Day 7 - Free Day: First Anniversary Celebration
Jou felt his heart beating fast and his palms sweating when he walked into the flower shop at the end of that day. He had turned to both Sora and Yamato for help with things to do for his first anniversary with Himawari and they gladly agreed to help.
"Sorry I'm a little late." He apologized as soon as he spotted them. "Things were a little crazy today at work."
"It's okay. We just got here too."
"Oh great." Jou sat down next to them. "Thank you for agreeing to meet and help me."
"You're welcome." Sora said with a warm smile. "We're very flattered you came to us for help."
"So, you and Himawari are about to have your first anniversary together, huh?"
"That's right." He blushed a little.
"It's a big deal."
"It is. So…" The med student bit his lower lip, still unsure about how his couple of friends would take this situation. "What did you do for your first anniversary? I really hope you don't mind me asking this because it's something private, but I honestly have no idea what to do."
"That's fine." Sora assured him. "We don't mind sharing it with at all."
"I second that." Yamato leaned back on his seat. "So, on our first anniversary we had a movie session at my apartment. If I remember correctly, my father was working that night, so we had the whole apartment for us."
"That's right, we did."
"Did you… you know?" Jou was blushing even more now.
"Oh, come on, Jou. There's no need to blush, we're all adults here."
"Yamato, you shouldn't talk to him like this. Maybe it's something he's not comfortable talking about."
"You're right. I'm sorry."
"That's okay, apology accepted." He smiled.
"No, we didn't. We were only fifteen back then, too young to be having sex. Besides, our parents would freak out if they ever found out about it."
"This is a really good point."
"So, do you have any ideas for presents?"
"Not really. I'm not creative enough for these things."
"It doesn't have to be anything super fancy." Yamato stood up and walked to a flower vase he thought was pretty. "The meaning is worth more than the present in this case, believe me. What do you think of this?"
"In any case, actually." Sora corrected him.
"Got it. I think it's very beautiful, but I'm not sure if it's her favorite flower."
"This is just an example, you can choose another one for her."
"Flowers are a good gift to give. They aren't expensive and often make people happy."
"If the one you're giving them to loves flowers, by the way."
"Exactly. You don't want to give a wrong present on your first anniversary."
"I think it's a much safer bet to give her a book then."
"Himawari doesn't like flowers?"
"She does, but not everytime. She's an avid reader, so…"
"Okay, books are good choices too." Yamato put the vase away and went to sit down next to Sora again.
"What does she like reading?"
"Mostly self-help books or biographies."
"Geez."
Sora gave her boyfriend a death glare and he immediately realized he was rude.
"I'm sorry."
"That's fine. These aren't my kind of books as well."
"So do we agree on books?"
"I guess so. It's the thing I can buy and know I can't go wrong with."
"Don't you want to at least give her a flower?" Sora looked around hopeful.
"The ie-moto blood is still strong." Yamato couldn't help but laugh.
"Shut up." She playfully hit him in the arm. "I just think you can't go wrong with flowers too."
"This is true, I have to agree."
"It's so sweet to see how comfortable you are with each other."
"Thank you." She felt a little embarrassed, but still offered him a smile. "I would really buy a flower too, even if it's just one."
"I guess it wouldn't hurt." Jou shrugged. "Alright, so which one do you suggest?"
"We're gonna be here all night."
"Hey!" Sora gave a light slap on his back and laughed.
"Ouch! That hurt."
"You deserved it." She stuck her tongue at him and quickly became serious. Then she turned to a shelf nearby and grabbed a small vase. "Anyway, how about violet? It's a small vase, but still a good option."
"Hmm, I'm not sure."
"Okay, how about roses? Or lilies?"
"Lilies would be nice. I know she likes them."
"Great, then it's settled." Sora turned her back to both men and started choosing the best lilies.
"So I have books and flowers. Is that enough?"
"I think so."
"How about some chocolate?" She sat back down and handed him the small bouquet she had made.
"Isn't it a bit too much?" Jou scratched the back of his neck and gave an awkward laugh.
"It isn't, believe me. Besides, it's your first anniversary. It would also be very nice if you take her to a romantic dinner."
"That's a must." Yamato nodded.
"Okay, noted. Gifts, flowers, a romantic dinner, chocolate… is there anything else?"
"I don't think so." Sora shook her head and turned to her boyfriend. "What do you think?"
"I think we're covered here. That should be enough."
"Awesome, I'm going to pay for these flowers." Jou grabbed the small bouquet and stood up. "I'll be right back."
He couldn't help but smile when he heard Sora not so subtly hint to Yamato she wanted flowers too behind him.

"I'll never be able to thank you enough for doing this to me." Jou said when they walked out of the store and stood in on the sidewalk. "Really, it meant a lot."
"It was our pleasure." Sora gave him a warm smile. "We're glad and flattered you reached out to us."
"We hope we could help you at least a little."
"A little? You helped me a lot."
"We're happy to know that."
"We need to go now. Good luck on your date."
"Thank you so much."
"You're welcome."

.

Jou went to a bookstore to buy Himawari a book and then he went to buy a box of chocolate as well. He asked Sora to keep his flowers for a day with the excuse he didn't want Himawari to find out about it beforehand. He said he was going to pick it back the next day, before he went to the restaurant to meet his girlfriend.

He looked at the digital clock on his bedside table when he walked into his bedroom after taking a shower. Gomamon was sitting on his bed, looking at him with curiosity.
"Are you going out?"
"I am." He nodded, looking at his partner through the mirror. "Today is my first anniversary with Himawari and we're having dinner together."
"One year already? Time flew by so fast."
"Tell me about it." Jou went to his wardrobe to pick up a black shirt. "So much has happened since then. Anyway, what do you think of this black shirt?"
"Are you going to wear it?"
"I'm thinking about it."
"I think it's a good one. It would be different from the colors you're used to wearing. I would go for that one if I were you."
"Hmmm." The man stared at the item in his hand for a moment with an unsure expression.
"You're still torn about it, aren't you?"
"Huh?" Jou looked up at Gomamon. "Maybe. It's just… I don't wear black that often."
"Well, it's the perfect moment to change it, don't you think? Besides, last year you wanted to get out of your comfort zone and didn't a pretty good job. Maybe you can do it again tonight."
"Yeah…" Jou shook his head and removed the clothing from the hanger. "You know what? You're absolutely right. If I keep having this thought, I'll never wear this shirt."
"That's the spirit." The Digimon briefly wagged his tail happily. "I bet Himawari will be happy about it."
"I suppose so." The med student unbuttoned his shirt and put it on.
"So what did you get her?"
"A book." He motioned the bag in the opposite side of his room with his head. "I bought it today."
"A novel?"
"No, she isn't that interested on them. It's a self-help book."
"Self-help?"
"Yeah. They are usually about helping you improve yourself in an area. Sometimes in general, too."
"Oh okay. What else did you buy?"
"A box of chocolate and some lilies. They are in the living room."
"These are nice."
"They really are. And I'm also paying for dinner tonight." Jou looked at him and raised his eyebrows at his expression. "What?"
"Nothing. I just don't remember ever seeing you so happy."
"Thanks, buddy." Jou replied, feeling a little embarrassed. He went to the bathroom and combed his hair in front of the small cabinet mirror, returning to his room seconds later. "I am happy."
"Are you going to propose to her?"
"What?!" He asked alarmed. "Where did you get that from?"
"I don't know. I got her so many things I thought you were going to take this opportunity to ask her to marry you."
"No, I think it's too early for that. We're only celebrating our first anniversary together."
"Alright. Have fun."
"Thank you. I'll pick you up at Mimi's house tomorrow, okay?"
"Okay."
"Let's go then."

.

When Himawari arrived, Jou had already been there for about ten minutes. She greeted him with a brief kiss and then sat down across him.
"So how was your day?" He asked after ordering a bottle of champagne to the waiter.
"It was good. I went to get my nails and hair done for this special night." She touched her hair with a warm smile on her lips.
"You look stunning, I loved it."
"Thank you. You look great. I love this black shirt."
"So Gomamon was right."
"What?" Himawari asked confused.
"He bet you'd love it. He was right."
"Oh I see." She couldn't help but smile. "He already knows me."
"He does."
"What about you though? How was your day? Did you work today?"
"No, thankfully. My day was quite good. I went shopping and then just stayed home. By the way…" Jou reached for the bouquet of lilies near him and grabbed it. "This is for you."
"Oh wow, they are so beautiful!" She picked it up and immediately smelled the flowers.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome." He smiled at her. "I know we'll have dessert here later, but I also got a box full of chocolate at home just waiting for you. Your favorite brand."
"Are you serious?" She asked excitedly. "I can't wait to eat one. It's been so long!"
"You will very soon."
"Okay, I can wait. Should we exchange gifts while we wait for the food to come?"
"Sure." He grabbed the bag on the chair nearby then handed it to her. "Since I'm already on it, I should just finish it."
"Another one?" Himawari raised her eyebrows, shocked. "How many gifts did you buy?"
"Just these three, I promise."
She carefully opened her present and could barely hold her excitement and happiness when she came across the book. "Oh my God! I've been wishing so long for this."
"Really?"
"Oh yes. Actually I was going to buy it next week."
"So I got you just the right one."
"That's right." She stood up and helped him do the same. Then she kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you so much."
"You're welcome. I'm glad you liked it."
"I did." Himawari gave him his present. "Now open yours."
"Alright." He unwrapped the paper and seconds later came across a beautiful black coat. "Wow."
"Did you like it?"
"It's very pretty. I loved it."
"Really? So try it on."
"Sure." Jou stood up and put it on, looking down on his body right after. "So what do you think?"
"I think you look really handsome." A smile appeared on her lips and she stood up as well, walking to him. "Just like I thought you would."
"Well, I'll have to wear it as much as I can then." There was a mischievous tone in his voice and he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a hug. "It's warm too."
"I can see that." Himawari also put her arms around him and looked into his black eyes. "Happy First Anniversary."
"Happy First Anniversary, Himawari."
She leaned over and kissed him passionately. Jou seized the opportunity to deepen their kiss and they broke away after some minutes, when the waiter fake coughed to get their attention.
"This smells so good." She went back to her chair and sat down. "I'm so hungry."
"You haven't eaten earlier?"
"Only at lunch. I didn't want to eat anything after because I was afraid I wouldn't want to eat at this time."
"I'm sure you know this is bad since you're a doctor."
"Exactly, but even doctors screw up sometimes. You should know that."
"That's a very good point."
"Will you hate me if I say I want to eat fast so we can go home?" She said unsure and didn't have the courage to look at him. "I know you put a lot of effort into this and I deeply appreciate it, but I can't stop thinking about the chocolate you bought to me."
Jou couldn't help but laugh. "Of course not. You hung out for long, if you ask me."
"Are you sure you wouldn't mind it? I don't want you to be upset or disappointed about this or to me."
"Absolutely not." He assured her and then smiled. "I kind of want it myself now. Besides, Gomamon is away for the weekend."
"What does that mean?"
"Just thought you should know in case you want to stay the night."
"Are you inviting me?"
"I am."
"Then I'll accept it."

.

Himawari tried her best to control her anxiety to eat her favorite chocolate when she and Jou walked into his apartment.
"There you go." He handed it to her and couldn't help but smile when he saw her face beaming in happiness. "I'm sorry for not taking it with me to the restaurant."
"That's okay, it was worth the wait." She quickly opened the box and grabbed two of the chocolates. "I wouldn't have an excuse to come here if you did."
"That's actually a good point."
"So are we going to eat it in your bedroom or what?"
Jou blushed heavily. "Sometimes I forget how straight to the point you can be."
"Why waste time? You know you want it just as much."
"That's true, but…"
"No buts…" She dragged him down the hall towards his bedroom and closed the door.