Futile Effort
Hello!
Looking for flowers?
Anything in particular?
I rushed into a florist's because Haydee likes flowers...
Roses? Tulips? Freesias? Just say the word.
But I hit a major problem because I didn't know which flowers Haydee liked.
Hehe! First time buying flowers?
Don't worry, I'll help you choose.
Do you know the recipient's favorite color?
...Maybe red?
But I'm not sure, though.
Maybe, huh...
Hmm... In that case...
With the florist's help and much agonizing, we finally finished a bouquet.
Oh my! It turned out far prettier than I expected!
I think the recipient will be thrilled!
Hello!
Oh my, it's you again?
What flowers do you want to see today?
...I didn't come to see any particular flower.
I was just... browsing, so don't mind me.
Haydee?
You...
How did you...
...Ngh! Don't tell me you creepily tailed me—
No, I didn't...!
Oh my! So your gift is for...?
...You wanted to give me a present to get closer?
Yeah. I heard you liked flowers.
Who said that...?
...It's Cristelle, isn't it?
*Sigh* What did she go blabbing about?
So... you won't take it?
...Since you already bought it, I'll accept.
As she reluctantly took the bouquet, a honeybee drifted over.
It circled, then alighted softly on Haydee's clothes.
A bee...?
...It came for the flowers.
Hold still. I'll get it.
...I said it's fine—
I couldn't let a bee sting ruin my one successful gift.
I shot out my hand like a lightning bolt.
The bee sensed danger and took off, but it was useless.
Reading the bee's direction, I swiped my hand through the air and caught it!
...Hey.
You're... really beyond help, aren't you?
With the bee trapped underneath, my hand was currently...
...gripping Haydee's thigh.
N-no, this isn't what you think—
...Perv. Creep. Trash.
A degenerate blinded by lust who lays hands on his Journey member.
Die.
After throwing myself at her feet and begging with all I had, I finally managed to receive Haydee's forgiveness.
Her gaze at me was still ice cold...
But the way she stared down at the bouquet... Maybe my effort wasn't in vain.
...Hey. Do you even know what flower this is?
No...?
*Sigh* Figures.
...It's an anemone.
At least have the decency to learn what kind of flowers you're giving.
But you do like it, right?
...Like what?
...
I wouldn't say I like them.
Let's go with... I don't dislike them.
Why do you like them?
...Do you ever listen to me?
I just said I don't like them.
*...Sigh* I don't know why I waste my time talking meaningless stuff with you, but...
It's my turn to answer, so I'll indulge you.
Flowers... are like me.
Like how they're pretty?
...You really are naturally gifted at spouting nonsense.
Does being a pervert give you the ability to crack shameless jokes?
...
Flowers and I are both hopelessly transient.
That's why I don't dislike them.
Transient?
Yeah. They bloom for a moment...
Then fall and become dirt after having a taste of sweet blossoming.
I'll probably be the same when the day comes...
Her expression, usually flat, now looked deeply lonely.
Does she have some bitter memory tied to flowers?
I'm still happy.
...Happy?
What are you suddenly happy about? I don't get it.
Because it feels like I'm getting to know you a little more.
Haydee's face darkened in an instant.
In that brief moment, hatred, resignation, and fear flickered across her features.
*...Sigh* That's funny.
So funny I could laugh myself sick.
Getting to know me?
What do you even know about me?
I don't even know myself. But you think you do?
...Don't overstep.
Even if you were to reborn a thousand times...
You could never understand me.
...I knew it. I don't have the luxury of playing friends.
She flung the bouquet aside and left.
Did I say something wrong?