I Just Want a Single Ending [52]
"We're not a couple," Saku corrected, looking up from the menu.
"My apologies." The server quickly bowed, momentarily eyeing the rose Soyo had set on the table.
"It's fine," Soyo responded, unfazed.
After the earlier mix-up on the way here, she was already getting used to these misunderstandings.
Once they'd ordered on Saku's suggestion, and the server left, Saku chuckled. "Looks like we've been mistaken for a couple again."
"It must be this rose," Soyo said, lifting it in her hand. "From an outsider's perspective, if we weren't a couple, there wouldn't be any reason for me to have a flower like this."
"That's true. Roses are known to be pretty obvious in their meaning," Saku replied, then curiously asked, "By the way, Soyo, do you like flowers?"
"I wouldn't say I love them, but I don't dislike them either."
"Really? I kind of got the feeling you were into flowers."
"What gave you that impression?" Soyo asked, puzzled.
Saku pointed to the rose in her hand. "You just seemed to take a special interest in that rose."
"True, I am paying attention to it—this is actually the first flower I've ever received from a guy," Soyo admitted without hesitation.
"Not that I meant anything by it," Saku quickly clarified, "I mentioned that when I gave it to you."
"Yes, yes, I know—it's a flower from a 'little brother to his older sister,'" Soyo replied with a playful smile. "But I'll still treasure it."
Saku waved it off lightly. "It's just a rose I picked up on a whim. It doesn't need to be treated so seriously."
"…Right."
Soyo's smile faltered for a split second, but she kept her composure.
Just as he'd said, it was just a rose. Was there any reason to make a big deal of it?
But noticing the change in her expression, Saku quickly explained, "What I meant was, even if you take good care of it, roses only last a few days before they wither. It'd be a shame to see your kindness go to waste."
"It'd be better if I gave you a plant that'll actually last."
"A different flower?"
"Yes, I originally wanted to treat you to dinner as a thanks for teaching me bass, but since you refused, a flower seems like a nice alternative, don't you think?"
"Well…"
Soyo hadn't taught him bass with any expectation of reward.
And it wasn't like she knew anything about taking care of plants.
Just as she was about to refuse, he added, "If you don't accept anything, I won't feel comfortable accepting your help so freely."
"That makes sense."
She paused, the words of refusal fading. In the time she'd known him, it was clear he was a genuinely polite person.
Refusing his gesture over and over just didn't seem right.
"And besides, isn't it a little strange for a 'little brother' to be giving his 'big sister' a rose?" Saku joked. "Like just now—we got mistaken for a couple."
"But I don't know how to take care of flowers, I've never even tried."
The mention of "couple" brought a slight blush to Soyo's cheeks, though she no longer seemed to mind receiving a gift.
Instead, she worried about keeping his gift alive.
Fresh-cut roses only needed water, and they'd last a few days.
But a real plant? That was a different story.
"I'm happy to get you something else. Do you want something like a plushie or maybe something trendy?"
Saku was open to other gift ideas—his main goal was just to connect with her as friends.
After all, friendships are best nurtured by thoughtful exchanges.
"…A flower sounds fine."
Soyo couldn't really think of anything else.
"Alright, then let's pick something low-maintenance," Saku said, pulling out his phone to search.
"Or is there a specific type of flower you'd like?" he asked.
"You can pick."
She wasn't knowledgeable about flowers.
As she waited, her thoughts drifted to a friend who loved cucumbers.
Was there a similarity between taking care of plants and cucumbers?
Maybe she should ask for advice?
By the time their food arrived, Saku had made a decision. "How about a sunflower? I read that it only needs occasional watering."
"A sunflower? Sure," Soyo agreed after a moment of thought.
She didn't know much about plants, but everyone knew sunflowers—and they were beautiful.
"Alright, it's settled."
Saku echoed the words she'd used before.
"Yes, it's settled." Soyo repeated with a smile.
With that, they began tasting the café's famous cake.
"How is it?" he asked.
"Delicious."
"Glad you like it."
"Mm."
---
After dinner, Soyo strolled back to her apartment with Kamigawa Saku at an easy pace.
"I'm home," she called out instinctively after opening her front door.
The empty room offered no response.
She didn't mind the silence—it was something she was used to.
Setting her bass case aside, she stepped into the kitchen, grabbed an unused glass, and filled it with fresh water.
Carefully, she unwrapped the rose he'd given her and placed it in the glass.
With the added touch of water, the rose seemed to bloom even more vibrantly.
"Now, where should I put this?"
Her eyes scanned the room, thoughtfully considering its placement.
---
"In the end, the bedside table's perfect," she murmured, smiling as she admired the rose now perched beside her bed.
"Oh, right, I should find a spot for the sunflower too," she added, already envisioning her future plant.
With a renewed energy she hadn't felt in a while, Soyo left the room, searching for the perfect place for the sunflower that would soon be hers.
---
T/N: Posture check! This is also for me since over time I find myself hunched over!
Thanks for reading! Let me know if you spot any mistakes or inconsistencies!
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