It was still in the middle of his shift at the flower shop. He could not get his mind off Asagi, the tall and beautiful neighbor of his best friend, Koiwai. His dreams were becoming more and more vivid, and he ached to see her in person again. Even just a glance would do. He would call Koiwai and see if they could hang out later. Jumbo was apprehensive.
He stared at the handful of customers teetering around the shop. One woman approached him, paying for a colorful bouquet. With an offhand breath of the flowers, his mind revisited the dream of Asagi. How was it that no flower smelled as good as she did, even though she was essentially just an illusion to him?
"Excuse me," mumbled the customer, offering her credit card.
"Sorry," he replied, snapping back from his dazed state.
The woman stared back, nonchalantly, as he completed the transaction. She was young with choppy, slate-black hair that thoroughly contrasted her ashen face.
"What would you like it to say on the card for the bouquet?" He asked. He grabbed a cut out rectangle from his drawer, along with a piece of red string.
"Just write…" She stared in the opposite direction for a second as a shy smile tugged at the end of her lips. "I'm thankful I have you..."
Jumbo nodded cordially in response, writing down her sentiment.
She continued, "Let's have a happy anniversary…Love, Torako."
He finished and handed her the bundle. "Thank you. Have a nice day, ma'am."
She gave him an apathetic nod as she headed out the door.
Torako.
The name was oddly familiar.