SCARS & PETALS

Over the next few weeks, Kai and Tsukiko found themselves meeting from time to time. While they weren't officially in a romantic relationship, the more they spent time together, the more they became comfortable with each other. 

Their interactions weren't grand gestures or elaborate plans, just small moments here and there. Conversations at the flower shop. Casual chats during Tsukiko's shifts. Little by little, they started to feel at ease around each other.

One Saturday afternoon, Kai leaned on the counter at the flower shop with a grin. "Hey, what are you doing tomorrow?"

Tsukiko glanced up from trimming stems. "Study."

"Take a break for once," Kai suggested. "Come with me to the arcade."

"The arcade?" Tsukiko raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah, you know, games… fun stuff." He smirked, leaning closer. "Don't tell me you've never been."

"I haven't," she admitted, her voice neutral.

Kai's grin widened. "Then you're coming. Everyone has to try it at least once."

Tsukiko sighed, shaking her head. "I don't really see the point in—"

"Come on, just for a couple of hour," he interrupted, folding his arms. "If you hate it, I'll buy you a slice of cake after. Deal?"

She hesitated but eventually nodded. "Fine."

The next day, Tsukiko found herself in the middle of the chaotic arcade.

Kai handed her a token with an almost childlike grin. "Alright, first game… this one!"

He pointed at a claw machine filled with stuffed animals. Tsukiko watched skeptically as he inserted the coin and maneuvered the claw, trying to grab a plush bunny.

"Isn't this rigged?" she asked, arms crossed.

"Probably," Kai admitted. "But it's about the thrill."

He missed the bunny completely, the claw grabbing only air. Tsukiko snorted, a laugh escaping before she could stop it.

"Hey! Don't laugh at me!" Kai protested, feigning offense.

"You're terrible at this," she teased, surprising even herself with her playful tone.

"Your turn, then," he said, stepping aside with a mock bow.

Tsukiko rolled her eyes but took the controls. With sharp focus, she navigated the claw and, to Kai's astonishment, snagged the bunny on her first try.

"No way," Kai said, gaping.

She held up the plush triumphantly. "Beginner's luck."

He laughed, a genuine, warm sound that made her chest feel strangely light. "Guess I'll have to step up my game."

As they left the arcade an hour later, Tsukiko clutched the bunny while Kai bought her the promised slice of cake.

"I didn't think you'd actually enjoy yourself," Kai admitted, sliding the plate of strawberry shortcake across the table.

"It wasn't terrible," she replied, a small smile playing on her lips as she took a bite.

Kai chuckled. "I'll take that as a win."

And in that moment, Tsukiko realized something. Being around Kai didn't feel like a distraction. They weren't in a relationship. Not yet. But in a way, it felt like something was blossoming.

It felt like a reminder that life wasn't just about solitude and goals. Sometimes, it was about the little, unexpected joys, too.

Like the first flower of spring, waiting for its moment to bloom.