FLOWER BOY

CHAPTER FOUR

"You were in the toilet so, you didn't return my call for three hours?"

"Yes, mom - I think I ate something really bad."

"That's why I don't like you eating cheap food- it's not even good for your brain or stomach. Either make your own meals or only buy from high end places Kassia. I keep telling you."

"Yes mom," Kassia replied like a robot.

Did she have to do a speech about everything?

She was tired of her mother criticising every little thing but she couldn't disrespect her. She had to sit there and listen.

"I hope you're listening Kassia because I don't want to deal with all those problems you had in high school... your father and I had to do a lot to get you where you are now."

"I know mother, I wouldn't forget it. It was awful, it won't happen again."
...

Kassia was feeling super anxious.

And she was really struggling to get her anxiety to calm down. She should have pretended to have radioactive bowel movement instead of returning her mother's call so early in the morning.

She thought that taking a nature bath as the internet suggested would be a good idea.

It was the weekend anyways so... maybe she could study somewhere else.

A change of scenery might be what she needed.

With that thought in mind, Kassia gathered the textbooks and left for a day of studying in nature.
...

The local park was fairly quiet.

And it was super close to campus.

Maybe it was because it was so early in the morning. Kassia looked around wondering who had planted such beautiful flowers all around. Even the trees were so well taken care of.

Her sight settled on what appeared to be a gardener.

She thought all gardeners were meant to be old men but... this one had a great body.

Defined back muscles fully on display due to the fact he wasn't wearing a shirt. A cap covered his head and face but she was just happy to see his muscly arms.

Kassia never thought she'd be the type of girl to be so interested in guys and their bodies. She had never dated anyone because she was so focused on being academically the best that she didn't have time.

She blamed her awakening on meeting Taemin. She had been thinking weird things sin-

"Taemin!"
...

Kassia didn't mean to yell but, she was so surprised that the gardener turned out to be Taemin.

And now, here they were sat at a picnic table. She didn't know where to look because he still hadn't put a shirt on.

She was dark skinned but she was still afraid she was blushing too hard. She hoped Taemin couldn't see it - that would be embarrassing.

"So... you're a gardener?"

"I volunteer on weekends to help keep the park nice," he replied. "It's relaxing and I like plants."

"You like flowers?"

Taemin paused a bit before answering. "My mum was a florist so... I like them, a lot."

"I like flowers too - I have a person who puts flowers in my locker sometimes. He teaches me a lot about them."

"So, you have a secret admirer?"

"I wouldn't say that - he's just a very nice person who lifts my spirit when I really need it. He goes by Flower Boy."

"You don't find him lame," Taemin asked resting his cheek on his hand. "He doesn't even say it to your face."

"I don't think so," Kassia denied feeling a bit defensive over Flower Boy, "he just makes me smile even though I can't thank him directly - it's so selfless and endearing."

"Is that so," Taemin asked with a soft smile gazing at Kassia. "I used to think people were lying when they said you were sweet but, you actually do act like an angel."

"They were exaggerating," Kassia dismissed feeling herself get flustered. "I'm just... normal - I don't know why they say that."

"Anyways... I have to go to the gym after this so I'll leave-"

"What if I watch you until you go? I won't be annoying, I promise."

She just wasn't ready for their conversation to end.
...

"It can't be slimy or dry - this consistency is perfect, do you feel it?"

Kassia hummed feeling too nervous to reply. All she could focus on was the fact that Taemin held her hands, teaching her about the consistency of soil.

"You get it for sure," Taemin asked close to her ear. He didn't do it on purpose but that's just how close they were.

"Yeah I do," Kassia confirmed, jumping up slightly. Taemin simply smiled standing up.

"Good," he nodded using a biodegradable wipe before passing Kassia one. "I have to go now but, have fun studying - the weather is pretty good today."

"Oh, thank you for teaching me about the soil and stuff. I really enjoyed it."

"I'm glad you really liked it," he smiled softly. "Look... I'm gate keeping this place too so, don't tell everyone about it, ok?"
...

"Kassia," India called out. She looked around before approaching the girl. Kassia just stared at her curiously because she was acting so skittish. "I have something to tell you and I don't want those two losers to hear - they're not invited."

"What? And I'm invited?"

"Babe, yes, I just need you to clear your schedule and drop the granny clothes - we have somewhere really cool to go this weekend."

"Wait, what's wrong with my clothes?"

"Girl... you wear slacks and knit vests like you're working a corporate job - I love that you're adorable but I need you in bad bitch gear. We need to pop out and show n-"

"India! Anyways... if there is going to be a crowd, you know I'm not good in crowds. Plus... I'm not sure if I'd be fun."

"I'm telling you that if you don't come, you're going to regret it real bad. Your crush will be there, it's gonna be fun babe, I promise!"

"... you promise Taemin will be there?"

"He's the star of the show, I wouldn't invite you otherwise. What do you say?"

Kassia thought about it but slowly nodded.

She could put up with dressing different if it meant she could see Taemin.

"He really, really has to be there India."