After a long night of tossing and turning, Maki gave up on getting any more sleep. Today was the day... She was going to meet Jeff, her boss's grandson. She shuddered a bit at the thought.

This is normal, isn't it? It's healthy. It's good to grow up, meet a boy, do whatever couples do... It doesn't have to all be about work. Even daddy would be proud. If we got together, I'd have a really good shot at becoming CEO at the hospital whenever John steps down. Of course this is the way things should be.

But still...

Something feels wrong.

Maki did her best to go about her day like normal, but she couldn't shake those feelings.

She checked her closet and tried to plan out her outfit.

Huh. It's all suits for work... and pajamas. Hmmm... What do you even wear on a date? I wouldn't want to overdress... I'll just... stay in my pajamas for now and figure it out later.

She checked in on her little flower garden, making a mental note to make more time for it. She'd been working so much overtime lately, she'd neglected the flowers, and it was starting to show. The lilies were drooping, the peonies were developing spots, and weeds were growing everywhere. The garden once added a splash of color and beauty for anyone entering her home, but now...

It looks like an abandoned house... I'm surprised I haven't gotten any complaints from the neighbors.

She cared for her garden, and tried to find ways to busy herself for the rest of the day. She read medical journals, she called her mom, she sat out on the porch and watched clouds go by, all the things she usually did... but she just couldn't seem to relax. And she was so exhausted, too...

Time seemed to slow to a crawl as the time of her date approached... The clouds drifted lazily overhead... Finally, Maki was able to let go of her worries and lose track of time... until finally...

"Uh, Nishikino-san?"

The words startled her out of her chair. She jumped up, and came face to face with a young man standing by her door.

I fell asleep out here! how embarrassing... I can't believe this is how my date is starting...

Lost in thought, Maki could feel herself turning red. She slowly realized she hadn't said anything. She looked up to see the man- it must be Jeff -staring at her with a slightly concerned look on his face.

"Um,, I'm sorry. I know I'm a little early.."

Maki checked her watch. He was indeed a full 20 minutes early.

"I can come back later," he continued. "I was just... nervous, waiting and everything." He awkwardly handed her some flowers, mumbling that his grandpa had made him bring them.

Look at that. I was worried over nothing. This guy's just as nervous as I am! I can do this. I just need to turn on the charm.

Maki took his hand in hers.

"No need," she said, calling upon her years as an idol to try to exude confidence. "Let's get going, wouldn't want to be late." She looked the young man in the eyes and flashed him her brightest smile. He turned a deep tomato red.

Still got it!

The man continued to stare at Maki nervously for a long moment, then his expression changed to one of confusion. He weakly stammered "l-late?"

Oh... Right, we're going to a bar, it's not like we have reservations...

"Oh.. oops." Maki couldn't stop herself from giggling, and Jeff laughed with her. For the first time since they'd met, the nervous tension started to ease. "Well, still. It'll be good to get there early. We'll beat the crowds!" Maki said, doing her best to regain her composure as they set out.