A Teasing Love

Flowers and Fires

-The next day-

Mahiru's POV

Yume and Subaru are off because they have recordings during the morning. The scenes of the ball will only be recorded at night so the rest of us is enjoying the free day. Everyone parted their own ways.

I decide to do some shopping, looking at the shop windows and maybe find some accessories to put with my dress for tonight. I asked Yume if I could take care of the dresses and she asked Kirito who said yes. All the dresses are already chosen and now I'm looking to see if there's anything else to add.

As I walk, my mind wanders into Koharu and Asahi. Yesterday, she came so happy and dreamy as she was saying that they were dating. I was so happy for them. I really am. And Laura and Yuzu said something about their ship had sailed or something like that. I didn't understand.

Although I'm happy, I can't help but feel a little strange. I mean, my brother is dating one of my best friends. But they are perfect for each other. And now I feel a little bad for hitting him in the head when he wanted to hug Koharu. I giggle at the memories.

But if I see Koharu crying because of him or hurt because of him, I swear that I will punch him in the b-

"Hello, Mahiru." A familiar brings me to reality.

"Oh, hello Nozomu." I smile.

"So, what are you doing?" He asks with a charming smile. That smile...

"Some shopping. I want the outfits to be perfect for tonight."

"If it's you that is deciding then I'm sure that they will be." I blush faintly.

"Thanks!"

"Do you mind if I join you?"

His question caught me of guard but I quickly recover my composure. "Are you sure?"

He nods and I sigh. "Okay then."

I'm actually very happy to be with him.

We spent all morning in and out of shops. I thought that Nozomu was like the guys that don't care about fashion but I was mistaken. He helped me decide some accessories, he gave me advises about how to conjugate some types of colors and other things. Sometimes I forget that he is a member of M4 and that he has to know this things.

This was the first time that Nozomu and I spent some really alone time together. I found myself falling more for him. He is all what I imagined; he is like a prince. He's handsome, intelligent, kind and gentle. It doesn't admire me that he was so many fans.

"Want to grab an ice-cream?" He asks.

"Yes." And so we went.

Time skip

We sit in a nearby bench while eating our ice-cream. We weren't talking; it wasn't necessary.

Then, from the corner of my eye, I spot a light green hair flowing with the wind. I turn my face to see Aria admiring some flowers a little away for us. As if she knew that someone was watching her, she turns around and looks at me in the eyes. She smiles and gestures for me to approach.

"Nozomu?" He looks at me. "Could you hold my ice-cream for a moment? I will be right back."

"Of course." He extends his arm and I give him my ice-cream.

"Don't eat it!" I warn and he laughs.

"I wouldn't do that to you."

I smile and turn around as I start running to Aria.