Hanahaki!AU.
For the Build A House! Challenge on the Ministry of Magic Discord.
When Kashino develops a cough that doesn't seem to go away, Hanabusa gives him a knowing glance and subtly nods in Ichigo's direction, asking a question that he already knows the answer to. Ichigo, blissfully unaware, continues to stare into the oven, willing her soufflé to rise. Kashino, frowning, shakes his head.
But Hanabusa has seen this affliction in his mother's clients many times before. A man, so overwhelmed with affection, that a flower grows roots in his heart and causes uncontrollable coughing until the feelings are revealed to the recipient. And Hanabusa has no doubt that this is the disease—not some winter flu—is the cause of Kashino's discomfort.
"If you don't say anything, it'll only get worse," Hanabusa says. Then, with a smug smile, he continues, "You might even produce a full bloom."
"Don't be ridiculous," Kashino snaps. But the bite in his tone is softened by a spluttered cough and desperate clearing of his throat. Glaring, he says, "It's just a cold. Nothing else."
"And yet you never cough in the dormitory," Hanabusa argues. "Only in classes you share with—"
"It's just a cough, Hanabusa."
The conversation, Hanabusa knows, is over. But he continues to watch Kashino throughout the day, smirking when the coughing intensifies when Ichigo joins Kashino at the bench and raising his eyebrows when Kashino's cough disappears as she leaves the room. Kashino, however, does not find it as amusing as he does.
"I wonder what flower our lovely Ichigo will be," Hanabusa muses aloud. "A pink camellia for longing? A daisy for innocence? A yellow jasmine for grace?"
Kashino scoffs. "Ichigo, graceful? Is there a flower for clumsiness and incompetence?" He hurriedly adds, "Not that there will be any flowers, of course."
"Right. Because it's just a cough, right?"
"Exactly."
"I think she'll be a crocus," Hanabusa says. "For joy."
And the way Kashino doesn't rise to the bait—the way he seems to deflate and sink into thoughtfulness—makes Hanabusa think that his guess might not be too far off. Now, if only he could get Kashino to admit it...