Work Text:
It’s being a few months since a young adult named Kayano Mikoto had being busy with his job. Nonstop working day and night with barely any breaks and so many energy drinks lying on his desk as he worked.
One day, he was working overnight at home, rubbing his eyes constantly. However, he needed to finish it by day after tomorrow. Hour by hour, he became more drowsy and stressful. Suddenly, a small ring came out from his phone. He sighed as he drank his last few bits of the energy drink and opened his phone to a few text messages from his close friend, Kotoko.
Kotoko-Chan: Don’t tell me you are still working by now! Isn’t it past your bedtime! How I know is that my messages keep delivering to you and you usually keep your phone on airplane mode in your sleep! God!
Mikoto slightly chuckled as he gave a tired smile as he texted back.
Mikoto: Unfortunately…but I need to finish this project in a few days!
Kotoko-Chan: Dude! You seriously need a break! Anyways, isn’t this project just 2 days away?
Mikoto couldn’t help but give a small frown. A part of him wants to stop and go to sleep, but the other wants to stay up and finish it. He looks at his laptop’s screen as his vision becomes blurry. His phone kept notifying Kotoko’s texts as he slowly lays his head on the table, closing his eyes.
Kotoko - Chan: Mikoto? Hello? Idiot are you there?
Kotoko - Chan: Ok you are freaking me out!
Kotoko - Chan: Mikoto?
A few minutes has passed as his head rose with a big sigh.
*God..I think “I” need to rest..this is being going on for months..*
He looked at “his” phone soon after as he sees Kotoko’s texts. He makes a small eye roll as he replied.
Mikoto: Chilax! I’m still alive!
Kotoko - Chan: Jeez! You have been concerning me for a long while! You suddenly weren’t responding!
*Wow, way to make “my” friend worry..*
He murmured silently.
Mikoto: I’m gonna sleep in a bit anyways!
Kotoko - Chan: Huh-? I thought you’d make coffee and work again.
Mikoto: Nah, I’m too tired!
Kotoko - Chan: Oh anyways, before you do, I’m gonna visit my neighbor friend, who works at a flower shop close to town. And you are coming with me!
Mikoto: Oh-?
He raised an eyebrow as he looked at the phone. He then looked at the computer screen and smirked. Going somewhere would be nice to take a break once in a while for “him”.
Kotoko - Chan: Huh? Dude, I thought you would yell at me for this! I mean, I feel it would be a good break for you! You can continue after. Also, my friend kinda wants to meet you sense I did say a bunch of stuff.
Mikoto: Alright! Just pick me up tomorrow. Goodnight.
As soon as he texted, he set “his” phone on airplane mode. He then did a small wash and brushed his teeth, ending the night as he laid on “his” bed.
*”I” probably need this..*
The moment he closed his eyes, one things for sure, the next day, changed Mikoto’s life.
As the sun rose through the windows, Mikoto turned a couple of times, only to rub his eyes gently as he slowly rose up from his slumber.
“Wha-…I’m in bed? What even happened yesterday..?”
He asked himself as he sighed, getting out of his bed. He got his phone soon after to check if he missed any messages. As he off airplane mode, so many notifications popped up from Kotoko. Apparently, Mikoto ended up over sleeping for half the morning as he noticed he missed a lot of calls from her.
“Oh shit-“
Kotoko - Chan: Mikoto? Don’t tell me you are still asleep! I’m infront of your house rn to pick you up idiot! Wake tf up!
Kotoko - Chan: Hello? DUDE-!
Kotoko - Chan: Mikoto!!
Kotoko - Chan: I swear if your phone is on airplane mode-
Mikoto couldn’t but widen his eyes to her recent messages. He scrolled back up to check what happened yesterday and when he noticed he agreed to go with Kotoko to meet a friend of hers, his face was full of shock with no words. He shook his head soon after as he called Kotoko with a hesitant look on his face.
“Kotoko - Chan! Uh- good morning!”
As Kotoko was sitting in her car, patiently waiting for Mikoto, her phone started ringing, it was thankfully Mikoto. She sighed as she picked it up.
“Thank god! Finally! You have been sleeping for hours! We gotta go!”
Mikoto couldn’t help but slightly giggle.
“Sorry to keep you waiting…looks like I agreed to go with you for a while? I somehow don’t remember until I saw the texts. I’ll get ready right now!”
Kotoko just did a playful eye roll.
“Well don’t keep me waiting longer, hurry up idiot!”
Mikoto cut the call as he slightly laughed. He soon after got himself ready. He looked himself in the mirror as he slightly frowned, biting his lower lip as he fixed his jacket. He suddenly felt, a bit uneasy..was it cause he is meeting someone he has no idea about? Or was it because of wanting to finish his work before the deadline? He lets out a phew shaky breathes as he walked out of the bathroom and made himself and Kotoko some tea. He then walked out and approached to Kotoko’s pink car, trying not to fall the tea on the road.
“Hey let’s drink some tea before heading out?”
Kotoko opened her shutter window to see Mikoto holding a mug for her as she sighed with a small smile.
“Alright fine! I needed one anyway!”
They both ended up talking for a few hours, also while driving on the way there. As they got closer to their location, Kotoko frowned a bit as she glanced at Mikoto.
“Mikoto?”
Mikoto was staring outside through the window. When Kotoko called out to him, he turned to her, curious what she’s going to say. He was a bit unsettled, seeing her frown however.
“Y-yeah?”
Kotoko gave out a big sigh soon after as she parked her car and then layed a hand on Mikoto’s shoulder.
“Keep work of your mind for a few hours and talk to her ok? She’s- genuinely a good person, I’m sure she’ll like you and you’d get along easily. Just- don’t stress yourself ok?”
Mikoto glanced to the side for a few minutes, looking down, but then he somehow smiled, happy someone is looking out for him despite the stress he is dealing with.
“Yeah..thanks Kotoko”
They both walked into the flower shop soon after. It smells like a garden or more so like a field of flowers around with butterflies flying all over. It sounds peaceful and seems like a perfect place to hang out. Somehow, Mikoto felt a bit calm, looking at the flowers around him and smelling their peaceful scent. It put a bright smile on his face, relieving himself from the stress he had for many weeks. The peace has being interrupted when Kotoko was talking to a girl by the cashier. He turned to look at her and got sudden star struck as he stared. She was wearing a gorgeous outfit with cute earrings and has magnificent light brownish hair. Her smile was just as precious and soft as the flowers. Mikoto suddenly felt as if more color came to life for him as he sees her. He was too mesmerized. But then he looked down a bit, he wasn’t sure why he felt this way, was it love at first sight or just some attraction?
“Mikoto! Get your ass here! Mahiru wants to see you!”
Kotoko laughed aswell as the other girl, Mahiru. Mikoto slightly blushed out of embarrassment as he chuckled, approaching the girls.
“So you are Mahiru right? I’m Mikoto, Kayano Mikoto! Nice to meet you!”
The bright cheerful didn’t say anything at first, just smiled at him gently as she looked at him. She starts thinking for a bit and then walked away for a bit to the storage room.
Mikoto and Kotoko both raised an eyebrow as they looked at eachother, wondering why she suddenly left.
“Did I do something wrong-?”
Mikoto was so confused but then he face slightly flushed a bit of red when he saw Mahiru coming with a bouquet of Daffodils.
“Yeah, I’m Mahiru, Shiina Mahiru and I hope we do get along! Here’s some flowers for you as a start of our friendship!”
Mikoto gently held onto the bouquet Mahiru made for him as he smelt the peaceful scent close to him.
*It smells just like her…*
He thought to himself as he smiled. He then looked at Mahiru with an awkward expression.
“You really don’t have to do that but I honestly appreciate it! T-that’s really sweet!”
Mahiru just giggled as she smiled, happy Mikoto accepted the gift. She pokes around and stares at his face a couple of times and then just giggled from the joy of it. All Mikoto could do was just stand there and let her do what she’s doing. He honestly, didn’t dislike it. He then ended up giving a small giggled.
“Kotoko told me a lot about you…are you a workaholic?”
She asked as she showed a questioning look on her face. Mikoto gave out a few coughs as he looked at Kotoko dumbfounded.
“Kotoko-!”
Kotoko smirked as she replied.
“Yes, he’s a workaholic, unfortunately..!”
As Kotoko said that, Mikoto was completely embarrassed and doesn’t know what to say.
“What the hell-!”
“Sorry but it’s the brutal truth idiot, deal with it!”
Mikoto couldn’t help but do a face palm out of embarrassment. Mahiru just giggled at the joy of their little banter. Somehow to Mahiru, Mikoto seems not just some cute guy, but also a silly and friendly person which made her smile wide looking at him. She then got her phone and pet her phone on his shoulder gently.
“You don’t mind if I can have your number?”
Mikoto turned to look at her as he raised an eyebrow.
“I just want to get to know you more..you seem- fun, and I love talking to fun people!”
Mikoto glanced at Kotoko and then at Mahiru and then again. He wanted to give his number, but also he wasn’t so sure. He finds out to see Kotoko just smirking as he playfully rolled his eyes in dismay as he sighed. He looked at the bouquet which he layed on the table close to him and then his phone. He somehow smiled as he slowly plucked out one daffodil and walked over to Mahiru,planting it to her hair gently as he smiled heartwarmingly.
“Yeah you can have my number..! Also about the daffodil, I think it really suits your hair!”
Mahiru chuckled as she gave her number to Mikoto and Mikoto returned with his number. Soon after for a couple of hours, Mikoto and Kotoko had waited for a few hours till the shop closed and helped Mahiru clean the place up. They then drove to a nearby cafe and decided to chat more there. Mikoto ordered a coffee while Kotoko and Mahiru ordered their usual lattes they always drink whenever they meet up once in a while. Mikoto and Mahiru got to know eachother more as hours passed. They had a fun time as they giggled and laughed and talked to their hearts content.
Mikoto was, honestly happy yo be enjoying himself after the stress but after he went home. He planted the bouquet Mahiru gave him in one of his vases he got from his mum..he then remembered he need to finish the project so he sighed as he washed himself and got ready to get right back to work. As the nighttime hours pass, his phone started vibrating. He was honestly expecting Kotoko knowing she’d be texting him to go to sleep at this hour but as he checked his phone, it was surprisingly a new contact. It’s Mahiru.
Mahiru: Hey it’s me, Mahiru from the flower shop? Are you still on?
Mikoto looking at her text made him feel relieved somehow but he doesn’t for sure know why. However, he didn’t dislike it.
Mikoto: Oh hey! Didn’t expect you to text me this late!
He honestly feels more at ease when he texts Mahiru..it’s like more ideas and inspiration popping up from his head, making his job easier due to more color.
Mahiru: Oh I was honestly just bored and I feel you might be lonely!
He couldn’t help but stare at his phone for a few minutes when Mahiru mentioned he could be lonely. He bit his lower lip. It sure does feel kinda lonely..being alone in his room, just doing his job. His face softened as he felt soft, knowing Mahiru was a very considerate friend.
Mikoto: I guess you are right..it does feel kinda lonely once in a while! I usually have my energy drinks or coffee and work all night, that’s pretty much it!
Mahiru: You- don’t give yourself a break..?
Mikoto: Uh- not really..the deadlines are like very short and I need to do so on time..
Mahiru: It’s not really good for you Mikoooo!
As Mahiru texted, she showed a worried face. She felt her heart ache seeing Mikoto stressing himself day and night. A part of her somehow wanted to help him the best she can.
Mikoto: Miko-? Is that what you plan to call me? I think that’s kinda cute!
Mahiru’s worries vanished whenever she sees Mikoto happy. She changed his contact name soon after with a bright smile on her face.
Mahiru: I think it’s cute for you!
Miko: Well, can I call you Mappi then?
She chuckled at the request. Meanwhile, while texting, Mikoto was almost done with his work thankfully. He was able to finish it without much stress. Surprisingly, not much energy drinks or coffee were used. Mahiru was the one which gave him the energy..and he felt, warm about it. He sighed as he was doing the last touches.
Mahiru: It’s cute! That’s really sweet! I love it!
Mikoto: Well alright then! From now on, I’ll call you Mappi!
They both chuckled as they texted together the whole night. As Mikoto finished, he somehow wished this night would last forever so he could still text her, but he needed to sleep.
Mikoto: Hey Mappi! I- kinda want to thankyou! If it weren’t for you chatting with me, I would have felt more bored by myself..I somehow got to finish this project!
Mappi: Yayyyyy! That’s great Miko!
Mikoto: ..are you busy tomorrow?
Mappi: Nope it’s my day off actually! Waittttt- you wanna hang out? That is- if you aren’t busy of course!
Mikoto: Same braincells I guess!
Mikoto chuckled to himself and so did Mahiru! As Mikoto was waiting for his answer, he got himself ready to sleep and layed on his bed soon after.
Mappi: We’ll surely have fun tomorrow then! Just the 2 of us hehe!
Mikoto couldn’t help but give off a slight blush with a smile. He then smirked.
Mikoto: I would be delighted to join just us 2, princess~
Mikoto giggled lightly as he was waiting for the response but then as he stared at the phone, his eyes widened. It’s like his brain got a tick bomb and it unleashed. Meaning, he realized what he wrote, was he teasing her or flirting? He did a shy face palm.
*You cannot be serious right now you just met her!*
Meanwhile Mahiru was kinda surprised but as well as happy Mikoto was known to be a silly, friendly person so she replied.
Mahiru: Yayyy well, goodnight silly!
Miko: Forget I said the princess part! Pls! Anyways, uh- goodnight!
Mahiru giggled as layed down on her bed, looking at the ceiling. All she was thinking about was Mikoto. It’s strange how she feels weird in a good way around Mikoto, someone she just met, but she didn’t dislike it.
Meanwhile with Mikoto, he turned off his phone as curled himself into his sheets as he sighed, hoping tomorrow would be a good day for him.
Ever since that day, he spends most of his time with Mahiru which he usually never did that is until she came in his life. He feels she brings him the good support he needs when he needs it. They always have fun together and chat every night. It has being going on 2 months straight. Mahiru would always be there for Mikoto whenever he’s down and vise versa. The more he started hanging out with her, the more his feelings for her, started growing.
One day, he wanted to finally tell her how he felt so he got his phone out one night to ask Mahiru to hang out as usual.
Mikoto: Hey Mappi! Are you by chance, free tomorrow? I heard there’s a new theme park opened and I really want to check it out and- uh- I feel it’s great with you cause, you like fun stuff and I think you’ll really love it!
He waited for a few minutes, then hours..still no answer. He started becoming paranoid and worried. Did something happen to her? Is she sleeping? He couldn’t help but text Kotoko soon after.
Mikoto: Kotoko - Chan! Do you know if Mahiru is awake or not? I have sent a text a couple of hours ago but she still hasn’t answered.
Mikoto: I’m worried..
Mikoto: Is she alright?
Meanwhile, Kotoko and Mahiru were actually at the flower shop. The closed sign being on as the girls had their night away. Kotoko was standing by the counter as she was helping Mahiru make a special present for Mikoto. It was a bouquet of flowers with daffodils and roses.
“Do you think Miko will like it?”
She glanced to the side as she smiled, tainted blush of pink showing on her cheeks. Kotoko just smiled a reassuring one, a one which wants to support her friend.
“Jeez! Of course he will! He has been such a dork ever since he met you, he’d love anything coming from you.”
Mahiru chuckled at the answer as she combed her hair, planting the daffodil, which Mikoto gave her on the first day they met, on her hair. She sighs soon after as she looks at her phone, a message from Mikoto which she hadn’t answered.
Miko: Hey Mappi! Are you by chance, free tomorrow? I heard there’s a new theme park opened and I really want to check it out and- uh- I feel it’s great with you cause, you like fun stuff and I think you’ll really love it!
Her eyes widened in slight worry as she hadn’t answered him for hours. She then softened her gaze as she decided to reply.
Mahiru: Hey Miko! Sorry for not answering..I was kinda busy for a while but I was wanting to ask if we can go there tonight? I’m pretty sure it’s open till 2am and there’s something I want to tell you for a while..
“If you are wondering, Mikoto texted me to! God he was worried!”
Kotoko and Mahiru laughed soon after. Hours passed as Kotoko drove her to the theme park which was thankfully still opened with many people. It is becoming less crowded due to it being close to being closed, but that’s what Mahiru wanted. Is it a confession? Maybe.
As Mikoto got the text, he immediately cycled to the park to find her. Despite his legs hurting, he didn’t mind, he just wanted to find her. The one person who helped him while he was stressed, the one person who kept on supporting his ideals, the one person who loves his friendly personality, the one person who he loves! As he was searching, he found her by the Ferris wheel which made him sigh as sigh of relief as he smiled. He slowly approached her soon after.
As Mahiru saw Mikoto approaching, she ran and hugged him as if he was a teddy worth cuddling in her arms. Mikoto hugged her back as he nuzzled her hair, she smelt like the daffodil on her hair, a pleasant, pretty scent.
“I’m glad you could make it!”
Mahiru smiled so brightly as the wind blew her hair to side as she was looking at Mikoto. To Mikoto the view of her was just perfect, she’s always joyful and pleasant even if her hair is slightly messy due to the wind, it’s still just picture perfect. He held onto his phone as he clicked a picture with a smile. Mahiru was surprised as to why he did as Mikoto giggled at her surprised face.
“Sorry, you just look pretty cute, as always!”
Not long too soon the fireworks suddenly started. It was to celebrate the first success of opening the theme park. Mikoto and Mahiru looked at the fireworks in the sky above them as they smiled. Few minutes later, Mikoto glanced at Mahiru and softened his gaze, he moved his lips but no words came out as he bit his lower lip.
“Mappi, wasn’t there something, you want to tell me?”
As Mahiru heard that she turned to Mikoto while twirling her locks on her hair.
“Maybe after the fireworks..?”
“Can I say it first..? If that’s ok? I had something I wanted to say to..”
Mahiru was surprised when she heard Mikoto also had something he wanted to say. They both locked their eyes at each other, their faces reflecting their eyes as the fireworks kept going.
“Mappi I-“
He placed his hand on her cheek. All Mahiru could do was stare.
“Look, ever since you came into my life, I just felt a whole lot better. I can do my work much more easily and, you are like one of the most sweetest and supportive person I’ve ever met. You honestly mean a lot to me more than you can ever imagine and I’m happy Kotoko - Chan got me to meet you that day..what I’m trying to say is..”
He held onto Mahiru’s hand as he smiled gently while Mahiru’s eyes widened as she blushed. She probably knows what he’s going to say next.
“..is that I love you.”
The fireworks became bigger as Mahiru looked at him with such a joyful face. She went a bit closer to Mikoto’s face as she cupped his both his cheeks while Mikoto blushed, looking at her with a soft gaze.
“You dork..Miko, you mean a lot to me to..I love you more!”
She said so as she closed her eyes and closed the gap between both their lips. Mikoto returned it as he closed his eyes, holding her cheeks. The fireworks became bigger and louder underneath them, it’s like congratulating them for their first kiss and becoming lovers. They don’t know that Kotoko clicked a picture of them behind the scenes as smiled supportively, hoping for the best for them in the sidelines. Not long after, Mikoto and Mahiru pulled away from the kiss as they looked at eachother. Mahiru then looked at the bouquet she left on the table by the Ferris wheel as her widened.
“I- I almost forgot!”
“Oh?”
She slowly ran as she got the bouquet soon after.
“A bouquet of daffodils and roses for you, for the start of our new beginning Miko!”
Mikoto chuckled as he held onto it and then looked at Mahiru.
“Actually, I think I already have my bouquet right infront of me before this..”
He slowly gently held onto the daffodil she placed on her hair. Mahiru glanced at his hand movements as she gently held onto his hand.
“You’re my daffodil, Mappi..”
Mahiru softened her gaze as she plucked a daffodil from the bouquet and placed it behind Mikoto’s ear as he giggled.
“You are to, Miko..”