.” She smiled, “Does she ever visit?”

“Sometimes. I’ve told her she should limit her visits, she’s always been pretty sickly, so I don’t want her to get compromised again.” He shrugged, “But I love my mom.” 

Miku nodded, “She sounds like a sweet lady. I hope to meet her one day.” 

Kaito laughed a bit, “Maybe. She never listens to me and visits anyways. She’s very stubborn. I know the moment I tell her I have a girlfriend, if all goes well she’s beelining to my location to meet her.” 

Miku laughed, “At least you’ve got someone in your corner always!” She turned on her feet, “I should head out and get out of your hair.” 

“Miku. Thank you.” Kaito smiled, “For everything.”

“No. Thank you.” She smiled back, and waved. 

Miku started with racing thoughts but honestly, Kaito always helped her settle down. Now she could enjoy her dinner and watch some soaps to relax before she went in again tomorrow. Her next day off she had to find Kaito, oh and of course there’s the news tomorrow. Tomorrow will be a new, exciting day. 

Chapter Text

His friend, Miku, had finally left the shop leaving the final tasks of closing. Of course, he intended to rush through these tasks, he needed to get this sinking, heavy feeling out of his chest. It’s as if his heart had fallen in quicksand, struggling to return to its resting state, flailing, and sinking. He swears he could feel his heart right in his stomach, like he ate it along with his sandwich he had for lunch. He finally finished cleaning the floors and let out a deep sigh, as he switched the lights off and turned the sign to Closed. Just like that, his work day was over, and the moment had arrived. Kaito left the shop and used his key to lock the door, before making his way over to Meiko’s cafe. 

Once he walked in he felt it, among the rich browns and reds of the furniture in the cafe and the distinct smell of coffee, came Kaito’s unwavering anxiety. Her establishment compared to his alone showed how much more put together she was, where he had a small shop that was more like a hidden gem, she had a cafe where most people from around the general area would come to get their coffee. Kaito knew she was totally out of his league, and of course he knew that, everyone knew that. Though, after talking to Miku he knew he couldn’t back down, he gave her advice yet hadn’t even begun to ask Meiko out himself.

Kaito had finally reached the counter, a gray haired man who frankly looked like he was ready to run out the door right now was staring at him. 

“Oh. Dex, I thought you worked at the bookstore?” Kaito questioned as the man just stared at him with a blank expression, clearly not down on Earth with Kaito. 

“I do. I just work part time here to help Meiko, she’s a friend of Daina’s so I’ve been working to help her until she can get a replacement.” He said, lightly scratching the counter out of boredom.

“Oh, nice! That’s sweet of you. Um…speaking of Meiko, could you maybe–” Kaito didn’t get to finish.

“I know. You want me to go get Meiko. Whenever you come here it’s always for Meiko purposes, we all know at this point.” He went to walk toward the back but turned to Kaito again, “There’s an empty spot over there, I’ll send her over.” He continued to walk and Kaito nodded.

Kaito made his way to the round table, and cushioned chairs. Admittedly these chairs were always uncomfortable to him, in no fault to Meiko’s design. He was just tall and these chairs were not built for someone of his stature, but he would take it to finally talk to Meiko. Kaito felt his head running faster than ever before, his brain already never kept quiet but now especially he couldn’t find any coping strategies to get it to shut up. His heart was beating against its cage so violently he thought for sure it would break free, and his hands were both dry and sweaty at the same time. Even with the AC blasting, Kaito still felt hot, very hot… 

Then the worst that could happen finally hit him, these feelings, these more than irrational feelings were not just from this being the supposed day. He left the damn bouquets in his shop. God damn it Kaito, you had ONE job. ONE. He yelled at himself internally, but of course now it was too late to back out as Meiko was making her way over. The brown haired woman Kaito had made his whole topic of discussion to everyone he knew sitting in front of him and he had forgotten the one thing he needed.

“Hey Kaito.” Meiko smiled, as she set a cup in front of him, “It’s always a pleasant surprise to see you come in.” 

Kaito looked at the cup, a light brown liquid stagnant in the cup, he could tell she put a ton of sugar and creamer in it for Kaito, he did always enjoy sweeter coffees. Meiko usually drank it practically black, which Kaito never understood since he personally thought that it was far too bitter to truly enjoy. 

“Uh, yeah! Thanks! I love your cafe, it’s very nice here. Nice and cold too, especially when it feels hotter than usual today, haha!” Kaito tugged at his scarf, as he lifted the cup she handed to his lips. 

“Well, it could be because you’re wearing a scarf, but I won’t judge. You always look cute bundled up in your scarves, so I’d never ask you to stop wearing them.” Meiko leaned back in her seat as he stared at the cup in his hands.

“Haha… Thanks! Yes…I have a huge scarf collection, it’d be a shame to leave it to rot until fall.” He laughed a bit, as he distinctly noticed this was a custom mug. It was shaped like an ice cream cone, so naturally Kaito loved it. Wow… I didn’t know Meiko liked ice cream too! Maybe I should bring her ice cream one day… Kaito’s mind kept racing as he took a sip of the coffee, just as usual she makes the best coffee.

“So. What did you need me for, Kaito?” She asked, as she seemed to keep a permanent smile on her face as she looked at the blue haired man. 

“Oh! Yes. Um. Ahaha… I was just wanting to catch up! That’s all! I mean it’s been a while since we’ve sat and talked about everything, right? Any plans this weekend?” Kaito asked, setting the mug down with a nervous laugh.

“Hmhm…” She made a slight laugh, a closed mouth laugh but enough of one that sent Kaito into a panicked frenzy, “I actually don’t. Why? Do you have anything in mind?”

“Uh! Yeah! Actually Miku and I were gonna have a little talk! She seems to really like that tattoo artist next to me.” Kaito messed with the end of his scarf, as he trailed off in a laugh.

Meiko couldn’t hide her disappointment as her smile finally dropped and she let out a sigh before continuing, “Oh, really? Luka?”

“That’s her name?” Kaito asked, as he looked back up at Meiko.

“She…She works next to you and you don’t know her name?” Meiko questioned, her smile returning to her face with a small chuckle to accompany it.

“No! We never talk really–” He laughed a bit as he realized how long it’d been and he only now learned, “—It’s been a few years as neighbors and I’m now learning! Hehe…“ 

Meiko shook her head in a faux disappointment, “Luka and I go out every month, we’ve become friends you know?” 

Kaito’s eyes widened and a smile grew on his face, “Really!? That’s awesome! I’m glad you made a cool friend. She seems nice!” 

“Yeah. Her, Daina, and I go out every month to talk about life and how it’s been going. I’m surprised you didn’t know this, with how much you talk to me.” She laughed and leaned toward Kaito from the other side of the table. 

“Well I suppose I knew you had friends but not who specifically were your friends, haha, my bad!” He chuckled as he went to take another sip of his coffee. 

“Well. You’re asking about me, but let me ask. How have you been this past week?” Meiko asked, placing her hands on the table in front of her. 

“Oh. You know, same old, same old. Business is stable as usual, I keep customers in line.” He laughed as he drank more before it got cold. 

“I always admired how you ran your own store… That’s gotta be rough. Now that I think of it, I’ve never actually visited your store…” She thought, tapping a finger on her chin. 

“Oh no you’re good. It’s really not that special! It’s just…a small little store! Haha!” Kaito rubbed the back of his neck, and let out a small laugh.  

Meiko smiled warmly at him as she rested her head on her hand, “Kaito… I’m sure it’s very special. You always show your passion in your work everywhere you go.”

Kaito felt his face heat up as he turned his head to look at his hands, “Oh! Uh! Thanks! I do try—“ He stopped himself as he took another sip of coffee, “I should bring you some of my ice cream.”

She smiled, “I’d love that. I always enjoy your company.”

“Oh! Thank you!” Kaito grinned, “Likewise! You are a very cherished friend of mine!” He finished off the coffee in front of him with a relieved sigh. 

Meiko’s smile yet again had fallen, and she had also sighed, less relieved than the blue haired man though. She looked at him, “Well. I should get back to work if that’s all you wanted to talk about.”

“Oh yeah. I didn’t mean to keep you from work!” Kaito smiled, “Uh! Good luck! I lo—“ He stopped himself, “—ooooove your work ethic! You’re so productive!” 

“Oh. Thanks Kaito. It’s nice to see someone acknowledge that.” She smiled as she picked up the mug he was using and walked back toward the door to her office. 

He stood, frozen for a minute or so. That…was horrendous. A complete disaster. If this was a test of how to handle yourself around your crush he would have gotten a zero. Maybe even less. He should have known, he left his bouquet in his store and disaster strikes. Next time he couldn’t forget, if there even is a next time. If the next time he comes to visit and there’s a poster with his face and name  that read “Wanted: Dead or Alive for that AWFUL display of charisma” then he couldn’t even be mad. 

He finally forced his leg to move and then the other. They performed some awkward, shuffling of a walk to the door and he quickly closed the mostly glass door and let out a deep exhale once he reached the outside and relaxed his limbs. He began to speak to himself.

“It’s okay, Kaito… Happy thoughts… This is fine… It’s a sign. She needs more gifts! More! So much she can see the extent of my love! Haha!” He grinned yet again and rubbed his hands together as he thought. 

He began to walk, a more confident walk this time as he made the journey home. It may have been a total disaster of a fail today but the next time there’s no way he’d mess it up! 

Chapter Text

The week continued at Miku’s quaint shop. Wednesday morning passed by, Kaito making his usual visit much to Miku and Gumi’s dismay. Yet again, two bouquets were bought, with no sign of stopping. Thursday, Miku yet again saw Kaito, and yet again he bought another bouquet after supposedly ‘feeling too sick the day before to finally ask.’ And finally came the last day of her work week, Friday, and yet again Kaito made his final round asking for flowers, claiming that the coming Monday would be the actual day. Though Miku (and Gumi) had her doubts. 

Eventually, Friday came to an end, and so too did Gumi’s first work week, “Pheeeew! What a day. I’m ready for the weekend.”

“Any plans?” Miku asked, as she locked the door to her store, before looking at the girl. 

“Ehhh not really. Just gonna watch some romcoms, wish it was me, probably bed rot a little bit, the usual!” She smiled with a thumbs up.

“Sounds like a plan.” Miku laughed a bit at her part timers plans, “Pretty much the same for me except I’m hanging out with Kaito this weekend.”

“Ohhh really? Are you gonna push him to finally ask Meiko out?” Gumi asked, a mischievous giggle escaping her. 

“Actually, no. He’s helping me with something.” Miku laughed a bit. 

“Oh, really?” She asked, “He seems like he’s good at helping others. So I hope that it goes well!” 

Miku nodded and thanked her, her neighbor had also just closed and had walked outside to lock her door, locking eyes with the two.

“Hey! Your first week is done, huh?” The blonde asked Gumi, causing her to awkwardly laugh immediately. Miku rolled her eyes, she judges Kaito for his romance endeavors but she’s JUST as bad.

“Yeah! Yeah! It was good—really like the job!” She said, with an awkward laugh as she continued. 

“Wonderful! I’m glad you could get a part time job here, Miku is good at what she does!” She smiled, and motioned to Miku. 

“You flatter me, Rin.” Miku joked and waved her hand. 

“Hey. It’s true! Well. I better get home, hehe… I promised Len we’d watch some of his dumb loser movies.” She waved, “See ya guys!” 

Miku shook her head with a smile, “She’s always so mean to that boy. I mean, she isn’t wrong though.”

“Hah…it’s nice to see they get along.” She smiled, as she adjusted her bag on her shoulder, “Okay. Well. I’ll see ya, Miku!”

“Bye!” Miku waved back, a smile present on her face. It soon fell back to its resting position as Miku made her way home. She noticed the familiar stores all closing, and sighed as she breathed in the fresh air. A slew of colorful, eccentric faces roaming the streets, shambling their ways home. Many looked tired, some still energized, seeing everyone really made Miku think of how others' lives were outside of where she saw them. What does Rin do when she goes home? What does Kaito look like outside of work? Is Gumi even real? You know, existential stuff. 

Miku walked into her apartment and soon settled down into her routine, before deciding to sleep earlier than usual to meet up with Kaito. Truthfully, she only knew he lived in the same apartment complex but she couldn’t say what she imagined to see tomorrow. She crashed into her bed, and soon she felt her world grow dark. 

As the light peeked in through her windows, and the blaring song of her alarm went off, Miku had begrudgingly blinked awake. She stopped her alarm, and stood up straightening the long Sonic t-shirt she slept in. Her and Len had gotten them together when he came to visit, but his was Silver. Thinking about it, Luka could definitely fit both Shadow or Amy aesthetic wise… No Miku. No time for Sonic. I can’t believe I’m saying this… She thought as she went to her bathroom and proceeded to work on her morning routine. 

As she went back to her bedroom she threw on a different t-shirt, this time just a plain one, a pink shirt with the words ‘Alpha Male’ a gag shirt she and Kaito had decided would be fun for her. Normally this doesn’t go outside but she was throwing a hoodie on over it anyways, Kaito liked his house cold.. She pulled a black skirt over her legs and stretched, before accounting for everything. Keys? Yeah… Wallet, just in case. Phone… It seemed like everything. 

She made her way up a few floors and soon reached the door number Kaito had labeled. 505… Miku knocked, as she heard some vague shuffling. There was a pleasant smell coming from his apartment, and soon he opened the door to greet her with his standard smile, “Miku!! Hey! I’m just making us some breakfast, make yourself at home.”

“You’re…making me breakfast too?” Miku questioned, as she stepped into his apartment, taking off her shoes and closing the door. 

“Of course! You’re my guest. I hope you like pancakes! I also have eggs. If there’s anything else you need, I’ll make sure to get it too.” He chuckled as he turned back to his stovetop and made his way back to the kitchen. 

“You’re a good host… Hah…” Miku couldn’t help but look around. His apartment was just eclectically decorated as she expected. He had a variety of what seemed to be thrifted items from every feasible decade in here. A bright, retro clock on his wall, bookshelves that looked vintage, his couches strangely gothic in a rich blue. A mess of aesthetics but still somehow felt…”Kaito.” He had the many bouquets he had collected in the corner of his living room all well taken care of, piles of papers on his coffee table; Miku didn’t mean to peek but she had seen a few different things… Late rent payments… Letters from his mother, concerned for his current status… The venue he was renting out informing him of the consequences of continued financial difficulty… She knew she really shouldn’t be seeing this but he forgot to put it away. She wasn’t going to comment on it, but she was admittedly concerned. She thought he got a lot of customers…but then she remembered he has a bad habit of lowering the price of his business a lot or giving away ice cream for free to people. She sat on the couch, and looked away from the papers, she felt a lump in her throat knowing she peeked nonetheless. 

Kaito soon came from the kitchen to the living room and placed the breakfast in front of Miku with a grin, “There ya go! I hope you enjoy! Feel free to raid my kitchen for any toppings you want aside from syrup and butter which I already have out.” 

How can he be so positive when he has so much going on? Miku caught herself thinking, but she ignored it. She was sure he would rather get his mind off the whole thing. “Thank you, Kaito. This is very nice of you.” She began to top her pancakes with the butter and syrup as Kaito himself sat down in his chair on the other side of the coffee table. 

“Just wanna be there for my friend. Anywaysss… So. You and Luka.” He smiled, "Like I said I did talk to her. And I do have to say. I think you’re her type as well.”

Miku felt heat rush to her face, and glanced away, “And…what makes you say that?”

“I asked her what she’s looking for since she was joking about me and Meiko again. She said she’s not particularly good at the whole romance thing anymore but had relationships before. She’s never had a specific “type” per se. More or less…she’s always loved the same person. It was kinda confusing. I don’t know what she means.”

“She mentioned she had a girlfriend before to me…but she spoke past tense. So I can’t imagine what she means. She loves…the same person? Why does that make you think she’d like me?”

“She described this person as…very kind. Always there for others, a talkative soul, the one who did all the talking for her. I think she may have meant she has a type of personality she’s attracted to.” Kaito shrugged, and took a bite of his pancakes. 

“You really think I’m those things?”

“There was more. But, it’s all things you’d disagree with and I don’t want to hear you insult yourself. It makes me sad.” Kaito had laughed, but his brows were still showing his genuinity in that statement. 

“…Well. I see. I mean…I don’t know. I get that she has a type but what makes you think she’d pick me of all people?” Miku had asked as she continued to eat her own food. 

“I mean, she’s gone out of her way to go to your store. She described you pretty well in her type. I think there’s a spark there. That’s the thing. There’s no progress with no trial.” He spoke as he shoved more food in his mouth and muffled out more, “I know I’m hypocritical in that sense, but it’s true.”

“You need to ask out Meiko or else. If you can get the girl I’ll gain my confidence. After all, you can do it, I can do it.” Miku said with a smirk.

“I will. I’ve already contacted my mom about it. So I have to. Or else she’ll be on my case.” Kaito laughed and rolled his eyes, “She’s already talking about grandkids and I haven’t even started dating.”

“Hm. Do you want that domestic life?” Miku asked, setting her fork down as she tried to free up space for more pancakes by relaxing. 

“Yeah. It’s one of my dreams. A house on the coast…a beautiful spouse, and…two kids. I’ve always wanted to be a dad.” Kaito smiled, “But that’s not for a while. I’ve got time, but right now…heh…I have a lot to work on before I can get there.” 

Miku bit the inside of her lip, as she avoided both his gaze and the letters, “I hope you can find that life. I think you’d make a good dad. You’re a good friend. And a good son too, I’m sure.” 

“Thanks.” He smiled, “Off track though. Luka. You said she talked to you? So you two have talked?”

“She came into my store. Remember. Your betrayal?”

“Right. You made a fuss about it. Heh! Well. I don’t regret it. It’s payback for all your teasing.” Kaito laughed and finished up his food, “Fine. Since I’m asking Meiko out on Monday, if I do that, will you ask Luka to hang out outside of work?”

“…I’ll consider it.” She messed with the ends of her skirt as she mumbled that out. 

“Hey. I’m doing a scary thing too! What do you mean you’ll consider it!?” He yelled, as he crossed his arms. 

“Okay, okay! Fine! I’ll ask. But you have to do your end of the bargain first.” Miku narrowed her eyes at him.

“Of course! I never break a promise.” Kaito smiled, and gave a thumbs up, “Glad we got it settled. Now. Did you wanna play some of my games or go out and do some exploring?”

“Hmmm…kinda tired from work and managing…we should game…” Miku spoke, as she slid down in her seat. 

“Okay! Sounds good. Let’s figure out a game together!” Kaito smiled. 

The two looked through Kaito’s games, he wasn’t much of a gamer so he didn’t have much of anything, he only bought them for Miku and Rin. Nonetheless Miku and Kaito messed around in many of the games he owned, some of them being Sonic, some being some racing games, others simple sandbox, and just had a day where they did absolutely nothing all day but enjoyed a fun gaming session. Miku noticed the time eventually, realizing it was pretty late and decided to head out. With a farewell, Miku made her way back downstairs and continued her day on her own couch.