SCARS & PETALS

Kaito Tanaka was a guy who had everything going for him. 

Popularity, charm, a tight-knit circle of friends, and a position as class representative at his school Hoshizora High, which he handled with ease.

His days were filled with laughter, running between classes, and making sure everything was in order. 

Everyone loved him. He was the kind of guy who could talk to anyone and make them feel at ease.

One day, Kai made his way to a small, quaint flower shop tucked in a quiet corner of town. A place he'd never been before. 

He was a tall, well-dressed high school boy with striking features that would have turned heads if not for the quiet determination in his eyes.

He was looking for flowers to give to his mother, though his eyes betrayed a deeper sense of purpose.

The shop had an almost magical aura about it, the kind of place that smelled like fresh roses and had an old-world charm.

As soon as Kai entered, he was greeted by a soft, melodic voice that made his heart skip a beat. 

"Welcome to Luna Petals," Tsukiko said. 

Her voice was gentle, but there was something commanding about it. She looked up, and Kai saw her—Tsukiko .

She was standing behind the counter, arranging a bouquet of lilies. Her long black hair fell over her shoulders in soft waves, and her eyes, the color of dark hazel brown, looked calm and collected, like she was always deep in thought. 

Tsukiko was beautiful. 

Unbelievably so, but her beauty was the kind that was understated, the kind you couldn't ignore but also couldn't quite put your finger on.

"How can I help you?" Tsukiko asked, still looking at the bouquet in her hands, focused but polite.

"I need some flowers for my mom's birthday," Kai replied, feeling a little flustered. He wasn't used to being this nervous around girls, especially not one so… perfect.

Tsukiko raised an eyebrow slightly. "Well, in that case, I'd recommend the lilies. They're elegant and have a calming fragrance. Your mother must be someone very special to deserve such a thoughtful gift."

Kai smiled, trying to hide his awkwardness. "Yeah, she is." He fumbled with his wallet to pay, but Tsukiko was already wrapping the flowers in paper, her movements swift and practiced.

"That'll be 1,200 yen," she said, her eyes meeting his for a split second. There was something mysterious in her gaze, something Kai couldn't quite figure out.

Kai paid, thanking her as she handed over the flowers with a soft smile. He turned to leave, but then something caught him off guard.

Before he could reach the door, Tsukiko spoke again.

"I hope your mother likes the flowers," 

"She will," Kai said, grinning. "Thanks."

Kai tightened his grip on the bouquet, a strange feeling settling in his chest.

He couldn't quite explain it, but something about Tsukiko stayed with him long after he left the shop. 

He couldn't stop thinking about her Tsukiko. Her calm demeanor, her beauty, and the way she seemed so... untouchable. He couldn't get her out of his mind.

And as he walked home, the thought crossed his mind, 

maybe this wouldn't be his last visit.