THE BLOSSOMING CAMELLIA FLOWER (カメリア)

chapter 3

Cami woke up earlier than usual, stretching as the morning sun peeked through the curtains. She quietly slipped out of bed to prepare breakfast, careful not to wake Alex. The sound of sizzling food filled the kitchen as she flipped pancakes and prepared coffee.

Moments later, Alex groggily stepped into the kitchen, rubbing his eyes.

"Morning," he mumbled, taking a seat at the table.

"Eat up," Cami said, sliding a plate of food in front of him. "We have a long day ahead."

After showering and getting dressed, they left for school. Though Cami had moved out of her mom's house, she still saw her family often. Her younger sister remained her closest confidante, but her relationship with her brother was more casual.

As they arrived at school, her brother approached them with his usual laid-back energy.

"Hey dude, wassup?" he greeted Alex with a fist bump.

"Hey man," Alex responded.

"Wanna play basketball later?"

"Sure, sounds great."

"Alright, see you later."

Cami watched as the two walked off, shaking her head slightly. Alex had settled in well since he transferred, quickly making friends—most of whom were her brother's teammates. During lunch breaks, they played basketball while Cami focused on her softball training.

One afternoon, as they sat outside after practice, Cami teased Alex about his skills.

"Is basketball the only thing you're good at?" she asked.

He smirked. "Not really. I only play for fun, but back home, I was a boxer."

Nao, who was sitting nearby, perked up. "Wait, really? So you can fight?"

Alex chuckled. "Yeah, though I got banned after breaking my orbital bone. Guess I went too hard in the ring."

Cami winced. "That sounds painful."

"It was. But hey, at least I have a cool story."

Nao nudged him. "Then why don't you look more... ripped?"

Alex sighed dramatically. "I, uh, gained some weight after quitting boxing."

Nao suddenly stiffened. "By the way, have you noticed someone following you?"

Cami's expression darkened as she instinctively reached for her softball bat. "Yeah," she murmured.

Alex paled slightly. "I-I'll just head back to class now—"

"You're still sweaty," Cami said, tossing him a towel. "Dry off first before going inside."

"Thanks," he mumbled, rubbing the towel over his face. "I'll cook dinner later, alright?"

Nao's eyes lit up. "Ooh, can I come?"

Cami smirked. "Sure. You're in for a treat from the best chef in the house."

Alex shook his head. "It's not that serious."

Later that evening, as Cami and Nao approached the apartment, the aroma of a delicious meal drifted through the door.

"Wow," Nao said, inhaling deeply. "I don't know what he's cooking, but it smells amazing."

Cami opened the door, greeted by the sight of Alex moving effortlessly around the kitchen.

"You're here," he said, stirring a pot. "Give me a few more minutes."

Nao leaned in curiously. "What are you making?"