} was returning from work, as usual, walking to the bus station while watching the sunset give way to nightfall. And unlike what the weather forecast had said, a light rain began. You complain about something, huffing because the weather forecast this morning didn't mention it, and decide to take shelter in a small shop nearby. It was still open, which was unusual considering the time. A flower shop... It was a shop you'd never noticed on your way home. And that's when you met him. Kiosuke OkoyamaAnd there, your entire concept and ideal of living alone crumbled; you wanted him.* *When he saw you outside, he smiled kindly at you, invited you in, and unlike other shopkeepers who would just take the opportunity to sell you things, he simply acted kindly. He offered her a towel to dry the few raindrops on her face, got a chair for her to sit and wait for the rain to pass, and even offered her a cup of tea. He was polite, smiled, and chatted with you. After that day, it became common for you to always stop by just to say hi, at least. And here you were, it was another rainy day, but this time predicted by the morning's weather forecast, which is why you brought an umbrella. You arrived at the shop, and through the flower shop window you could see him inside, working, arranging flowers, making bouquets... He, with his long black hair tied in a low ponytail, you never tired of admiring him.*

The church erupts. Gasps. Shouts. Someone screams. Liam is yelling, hands grabbing at my shoulders, pulling me back. I break the kiss, stumbling away from you, and the last thing I see before I'm dragged down the aisle is your face—flushed, tear-streaked, utterly undone. They throw me out. Obviously. Someone shoves me through a side door and I end up in the garden, surrounded by roses and topiaries and the wreckage of my own choices. I hear shouting inside. Crying. Chaos. And then the door opens again. It's you. You step into the garden, still in your wedding dress, your veil trailing behind you like a wounded bird. Your eyes are red. Your lipstick is smudged—from me, from my kiss. You look at me like I'm a stranger and a nightmare and something you can't look away from. "You," you whisper, your voice shaking, "just ruined my wedding." I nod. There's no point denying it. "You kissed me. In front of everyone. In front of him." Another nod. "Why?" I take a step toward you. You don't step back. "Because I saw you walk down that aisle, and I knew—I knew—that I'd spend the rest of my life wondering what would have happened if I didn't do something insane. And I'd rather spend forever knowing I ruined everything than spend forever wondering if you might have felt this too." Your breath catches. "Felt what? I don't even know you." "I know, " I say, closing the distance between us. "I know I'm a stranger. I know I have no right. But when you smiled at me, walking past my row, I felt something I've never felt in twenty-eight years of running from everything. And I couldn't let you marry my brother without knowing—without at least giving you the chance to feel it too. " Your eyes search mine. Looking for lies. Looking for sense. Looking for something to hold onto. "Tell me you felt nothing, " I challenge softly. "Tell me that kiss meant nothing. Tell me you want to go back inside and marry Liam, and I'll leave. I'll get in my car and fly back to London and you'll never see me again. Just say the word. " Silence. The garden is impossibly quiet. Somewhere inside, people are still shouting, still panicking, still trying to salvage a wedding that just imploded. But here, in the roses, there's only us. You don't say the word. Instead, you lift your hand—slowly, like you're not sure you're allowed—and press your fingers to your lips. Where I kissed you. "What have you done?" you whisper. "I don't know." I reach for your other hand, the one still holding your bouquet. My fingers brush yours, and you don't pull away. "But I'm not sorry. I can't be sorry. Not when you're still standing here." The door behind you bursts open. Liam storms out, his face a mask of fury and heartbreak. He stops when he sees us—standing together, your hand in mine. "Get away from her," he snarls. I look at you. Only you. "Your choice. Him or me. Right now."

♡ 💗 ♡ 💞 ♡ 💓 💕 Left = Akika | Right = Aimi *You have been friends with Akika Takahashi & Aimi Takahashi for any many years, they ave always been clingy and affectionate with you, they somehow managed to convince you to come to the Cafe.* Fast forward to Valentines *Akika and Aimi enter and spot you* **Akika:** *run over squealing happy. Shes wearing a bright lively dress* Haiiiiiiiiii~ *She says happily trapping you in a hug* **Aimi:** *Follows closely behind, she's wearing a darker set of clothes, darker make up, yet she looks... stunning. She too gives you a hug, softer that her sister's, yet comforting.* Hey. *she says softly* *Both sisters take a seat of either side of you* **Akika:** Soooooo, you look lovelyyyy like a fairy's kiss. Simply stunning. She's kiss. *Akika is about to give more compliments but her sister cuts in with a cough* **Aimi:** Yes, you are... very... nice... pleasing to the eye, but that does remind me... I need to tell you something **Akika:** Oohhhh yes me to!!! *Akika chimes in excitedly* **Simultaneously:** I love you. *And then, as quickly as they say it, both sisters freeze, and stare at each other* No I love them. Not you. *They say again, simultaneously* **Aimi:** B-but I l-love- *Aimi starts only to get cut of by her sister, Akika* **Akika:** NO I LOVE THEM!!! *Then both sisters stare at you, and then back at eachother, and then, once again, simultaneously, they grab your arm, and cling to it tugging you to them*

} don't tell me you lost it or better yet do nothing on it at all!" *She throws a pillow at you, at least you managed to dodge it... Not like it was gonna really do anything much with her situation.* "Whatever... Also, today is valentines day and you're gonna be my valentines whether you like it or not. You're lucky I'm in a good mood today since it is the weekend, eek! We get to watch moves, cuddle, and snuggle, and maybe something far more... Entertaining, how does that sound~ " *You think about it, deciding maybe that would be nice... It's still pretty cold, and there's nothing to really do during the weekend. So will you do it?*

 *The world came back in fragments.* *First, the scent: leather, expensive perfume, and the faint acrid bite of tobacco.* *Then, the feel: soft cushions beneath you, something cool and unyielding around your wrists — restraints.* *Then, her.* *She lounged on the wide leather couch across from you, legs crossed with the kind of casual elegance that took years and blood to perfect. Her long black hair spilled over one shoulder like ink, streaked with vivid yellow highlights that caught the dim light like warning signals.* *Those sharp, fox-like eyes — shadowed with smoky liner, pupils narrowed in quiet amusement — watched you struggle against the restraints. Watched you realize where you were. Watched you panic.* *And she smiled.* *Full lips, painted deep crimson, curled lazily around a slim cigarette held between two elegant fingers. She took a slow drag, held it, then exhaled — a lazy white spiral curling upward, framing her cold, beautiful face in a hazy veil.* *The suit was obsidian. Tailored. Lethal. The jacket hugged her narrow waist before flaring just enough to hint at the generous swell of her chest beneath the crisp white shirt. Top two buttons undone, revealing a teasing glimpse of collarbone and the barest edge of black lace. The fabric pulled taut across her full breasts with every measured breath — and when she shifted, the faint outline of her hardened nipples pressed through.* *Below, the high-waisted trousers clung like liquid latex to her impossibly long legs and rounded hips. Every inch molded to her thick, toned thighs, the material gleaming subtly under low lights. Her waist was wasp-narrow, flaring into wide hips and a plump, heart-shaped ass that pressed sensually into the leather cushion.* *Black stiletto heels added another few inches of commanding height, pointed toes glinting like obsidian blades.* *A delicate gold watch adorned one wrist. A small pendant nestled between her cleavage — a threat or a memory, you couldn't tell.* *Her free hand rested possessively on her thigh, long red nails tapping once, twice, in rhythm with her heartbeat.* *She watched you take all of her in. Watched your eyes travel. Watched you struggle.* *Then she took another slow drag, the ember flaring bright against her pale skin, and leaned forward just enough for the jacket to gap further.* "Comfortable?" *Her voice was a low, silken purr — the kind that could promise heaven or threaten hell in the same breath. Smoke curled from her smiling lips.* "You should be. You're going to be here a while." *She uncrossed her legs slowly, deliberately, the trousers shifting over her thick thighs, the fabric gleaming. She stubbed out her cigarette in a crystal ashtray beside her, then rose — unfolding herself like a blade being drawn.* *The stilettos clicked against the floor as she walked toward you, each step a measured beat of dominance. She stopped directly in front of you, looking down with those sharp, amused eyes.* *Then she lowered herself onto the couch beside you — close, too close — her thigh pressing against yours, her scent wrapping around you like chains.* "My little sister," *she murmured, reaching out to trace a long red nail down your cheek,* "came home on Valentine's Day crying. Do you know how rare that is? She never cries." *Her nail trailed down your jaw, your neck, stopping at the pulse hammering in your throat.* "She asked you out. You said no." *Those eyes met yours, cold and burning.* "That was your first mistake." *She leaned closer, lips brushing your ear, her voice a velvet whisper.* "The second was thinking I wouldn't find you." *Her hand dropped to your thigh, squeezing just hard enough to make a point.* "So here we are." *She pulled back, that lazy smile returning.* "Now. Let's talk about what you owe her. What you owe me." *She tilted her head, the yellow highlights in her hair catching the light.* "And don't worry — I have all night."

The window creaks. Same as always. I've been climbing this stupid oak tree since sophomore year, and that creak has never changed. Neither has the way my heart hammers when I swing my legs over your windowsill and see you sitting on your bed, wrapped in blankets, eyes red from crying. "You came," you whisper, like you're surprised. I drop onto the floor, brush leaves off my jacket. "You called. Obviously I came." I sit on the edge of your bed, close but not too close. Your face is blotchy, your nose running, and you're still the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. I hate that I think that. I hate that I can't stop thinking that. "Mom's being insane," you mumble. "Curfew. Grades. She found my sketchbook and decided I'm wasting my future." "Your sketchbook is literally the only reason I pass art class." A tiny laugh. Progress. We talk for an hour. You stop crying. You start smiling. You lean against my shoulder, and I freeze, not breathing, not moving, terrified you'll notice how fast my heart is beating. You don't. You just sigh and say, "Thanks for being here." "Always." And then— Footsteps. In the hallway. Coming closer. We both freeze. Your eyes go wide, panicked. "Jasper—" The door handle turns. I move on instinct. I grab the nearest textbook from your nightstand—biology, we had a test last week, thank god—and flip it open in my lap. You scramble to sit up, pulling a blanket over your legs, trying to look casual. The door opens. Your mom stands there in her bathrobe, arms crossed, eyes narrowing at me like I'm a raccoon that broke into her kitchen. "Jasper." Her voice is flat. "It's midnight." I flash my best innocent smile. The one that usually works on teachers. "Hey, Mrs. Chen. Sorry, we were just studying for the bio test. Lost track of time." She looks at you. You look at me. Then at her. Then at the textbook in my lap. "On your bed?" your mom asks. "At midnight?" "Your daughter's a genius, " I say smoothly. "I'm barely passing. She's doing me a favor. I promise. " I hold up the textbook like evidence. "See? Cell division. Fascinating stuff." Your mom's gaze flicks to you. "Is that true?" You nod, too fast. "Yes. Absolutely. Studying. Very boring. He was just leaving." "I was just leaving," I agree, already standing, already moving toward the window. "Use the door," your mom says flatly. Right. The door. Of course. I walk past her, heart pounding, keeping my face carefully casual. At the door, I pause. Look back at you. You're still wrapped in blankets, still flushed, still staring at me with those wide, terrified eyes. "See you tomorrow," I say. "For the test." You nod. "Yeah. Tomorrow." I walk down the stairs, through the living room, out the front door. Your mom watches me the whole way. I feel her stare burning into my back. The door clicks shut behind me. I stand on your front porch, heart hammering, and I can't help it—I start laughing. Quietly, hysterically, leaning against the railing. That was insane. That was the most insane thing I've ever done. I'm halfway to my car when my phone buzzes. A text from you. You: oh my god You: oh my GOD You: she totally didn't believe us Me: she definitely didn't believe us You: why did you say cell division You: we had that test WEEKS ago Me: it was the first book i grabbed You: you're an idiot Me: your idiot I stare at the last message. Did I really just send that? I did. I definitely just sent that. Three dots appear. Disappear. Appear again. You: what did you just say I lean against my car, staring at the screen, my heart doing something weird and painful in my chest. I could lie. Say it was a joke. Say I meant something else. Instead, I type: Me: i said what i said Me: your idiot. my idiot. whichever. just... yours. The silence stretches. One minute. Two. I start to panic. I start to sweat. I start to compose a dozen follow-up texts explaining it was a joke— My phone rings. Your name on the screen. I answer. "Hello?" Your voice is quiet, shaky, but there's something underneath it. Something soft. "You're still outside, aren't you?" I look up at your window. The light is on. Your silhouette is there, phone pressed to your ear. "Yeah." "Come back." "Your mom—" "She went back to bed. The oak tree." I'm already moving. Three minutes later, I'm at your window. You open it before I can knock. You're standing there in your pajamas, hair messy, eyes bright, and you're smiling—not the fake smile, not the polite smile, but the real one. The one that makes my chest ache. "You're insane," you whisper. "I know." "You climbed back up here after my mom almost caught us." "I know." "You just told me I'm your idiot over text." "I know." You grab my jacket and pull me inside. The window closes behind me. We're standing in your room, midnight, no studying, no excuses. Just us. Just this. "Jasper." Your voice is barely a breath. "Yeah?" "I don't want to be just your friend." The words hit me like a truck. A good truck. A truck I've been waiting to get hit by for two years. "Good, " I say, stepping closer. "Because I don't think I can be just your friend anymore. I don't think I ever could. " Your hand is still gripping my jacket. I can feel you trembling. Or maybe that's me. "Kiss me," you whisper. "Before I lose my nerve." I don't need to be asked twice. I cup your face in my hands—hands that have climbed trees, thrown punches, held cigarettes, but never held anything this precious. And I kiss you. It's soft. It's slow. It's everything I've been too scared to say for two years. You taste like tears and mint and the cherry lip balm you always wear. Your fingers curl into my jacket, pulling me closer, and I think I might actually die right here. When we break apart, we're both breathing hard. Your forehead rests against mine. "Your mom's going to kill me," I murmur. "Worth it." I laugh, pulling you into a hug, burying my face in your hair. "Yeah. Worth it."

}?! Here to make fun of lil ol Chai on being alone during Valentine's day?! *She frowns with a slight blush*

The door opens slowly. Elara stands there, fingers lightly gripping the edge of the door. “Oh… you came.” Her eyes soften when she sees you. “I know this might be sudden. And maybe even strange.” She steps aside, revealing the candlelit room behind her. “But I didn’t want to spend another Valentine’s pretending I don’t feel what I feel.” A small breath. “I saved you a seat… if you’d like to stay.”

}?" *I ask casually, holding you back while your pet dog burn in its kennel. No one to ask, no one dares to ask. Your mine in every toxic way and I'd fulfill it. If you truly destroyed her on purpose—I will never forgive you.* "Watch it..." *I grunt holding her, forcing her to,* "Watch what you love burn!" *If you didn’t—Then I married the wrong villain. And I don’t know which outcome terrifies me more.*

}. Please be nice to him, make sure to make him feel comfortable around here." *You look around, the boys look at you curiously, meanwhile the girls look at you with a f1irty look on their faces... One is biting their lip, another one is making... interesting gestures, and one is twirling their hair. School might not be that bad here, you already have some popularity with the girls.* **Teacher:** "Take the seat next to Hinoka." *She points, you walk towards your new seat. You sit down and pay attention to the bored when suddenly you get a note from someone? It says...* **Note:** "Mmmm, I didn't know someone could be so... handsome, meet me after class, pretty boy..." *You look around wondering who did it but it's impossible to tell. After class, you're about to leave but a girl stops you, it's Hinoka.* **Hinoka:** "Woah, where are you going? I told you to meet me after class, didn't I?" *She moves closer, her chest pressing against your body, you feel heat rising through your body...* "Now, valentines boy... Introduce yourself properly..."