Yamanaka flower shop

" Welcome! How- Oh Mizuki sensei! I didn't know we had a visit today.. "

Ino exclaimed, when she woke up today in the morning, meeting her sensei wasn't within her plans of the day.

' There's that sensation again.. sensei has been like that for a couple of days now.. '

With his everpresent warm smile Mizuki greeted the blonde girl.

" Yamanaka san, I am coming today not in my capacity as a teacher, but as a customer, would you be kind enough to guide me through your collection? "

" Y-Yeah sure thing, sensei..! Just leave it to me "

Called out Ino quickly, as if eager to prove something.

' Damn, what the hell is wrong with me, stuttering like a buffon, I.. almost feel like if I don't deliver quickly enough I will be... judged? Is this what they call teacher's authority..? But it wasn't like that before... '

Sulked Ino, clearly unhappy with herself, but she still dutifully started introducing her products. Something she took pride in. Using her right hand she begun her introduction

" This is a new variety we just got, it's called daffodil, here, see..? "

Ino smiled as she grabbed a bunch with her right and handed them to Mizuki for viewing.

" Hmm, they have a good texture, firm stem and supple petals, very well cared for these ones are "

With happiness on her face she didn't bother hiding, Ino said with pride.

" Yes, I am responsible for this batch! I could have done much more if I wasn't busy completing all the holiday work you had assigned earlier sensei. "

' Why did I have to say it like that?! What the hell Ino, sensei just complemented you and you started with your complaints directly.. sheesh, he is a customer not your sens- '

Ino's inner voice was cut short with Mizuki's laugh, a joyful laugh rang as Mizuki said his piece, smiling warmly.

" Forgive me yamanaka san, home studies are assigned due to graduation coming closer, I wasn't aware you had so much to do...

Would you like me to lessen your studies Yamanaka san? It is within my power to make an exception "

Ino once again fumbled as she waved her arms quickly to get rejection known.

" Nono sensei it's not like that! I know why it's given I was just saying causally, you don't have to do that! W-why don't we see this flower here sensei, one of the sensitive ones, it requires a lot of care so my mom grew this, she's a pro..! "

As Mizuki smiled and let the topic drop Ino thanked her stars, she really wasn't feeling like herself today, her feelings of wanting to not get on her sensei's bad side were intense. She didn't know what to think of this so she quickly tried to derail the topic, to get out of her embarrassing situation.

The last few minutes were a blur to Ino, as she thanked Mizuki who took his flowers and left her shop.

" Haaaah.. finally.. what the hell was that! "

Ino grumbled as she sat back down tired, as if she just had an intense workout.

" Truly, Ino, what was that? I didn't know my Ino could be so easily flustered..? "

Ino jumped back as she heard the voice appear behind her out of nowhere

" Mom! Don't jump on me like that! And it's nothing like what you are saying mom, it's just.. i don't know how to say it.. "

Her mom smiled as she sat besides her girl, encouraging her to say her feelings with a questioning gaze.

" It's... It's like I don't want to disappoint sensei? Don't want to stand in his way..? I don't know how to describe it.. it feels like something terrible will happen if I did... "

A/N

Ino feels there is something off about Mizuki, but she's not sure why