It's autumn again. I love the smell of the fallen leaves on the damp earth, but there is something else that I'm looking forward to this season. I start to braid my hair and sigh, Mikhail will be returning to town today. All of my life has been dedicated to my plants and research. Even when I was small I always helped uncle Mako on his orchard.

Why does he make me feel this way?

I watered all of my plants and ate breakfast before heading to town hall. I told myself I was just going to read, but I was also keeping an eye out for Mikhail.

I had to admit it; I missed Konohana after being gone for the entire summer. It was such a quiet little town and I could always find inspiration for my music there. Ina greeted me at the door as usual and helped me carry my bags to my room. I noticed that the shy botanist, Reina, was absorbed in her research like always. She glanced up when I walked in and I smiled at her. She quickly returned to her book and disappointed, I headed to my room to unpack.

He smiled at me! My heart raced and I quickly ducked back behind my book so he wouldn't see as my face turned red. How on earth will I muster up the courage to talk to him? I sighed and returned the book to its place on the shelf. I walked down to the hallway and starred at his door for a moment.

"Oh hello Reina, did you need something?"

I jumped and turned to see Ina coming down the stairs. "Oh no I was just leaving, but thank you."

"Excuse me Reina."

I felt my face get hot as I turned to see Mikhail standing behind me. I quickly moved to the side and he walked past me. He waved to Ina and walked outside, leaving me there blushing like an idiot.

Ina walked behind her desk and began so shuffle papers. "Well have a nice day Reina."

"Uh yeah," I mumbled, "You too." I walked outside and contemplated simply going home for the day, but my love for the flora on the mountains drove me to them. I walked a little slower than usual so Mikhail wouldn't think I was following him.

I wasn't sure how to approach her. Something about her timid ways made my heart-strings sing. I knew, from casual observations, that she often traversed the mountains researching plants. Truth be told, she had provided the inspiration for the song I wrote for the music festival this year. I wanted to make sure that she came to my performance this year to hear it. I knew that Cam had a lot of flowers for sale in Bluebell so I decided to head there first. Of course I had run into her at the Town Hall that morning, and she had barely looked at me. I hope she accepts my invitation.

My worries always faded on the mountains, I found comfort in the scenery and gentle breezes. I made it all the way to the Goddess Pond without running into Mikhail. I hated to admit it, but I was rather disappointed. I sat down on the edge and swirled my fingers in the water. The sun was rather warm and I began to drift off to sleep.

Someone was calling my name. I opened my eyes and saw Mikhail leaning over the top of me. I yelped and blushed; he was so close to me.

He looked concerned, "Are you ok?"

"Yes, um the sun was just really warm today and I must have fallen asleep."

He tilted his head and smiled. As I sat up I noticed a bouquet of flowers sitting beside him. Curious I pointed to them and asked, "Did you get those in Bluebell?"

"Oh yeah," he said as a blush crept into his cheeks, "I actually bought them for you." He picked them up and held them out in front of me.

"Oh! Um thank you." I took them from him and smiled. "You know I have an interest in flowers form Bluebell, but with the town's rivalry I'm a little afraid to go by myself. I would ask Mako but I don't think that he would be willing to take me. I am excited to get these home and examine them under my microscope- Oh! I'm sorry; sometimes I get a little carried away."

My heart fluttered as he laughed. "It's alright, as long as you like them. I wasn't quite sure to get actually; do you have a favorite flower?"

"Oh I could never choose!" Talking to him wasn't as difficult as I had imagined.

"Are you coming to the music festival this year?"

That was a rather quick change of subject. "Well yes, I go every year."

His face flushed. "Oh good, I just wanted to make sure because the song I wrote for this year is really special. I wrote it for someone who I, uh seem to be developing feelings for."

I could feel my heart breaking. "Oh. Well I guess you're excited to perform for her then."

"Yeah I really am. I hope you'll like it."

Wait, what did he just say? Was he really referring to me?

He rubbed the back if his head and avoided my eyes as he continued, "I've had all summer
to think it over, and I seem to have fallen for you Reina."

I could hear my heart pounding in my ears. I knew I had to respond, but I couldn't find the words. I held the bouquet to my chest and buried my face in its relaxing scent. I glanced up at Mikhail, who seemed to be eagerly awaiting a response. "Do you think that you could escort me to Bluebell so I can buy some seeds?"

His eyes light up, "Of course! What are you doing tomorrow? We can go then if you are free."

I nodded. "It's a date," I whisper to the flowers.

I stand up and hold out my hand to help Reina to her feet. When she takes it, my heart fills with music. When I pulled her to her feet we are standing closer than we ever had before, and she still had a hold of my hand. "Can I escort you home?"

"Yes," she says with a blush across her cheeks.

Neither one of us tried to let go, so I happily escorted her home still holding her hand. When we arrived at her door I couldn't resist pulling her into a hug. She stiffened at first, but then relaxed and returned it. As we pulled away from each other
I felt the urge to kiss her. I leaned closer and-

"There you are Reina"! Mako said cheerily as he swung the door open, ruining the moment.

Reina and I quickly separated. "Um goodnight, come meet me at the Town Hall tomorrow." I said before quickly retreating back to my room for the night.