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“Thank you again for your help!” Kaoru bows his head for what seems like the hundredth time. He feels bad, even embarrassed for having to ask one of the workers for help. Most guys his age know exactly what to get their special someone for Valentine’s Day. Guess being an idol doesn’t really spare you the time for experiencing love? Sure, he had his fair share of fun during high school but it was never serious- Just something to distract himself.
“Here’s your bouquet!” The worker hands an assortment of flowers to Kaoru. When he came into the shop, he didn’t know what flowers to get. The obvious answer would be roses. They’re the poster child for romance after all! However, Kaoru didn’t want to get something basic. He wanted to get something special. Something that shows how much he truly cares. Thankfully, the staff were more than happy to help him find the perfect blossoms, Asters and Morning Glories. Asters are often compared to stars due to their appearance and names origin. Morning Glories represent love, passion and strength. All qualities that remind Kaoru of the one he’s fallen for.
With one final thank you, Kaoru makes his way out of the flower shop. The weather today is still quite chilly despite winter nearing its end. Even so, it’s not enough to stop the love in the air on this beloved holiday. Couples flood the streets of Season Avenue, going on dates and enjoying each others company. Kaoru can feel his heart speed up as his watches the lovers pass by. To spend time with someone you truly have a connection with, something deeper than the artificial love he had gotten so accustomed to. He can’t help but think about how nice it would be. A petal lands on the floor in front of his feet. “Sakura…” He holds the bouquet tightly as he makes his way to his next destination.
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As the door opens, the sweet scent of chocolate fills the air. It wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without some complementary sweets! There’s usually limited flavors this time of year, Sakura being the one on Kaoru’s mind. A tight walk though the crowded store, Kaoru makes it to the shelf selling his desired flavor. The wrapping is always so cute this time of year. Hearts, flowers, and a lot of pink. He takes a few packs off the shelf and makes his way to the registers. The lines are especially long today. Guess Kaoru isn’t the only one getting some last minute gifts? As he stands waiting for his turn, he can feel a hand tap his shoulder. As he turns to see who’s behind him, he’s met with surprise.
“Wasn’t expecting to see you here Hakaze-kun!” A student he used to know when he still went to Yumenosaki- A girl he used to flirt with here and there. “Watcha buying? Chocolate? You got a girlfriend?”
“Hahaha…” Kaoru can’t help but laugh awkwardly. It’s one thing if someone is asking about your love life, but it’s another thing when that person is someone you used to flirt with. The girl’s name gets called and she waves goodbye to Kaoru as she makes her way to her friends. As Kaoru places his items on the conveyor belt, he lets out a sigh of relief knowing that interaction didn’t continue any longer.
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Last place Kaoru visits is what he can only describe as the cutest store he’s ever seen. He needed a place to get a cute stuffed animal and Nagisa recommended this place to him. He said Hiyori frequents it with the rest of Pretty 5 and that it should have what he’s looking for. Kaoru spots the area filled with stuffed animals and begins to survey through them. They’re all super cute but one in specific stands out to him, a red bear with stars for paw prints. Seeing it was a no brainer, Kaoru picks up the bear. “Aren’t you just perfect?” He pats it on the head with a warm smile plastered on his face. After paying for the bear, he feels his phone vibrate.
Yuta💙: Won't be back til later tonight
Yuta💙 Aniki wants to hang out for vday
Yuta💙: I’ll bring back some totally not spicy food ( ˘▽˘)っ♨
Ran💎: I’ll also be out.
Looks like the dorm is going to be quiet tonight. Honestly, Kaoru is glad they won’t be back for a bit today. Not because he doesn’t like having them around or anything, but because he’d rather not have them see him be a nervous wreck. He’s been planning this day for the past month and finally decided to go through with it. He thought he’d be less nervous seeing how much time he had to hype himself up, but the butterflies in his stomach never seemed to leave.
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Footsteps could be heard hitting the floor, making their way towards their destination. Each footstep only made Kaoru’s heart beat faster. Was this excitement or fear? He tried not to get lost in his thoughts more than he already has as he holds the gift basket full of goods he’s bought. What could only be a two minute walk felt like an hour as Kaoru finally makes it to his destination. He places the basket down in front of the door and reaches his hand up, ready to knock. His heart now pounding and his hands shaking violently.
Just knock, just knock, just knock, just-
The sound of a fist hitting a door can be heard through the hall. He did it! He waits for someone to open the door, however, no one seems to come. His legs now starting to shake, he knocks again. Still nothing. Maybe no one’s here yet? It is a holiday to be fair. Everyone’s probably out enjoying themselves. His roommates are so it wouldn’t be surprising if everyone else is too. Kaoru lets out a small laugh, “Why didn’t I think to ask if…” His face now gaining a slight flush, Kaoru makes his way back to his dorm, completely embarrassed.
His dorm is silent. He thought he would’ve preferred it this way, but now he wishes his roommates were here to distract him from the total embarrassment that was…whatever that was supposed to be. He never used to get this nervous with this stuff. He used to be known as the local playboy, as much as he hates to remember. Something like this should be easy for him, but instead he sits on his bed, embarrassed he even tried. He sinks his face into the palm of his hands and groans. “Maybe Hinata-kun would like the chocolate? Better to give it to him instead of letting it go to waste- Huh? HUH?!” Kaoru looks around the room frantically as he’s forced to realize that he never took the basket back with him. “No one should’ve came back yet. I can go pick it up real quick-“
A knock on the door fills the silence of his room. “I thoughr they said they wouldn’t be back for a while?” Kaoru makes his way to the door and-
“Hey babe!” A loud voice announces its presence as the door opens.
“Babe?!? Moricchi, what’s going on?”
Chiaki lets out his signature boisterous laugh as he holds the gift basket in his hands. “I wasn’t expecting you to get me something for Valentine’s Day Hakaze! I wish you would’ve told me so I could’ve gotten you something too.”
“I-It’s fine. You don’t have to get me anything. It was a spur of the moment decision anyways. You don’t have to make a big deal out of it…”
“Of course I have to! You clearly put a lot of thought into my gift. It would be rude of me not to.” Chiaki shifts the gift basket into one arm and grabs Kaoru’s hand with his free hand. “So as a thank you, I will take you on a date! It’s been too long since we’ve done one anyways ♪” His smile just as warm as his voice.
As Chiaki pulls Kaoru to wherever he has planned, Kaoru smiles to himself. Why was he nervous to give this guy of all people a Valentine’s gift? He’s too kind to make fun of someone for something like that. That kindness and confidence being the reason why he fell for him in the first place. “So do you just keep that bow around incase you have a date or what?” The two laugh as they make their way out of the dormitory. Kaoru was right, there truly is love in the air today~