(Fluo.)
I wake up to the soft rays of sunlight creeping through the window of my room. The first thing that I see is my little sketchs of flowers...I did them yesterday night, thinking about her. Flower... Her laughter have the warmth of a sunbeam, and her smile can melt any worries of my heart.
"I have the energy to take a shower, today. After all, I'm sure Flower would like if I looked a bit better."
I smile at myself, picturing her looking at me with a soft smile, her eyes gleaming with joy.
"Oh, darling...you look so lovely...even my imagination can't give glory to your beauty..."
I bite gently my nails, a habit when I'm nervous or too excited. After a quick shower, and a comb of my hair, I look at myself in the mirror. Oh, how I wish to tell you how I feel, Flower...How I wish you would look at me like I look at you...But..I must be patient. I didn't do enough researches yet...
I hurry out of the boarding school, and walk as fast as I could towards the school. I don't want to be late, I would like to see how Flower enter in the room and illuminate it. While I'm on my way, I daydream about her... How I would approach her, our hands brushing against each other... I would whisper sweet nothings to her...Maybe she would blush ? Oooh, Flower, my darling... May I be blessed with that sight soon... But right now, it's my cheeks who warms up.
When I enter in the classroom, the first of the day, my heart skip a beat. She's here, already here... My Flower... I try to hold back any sound threatening to get out of my throat, I manage to only sigh softly. She is talking to her seatmate of yesterday, Starla. She's not a menace, for now. I checked yesterday : she's totally straight, so no chance she take my darling away for me. Though, I hear a familiar voice calling me.
"Fluo !!! Hi, over here !!!"
Oh no. Oh no no no no no. Not...not her, please. Ley. A wave of anxiety and confusion washes over me. What is she doing here ? I changed highschool only to not see her... She walks closer to me, and she takes my arm, clinging to it.
"Ley, what are you doing ?"
I muttered to her, trying not to show my panic.
"I transferred here ! I was so lonely without you..."
She pouts, probably attempting to look cute, but for me, she looks like a angry, ugly potato. It's Flower who makes
me feel alive, not her ! I look towards Flower, but she seems too absorbed into her work. I don't know if it's a good thing or not... If only she would notice, and walk in to defend me...
The teacher starts to talk of symbolism in literature, and all I can hear is my heart. The dull thud of my heartbeat.
Ley is sitting beside me, swinging her hair dramatically to catch my attention. The worst was that it was working, I am unable to focus, since her hair is sometimes touching me. I start to feel sick, why was she here ? Why her ? I close my eyes, trying to distract myself... Darling, Flower... But Ley laughter breaks all. Was she doing it on purpose ?
"The boy with thick glasses, can you answer?" The teacher's voice calls me, of course not by my name. I prefer it that way, I would be very ashamed if Flower hears it one day... I don't know. I quickly reply to the teacher :
"Uh, there's symbolism in the flowers, like purity, love, and…" I trail off, glancing at Flower again, who nods at my words. She looks interested by what I'm saying !!! It's one of the best days of my life...The best day will be when we'll get married.
"Boring!"
Ley scoff, rolling her eyes. "How is that even interesting, Fluo? You're such an nerd. Just admit you love talking about flowers!"
My cheeks flush crimson, and all eyes turned to me. My heart crashes like a wave, and I quickly averts my gaze from Flower's—she probabaly thinks I'm pathetic, now... But out of the corner of my eye, I catch her momentary frown as Ley's words curls like thorns.
"That's just your opinion." I manage to say, but it only fueled Ley's fire.
She giggles.
"I didn't say it was a bad thing...it's cute."
Dammit, Ley ! I blush even more, if possible. I'm not used to compliments at all, it's a kind of weakness for me.
"That's...not fair..."
I mumble, looking at my hands. They were shaking; probably because people around me start to whisper about it. I discreetly looks at Flower. She is staring at Ley, raising an eyebrow, before muttering something to Starla, and her eyes widen. Oh no...
After class, I pack up my things, and start to walk away. Only one place come in my mind : the garden of the school, like yesterday. I really like it, it reminds me of my darling...
I sink into the weathered wooden bench tuck away in the school's garden, the sun warming up my skin. I take a deep breath, attempting to shake off the embarrassment that cling to me like a wet garment.
I don't understand why Ley had to be so...herself. Sure, she is beautiful. Everyone seems to admire her short, black, shiny hair and bright smile—but I also know she have a way of wrapping her affection around me like a suffocating vine, demanding attention I have no desire to give. At least, not in the way she wants...
Behind my lens of insecurities, I hear soft footsteps—Flower. Short and delicate like the petals she is named for... While Ley reveal in the spotlight, Flower tends to avoid conversations, at least that's what I wrote in my notebook. Is she shy ?
My gaze drifts over the yellow and purple wildflowers swaying gently under the moning light, and I see her. Flower, my darling herself. Her expression, always unreadable, her fingers intertwining... She tilts softly her head, making my heart melt.
"Hi...Um, Fluo."
She says. Oh, how could her voice can be soft yet melodic at the same time...? She steps closer, her hesitation noticeable.
"I saw you sitting here… Is it okay if I join?"
The lump in my throat made it difficult to respond.
"Um, sure..."
I croak, a slight tremor running through my voice. She wants to sit beside me ??? ME ??? For a moment, there was nothing but the gentle whisper of the wind.
"What… what do you think of flowers?"
I blurt out, instantly regretting my foolish words.
"S-sorry. I should st-"
"They're beautiful."
She replies, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
"They each have their own story, don't they?"
Is she trying to confort me ? Oh, Flower... Sweet, caring darling... You're so perfect in every way. I nod, and add :
"They brighten up every place and can change your mood in an instant."
My words flow with sincerity, blissful in the thought that she understand me, even if I barely comprehend myself. Flower turns to me, her eyebrows raising.
"Do you have a favorite?"
My heart starts to race.
"Yes... I think sunflowers. They're bright and tall… They remind me of happy thoughts."
A smile breaks across Flower's face, the kind that illuminate not just her features but the entire garden. I feel lighter, as though the gray clouds hovering over me begins to drift away.
"I love sunflowers too! They always face the light. It's like they inspire you to keep looking upward."
Conversation came easier here, away from Ley's possessiveness. We talk about anything and everything, sharing awkward laughs and littles smiles. It was incredible, she is incredible. You seem more confortable with me, darling... I hope to dare you would be closer, soon...
But the shadow of Ley looms, the memory of her words biting at me, reminding me of the chaos I had escaped.
Suddenly, the garden is disrupted by a familiar figure. Ley enters, her presence demanding instant attention.
"Fluo, there you are!"