Title: Blooming Love
Pairing: Perfect Pair
Genre: Romance, Fluff
Rating: G
Summary: AU Tezuka seldom being talkative. But when he saw that beautiful pianist, he finds it even harder to speak. Oh well, let the flowers do the talking.
A/N: A friend of mine wanted this to be a Perfect Pair fic. After hours of pleading and bargaining, I agreed. It was a SanadaxSaeki fic before but I have to delete it. Hope you will still enjoy it anyway. ^^ and yeah, Fuji and Eiji are not tennis club members here.
Tezuka was walking along the empty corridor, a thick book in his hand. He was reviewing for an exam in History which the teacher had announced yesterday. Not that he hadn't finished the entire book, but it was never bad to continue studying whenever he could. One should not let his guard down. He turned at a corner and walked past the Drawing Room. The wing for Art Club was quieter than the usual halls. Although it took him longer to arrive in class using that way, at least he would be able to read more peacefully using this route.
He was nearing the Music Hall when he heard a faint sound of piano being played. He stopped on his tracks and listened to the soft melody. Standing still, he closed his eyes, allowing the music to flow inside him. It was light and sweet, calming his strained mind. He could see himself in an open field, with the grass swaying along the wind. Tezuka continued to listen, letting the music take him away. He could almost feel the warmth of the sun against his skin, its rays piercing through the white, puffy clouds...
His daydreaming was cut off by the loud beeping of his watch. Class was about to start. He resumed his walking and passed the source of sound, his lips curved up into a minuscule smile. He felt much better after listening to it. He would do well in his exam, for sure.
+O+O+
"Buchou."
Tezuka turned to the direction of the voice and saw Echizen approaching him. They were both middle school students, Tezuka being a senior and Echizen a freshman. He was one of Tezuka's teammates in Seishun Gakuen's tennis club. The child possessed undeniable talent although at times too cocky and immature for his own good, but still a valuable member nonetheless.
"Is practice cancelled tomorrow? Echizen asked. "I heard the courts will be under maintenance."
"They rescheduled it next week. We have practice." Tezuka replied.
"Ah." He said, sounding somewhat disappointed.
Tezuka looked at his sternly, sensing the reason behind the flat response. "The National tournament is fast approaching. Don't let your guard down."
The freshman gave him a bored look. "Che. We'll win anyway" He mumbled. The older must have heard him as the captain narrowed his eyes behind those glasses. Echizen quickly changed his words to avoid being assigned laps. "Hai, buchou." Not wearing his cap, he gave a slight bow and turned to leave. Tezuka watched him walk away, making a mental note about giving him laps during practice.
+O+O+
It was his free time and afternoon practice would not start in about two hours. Thinking of what he should do, Tezuka found himself walking to the Music Hall instead of the Student Council office, stopping in front of that particular room. He wasn't supposed to come back there, not when his responsibilities were waiting for him. But his feet refused to move, leaving him rooted on his spot. Sighing, he allowed himself to stay. He knew he wanted it anyway; there was a reason why he went back to this place.
Tezuka had done well in his exam. He had always gotten excellent marks but yesterday was different. The music gave him a calming relief, something he badly needed from all the responsibilities he's been doing. It gave him a moment to relax away from his tiring duties.
He stood awkwardly in front of the door, somehow waiting for the sound to resonate from inside. Tezuka was grateful that not many students came there or else he would be embarrassed, looking awkward in the middle of an empty hall. He was about to leave when the familiar sound of piano filled the air. As soon as the sound reached his ears, the captain closed his eyes and relaxed, feeling the emotion of the music once more.
He was not the type to appreciate all kinds of music. In all honesty, people did not see him as someone who can appreciate any type of music at all. Even he admitted that music was not a frequent experience in his life, being more focused in tennis over everything. The sound of nature around him during his outdoor training and camping were better. Despite this, he could feel himself becoming attracted to the music coming from inside the room. It was pleasant, if not lovely, to his ears.
Unlike last time, the song was sad and heart-wrenching. It was as if he was standing in a lonely place, in a lonely world. He could almost feel the sorrow of the pianist. Every note screamed of grief and longing. By the end of the song, Tezuka could almost, almost feel the tears forming in his eyes. When all was quiet again, he left, vowing to return the next day.
His coming to the Music Room became a daily habit. He would stand beside the door and listen for a few minutes, freeing his soul from the chains of reality. Being a person who was given a responsibility to lead, Tezuka never let his emotions took over his mind. He always thought rationally and stuck to his principles, as what was needed to his position. But whenever he was there, he threw whatever logic he had and let his feelings flow, not caring about other things. Tezuka felt freedom there, just like when he played tennis.
+O+O+
It was a nice morning and Tezuka was enjoying the crisp, spring air caressing him as he walked to school. At the intersection, he was about to turn right when he noticed the left side of the road. Both streets led to his school although he was used to taking the right path. Curiosity got the better of him and he decided to try the other lane. Just as he thought, it was the same as the other one, houses along the way and cars occasionally passing by.
He was almost near the school when a small shop came to view. Bloom Fields, the sign read. He took a glance at his watch. It was still a bit early, a few minutes could be spared. He entered the shop and was welcomed by a wide arrays of flowers, all bright and colorful. His eyes wandered inside, taking in the beauty of the place. The interior was simple yet captivating, white wallpapers in silver and beige accents, with the flowers serving as the main decoration. It was also clear and airy thanks to the glass windows occupying most of the walls, allowing the morning light to pass through.
"Good morning. How may I help you?"
Tezuka turned around and saw a beautiful person smiling, standing in front of him. He was wearing a pink apron and a bouquet of roses in his hand.
"Hn." He nodded his head in polite greeting.
"Make yourself comfortable." The guy's smile grew wider as he went to the counter and placed the flowers on the table.
Getting permission from the staff, Tezuka continued to walk around, his eyes feasting on every flower. He gazed back at the man who was busy wrapping the roses. He looked beautiful, indigo hair contrasting his fair complexion. His eyes were also the shade of the sea. He was pretty, especially with all the flowers surrounding him. Somehow, he fit perfectly in this place.
The man looked up from the counter and met his gaze. "Do you happen to like flowers?"
His musing was cut off by that question. Tezuka shook his head politely. "No."
"I see." The man said, his sea blue eyes went back to the bouquet. "But flowers are magnificent creations. They can deliver one's message in the most charming way."
"Ah."
"Flowers have their own language. Everyone of them has its own meaning. By giving someone a flower, you can express what you feel without speaking. And they give a visual appeal to our message."
Tezuka nodded his head in understanding. Flowers have their own language. Suddenly, an idea popped inside his head. "Do you happen to know their meanings?"
The man looked up to him, an eyebrow arched upward. "Of course. How can I say such things if I don't know what I'm talking about?"
"I'm sorry." He apologized. "I did not mean to offend."
"It's okay." The guy said, the smile on his face not dropping. "So, how can I help?"
"I want a flower that says you admire the person." Tezuka asked.
"Admiration? There are lots, actually."The man stepped out of the counter and looked around. "It depends on what kind of admiration you have."
"Nothing romantic. Just pure adoration."
"I see. Perhaps..." He went to a row and pulled a branch of small, purple flowers. "These will do."
"Purple heather." The man continued, understanding the reason behind his silence. "They mean admiration."
"Purple heather..." Tezuka repeated. "I'll take it."
The guy went back to the counter and began wrapping the flower. "You don't look like someone who gives flowers."
"Hn."
"You look more of a... practical type." He held the flowers before the student. "Will this be all?"
"Yes." Tezuka was about to take his wallet when the other stopped him. "On the house. No need to pay for it."
His eyebrow furrowed slightly, hesitant to take it for free.
The florist continued to smile serenely. "It's fine, really. One branch won't hurt my business."
Thanking him, Tezuka took it and went to the door. He looked back and saw the man gave him a small wave. He gave a nod and went out. Looking at the flowers in hand, he made his way too school, wondering if his idea would work.
+O+O+
It was still few minutes before lunch break, but Tezuka already asked the teacher if he could go. Being an excellent student (and seldom asking for such), the teacher agreed and he got out of the class earlier. He let his feet guide him to the familiar direction of the Music Hall. In one hand was the purple heather that the florist gave him and a small piece of paper on the other.
He did not mean to buy it (which he didn't because he got it for free), but the idea of expressing his admiration to the unknown pianist pushed him to ask for the flower. It was not as if he knew who it was and that the music was his only link to him, but Tezuka knew he adored the music, listening to it every day.
He entered the room quietly. It wasn't big, but spacious. It was also bare save for the grand piano sitting in the middle of the room. He approached the instrument, feeling the soft rug under his feet. His fingers ran on the keys, imagining the pianist hitting them lightly with his own. Teuka could visualize him sitting on the chair as he made those musical notes come to life.
He could not afford to daydream for long. The musician might come anytime now. Tezuka placed the small note on the piano together with the purple heather. He just wished for that person to get his message, and would continue playing every day.
He went out of the Music Room and waited at a corner, listening for footsteps. Soon, he heard a faint rustling of feet and a soft click of the door. Someone had entered the room. Tezuka caught his breath, waiting for a reaction. He began to relax when he heard the melody coming inside. Drowning himself to the song once again, he leaned against the wall and listened, a small, contented look on his face.
+O+O+
Fuji was busily arranging the music sheets and placing them in his folder. He wanted to play longer, but he needed to meet his friend Eiji at the cafeteria. He was about to leave when his eyes caught those purple flowers on top of the piano, a note lying beneath them. He mentally scolded himself for almost forgetting it. He had placed them back to where he saw it when he entered the room. With a small smile playing on his lips, he read the message again.
A branch of purple heather for your wonderful music. May this simple flower show you my admiration of your sweet melodies.The note was simple yet pretty, just like the flower with it. Fuji could feel the sincerity of the sender through his words. Many had told him how great his music was. but it was the first time he got something like it. Somehow, it warmed his heart to get an unusual way of compliment. And so he played with more passion. True, he always let his music take over him, but the message fueled him to do better this time, hoping that the person, whoever it was, was still around and heard him say his thanks.
He took the flower and the note and placed them inside his bag, careful not to be crushed. Making his way out, he glanced at the piano once more, vowing to play it again the next day.
+O+O+
It was already past midnight. Tezuka was lying on his bed, still wide awake. He tossed and turned, trying to get some sleep. He tried everything, from drinking warm milk to counting lambs but to no avail. Alas, he sat up and sighed in frustration. He put on his glasses and glanced at the glowing alarm clock. 2:45 AM, it read. He let out a tiny groan. His body hit the soft bed again, staring at the ceiling. Slowly, an image began forming in his head, the same image that had kept him awake until now.
Days passed since he gave the flower to the still unknown pianist. Gnawing with curiosity, Tezuka wondered if the other got them or what his reaction was. How would he know? He did not even know the person's face. Pushing the thought aside, Tezuka continued typing. He had a reaction paper to pass for his Literature class tomorrow. Maybe he' would try to see him when he goes to the music room later.He waited near that place again in anxiousness. He wanted to see the person who let his soul free with his melodies. Then, what? Go and tell him that he was the one who gave the flowers and ask if he got them? It was already stupid wanting to see the faceless pianist when all he needed was his music, but it was even more stupid to do this just to know if he received his so called "gift".Tezuka's body stiffened when he heard those light footsteps and the sound of knob being turned. He knew that the pianist was already inside, preparing to play again. Nearing the door, he opened it cautiously. He needed to do this to stop his bugging curiosity. Tezuka peeked at the small opening that he made. He felt his eyes widened as he stared at the figure.An angel was playing in front of the piano.Tezuka was never the type to use flowery words to describe a person but upon seeing the mysterious pianist, only one word entered his mind.Ethereal. That was how he would describe the sight before him. A man was playing the instrument, his long, slender fingers gracing the keys. He had honey brown hair which fell just above his shoulders. Tezuka might not have an excellent vision, but he was able to see that flawlessly angelic face. His eyes were closed beneath those long lashes, which the student assumed would be lovely and soulful. He had a perfect nose and cherry red lips that were slightly parted. The light coming from the windows illuminated his lithe figure, making him glow.Tezuka never thought someone could be this beautiful, let alone a man. He let out the breath that he had unconsciously caught. Those wonderful songs that he never got tired of listening to were created by an equally attractive being. Tezuka closed the door quietly, not wanting to distract the still absorbed musician. He could feel his heart hammering loudly inside his chest. Warding off the unfamiliar feeling, he left the area.
+O+O+
Tezuka resisted the urge to yawn, careful not to show his drowsiness as he monitored the tennis team's morning practice. He was groggy due to lack of sleep. He had wanted to, but the face of the angelic being, yes, that was what he called him now, kept flashing in his mind. He was undeniably beautiful, like a crystal glass that glimmered against the light.
He mentally shook his head. What was he thinking, admiring someone? And since when did he start becoming cheesy? He had been showering the man with romantic compliments since the day he saw him. Focusing back his attention, he continued watching as Echizen hit a sharp cross to Inui's side and earning a point.
When practice ended that day, he found himself walking on that same left path to his house. Soon, the familiar shop came to view. Bloom Fields. Tezuka thought of walking past it but as he reached the place, he realized he had already pushed the door open.
"Good afternoon." The man greeted in his soft voice. "Welcome to- oh it's you again."
"Hn. You remember me."
"Of course! It's not every day that someone asks me for a flower's meaning before buying them. I'm used to people buying what they think is pretty in their eyes."
"Hn." Tezuka repeated.
He dropped the bunch of sunflowers that he was holding and went to the counter. a friendly smile on his lips. "Do you need my help again?"
The other tilted his head slightly. "You wouldn't go here if you don't need to, right? You will ask for some flower again."
"You're quite easy to read." The florist chuckled. "I'm Yukimura Seiichi, by the way. You can call me Yukimura."
"Tezuka Kunimitsu."
"Well, Tezuka-san, what do you need this time?" Yukimura asked kindly.
He looked around the shop. "...I really don't have something in mind yet." Tezuka said as he wandered his gaze among the flowers.
When he looked back at the florist, Yukimura was still smiling serenely at him. "That's what I'm here for."
+O+O+
Fuji was humming to himself as he walked to the music room. He had just finished his latest composition last night. Opening the door, he was welcomed by the calming aura of the place. It had always made his mind at ease. Placing his things on the couch, he pulled out his music sheets and approached the piano. There, on top of the instrument, was a single pink rose. Knowing what it was, he quickly picked it up. Just like before, it was accompanied by a note.
I wanted to know if you got my little gift. Forgive me if I will keep on doing this from now on.Fuji stared at the message. Continue doing what? Sending him flowers? Feeling clueless, he sat on the chair, preparing to start his practice. He gave one last look at the flower.
"Maybe the flowers mean something?" He thought. "Saa, I wonder what's next."
He regularly received flowers since then. Every day, a different one would be waiting for him in the room, sometimes with a note attached to it. Fuji had a friend who helped him in knowing their meanings so he was not that clueless anymore.
That single pink rose. I watch you from afar.Then an Azalea. Please take care of yourself for me. Stay healthy.White Camellia. You're adorable.Gardenia. You're lovely.He did not know why that person kept sending him such messages, but he eventually got used to it. Fuji even found himself anticipating them whenever he came into the room. After seeing the flower, he would play to his heart's content.
+O+O+
He pushed the door open as he entered the flower shop. His eyes searched for a certain someone and spotted him between the lilies. Dropping his bag with a loud clatter, the man looked up at the source of sound. Recognizing the noisemaker, the man walked towards the intruder, bearing a smile.
"So, what did you get today?" He greeted.
Fuji opened his bag and pulled out a striped flower. "This."
"Oh, variegated tulips. He thinks you have beautiful eyes." Yukimura said.
Fuji's smile widened at the answer. "Really?"
"Yes." The other replied.
The brunette sat on the nearby chair, chin resting on his hands. "Why do you think he keeps on doing that?"
"The what?"
"Giving me flowers."
"Hmm, maybe he likes you?"
"He should've just told me directly." Fuji chuckled. "I don't even know him or what he looks like. And besides, he hasn't expressed anything romantic. Just the usual compliments."
"Oh, did I sense disappointment in your voice?"
He arched an eyebrow, smile still plastered on his pretty face. "Why would I be disappointed?"
"Because you wanted more than compliments."
This earned a soft laugh from the florist. "I'll go now. Need to buy some music sheets."
"Why don't you stay for a while? We can have some while discussing your creepy admirer."
"No, thanks. I don't want your craziness to rub on me. These flowers make you think weird."
"You're not exactly sane, Syusuke." Yukimura countered. "At least we're pretty."
It was Fuji's turn to laugh. "In your dreams. You look like a Venus fly trap."
"Really? You should be careful when you sleep tonight, Syuu. You might find some cactus under your bed."
"I would appreciate that little gift, Seiichi." The pianist waved in goodbye as he remembered his friend's words before leaving. He thinks you have beautiful eyes. He smiled at the thought, thinking what he wouldl receive next.
-at the shop-
Fuji counted the music sheets that he was carrying. "These will be enough." He thought.
He was still absorbed in counting that he did not see the person who appeared from one of the aisles. He bumped into him, causing the pianist to look up.
Brown hazel eyes met cerulean blue ones.
Fuji continued staring at the handsome face. It was small and perfect, his features indescribably attractive. His hair was a brownish-golden in color. Athletic built barely hidden beneath the same uniform that Fuji was wearing. His eyes were hidden behind those oval spectacles, yet there was something powerful about them, as if a strong force was pulling him towards them.
Snapping out of his trance, Fuji backed away. Fighting his face from flushing in embarrassment, he uttered a quick apology before walking away.
+O+O+
"So you bumped into him yesterday?" Yukimura asked, his eyes not leaving the white Casablancas that he was arranging.
"Ah." Tezuka said.
"What did you say?"
"Nothing." He replied. It was true that he had nothing to say, but it was more correct that he was at loss of words when their eyes met. Good thing the pianist walked away first or he would've looked like a gaping fish.
"I must say… I admire your stupidity. I never thought you have that." The florist said."You could've easily asked him out, saving yourself some time instead of sending flowers every day."
At that, Tezuka did not answer. Yukimura was right. He could have just asked him out but for some unknown reasons, he found it hard to speak. That's why he chose to send his message through flowers. His almost nonexistent communication skill could never help him whenever he saw the man, making it impossible to approach him and speak to him directly.
Yukimura's voice broke his musing. "What should you give him today? To be honest, the variegated tulip was a little...pathetic."
Tezuka remained impassive. When he saw those blue eyes staring at him, he couldn't do anything but feel drowned in their lovely depths.
"Why don't you step a level higher? Enough compliments and go straight to the point."
The tennis player fell silent. He knew that his admiration towards the pianist had passed platonic, entering the realm of romance in the course of time. And seeing him every day only made it worse. Watching him play, even from afar, was enough for him to fall in love. It all seemed petty and illogical for someone like Tezuka Kunimitsu, but love really makes even the smartest person stupid. Not that he consider himself one anyway.
"It's about time you start courting." Yukimura spoke. "I'm running out of flowers because of this. We might finish the whole floral encyclopedia if you don't do it now."
+O+O+
Fuji slammed the door behind him as he entered the music room. He was really pissed off. Eiji accidentally spilled some soup on his music sheet, smudging the notes that he had painstakingly written for days. He had told his friend many times not to read while eating. Plus the fact that the guy was a walking accident. He let out a huff. Now he had to repeat his score all over again.
He looked at the piano, knowing that something was waiting on top of it for him. Unlike before, there were two, one which was white, with clover-like petals, and the other a couple of red flowers attached on a branch. Fuji took the note and read it.
I didn't realize that my simple admiration will turn into this. It may sound crazy, but I think I like you.He had forgotten whatever irritation he felt that day. The person who constantly gave him flowers just confessed to him! Surprisingly, he didn't feel annoyed. Quite the opposite, in fact.
Fuji took the flowers and touched its petals, a sweet smile playing on his lips. "Saa, how could someone be as weird as him?"
+O+O+
"Sei-chan." Fuji called as soon as he entered the flower shop.
"What is it?" Yukimura said looking at his friend with a fake blank expression. The man was busy poring over his inventory when the brunette came in.
"This." He placed down the note and the flowers on top of the counter.
Yukimura picked up the note and read the message. "He confessed?" The other nodded. "You don't hate it? The confession thing?"
"Why would I?"
"Syuu, I know you and I are not perceived as normal by common people but I thought you might at least find it disturbing to receive a confession from someone. A guy to be exact." He looked at the pianist with a knowing look. His equally blue eyes were dark with teasing. "Could it be that you're playing for the other team now?"
Fuji's face remained smiling. "And? Is it wrong?"
"Of course not. You can't help being chased by both parties. You already had a few guy confessions before but I've never seen you as interested as this." He glanced at the flowers that his friend brought. "Gladiola and white pansy. He's really sincere, and you were always in his mind. He must really like you."
"You think so?"
The florist winked at him. "Yeah. Just wait for the others. I'm sure he'll say something more than that."
Yukimura's prediction turned out to be true. His unknown admirer continued sending him flowers. And every time he did, Fuji's heart would flutter.
A purple Lupin. Your music holds the sweetest melody.Pink camellia. Longing for you.A stock. You'll always be beautiful to me.Striped carnation. Wish I could be with you.He might not want to admit it, but he was beginning to become interested on the person, too. Fuji would sometimes wonder what he looked like, or when would they meet. And he would play with more passion, wanting the person to hear his feelings through his music.
+O+O+
The library was marginally quiet, students were scattered all over the place, the sounds of quiet laughs and whispers echoing the room. Tezuka was busy writing, concentrating in his work when he felt a light tap on the shoulder. He looked back and saw Inui standing behind him.
"There is a 79% chance that I will see you here." The data man greeted, pulling a chair beside him. "Hello, Tezuka."
"Hn."
"Don't overwork yourself. You seem to be lost in thought lately."
"Hn." He paused. "Is it that obvious?"
"You were never the type to look dazed in midday." Inui replied. "There is a 92% chance that something important is bothering you."
Tezuka was about to say something when his eyes caught the person standing not far from them, reading on one of the bookshelves. The angelic being.
Noticing his action, the data man followed his gaze. "Fuji Syusuke. Do you know him?"
"No."
"Music club president. Genius in piano and music composition. Quite popular among girls, and even to some boys. There are rumors going around that he is a player."
Tezuka nodded blankly. He didn't bother to ask how Inui knew all that. "I don't know him."
So he was that popular? Tezuka wondered if he has a chance. He didn't even know, until Inui told him. He liked Fuji without knowing even a bit about him. He stared at the pianist again and saw a bouncy guy with red hair approached him. Tezuka looked away and continued writing, trying not to notice the other's hand around the pianist's shoulder.
+O+O+
"Nya Fujiko!"
"Shh, Eiji. We're in the library." Fuji whispered.
"I'm really sorry for your score, nya! I wanted to fix it, but you already marched away." The redhead apologized.
"It's okay. Just don't do it again."
"Hai! I'll remember!"
Fuji flashed him a smile. He was about to continue reading when he saw the person sitting not far from them. His eyes opened slightly as he recognized who it was.
"Ne, Eiji, do you know that guy?" He asked.
"Who?"
"That one, sitting on the table talking to another guy Both of them are wearing glasses."
"Ah, Tezuka Kunimitsu?" Eiji answered. "He's the captain of boy's tennis club. Straight A student, too. I heard he is a cold guy who never smiles. Nya, do you know him?"
"No. I just bumped into him last time."
So that guy was an athlete. Not questionable, since the student's body looked fit for a normal middle schooler. Still, the man screamed charisma just by merely sitting there. Other people might fall for him, but not Fuji. His heart already belonged to someone. He continued reading, wondering when he'll meet him.
+O+O+
Tezuka was standing beside a vase of tulips, staring at the flowers. He watched as Yukimura watered his plants lovingly. The said florist looked up from his work, spray can in hand. "Until when will you keep up with this charade? It's about time you show yourself to him."
"Hn."
Yukimura was not the type to be easily pissed at people but with a man like Tezuka Kunimitsu who was as exciting as a rock, his inner love for sadism wanted to creep out. He closed his malice-filled eyes behind its lids. "Since when did you become afraid of something? You liked him even if you know nothing about him. You admitted loving him despite knowing it's pretty stupid. And now you're backing out?" The spray can he was holding was somehow pleading him to crush the dumb man's skull.
"Hn."
"Tell me." The florist was now facing him. "Do you really love him?"
Tezuka met his gaze. "I've never been this foolish in my whole life."
"Then let's finish this." He looked around the shop. "I've been helping in finding the flower that suits your message. This time, find it yourself. Give him the flower that reflects what you really feel. You're not that clueless now, are you?"
The ever stoic captain of Seigaku tennis club gave a nod. "Thank you, Yukimura. For all your help until today. I might know what I need now."
+O+O+
Yukimura handed his guest a cup of hot coffee before getting one for himself. "Seriously, this game is more of a pain than enjoyment for me." He thought. Tezuka left his shop a few hours ago and now the other side of this love story had arrived. "What now?"
Fuji glanced towards the blood red flowers on the counter. Red carnation. My heart aches for you.Yukimura took the small paper and read the message aloud. "I'm sorry if it took me this long to tell you how I feel. Meet me at this room tomorrow, the same time you come here every day." His eyes went back to the pianist."You're going?"
"I think so. Considering I cannot make you introduce him to me."
At that, the florist smiled. His friend was not a tensai for nothing. "Are you worried?"
Fuji took a sip in his mug. "Saa, I don't know." He paused. "What if he's not what I expect him to be? What if my feelings change moment I see him?"
The florist placed a hand on his shoulder. "Do you love him?"
Fuji looked at the hand before speaking. "I learned to like him despite hiding behind those sweet gestures. I loved him knowing nothing but his feelings for me."
"Then believe in that. Meet him tomorrow. Only by then will you know what to do. Love is not seen. It is felt."
He smiled at his friend. "Thanks Sei." His eyes shifted to the colorful flowers around them. "Can I ask a favor? I want to return his efforts when we meet."
+O+O+
It was time. Tezuka had his feet glued on the ground, unable to do anything. The man would arrive anytime now and he still didn't know what to do. He wasn't even sure if the pianist would come. What if he did not read it? What if he chose not to come? What if he just came to reject him?
These questions ran inside his head that he failed to hear the door opened and closed.
"Excuse me. Was it you?"
That smooth, clear voice pulled him back to reality. Turning slowly, his gaze was met by those crystal blue eyes. Tezuka caught his breath, taken by the other's appearance. He looked so beautiful, just like the first time he saw him.
He came.
+O+O+
Fuji made his way to the music room, trying to calm his racing heart. He would meet him there, and he still didn't know what to do. What if he felt disappointed when they met? What if he really wasn't in love like he thought? These questions ran in his mind as he opened the door.
There, standing beside the piano was a man, his back facing him. He looked familiar, the pianist thought as he walked towards him. The man seemed to be lost in his thoughts, not sensing his presence. "Excuse me. Was it you?"
He saw the other's body going rigid for a moment. Turning slowly, he was met by a pair of mesmerizing brown eyes. Everything went still as he saw that handsome face.
It was him.
+O+O+
Both remained motionless, lost in each other's gaze. Sensing, thinking, feeling. They continued staring at each other, as if saying the words that they could not express through their eyes.
"Fuji Syusuke. Music major. Genius in piano and music composition. Quite popular among girls, and even to some boys. There are rumors around that he is a player."He did not look like it. More like an innocent angel sent from above.
+O+O+
"Ah, Tezuka Kunimitsu?" He's the captain of men's tennis club. Straight A student, too. I heard he is a cold guy who never smiles."He would never believe it. How can a cold guy send him such nothings?
"Love is not seen, it is felt."Fuji was afraid that his heart might change, but no. It didn't. Not because it was Tezuka Kunimitsu, but because his feelings were created without knowing him. He learned to love him as the guy who loved him through the most wonderful creation of God.
+O+O+
It was Tezuka who broke the silence. "I really want to know everything about you." He extended his hand. "I believe I haven't properly introduced myself." He was holding a single, white flower. "I'm Tezuka Kunimitsu."
Fuji looked at the flower before extending his own. He too was holding one. They almost looked identical, only his was pinkish red in color. "Fuji Syusuke."
The flowers intertwined as their hands touched.
Arbutus.
Ambrosia.
"Please be mine.""I would love, too."
A/N: Okay, I have an early class tomorrow and needs to sleep now. Have a good night everyone! ^^
