Work Text:
Niran would spend his days cooped up inside of his lab or in his room, mind focussing on his biophysics and natural sciences. His schedule was always packed with researching, experiments that worked and failed, though despite the setbacks he experienced, he was determined to fulfil his duties at bringing natural order back to the world.
His days at the lab were long, nights were short in his room. He kept to his schedule, not wanting to deviate from it at any point. One wrong step and it throws him off balance. Stick to the routine and the research will turn fruitful, everything would blossom into something truly beautiful.
As he worked, there was no room for distraction. Everyone knew to leave him be, not disturbing him at any point to avoid the groans and dissatisfaction that Niran would spew. He gained a reputation, though the scientist never faltered despite the hateful words that were whispered throughout the building.
Not everyone hated him though. He had his admirers, much like anyone would. Newbies coming and going would offer their praise and thanks before Niran shut himself inside again. Their words rang on deaf ears most days, but he was thankful nonetheless.
There was one anomaly that he couldn’t quite place, however. It wasn’t a matter of his research, no, everything was going the way he had hoped; but the one anomaly was the presence of flowers appearing in his lab. Neatly placed on his desk, whether it be on his current project, the stack of papers to the side, or resting neatly in a small test tube. Each day there was a new flower, from buds to blooms, each one unique in their own way.
He would study the flower for a moment or two before putting it to one side until eventually he had a small bouquet of flowers sitting beside his window in a small glass flask - a temporary accommodation before he found a suitable vase.
The flowers would appear each day before his arrival in the morning, yet no matter how early he seemed to get there, he never once found anyone leaving the room. Maybe it was after he left? He did the same thing, waited until he could no longer stay in the lab but nobody came. They had to be someone within the facility. Niran couldn’t for the life of him find or even figure out who this person was.
But you knew because it was you who was leaving them. For months now you had admired Niran, the way he worked, his friendly nature when he wasn’t working, but you were just another person, someone who he wouldn’t pass a second glance at. You weren’t like him, just a student who studied under another scientist.
Maybe leaving those flowers was a little strange. Some would probably consider it stalkerish behaviour, but what could you do? He wouldn’t speak to you if he was busy and every chance you had was always taken by someone else who just happened to need something at the same time.
Seeing him in the lunch hall, wanting to have just one moment only for someone else to grab him and he leaves. Another chance lost. Seeing him in the hallway, wanting to call out to him but he quickly ducks into his room before anyone even has a chance to say hello.
Niran was probably an obsession for you at this point, but you didn’t want to seem like the crazy person. So, you settle on the next best thing. He liked flowers and what’s not to love about receiving them, especially anonymously.
While he knew he had admirers, but this feeling was something else for him. It made him feel warm inside. He wasn’t angry that someone was coming and going from his lab because he knew where everything was place. Nothing was out of place, only a flower appearing on his workspace.
Each day that he sauntered into his lab he wondered what flower was waiting for him. A lily. A rose. Wisteria or lotus. Bluebell or snowdrop, daffodil or tulips. Each were added to the flask or laid gently next to it, his windowsill slowly being overrun by this persons flowers.
And each day that you would return, you would see them all neatly arranged, the moon barely illuminating them before you had to leave. Working late had its perks, you figured out. While many scientists finished early, Niran being one of them, you could wander the halls without any questioning. ‘Just delivering reports’, you’d say, hand holding a stack of papers which only served to hide the flower you had recently acquired.
Nirans lab lights were always switched off, the indication that he wasn’t there, the cue to leave your flower and get out of there before anyone notices…
Though tonight was different…
Everything was going as it normally was; Niran had left for the night and you were out ‘delivering reports’ to the other scientists. You made your way to his lab, the first thing on your agenda. His door opened with ease - you wondered why he never locked it each time it opened.
You were quiet on your feet, manoeuvring around the space with no effort as your eyes glance upon the growing selection by his window. It made your heart beat just that little bit faster knowing that he had been keeping them and not throwing them away.
Tonights flower was another lotus, one that was pale pink and white. A little smaller than the previous one, but still magnificent in it’s own way. You place it down beside the stack of papers before backing away. You take two steps back before turning around, heading back towards the door.
A blurred figure stands opposite the door before it opens and you don’t even get chance to hide before the door exposes you. Like a deer in headlights, you stand there and stare at the taller man, colour draining from your face as your body shakes and heart begins to race.
He doesn’t say a word but peers behind you, a smug smile appearing on his face.
“Ah, the lotus. A symbol of purity and strength. How kind.” He finally breaks that silence, walking past you. “You really shouldn’t be sneaking around in other peoples laboratories.”
You go to speak but the lump in your throat stops you. The panic and shame were rising.
“Please, I’m not mad. I’m glad to finally know who has been leaving me such wonderful gifts.” He smiles at you as he swings his bag over his shoulder. “Come, I’m sure you have an explanation as to why you’re doing this.”
You sheepishly nod as Niran escorts you out of his room.
“I suppose I was in luck I had forgotten my bag. It has been such a stressful day.” He speaks as if he didn’t just catch an intruder. “It’s nice to put a face to the admirer.”
The comment makes your cheeks flush. You finally manage to find the words to speak to him, explaining to him the reasoning behind your actions.
Niran chuckles, his chest feeling warmer as he looks down at you. Cute.
“Perhaps you would like to get coffee sometime?” He asks, which catches you completely off guard. “There’s this really nice cafe not far from here that serves the perfect blends. They also had tea, if coffee isn’t to your liking.”
When you accept his offer, the flush burning hotter, his smile grows bigger.
He winks, tone more playful than serious. “Perfect! I look forward to finally getting to know my secret florist.”
You stand there dumbfounded for a moment before walking back through the halls. You had just scored a coffee date with the best biophysicists in the country. Could life get any more exciting? The smile that embraces your face didn’t seem to let up for hours. Who’d have thought that you of all people get to be that close to him…