DING - sh*tnaro - プロジェクトセカイカラフルステージ！ (2024)

No day is different working here. This flower shop is not that frequented, but not like it's empty.
Mizuki has online classes during the day. After noon, they must take care of their mom’s shop. Customers come and go, some talk, some don’t. Mizuki always welcomes them with a bright smile.
Kids buy flowers for their parents, employees for their bosses, boyfriends for girlfriends.
— Is this for someone special? — Mizuki was finishing a rose bouquet’s ribbon.
— Yeah, I want to apologize to my wife! — the man had hope.
— Aww, got into a fight with her? I’m sure she will understand. It’s a beautiful choice after all.
— Do you think so?! I cheated on her, but-
Sure, bouquets are for these types of situations too. “Not that some flowers would fix anything”, Mizuki’s bright smile stays still.
Everyday is like the other, if Mizuki didn’t have their friends, they’d be long gone.
Maybe deciding to take online classes were a bad idea, being social isolated for so much time is having the opposite effect and-
— Welcome!
Leaving the vase they were previously holding, Mizuki turns to the door. A ding announces a new customer; they got used to that.
— Excuse me, where can I find daisies?
You see, everyday is the same, but the clients are not. This one, in particular, is way more beautiful than he should. Handsome, if you ask the florist. He is tall and his hair is half dark, half light. Mizuki’s eyes were so focused on staring at him that their mouth almost forgot to move.
— Yeah! You want a bouquet? — their face turned to the daisies, hiding their blush.
The tall guy’s face got redder, not that they could see it.
— I think that’s a little too much, a single flower will do.
— Is it for someone special? — an everyday question;
— A friend. — an everyday answer, with some caring tone added. Mizuki nodded.
Getting the single flower for him, him paying and leaving, all that ended the moment. Mizuki's first thought was to open a chat with “Enanan” on top of it.

Amia: ENA., HOLY SJIT
Enanan: now what
Amia: THIS GIUY WAS SO HANDSOME
HE WAS TALL AND AND
Enanan: it’s like the third time TODAY mizuki
Amia: .
HE IS DIFFERENT
Enanan: and he went to a flower shop. go back to ur job

Sending a ‘sigh’ sticker, Mizuki did go back to their job.
“It’s true, no single person goes to a flower shop. If they are single, they wish they weren’t.” Mizuki too, wish they weren’t. The thoughts about being in a relationship never crossed their mind, it always seemed like a path they couldn’t take. Still, seeing couples everyday, seeing people longing for someone, made them wish someone would give them a flower. No, not a flower, a ring.
Even so, pretty people exist, yet they never return. It’s a one time thing from their everyday routine. Mizuki’s life is not a one time thing.

Neither seemed like this customer's appearance was.
For the last month, around 17h, this guy would come, buy a flower, and go. Today’s no different.
— Which flower do you want today?
Mizuki’s usual bright smile always hides their real thoughts. “He is so beautiful, I’m so happy I got to see him everyday” and “Who is the friend. Does he like them.” are also an everyday now.
— Today.. I think I'll go with hydrangeas?
The last thing Mizuki saw before getting the flower was a shy smile. That shy smile gave them a hurtful idea.
— Here you go!
— Two?
The decorative paper had two flowers. The usual one he gets, and
— You don’t have to pay for the second, I’m giving it to you!
His face looked confused as he tried to understand Mizuki’s thoughts behind it. “Please just accept it please just accept it please just accept it” Their cheeks were getting redder and redder.
— Really? That’s very sweet, I’ll gladly accept.
He smiled, paid, and left. Mizuki’s weak laugh escaped their lips as they sat on the chair.
“I don’t think he noticed I was hitting on him…” they tilted their head, thinking alone “He always comes here, so he must be single” They could feel something tightening on their chest “He probably likes this friend though...” Leaning against the balcony, Mizuki cradled their head in their hands, feeling a bitter sting of rejection growing into their heart. “Not like I have a chance, then.” They laughed off their thoughts, they’d give up on him.

— Today’s flower?
— Roses!
Another month went like this: he’d show up, choose a flower, pay and leave. And Mizuki always gave him an extra flower. ‘Enanan’’s phone was tired of getting messages from ‘Amia’. This time, about how ‘Amia’ can’t bring themselves into giving up on ‘him’ because when they see ‘his’ face, they melt. Not that ‘Enanan’ knew, she ignored the messages.
And even with Mizuki giving him free flowers for two more months (three months now, if you count really carefully), he still didn’t seem to get the hint.
‘Enanan’’s phone screams for help.

Mizuki was exhausted. They just finished their last exam for this semester. If it weren’t for this specific client, they’d ask their mother for a break.
Dressing their apron and going down to the shop, they waited for their first client.
Which, surprisingly, arrived soon.
— Welco— Wow, you here at this hour?
Mizuki looked at the clock on the wall: 13h.
— Yeah. — The tall customer looked anxious, Mizuki almost worried.
— So, which flower for today?
He was fidgeting his fingers.
— I want a sunflower bouquet. — he looked down — That friend I mentioned, I decided to confess to him.
Ouch “I really wish I asked for that damn break”
Mizuki’s smile got brighter.
— Really!? I’ll arrange the prettiest bouquet you have ever seen! Please wait a few minutes~!
His eyes light up, and they could see his smile getting wider, but right now, Mizuki wishes to hide their face in a hole.
Getting the right flowers, Mizuki secretly wished sunflowers had thorns, to pinch them so they die right there and here.
“Just kidding.”
— Here it goes! Isn’t it well done?
He nodded, getting his purse.
— Oh, you can have it for free! It's for a loved one, right?
His eyes looked gentle (and kind, but he himself already is kind), as he looked at them.
He looked amazed, in love, even. Not with Mizuki.
— I want to pay for it. He… he is my best friend. I want to pay this, since it’s for him.
“God, please make those rose thorns be venomous. Please” There’s no joke now.
— Is that so? — their cheeks were so high it made their eyes close.
As he paid and left, Mizuki tried their best to not feel miserable. After all, they don’t know anything about him, there’s no reason for them to feel like this over someone they don’t even know the name of. ‘Enanan’ must suffer together.

Amia: i think he is gay
Enanan: HE IS WAHT

Toya was running late.
Even going to the nearest flower shop, his watch still had 13h26 on it. He asked Akito to meet with him at the back of their university.
— Oi, Toya, you’re late. — Akito was sat at a bench, but got up as Toya got closer. — And what with this huge ass bag?
He was panting, trying to get his breath after running here, Akito waited for it.
— Sorry Akito, I had to get something.
— No problem, just what did you want to talk about? — he crossed his arms — You seemed serious in the message.
He remembered the “Meet me at the back of uni, 13h30. I wanna talk” message he sent while practicing his confession.
Looking directly at Akito, he tried to internally get less anxious. He was sweating, half from the run and half from the anxiety.
He took a deep breath, looking down.
— Akito, I’ve been liking you for some time now.
Akito’s eyes got wider. Toya pretended to not see it as he continued. He regrets even opening his mouth, sending that message maybe.
— We have known each other for many years, but I only noticed my feelings months ago. I don’t know if it only started when I noticed it, or if I’ve been liking you all this time, but it’s true that right now, I like you.
He couldn’t dare to look into his eyes. He knew Akito, Akito knew himself, and he knew Akito didn’t like him back.
— I don’t… I won’t force you to answer me right now. I waited for our exams to be over so it wouldn’t affect either of us, but — his eyes felt hot — Please, just answer something. Someday.
Toya went silent. The lack of answer was bugging him, and he would regret dazing his eyes on Akito's.
He was crying.
If it was any other person, if it was any other situation, any other feeling, any words, Toya would feel like Akito is happy. That he was shedding happy tears. That he'd say he likes Toya back. Not now, not today.
He was rejecting him.
— Toya, I… — He looked conflicted about what to say — Me.. Kohane and I are dating.
Toya’s eyes could gray, if it was possible.
— We didn’t make it public. Yet. But, yeah, I like her.
Silence again. Toya could only hear his heartbeat. It was fast. Lonely, rejected.
The university bell rang, their evening classes would start.
— I see. It’s ok, Akito. Sorry for making this situation awkward. — he raised his head, a weak smile on his face — I don’t want this feeling to break my college attendance, so let’s go to classes. Sorry, again.
Toya turned, just to feel a hand on his arm.
— f*ck you mean?! We still have things to talk about!
— This won’t affect our friendship, Akito. I promise you. — he can’t cry. Not now — Let’s talk after classes, ok? I promise it's ok, just, please, let's go to class.
He slapped Akito’s hand away from his arm. His face was awful, but Toya knew it didn’t hurt him. He knew it wasn't the slap hurted him. Before Akito could say something, his eyes fell on the bag in Toya's hands. With that, both went to their classes, no other word exchanged.

17h30 on the clock.
“The movement was pretty low today.” Mizuki sighed “Should I close the shop earlier?”
It's a little unusual for them to break the work time, but once in a lifetime wouldn't hurt. Mizuki gets the main door keys, as they walk to it.
If it wasn't for Ena's supporting call, Mizuki would be bored the whole day, alone with their thoughts. They talked about family, about college, about nightcord… everything that could distance Mizuki from that one customer.
A ding.
— Welco- You?!
The sunflower bouquet client was back. That one client Mizuki tried to not think about the whole day.
— Hello. — his eyes looked dizzy — I came here to return this bouquet. You seemed to work hard on it, it'd be unfortunate to throw it away.
— Wait, — Mizuki hid the keys in their pocket, kind of embarrassed to almost be caught slacking — return?
— Yeah. I was rejected. — his voice broke — These flowers will have a much better future in your hands.
Mizuki could see his eyes getting watery.
— Hey, wait, do you want to talk about it? — they touched his shoulder — You seem pretty down!
He blinked at them, a soft smile appearing.
— There's no need. Thanks for the offer, but I only came here to return it.
— Come on, those flowers I selled to you all these months, were all for him, weren't they? — Mizuki was slowly regretting this — Count this as a payback for the free ones!
Before he could say something, Mizuki rushed to the door. The sign with “OPEN” was now turned to “CLOSED”, not really literal, the door was unlocked.
The customer didn't move a finger as Mizuki got back to the balcony, got their chair and put it in front of him.
— I know this is awkward, but how can I ignore such a trustworthy client on the verge of tears?
Mizuki had a smile. A bitter one, but still a smile.
“I just want to be able to move on, is it that selfish?”
A sniff.
— I don't think I'm sad because I got rejected. — he started, before Mizuki could even get used to it — He seemed guilty. As if not liking me is the wrong answer. Guilty for not… feeling the same. I don't want to confuse his feelings, I have no right to it.
Mizuki nodded, getting behind the balcony, holding their own hands tight; hoping he couldn't see it.
A moment of silence could be heard, he was fighting against his own tears. Mizuki wished they could wipe them off. His beautiful face wasn't ruined by the lost tears, but Mizuki wished it was.
— Are you sure you're not sad because he rejected you? — he coiled in the chair. He was always so tall, but right now, he looks small — It's ok to be sad about it. Wasn't he your best friend?
Mizuki's smile almost dropped as his tears started to fall. They need to comfort him right now, he was a client in need, not the guy Mizuki has been hitting on for the last two months. Still, couldn't stop thinking about how they wanted to be closer to him, just so their arms were around his head, just so he could cry in their chest.
— I see. — a sniff — So it's ok for me to feel like this, after all?
His glasses started to blur. The conversation was ending.
— You had the courage to confess, I envy you for it. — what are they saying — When I was younger, even if I liked someone, I'd never confess to them. It's good seeing someone make the first step I never got to make.
“Why am I trying to extend the conversation?” This isn't about them.
He looked at Mizuki, his eyes were swollen, but he seemed to start to get better. Only him.
— There is… was. This guy. I felt like I really liked him. We never talked much and he didn't know much about me, neither did I know about him, but… — their heart started to sink — every time I saw him talk about this.. girl. Yeah, everytime he talked about her, he seemed so kind. It made me wish I was her. His eyes were always so kind when talking about her, he always looked like-
“Like how you're looking at me right now.” Mizuki could never finish that sentence.
— So, you also had a rejection like this?
He seemed to worry about Mizuki. Which only made them wish he was the ‘beautiful customer I once saw and never again’ like the many others who were once again.
— Yes. — they couldn't tell if their cheeks were hurting from smiling for so long, or if they were about to cry.
“Please don't look at me like this.”
— I see. — now followed with a weak laugh — Thank you, uh…
— Mizuki!
— Thank you, Mizuki. — he wiped a last tear — I feel like I can process my emotions better now.
— I'm happy I could help you!
He smiled at them.
“Please don't smile at me.”
— My name is Toya. Aoyagi Toya. — he got up — I'm sorry, but… I should get going, I have many feelings to feel, and I don't want to take more of your time. Thank you, again, Mizuki. And sorry.
“Please don't say my name.”
— Don't be~! You're welcome, Toya! Don't worry, the door is unlocked.
He waved, turned and gone he was.
They immediately fell to their knees, who were shaking for some time now.
Mizuki didn't know anything about him. They really didn't. They ‘know’ each other for… barely six months now. That's the first time they hear his name, that's the first time they say his name. So why was their heart aching so much? Why were their breath closing? Why were tears falling from their eyes?
In the end, Mizuki didn't even like him that much, right? They weren't in love with him. Yet, they were totally alone. Nothing could be heard. Their sniffs, hiccups, nothing.
Crying for someone you don't even know is pathetic, parasocial.
Toya was kind to them, like he was to everyone. Toya seemed to expect their extra flowers everyday, like anyone would. The only thing Mizuki knew about him, was that he didn't like them back. And he never would.
“Please don't come back.”

Mizuki expected this, hoped, even, but Toya didn't appear the next day. He got rejected, after all, there's no reason for him to buy flowers anymore.
The next day, too, he didn't.
And the next week.

— Welcome…
— Hi, Mizuki. — Toya got closer to the balcony.
Mizuki, you see, were counting some ribbons. Being called by their name (not surname) got them low guard.
— Toya?! — they turned quickly.
Knowing it was Toya calling them made their heart flutter. And ache.
The emotions they forgot they felt were all back at once, once they saw his face.
— What brings you here!! — they were trying their best to smile. Flashbacks from that day running through their mind.
Embarrassing.
— I came to give you this, — he lays a box in front of them — it's chocolate. I wanted to thank you for helping me, in a better way at least.
— Really?! You didn't need to!! — Mizuki opened the box right away, to find a chocolate cube with a ribbon on it.
— Haha, don't mind it. — his laugh was melody — Well, I have to get going, I have a meeting right now. Hope you enjoy the chocolate. — he said, as he walked to the door.
Mizuki was left speechless.
Almost.
A pinch of courage ran through their veins.
— Toya!
He spined to them, eyes curious.
— Something wrong?
— Can. Can I. Can I have your number.
Mizuki was trembling, their arms straightened, with their phone in their hands.
Toya blinked twice before nodding.
As they finished exchanging numbers, and Toya leaving, ‘Enanan’ received a call.
— ENA, I GOT HIS NUMBER!!
‘Enanan’ hung up the call.

— So what you’re saying is — Ena was on Mizuki’s chair, across their room — the guy you’ve been talking about is Toya, Akito’s partner.
A muffled ‘Yes’ could be heard, Mizuki was laid on their bed, face on the mattress.
— And Akito rejected him? This doesn’t make sense.
— That’s what I’m saying! — they got up — Akito’s been talking about him since high school, there’s no way he’d reject Toya.
Both started to think.
— Do you think he is like.. Straight… — Mizuki said, looking at Ena with genuine eyes.
— Hell no, he is at least bissexual… — Ena saw Mizuki's eyes getting darker — shut up. I don't want to discuss my brother’s sexuality. What will you do now?
— What will I do? — Mizuki sat at their bed, a star plushie on their legs — Ignore this feeling?
They felt a plushie hit them, a plushie who was previously dangerously close to Ena.
— Why don’t you confess? — Ena started playing with her hair.
— Have you finally gone crazy?
— Shut up? You already know he doesn’t like you, if he rejects you, you’ll move on faster.
— Ena, I-
Does Mizuki want him to reject them?
They could hold onto this feeling of unsureness forever and Toya would end up disappearing from their life one day, there’s no reason for them to tell him how they feel about him.
— Oi, wait, was I too harsh? — she fidgets her hair — Why are you crying?!
Mizuki tried to wipe their tears away. Failing.
— He really doesn’t like me in the end…
Ena’s face went from annoyed to worried.
She got up and closer to Mizuki. It’s good they trust her enough now to cry in front of her, but Ena still wishes they didn’t need to cry at all.
She hugged them.

For the next few days, Toya would go to Mizuki’s shop, ask them about the moonflowers, and go away.
Mizuki tried to not make it visible, but everytime he was around, their notorious bright smile was nowhere to be seen. Even when he started bringinging cold lattes from that one cafe they went to at that time, Mizuki still looked sad around him.
Toya, of course, noticed that. “We aren’t close for me to ask.” he always thought.
Today, An wanted to discuss some things about their soon to come event, such as music order and choreography. They were sitting at a cafe close to their college.
— Would adding more beats help?
— Nah, Kohane said it’s better if we could keep it low.
An mentioning Kohane so easily made Toya shiver. Not that she noticed it.
— I see. Then-
Both of them instinctively looked at the door when a bell sound echoed. A side ponytail person entered the cafe, got a paper bag on the balcony and left. Neither An or Toya noticed that the client purposefully looked away from them.
Toya turned back at An.
— Did you see that person? It’s the florist I talked about.
— Wait, Mizuki? — she screamed.
— You know them? They also seemed to know Akito…
— Are you jokin’? We were best friends during highschool! — her voice lowered, embarrassed from screaming — After we moved in, we hung out much less often… but we are still close??
— Still, they didn’t seem to recognize me. — Toya had a confused look.
— Ehe.. you see… — she got nervous — I might have forgotten to mention you? sh*t I think I forgot about mentionin’ the entire VBS thing??
Vivid BAD SQUAD teamed up when college started. Since they all went to the same university, their meetings were much easier, but they have known each other since early highschool.
— So you know them for some time… — he looked thoughtful.
— Does Aoyagi Toya want to know about my dear friend?
— Can I? — now, he looked excited, his voice even got up.
An didn’t expect this answer, but laughed anyway. It's new to see Toya like this.
— Let’s see… there’s nothin’ much special. Ah, their attendance was so bad in highschool, that’s probably why you don’t remember them, — she rested on her seat — neither the teachers did!
Toya’s face got pale.
— It was a joke!! — she wasn't expecting this reaction too — The clothes they make today are pretty, but really, they already were gorgeous when we were younger! I didn’t even know they could improve this much!
— They make clothes?
— Yeah? They’re majorin’ in fashion design, you saw their uniform, didn't you?
Toya blushed, trying to focus on the conversation, instead of thinking about that day he called the dress ‘beautiful’.
— Their personality didn’t change much, but… — she stopped, searching for the right words — they are more open about themselves now.
An smiled fondly.
Toya felt like asking more would be insensitive, so they went back to their arrangements.

Even since Mizuki met Toya, their days have stopped being the same.
Now, everytime 17h hits the clock, Mizuki wishes they never got out of that everyday circle.
Today’s no different. A ding, the same client.
— It’s you, Toya! — they turned at the door, not even checking who it was — …You look different today?
Toya was beautiful, Mizuki knew that for a long time now.
So how was he even better looking today? His hair was divided in half, the two-tone differing from the other, he wore a more detailed outfit, but that shouldn’t be enough to make someone attractive even more attractive.
Maybe Mizuki was just in love.
All that reminded them that he doesn’t like them back.
— Hi Mizuki! Yes, An told me you are a fashion designer, — how is An suddenly the topic of the conversation — so I wanted to impress you... Did it work?
— Impress me?! — Mizuki, even as melancholic as they were, couldn't help but laugh. And blush. A lot. — Yes! You look wonderful.
“Wait, An?” they just noticed he mentioned her.
Toya smiled, looking proud of himself.
— Great! Well, see you then.
He turned to the door.
— Wait, you came here just to show off your outfit? — Mizuki looked pathetically confused. They had things to ask him.
— Of course. I got embarrassed to know that I came here dressed like that before, in front of a fashionista.
— Your normal outfit is just as gorgeous as you, so-
Toya's face got as red as Mizuki's.
Both went silent immediately.
Mizuki wants to dissipate.
Toya awkwardly laughed and left, if they could, Mizuki would see him running, trying to ignore his blushing cheeks. They couldn't, though.
Mizuki immediately hid their face between their hands.
Forget it, they don't care if Toya knows An.
“Am I dumb??”

Usually, Toya arrives home by 19h.
He has to take the train when he visit's Mizuki shop, since An doesn't want to wait for him.
— I'm back.
— Welcome home, Toya! — An appeared by the corridor — Ah, we have some things to discuss, are you free now?
Toya put his bag on their sofa. His face is still red.
— Sure, what happened?
— We have to decide our next event's date. — An approached, sitting at a random chair of their dinner table — This Saturday, this group is makin’ an event, so I thought we should make ours next week!
Toya sat at the sofa, at his bag's side, thinking for a moment.
— I see what you're doing. — he nodded — Still, isn't it better if we know their range? If they are way too good, ours will be kinda... what's the word...
— Flop?
— Flop, I guess.
An laughed. She got used to Toya swearing when mad, but never to him using slangs.
— Okay! Let me see their ticket price...
She got her phone, searching for the group's site, apparently.
Strange, this site's name is "mizook"?
— Wow! Toya, they have an 80% discount if we bring 3 people! — she said in a strange tone — Holy sh*t, it's usually 3.000¥?? It's like they want us to bring more people!
— Do you think Akito and Kohane can go? — Toya wasn't tight on money, but he knew his roommate was.
— Nah... — she put her phone in her pocket — Kohane said she'd help Minori with her dog, and Ena commented Akito would take her to a neighboring city to see a museum.
— Is that so...
An loudly sighed.
— I can try Shiho, but I doubt she'd like this type of party~!
— Can't we call Mizuki?
An looked at him, eyes shining.
— I thought you'd never ask! — she got up — Actually, I sent them a message already, let's invite them tomorrow!
— Couldn't you just invite them by text?
— They will refuse!!
Toya nodded.
— True.
Not that he knew Mizuki enough for it.
— I'll tell Akito and Kohane we'll take Mizuki with us, then!
— Did you already plan this all?
— How do you think I knew their Saturday plans?! Plus, I miss hangin’ out with Mizuki!
Now was Toya's turn to sigh. An would never change.
— Now, Toya. Why are you all dressed up?
His face went red, caught off guard. She smirked.
— Did you go see Mizuki like this? — a giggle — Bold!
— Shut up An. I'll go to my room.
He did as he said.
"Did he just tell me to shut up?!" Flabbergasted, An couldn't stop laughing.

Akito, too, usually gets home by 19h.
Even if his classes are morning only, he has to do his night runs.
His routine involves taking an immediate bath after arriving home, but today, he went straight to his sister's door. Knocking on it.
— What's it?! — Ena opened her door — I'm busy! Go away.
— Do you know something about Akiyama and Toya? — he said, arms crossed.
Ena stopped middle door closing.
— Do I?
Silence fell.
It was hard to get something out of the Shinonomes when you are one of the Shinonomes.
Ena slowly made space for Akito to enter her room, and once he did, she closed the door.
— Speak. — she rested her back against the door, her arms crossed.
— I asked first?! — he sat in her chair.
— I was born first! — she looked him up and down — And don't sit on my things.
— Tsk.
— So?
Akito would have to trust she'd tell him something.
— Apparently, Toya seems to be... aware of Akiyama's opinions of him. — he looked to the side.
— Why are you being so formal? — Ena cringed — Call them Mizuki. Also, talk like a normal person, god!
Akito sighed.
— Toya seems to have an interest in Mizuki.
— Elaborate.
— f*ck you mean elaborate, Ena?! I am worried about him! He takes jokes way seriously, and you know them-
— Is it just because you rejected him?
Akito flinched. Ena's smugness fell too.
— How do you know about that? — his fist got tight.
— Forget that. Didn't you like him, Akito? Why did you reject him? Are you self sabotaging again? — her tone was harsh, but he could tell she was worried.
— I liked him... but it was two years ago?! I moved on! — his tone got up a bit, before going back to normal.
— What?! You, out of all people, got over him? — she had a doubting face.
— Yeah?! — his face was just as doubting — He needs someone who'll be able to help him continue. Someone as passionate about the future as him. Not someone like me.
Akito talked as if rejecting Toya didn't hurt him. As if it didn't have anything to do with him.
“Doesn't it, though?”
— And what about you? Are you saying you don't need him?
Akito's eyes flashed.
— I do.
— So you like him.
— No, listen, Ena! — his voice got higher — Look. I did like him. I really did, ok? But right now, I need him as a singer partner, as a friend, not as a lover. He needs someone better, like I needed Kohane.
Oh.
He bit his lip.
"sh*t."
— What does Kohane have to do with... ah.
Akito getting red, Ena's smirk getting wider.
— Are you dating her, Akito? — her brother's face got even redder — You are! I can't believe it!
Akito was thinking of many ways to throw her out of the window when she started laughing.
— So that's how you got over Toya!
— Oi, don't talk about her like she is some kind of replacement.
Ena didn't even try to hide her laughs. It was all too comic, and with her by the door, Akito couldn't even rage-leave her room.
— Stop laughing and tell me what you know about Mizuki's side!
— Should I? — Ena said between giggles, Akito's frown burrowed — I'm joking, I'm joking.
She calmed herself.
— Mizuki has been talking about him since forever, it's getting kinda annoying actually. — she put her hands on her hips.
— That's nasty, are they in love with him or something?
Ena didn't reply.
— Oi. Stop being childish.
— Oh shut up?! I don't know?! — her two hands went to her hips now— Even if they were, they gave up on him!
— What?!
Akito's eyes widened, his sister got confused.
— It was hurting them, so I said "well you should confess to him" or something...
Akito's face slapped himself. Comic.
— What now?!
— Why would you tell them to confess?! — he got up —Toya will reject them!
— I know! That's the plan?? — she screamed back at him.
— But Toya likes Mizuki!
They stared at each other.
Akito got embarrassed from screaming something like that. With hope, their parents didn't hear it.
— So why would he reject them? — Ena looked mad. She always does.
— It's Toya. — he sighed — He doesn't seem to be aware of what he feels right now. If Mizuki confesses, he will reject them, and he might feel worse when he realizes he likes them.
Akito was calmer; kinder. Ena relaxed.
— I'll see what I can do about it then. — she got off the door — Now, leave. You smell.
She grabbed his arm, pushing him out of her room. His complaints weren't heard, her assignment due is today.

"Maybe I should quit." Mizuki was playing with their hair, thinking about silly little nothings. "It was boring before Toya came here, but..." they shiver. The last months have been... exhausting. Mentally and physically.
A ding.
— Hey, Mizuki!
They didn't expect this.
— An?! — a genuine smile on their face.
The girl entered the shop, all happy and jumpy.
— It's been some time, how have you been? — she asked, almost jumping through the balcony.
Mizuki doesn't want to answer that.
— I thought your classes ended by four, why so late? You did warn me you'd come though... — Mizuki stopped for a moment, looking at her suspicious smile — Please say you need a flower.
— Not really~ — her smile was wide. Too much wide — I need a favor!
She slapped her hands, putting them up to her head while bowing. Mizuki sighed.
— Sure, what do you need? — they had a small smile, An is a friend Mizuki would do anything to help.
— Will you come to a party with me?
Besides that.
— You know I don't like parties...
— I know! It's just-
A ding.
— Sorry, An, the teacher holded me longer than I thought.
— It's ok! Look, I just asked Mizuki about the party!
Toya's eyes met Mizuki's. He blushed, but it's not like Mizuki could notice it. Their mind was blinded by the unrequitedness disease.
— Hi, Mizuki. — Toya smiled at them — I'm sorry for An suddenly suggesting it. We have to go to a party this Saturday, and we need one more person. I suggested you.
— You suggested me? — they got surprised at that.
— Oh, Toya immediately suggested you! — An smile was contagious.
Mizuki sighed, resting their head on the balcony. "Too much information..."
— How you guys know each other? — they closed their eyes, tired — And what about Kohane, An?
An and Toya looked at each other. Mizuki's mind was begging this all to end soon.
— I promise to tell you everything, just please come with us!
Both bowed at Mizuki, with their hands clapped.
Mizuki would give up on Toya this time.
They really were. They promised themselves, promised Ena. They would give up on him, without ever confessing. After this party, they would never see Toya again. They would quit this job, they would block him and never talk to him again. They really were.
— I'll go. — the last time they would talk to Toya — But tell me everything!
Toya looked excited the most, but Mizuki tried not to think about it much.
An grabbed their hands and started to spin informations in the air.
She told them about Vivid BAD SQUAD, about their soon to come event, about how she and Toya became roommates (which lead to Toya briefly commenting about his dad) and about why Akito and Kohane can't go. During the whole conversation, Mizuki just wished they could go to their room and cry to sleep.
Which, minutes later, ended up happening.

An told Mizuki she was close to their shop, so they left to wait in front of it.
They had a white striped skirt, with a jeans blazer and an equally white t-shirt. Of course their shoes were white too "Am I too worried about not standing out? It's a party after all..." Mizuki, then, remembered their friend's sense of fashion. They would be ok, probably.
Mizuki got their phone, about to tell An they changed their mind, but a car stopped by the street.
— Hey, Mizuki! Get in, Toya's in the back seat! — An said enthusiastically.
For their sadness, they opened the front door.
— Hi, An! — they sat at the seat — You are stunning today?!
— Ain't I? Toya told me to dress elegantly! He wants to impress some fashionistas out there~
Both laughed. "As if", Mizuki answered in their head.
An was wearing her usual street style clothes; a black cropped with a black shorts. Her yellow jacket sure standed out.
— Thank you again for coming, Mizuki. — said Toya, slightly close to the middle of their seats — You are stunning today, too. As always.
Mizuki tried their best to not blush, their makeup helping them. Toya was wearing a simple but fashionable black sweater, perhaps he was cold, the opposite of them.
— Thank you, Toya! — they wanted to compliment him too, but their makeup has a limit.
An started the car, turning the radio on too.
— Is the party too far? — Toya asked.
— Not really, but I want to sing with Mizuki, so let’s go slow!
— No way, you really saved our playlist?!
The whole ride was Mizuki and An singing songs they listened to when they were teenagers, An was foul for putting this song about a villain who pretends to be a boy, or something, don’t know, Mizuki skipped the song.

The party place was not big. It looked like a random bar on a random street. An already parked her car not too far from the entrance, so the trio waited in the line to get their tickets checked.
— Still, 80% off is crazy. No one would pay 3000¥ for a place that small! — Mizuki said, reading their ticket instructions.
— I know, perhaps they are a small group who cares more about media than money. — An didn’t need to read her ticket’s instructions.
— It's a great strategy... We should use it sometime.
An looked at Toya with wide eyes.
— Or not. We need money.
Mizuki laughed at their interactions. "It's good seeing Toya act like this.." they felt a pinch in their chest. Guess it was not.
After passing by the security, the three were in.
— Holy sh*t, the interior isn’t big either?! Are they crazy?
Mizuki laughed at An indignation, and their gaze accidentally fell on Toya’s face.
“He looks uncomfortable… is it my fault?”
— Ah, Mizuki! Toya doesn’t like loud music, so you guys can wait here while I get some drinks!
Toya opened his mouth to answer, probably some sort of “don’t worry”, but An was lost in the crowd. He sighed, sending an apologetic smile to Mizuki.
Both rested against a wall. Mizuki wasn’t in the mood to talk to Toya. It’s the last time they’ll see him, if they learn something new about him, they might hold on to the feeling tighter. Something they shouldn’t do.
— I’m not the party type, by the way. I rarely even listen to loud music. — Toya said, looking directly at them.
Mizuki never saw him tell them something about him. “Why is he doing this now?”
— Really? That’s interesting. I come with An when Ena can’t. — a cold answer. Please don’t talk to them.
He laughed.
— I’m glad you and An are friends. — he looked at the way An went the last time both saw her — You’re a great friend, Mizuki. Hope we can get along better from now on.
Terrible.
Mizuki flinched. Mizuki felt terrible.
They don’t want to be his friend, are they wrong for it?
— Do you want to dance? — they looked to the other side — It’s a party!
Toya followed Mizuki to a place more crowded, but still far from the sound boxes. They looked excited at the first music, but once they got rounded by people, discomfort was all over their face.
— Hey, Mizuki — Toya screamed, dangerously close to their face — you look uncomfortable, don’t you wanna go back?
If the music was a percent higher, Mizuki wouldn’t hear that. Their face was so red they might implode right now.
— It’s ok! — they said, screaming close to his ear — I just don’t like crowds, that’s all!
Toya nodded, Mizuki thought it was over, but when he got their waist, pulling them close to him, even the music was nearly enough to muffle the high ‘Toya?!’ they left.
— Sorry, — they were close enough to Toya not need scream — If you look at me, you won’t be self conscious.
Mizuki wouldn’t complain any more. Being this close to him was enough to shut them up. The crowd was so big they couldn’t even dance, but the smile on Toya’s face was enough to make them wish this last night would last forever.
They made a gesture for him to bow, and he did.
— I’m sorry — they said, closer to his ear again — I didn’t want to look so down.
He tilted his head to meet their eyes.
— It’s fine, just tell me if you want to leave!
He raised his head, smiling brightly. “Looks like he is having fun…” Mizuki felt guilty about using this night as a last resort of their emotions. After today, they would disappear from his life. He considered Mizuki his friend, so he probably would ask An about it… They holded a sigh, Toya would be worried by it.
They looked at him. The colored lights helped him a lot. His usually gray eyes reflected so many colors, but Mizuki was sure pink wasn’t one of them. They wonder if in any other time they met, Toya would reciprocate their feelings. From his eyes, Mizuki’s went to his lips. They thought about kissing them many times, every time he would say the flower he wanted, or when he thanked them for it. They never really thought of kissing him, this would send their relationship to the sea.
“I won’t see him anymore…” Mizuki reminded themselves.
The music was loud, sure, but their heart was louder. They didn’t have anything to lose now.
— Mizuki?
Their eyes looked foggy, like they were about to cry.
Toya was pretty. Today, he was like all the days they saw him: beautiful. He is kind, pure, calm, and smart, from what An told them. Mizuki didn’t want to deceive him.
Their hands felt warmer, they didn’t even realize their arm was raised, and their hand on his cheeks. They didn’t care about that right now, they didn’t care about anything, actually.
“After today, I won’t see him anymore.”
Mizuki kisses Toya.
Their lips met unilaterally, like it has always been.
Mizuki could finally feel his lips, they were happy with it. They closed their eyes, imagining how it would be if, just for a second, he reciprocated their feelings, how it would feel if he kissed him back.
Before their tears touched his cheeks, Mizuki backed off. And the milliseconds were enough for Mizuki to run. They didn’t hear their name being called.
They were small, they lost themselves in the crowd, if they looked back, they wouldn’t see Toya running for them.

Toya was paralyzed, in the middle of the dance floor. He stayed like this for a minute, but would stay more if An didn’t touch his shoulder.
— I finally found you! — she had three drinks in her hands — Where is Mizuki?
When Toya turned at her, her eyes widened.
They immediately left the party.
— Your temperature is pretty high,Toya! — she was by his bedside — Why didn’t you tell me you were feeling sick?!
He didn’t say a word.
— Just rest for now, got it?
An left his room, with her phone in her ear. Toya is sure he saw ‘mizook’ written on the screen.
It made him coil into his mattress.

— Aoyagi, could you help me carr-
— Sorry, I have to go!
Toya runned down the stairs, getting by his university’s gate and making the usual 5 minutes walk in 2. A familiar shop entrance reflected on his eyes.
— Welcome!
Pink.
Toya was breathing heavily, he thought about that pink hair all day, and all night.
He got sad.
— Is… — he took a deep breath — Is Mizuki here?
The pinky hair florist looked confused, curious even. She smiled.
— My sister isn’t, but can I help you? You can call me Yuuki! I’m covering Mizuki today.
— I see… — Toya looked disappointed — sorry for the trouble.
Toya left, leaving Yuuki with some questions in her mind.

It was wednesday now, Toya became familiar with this ‘Yuuki’ and her suspicious looks at him. She and Mizuki looked alike.
He wanted to talk with Mizuki. About the party? Maybe. But “Why did they do that? Why did they…” Toya was at a bench, he got flustered thinking about the kiss.
Mizuki blocked him on the message application, and Toya was too embarrassed to ask An about them. Akito wasn’t an option either.
He jumped when he felt something cold against his neck.
— You finally came! — Kohane sat by his side, giving him a water bottle.
He holded the bottle, thanking her.
Toya lost Vivid BAD SQUAD’s meetings, looking for Mizuki at the flower shop. Their event was this weekend, and Mizuki probably wouldn’t be around today either. “But what if they were…” he silently sulked.
— Did something happen, Toya? It’s not much you-like to lose our practices without warning.
He looked at her, eyes lost.
— Akito, uh…
— I know about that, — she giggled — but is that the reason?
He looked hurt. Kohane worried it might’ve been her words, but kept herself calm. When he didn’t answer, she started again:
— Sorry if it’s sudden. We all are worried about you, but we didn’t find an opening to ask…
His eyes finally looked like they had some light on them.
— I’m sorry for worrying you all. I’m just confused with some feelings, that’s all.
— Confused?
He hummed.
— I thought I still liked Akito all this time, like I had to like him. — he lowered his head — We were always together, so it makes sense, but with them-
Thank god Kohane wasn’t drinking her water yet, because she would’ve spilled it all.
— Them?! You like someone?! — she felt like a teenager again.
— I-it’s not… like. That way. But they are a good friend, yes.
The blush in his face explained it better to Kohane than his mouth.
— I always find myself trying to impress them or wanting them to find me good. When they started to distance themselves I wanted to keep them closer, but… — he rested his face in his hands — I felt rejected by them, somehow.
Kohane felt like laughing, but something snapped in her.
— Aren’t you… giving them mixed signals, then?
He flinched, and looked at her.
“Mixed signals… is that what I was doing…?”
— You said you don’t like them, didn’t you? — she said, her hand on his back — Then, you should let them distance themselves.
Toya didn’t want that.
— I don’t… think I can.
Kohane looked comforting before, but her glance was serious now.
— Do you still think you like Akito?
His face contorted, but he managed to answer:
— I’m not sure anymore.
Kohane’s smile got back to her.
— Then, you should allow yourself to move on, Toya. — she patted his back — Different from you, they still think you like Akito.
His grip on the water bottle got harder. Kohane sipped hers.
— They kissed me.
Kohane spilled her water.
— EH?!
— At that party. They kissed me.
— So they-
— They knew I liked Akito, or thought so. They might even think he will like me back one day. And still — his face went back to his hands — they kissed me. I didn’t back off.
Kohane wouldn’t dare to interrupt his realizations.
— I wished I kissed them back, yet, they might think I would never do that.
Kohane was surprised, but her wide smile was almost making her eyes close. She patted his back again.
— You are going great, Toya. Good job.
He groaned into his hands. Kohane only laughed when he looked at her with an embarrassed face.

The next day, Toya was at the shop. Mizuki isn’t though.
— Welcome again, Toya! Looking for Mizuki once again? — Yuuki didn’t even look at the door to know it was him.
She was reading some fashion magazines, the one’s she herself wrote.
— Yes, always. — Toya said, closing the door carefully -But I also would like to talk to you, Ms.Yuuki.
Yuuki closed her magazine, looking at him with a smile he couldn’t tell was genuine. It was certainly different from Mizuki’s.
— Could… you ask Mizuki to talk to me? You’re their sister, so… — he stopped, but didn’t give her an opening to talk — I thought…
— What do you want with my sister?
Yuuki looked serious, her tone made Toya gulp. She squinted her eyes in his direction.
“Is this a test?”
— I… really just wanna talk.
Her eyes didn’t leave his for a second. She smiled.
— I’ll talk to them, but I can’t promise anything.
Toya lightened up.
— Thank you!
He bowed, smiled (widely) and left.
— Did you hear him?
Mizuki hummed from below the balcony.
— Why don’t you give him a chance?
— There’s no such thing to give him. I was the one who messed up.
Bending down, Yuuki sat by their side, not holding her knees like they were.
— He doesn’t look mad, what did you do?
Mizuki hid their face between their knees, if Yuuki was still standing up, she wouldn't hear them:
— I kissed him.
— I see, did you like it? — she asked, unfazed by it.
— Sis!
— I’m not joking! Do you like him, Mizuki? — she had her usual calm face, worried even.
Mizuki went quiet, but nodded.
— He… likes another guy. He was rejected, but… it’s a dear one for him. I’m like, nothing, compared to him.
Yuuki's face got worse. She always worries when Mizuki starts to down themselves.
— It’s the third time he comes here this week, searching for you. And he looked way disappointed when he didn't see you. Wasn’t he rejected, too? What if he moved on?
Mizuki couldn’t believe it.
They knew the way Akito talked about Toya, and knew the way felt when he was rejected.
Yuuki patted their head.
— You have something to tell him, don’t you?
A ding.
— A-KI-YA-MA MI-ZU-KI! — a loud voice could be heard — What the f*ck do you think you are doing by ignoring me?!
Yuuki got up, to see a mad Shinonome Ena, all sweaty, with her phone in her hand.
— Enanan.
— Y-yuuki?!? — Ena blushed — S-sorry for barging in, Mizuki has…
Mizuki got up too.
— You! — she rushed to the balcony — I called you the whole week!
— Sorry~,,,
— Don’t f*cking ‘sorry’ me! — she had fire in her eyes — An told me you disappeared at the party, are you f*cked in the head?! I was worried!
Her breathing was heavy, she probably ran all the way to the shop.
— I couldn’t come earlier, since this one client was on my ass, but-
She stopped, to catch her breath and to take a good look at Mizuki. They looked about to cry, which made Ena feel a little guilty, but she knew she was right.
— You look pathetic, — her tone went down — what happened?
Yuuki laughed, hugging Mizuki with one arm by their side.
— My dear sister kissed the one they’ve been longing for, apparently.
— You kissed Toya?! — Ena slapped her hands on the balcony, making the Akiyamas flinch — Why didn’t you tell me?!?!
— You looked annoyed…
— And now, this Toya guy wants to talk to them, but they have been hiding from him. — Yuuki looked at her, understanding Ena’s pseudo-rage — Not only from him.
Ena relaxed. Yuuki did too, she was scared she would do something extreme. She has a comic temper.
— So? WIll you talk to him?
Mizuki didn’t reply; it annoyed Ena.
— Yuuki, can I stay overnight?
— The more the merrier!
Mizuki knew what the future held for them.

Today’s classes: skipped.
Ena, Mizuki and Yuuki spent a long night talking about Mizuki’s situation. They had a ‘girl night’, as their sister said.
Ena was still sleeping when Mizuki got up. It was 10 o'clock.
— Ena — Mizuki shaked her — you have to go home.
Ena opened her eyes, showed them her middle finger, and went back to her sleep.
Mizuki suddenly felt really awakened.
When Yuuki entered their room, Mizuki had a pillow on their face, and Ena a foot on her stomach.

— I can’t believe you’d ask to work here today. — Mizuki said, dressing their apron — You, out of all people.
— If I go now, you'll chicken out with Toya — Ena too, dressed ‘her’ apron — What time does he usually come by?
— Uhn… after 17h maybe.
— Then, I’ll be off by 16h59.
Ena looked at herself in the mirror, her uniform was different from Mizuki’s, an old design.
— It looks big on you.
— Do I look good tho?
— You always do, Enanan! — Mizuki laughed.
It was good hearing their laugh, Ena’s protective side said. Or whatever.
Ena and Mizuki opened the shop, some clients recognized Ena from the social media, and an old couple from the neighborhood asked Mizuki if they finally found someone.
— Ena? Her boyfriend would be jealous if he heard that~
Mizuki was hit with a plastic flower
— Mafuyu is not the jealous type!.. I think.
The old couple laughed, and left.
A kid appeared some hour later, to buy a flower, obviously.
— Wow, miss, you are really beautiful!
Ena is weak to compliments.
— Thank you. You need help with a bouquet?
— Yes! Purple tulips! My sister just won a prize for her piano concert, mom gave me money! — he handed some coins to ena, not nearly enough.
Ena handed Mizuki his order, and came back with the bouquet for the little boy.
— Tell her this pretty lady said congratulations to her.
The little guy seemed happy.
— Thank you, miss! — he ran out of the shop, all jumpy.
Ena waved to him as he got away.
— Did you just project into a kid?
Ena never turned her head so fast to Mizuki, her glance could kill them on the spot.
— I’m joking~ — they raised their hands — But isn't it about time you get going? It's almost 17h.
Ena relaxed.
— I guess. I’ll change clothes.
She went to the back of the shop, coming back some minutes later.
— Here, thank you for letting me borrow your pajamas — she handed them a candy.
— It’s not the first or last time anyways~! — Mizuki ate the little threat.
— Tell me if you need anything, ok? — she said, not much emotion on her tongue.
— Of course, Enanan~
— I’m serious, Mizuki. If anything bad happens, I’ll be here, ok? — her tone was harsh, but her words not — I’ll let Kanade and Mafuyu know about this, so they will be there for you too.
Mizuki never knew how to act when Ena was kind to them, so they hope their nod was enough.
— Thank you, Ena!!
“Their smile looks genuine at least…”
Ena went to the door, she didn’t bring anything besides her cellphone after all.
— I doubt he will even come, anyways. — Mizuki sat on the balcony’s chair.
— I really hope he comes.
— Uhn? Why? — they looked at her;
Ena blushed.
— This conversation will be really embarrassing if he doesn’t.
Ena left quickly once she heard Mizuki laugh.
The clock marked exactly 16h59.
Mizuki was nervous. Talking about their feelings was hard, they worked on it ever since they graduated highschool, but running away was still easier than facing it head on. They hit their head on the balcony.
A ding.
They didn’t raise their head. It’s either Toya or a random customer. They wished it was the second option, but the footsteps getting closer told them otherwise.
— You are here today.
They finally raised their head, meeting a two colored hair.
The clock had 17h02 on it, “He really ran here…”
— Mizuki, can we talk?
They won’t run this time.
Mizuki nodded.
Toya smiled.
As Mizuki changed the ‘OPEN’ sign to ‘CLOSED’, they watched Toya fidget his fingers, while they laid their back on the balcony.
Mizuki didn’t notice until now, but his clothes looked rushed. His hair was messed up too…
— Ah, I have something for you! — he finally broke the silence, getting something in his backpack.
Mizuki was quiet, as quieter as they ever have been. They are the overthinking type, they knew that, but their mind had way more thought than they could handle. Today, Toya would say he was disgusted by them, and that he never would want to see them again.
He takes a flower out of his bag.
— The first time you gave me a second time, I was too shy to give it to Akito, so I kept it after drying it.
This would be the end of their one-sided love story, it was going to hurt, but it was necessary.
— Toya, list-
— When you stopped giving me flowers, — he quickly interrupted them — I missed it. I came here, hoping that for some reason, you’d give me more. You kept giving me free things, or trying to. The bouquet, the coffee you paid for, the seeds. I was happy you were trying to get closer to me. — he said in one breath — And I’m sorry I didn’t realize sooner the flowers were for me, not Akito.
He already said so much, and still looked like he had more to say. He always was direct, it was mainly what attracted Mizuki to him, but now, it was only confusing them more.
— The seeds I bought… they haven’t bloomed fully yet, but when they do, I want to give you a bouquet of them.
— A bouquet? Why would you do that to me? — Mizuki needed answers, direct ones, if he was rejecting them, make it quickly.
Mizuki was vulnerable. A little thing said in the wrong way and they would run from him. Toya knew that.
— Changes are difficult for me, — he smiled shyly — when I noticed I thought more about you than about Akito, I thought it was… strange. I didn’t want to believe it, so I held onto the idea of still liking him. I regretted not kissi-
Mizuki got a sign of hope. “Maybe, just maybe…”
— I like you, Toya.
Toya blushed. Immediately. He and Kohane came to the conclusion that this was possible, but hearing them saying it felt… good.
— I've liked you since you entered my shop, — they tried not to look at him — of course it was a silly crush in the beginning, but…
Toya silently wished they would continue. A minute passed. A sigh from their side.
— You kept coming here, I thought ‘oh, maybe I do have a chance!’ but as the time passed, I noticed it was impossible. — they said, there’s no going back now — I knew you liked Akito, it really was impossible, but I, too, held onto this feeling.
They never were closer to Toya, but he wasn’t distant from Mizuki.
Toya approached Mizuki.
They flinched when he hugged them.
— Kohane told me I gave you mixed signals, I’m sorry for it. — he put his hand on their head, getting it closer to his chest — I know this whole situation might make you insecure, but I’m sure I don’t like Akito anymore, Mizuki. I like you, too.
He let them raise their eyes to his.
— And if you let me, I can love you, too.
Neither noticed when their tears started to fall, synchronized even. Both felt relieved, Mizuki told him how they’ve felt for months, and Toya finally let himself like them.
His hands went to their eyes, wiping their tears.
— I want to be able to be closer to you, to bring you back when I miss you. — Toya smiled.
— I’m sorry. I should be the one saying these things.
Mizuki hugged him tighter. Toya did too.
Their breath on his chest made them both calm down, but when the calm breath stopped, he noticed he was hugging them a little too hard.
He took one or two steps back.
— Sorry.
Mizuki laughed. Oh to be dead in his arms.
They looked at each other, before Toya looked like he remembered something.
— Do you want to go to our event?
— I’ve been thinking about it for some time now, — Mizuki said, with a shy smile — but you’re really bad with timing, aren’t you?
Toya blushed. Even more.
— If I give you one ticket, will you come? You can go to the after party too.
Mizuki took their time to answer. They just told him they like him, and he invites them to an event…?
— I want your presence there.
— I’ll go!
He smiled, excited. His phone rang, which surprised Mizuki.
— Ah, sorry, it’s just an alarm; I have practices… oh.
He looked at Mizuki like a lost puppy.
— I get it! — they laughed — I’m assuming you have to go?
He nodded, his eyes a little sad.
— Ah, I’m sad because I won’t be able to talk more to you.
— You… don’t need to be so verbal… And don’t worry, we can talk more later;
— You will unblock me?!
He looked so happy it made Mizuki feel guilty.
— Yes..,.,.,,..,
Toya was awkwardly standing there, so Mizuki kissed his cheeks.
Both looked at each other, flustered, burning even. No word was exchanged until Toya left the shop.
He got his phone, opening his leader’s chat.

Toya: It went pretty well. I called them to our event.
Kohane: great!
Toya: I told them how I felt, they feel the same.
Kohane: woooww, so you guys dating now??? did you kiss??
Toya: Ah
I should’ve asked them to be my girlfriend?
Kohane: ofc;;;;
Toya: …
Kohane: toya. did you. kiss. them.
Toya: They kissed my cheek.
Kohane: toya omg

Toya entered the changing room with his stage clothes in hand.
— Toya? You still haven’t changed?
Akito was by the sink, drying his face with a towel.
— I was helping An with the boxes. — he went to the sink by Akito’s.
This was the first time he felt uncomfortable around Akito. More like anxiety.
— You good?
Toya shivered.
— I invited Mizuki.
— Really?
Akito didn’t look surprised with it, which made Toya relax. The uncomfortable feeling was gone.
Before leaving, Akito stopped by the door.
— Let’s put up a show, then.
Akito’s soft smile reflected on Toya’s.
Toya changed clothes.

— Today is so crowded! – An exclaimed, looking at the crowd from the backstage.
— I’m glad we decided to make the event today! — Kohane always drinked water to look less nervous.
— We will do as well as the other times, Kohane.
— You’re right, but you look nervous too!
An and Kohane laughed, Toya tried to hide his trembling hands.
Akito finished tying his shoes.
— All right, we can start when we want.
The squad looked at each other’s eyes. The previous anxiety disappeared from their faces when they entered the stage.

— C’mon, when are they starting!?
Ena holded a drink in her hand, seated in a good-to-see spot.
— Aww, anxious for your little brother’s presentation?
Ena kicked them in the leg.
As Mizuki was about to laugh
— Thank you all for coming here today!
Some ‘An-chan’’s could be heard from the crowd. An’s presence on the stage never failed to impress Mizuki.
An presented their first song for today, something about being ready and steady, Mizuki didn’t pay much attention. Their focus was on this one tall guy.
And the tall guy didn’t look like he was in his best form. Mizuki saw VBS’s musics and choreographies on the internet after An told them about it, and even them could tell there was something with Toya. He was always looking to the wrong side, to the crowd.
A selfish wish surged in Mizuki’s mind.
— Come, Ena — they grabbed her hand — let’s go to the front!
— What?!
Before Mizuki and Ena got fully to the front, the first music ended. An announced something about going forward, but they were too focused on getting through the crowd.
Thankfully, they arrived before the music started.
— You really need to get yourself tested, Mizuki — Ena said, panting — didn’t I tell you I didn’t want Akito to know I’m here?!
Mizuki made a ‘shhh’ sound, and the music started.
When Vivid BAD SQUAD starts to dance, the crowd always goes wild. Mizuki did their best to make themselves seem.
When gray eyes finally found the pink he was searching for, Toya smiled.
His performance was way better from that moment on. Akito’s face looked kinda strange when he saw Ena, but it didn’t affect his performance.

— Man, we went pretty hard today! — An said, drying her sweat with a towel.
— You really did! — Mizuki approached, with Ena by their side.
— Mizuki? I didn’t know you would come! — Kohane had a towel too.
— I wanted to see you guys live~ After someone — An — didn’t tell me about you guys!
— Wait, Ena didn’t tell you too!! — she tried to defend herself.
— Trynna send the guilt to others? Culprit!
Kohane laughed, Ena was glad she didn’t have to enter defensive mode. She forgot to tell Mizuki too.
— I’m glad you came, Mizuki, Ena. Don’t you guys want to stay for the after party?
— Hell yeah! Toya and Akito are gettin’ the car, we’ll go celebrate in the WEEKEND’S GARAGE. My dad left some threats there~
— Can we? — Ena looked interested — I didn’t eat anything.
— Count me in!
Mizuki was already going anyway.
— Oi, don’t go inviting other people without talking to the whole group beforehand.
— Lil’ bro!
Akito cringed at the nickname.
— What are you doing here? — he ignored Mizuki, referring to the one by their side.
— Hah?! I’m accompanying Mizuki, of course! You have a problem with that?!
Akito sighed.
— The car’s ready. If you take too much time, we will leave you behind.
An was driving, of course it wouldn’t be happening.

An was at the wheel, Kohane and Akito were in the front seat (the car wouldn’t have space for six people, someone would have to go on someone’s lap), and Toya, Mizuki and Ena were in the back seats. Respectively.
The ride wasn’t as strange as they thought. Sure, their hand touched Toya’s sometimes, but neither commented about it.
The whole group sang songs during it, both Mizuki and Ena went quiet when a sad girl in a jackpot started echoing, pretending to not know the lyrics.
WEEKEND’S GARAGE hasn't changed since Mizuki last came here.
Everyone besides Mizuki and An entered already, she said she had another thing to tell them.
— I forgot to mention, but, uh. Akito and Kohane are like. Datin’.
Mizuki laughed.
— No sh*t?! I figured it out when Kohane didn’t even tremble when she said she’d go to the front with Akito.
An laughed as well.

The full group was in a round table, full of snacks and drinks. Everyone was celebrating VBS’s performance now.
— You four go to the same university? — Mizuki asked.
— Yeah! Me and Toya have evening classes, Akito and Kohane only in the morning!
— We have part-time jobs. — Kohane got a chips.
— Really? Ena barely takes her night ones! — Mizuki was kicked below the table.
Akito's laugh was almost rewarded with a kick, too.
— And you, Mizuki? — Kohane asked.
— I think I’ll stay at the flower shop for now, — they got a chicken nugget — after I graduate, I may open a cloth shop tho.
— As if. — What is Ena implying!!.
An laughed, Akito wouldn’t dare to laugh at an Ena-joke.
— Oh, this reminds me!! How is Asahina going, Ena? You two are still dating?
Kohane and him were from the same school, after all.
Ena looked at Mizuki, and after receiving a thumbs up, she started.
— Mafuyu? He is doing great. His nursing college is tiring but he manages to go well on it. Ah, recently, his back pains suddenly disappeared.
Everyone, no exception, laughed.
They all kept talking, even Toya who was quieter, started chatting.
Mizuki pretended to not see the ‘you did great’ message Ena sent to a ‘brother’ chat. The kid really did influence her.
The night (dawn?) was ending. Ena had to leave early, she forgot her boyfriend asked her to sleep at his house today. Akito, too, left early. He said he had ‘morning runs' the next day. How even.
— I guess I’ll be going, too. — Mizuki started grabbing their things.
— Really? Aww, it was fun havin’ you here, Mizuki!
— It’s late, take care. — Kohane took one last sip of her soda.
— Thanks, An, Kohane.
Kohane was looking, staring, at Toya.
— It’s really late! — An reaffirmed.
— Yeah? — Mizuki got up — It is?
— Really late, don’t you think, Toya?
— Uhn? Yes, take care Mizuki. — he smiled at them, but got hit with two popcorns — What?
An and Kohane were ‘discreetly’ pointing at Mizuki.
— Ah. Mizuki, wait — he got up too — I’ll drive you home!
Mizuki laughed a little too loud for the time. They understood what they were doing some poorly throwed popcorns ago.
— Yeah? Let’s go then!
The girls winked at him, he got his jacket and both left, to the car.
During the ride, they talked about their night, about how Toya was shy since Ena was there and how Mizuki thought he went well. It was fast, they arrived at Mizuki's shop.
Toya told Mizuki to wait, since he was going to open their door for them.
— Here. — he handed his hand to them.
— Thank you, gentleman! — they giggled, getting out of the car.
Neither let the other’s hand go.
— Mizuki, — both were at the entrance, looking at each other’s eyes — I forgot to ask, but, are we dating now?
Mizuki could faint.
— Are we!?! — their voice broke — I mean, I’d like that, yes!?
Toya smiled.
— I’d like that, too.
They firmly smiled back at him, trying to look like nothing just happened. Toya put his hand on their cheek.
— That time, when you kissed me, why did you do that? Besides liking me, of course.
Mizuki felt a hint of insecurity in his voice. “Cute.”
— I thought you were really beautiful that night.
Toya thought they were beautiful now.
Their hands were still on his when he kissed them. It was very superficial at first, he felt Mizuki’s eyes widening, but they soon kissed him back. His hands went to their waist, they were trembling as much as him. His embarrassment wouldn't end this moment.
It was strange, their lips felt good against his, but their first kiss didn’t need to be perfect, Toya wanted to convey his feelings in a perfect way though. Both were nervous, so it’s expected for it to not be perfect, but it was enough. Mizuki holded his hands tighter as the seconds went by, Toya backed a little, still keeping their faces close.
— Sorry, are you ok?
“A kiss isn’t enough. I need to kiss him forever-“
— Yes, just ran out of air.
Giggles.
— Have a safe trip back home.
— Good night for you too, Mizuki.
They smiled at him, secretly not wanting to let him go.
Toya kissed their forehead and went to the car. Mizuki entered their home too, and when they disappeared, Toya hit his face on the wheel.

— Are you sure about that?!
It’s been two months since Mizuki and Toya started to date. In these two months, Mizuki realized Toya is really clingy.
— Yes. An told me it would be ok, she can take me back home just fine.
— I-I see… but still… working here is a little…
— Does it make you uncomfortable? — he was hugging them, his grip got tighter.
The idea of having to take Toya’s measurements was driving Mizuki crazy, but they gave up.
— I’ll sketch a uniform for you.
Before Toya could commemorate, a ding echoed.
— Welcome! — Mizuki and Toya said at the same time.

As time went by, commoners in the flower shop became more frequent, they said the shop looked dead without Toya’s presence before, but now it’s comfortable to go there.
— Is this your boyfriend, Akiyama? — the lady from that old couple asked, she was interested in Mizuki’s love life.
— This handsome guy?! How could I pull someone like him? — Mizuki was preparing her bouquet.
Toya went pale across the shop.
— I’m joking. Yes, we are dating.
— I see, I’m happy for you!
Mizuki smiled, giving her bouquet to her.
— Here it is. Also, I’m sorry for your loss. — Mizuki’s smile became a caring one.
— Thank you, Akiyama. My husband loved your flowers.
The lady paid and left.
— This reminds me, Mizuki — Toya came behind them, hugging them — What did you do with that moonflower bouquet I gave you?
— Oh? — they turned to him — The same you did with the first flower I gave you.
— You dried all of them?! — his surprised eyes were cute. Mizuki only kissed his cheeks in response.
When their hands intertwined, their rings made a ding.

DING - sh*tnaro - プロジェクトセカイ カラフルステージ！ (2024)

DING - sh*tnaro - プロジェクトセカイカラフルステージ！ (2024)