SCARS & PETALS

Another busy day at the flower shop, Tsukiko was preparing to leave when Mrs. Kaname suddenly appeared, holding a box of pavlova in her hands.

"Tsukiko, I thought you might like a little treat," Mrs. Kaname said, handing her the box with a grin.

Tsukiko's eyes brightened slightly. "How did you know I love sweets?" she asked, accepting the pavlova with a smile.

Mrs. Kaname chuckled. "Well, of course I know. A sweet girl like you deserves sweet things."

Tsukiko laughed softly, shaking her head. "You're too much, ma'am."

The next two days brought another surprise. A box of cheesecake from Mrs. Kaname. Tsukiko accepted it with a hesitant smile. "Thank... you?" she said, her confusion growing with Mrs. Kaname's continued generosity.

Later, as Tsukiko sat behind the counter, she muttered to herself, "At this rate, I'm going to get diabetes."

But it didn't stop there. Regularly, Mrs. Kaname would hand Tsukiko another box of sweets, her cheerfulness undiminished.

One evening, unable to hold back her curiosity any longer, Tsukiko asked her boss, "Mrs. Kaname, I know you're a generous person, but don't you think this is... a bit much?"

Mrs. Kaname hummed softly as she busied herself arranging flowers.

Tsukiko narrowed her eyes, suspicion creeping in. "This is his doing, isn't it?" Tsukiko asked, referring to the —you know who.

Mrs. Kaname paused, turning to Tsukiko with a knowing wink."He's got a funny way of showing his interest, doesn't he? Every morning, he passes me a box of sweets and asks me to give them to you. He insisted I keep it a secret, but… Haha I think it's about time you knew."

Tsukiko's cheeks flushed slightly. "I told him to stop. I'm not interested in... whatever it is he thinks we have."

Mrs. Kaname simply chuckled, clearly amused. "Well, it seems he's not giving up so easily."

Tsukiko let out a soft groan, unsure whether to be annoyed or flattered by Kai's persistence.

Mrs. Kaname gently placed a hand on Tsukiko's shoulder. "Tsukiko, you're an amazing girl. You're smart, hardworking, and beautiful. But sometimes, you need to let yourself enjoy life, too. You're young. Don't be in such a hurry to grow up."

Tsukiko didn't know how to respond. The idea of enjoying her youth seemed... strange. She had always been so focused on her goals, her future. But there was something in the store owner's words that made her stop and think.

"Maybe you're right," Tsukiko said quietly, offering a small, uncertain smile.

"Of course I'm right," Mrs. Kaname teased, laughing. "Now, go enjoy your dessert, sweet girl."

The bell jingled softly as Tsukiko locked the flower shop for the night, sighing as she stepped into the cool evening air. The day's events replayed in her mind. Particularly the awkward encounter with Kai. 

By the time she arrived home, the comforting aroma of her grandmother's cooking greeted her, wrapping her in warmth. Tsukiko kicked off her shoes at the entrance and called out, "I'm home!" 

"In the kitchen, dear!" came her grandmother's cheerful reply. 

Tsukiko entered the kitchen, where her grandmother was carefully flipping okonomiyaki. The dining table was already set with bowls of steaming rice, a plate of tamagoyaki, and a small dish of pickled radish. 

Her grandmother turned to her with a knowing smile. "You look like you've had an eventful day." 

Tsukiko hesitated for a moment before taking a seat at the table. She rested her chin in her hands and let out a small groan. "Grandma, there's this boy… He keeps coming to the shop, and I don't know what to do about him." 

Her grandmother chuckled softly, plating the okonomiyaki and setting it in front of Tsukiko. "A boy, you say? Is he handsome?" 

Tsukiko's cheeks flushed as she picked up her chopsticks. "That's not the point! He says he's buying flowers, but I know he's just looking for an excuse to talk to me. He even admitted it last time!" 

"And how do you feel about that?" her grandmother asked, taking a seat across from her with her own plate. 

Tsukiko sighed, picking at her food. "I don't have time for distractions like that. I have school and my part time job. I need to stay focused if I want to achieve my dream. I can't let anything get in the way." 

Her grandmother studied her quietly for a moment before taking a bite of her okonomiyaki. "You've always been so determined, Tsu-chan, and I'm proud of you for that. But sometimes, life brings people into our paths for a reason. It doesn't always mean we have to change our plans, but it's worth considering what they might bring to our journey." 

Tsukiko shook her head firmly. "I'm not ready for something like that. I don't even think I'll ever be. This boy, Kai, he's persistent, but I made it clear I'm not interested. He'll give up eventually." 

Her grandmother chuckled again, a twinkle in her eye. "If he's as persistent as you say, I doubt he'll give up so easily. But don't let him frustrate you. Handle it with the same grace you always do." 

Tsukiko smiled faintly, taking a bite of her okonomiyaki and savoring the flavors. 

As they ate together, Tsukiko felt the weight of her day lift, replaced by the warmth and love of the woman who had always been her rock. Despite Kai's persistence, she knew her priorities and as long as her grandmother was by her side, she felt ready to face whatever challenges came her way.