Chocolates and roses

The long awaited day of baking chocolates had finally arrived. That same day, Satoko took the entrance exam for the university she chose and was now free.

She was waiting for her friends to arrive at her house, a little anxious.

I will mess up everything, I already know it.

Her plan for Valentine’s Day was to give Minami her chocolates and talk to him about the Satoshi situation. Only after that, she could confess her feelings.

The problem was that she had work that day, so she had to do everything at school, when he was always surrounded by his friends, and she wasn’t sure she was courageous enough to take him apart in front of so many people.

At that moment, the bell rang and Satoko ran to the door to welcome her friends.

“Hello, Satoko-chan! Are you ready to become an expert pastry chef?”

Satoko nodded, even if not very convinced. “I hope so.”

“Have you bought everything I told you?” Mei asked.

“Yes, I made sure there was everything.”

Mei and Watanabe exchanged a knowing look and smiled at Satoko.

“Let’s get started, then!”

For some reason, Watanabe also bought three matching aprons with the writing ‘love emergency’ and forced them to wear them.

After countless wrong attempts, Satoko succeeded in baking chocolates that were worthy of the name.

Watanabe cleared her throat and took one to taste, her hand trembling. She slowly put it in her mouth, fearing for her life, and took a bite.

Her eyes widened and tears rolled down her cheeks.

I knew it, she’s crying because I’m hopeless. Satoko thought, defeated.

“Finally something edible!” Watanabe exclaimed, instead.

Satoko’s eyes lit up. “Really?”

Maybe I have improved after wasting so many ingredients…

“After all those things that couldn’t even be compared to chocolate, this is nectar of the gods!”

“Is it supposed to be a compliment or an insult?” Satoko asked, demoralized.

“Both!”

At least a half compliment is still better than no compliment. Satoko consoled herself.

Mei let out a sigh of relief. “It looks like we succeeded.”

“Now, you have to succeed in the most important mission: give them to Minami-kun!” Watanabe exclaimed.

Satoko nodded, determined. “Thank you for the help, girls.”

Watanabe smiled happily, while Mei raised a thumb up.

“No problem, we’re always ready to help a friend!”

Satoko smiled slightly.

I just hope I won’t waste their efforts.

***

The day after

Satoko came early at school to intercept Minami before class.

He will arrive alone at school, so it’s the perfect moment to not be noticed by others!

But, contrary to her plans, Minami arrived at school by bike together with a friend.

I can do it, he’s only one and I already saw him at the summer festival!

She took a few steps towards them, but she was too slow. A group of other four guys joined the two of them and went towards the building together.

How can someone have so many friends?! She cried inwardly. At this point, it’s better if I wait until the lunch break.

During morning lessons Satoko was distracted the whole time revising the speech she wrote to tell Minami.

‘So, with my friends’ help, I made these chocolates for you. I hope you will accept them!’ and here I should smile.

“Miss Itou, can you read the next paragraph, please?”

Then, after he accepts them, I have to change the topic to Satoshi.

“Miss Itou? Are you listening?”

Watanabe turned back to her direction. “Satoko-chan, the professor is calling you!”

“Oh.” Satoko immediately stood up, hiding her nose behind her scarf. “Yes, professor?”

“I told you to read the next paragraph. You should pay more attention in class.”

“I-I’m sorry!”

Why today of all days? How embarrassing!

When the bell of the lunch break finally rang, Satoko took the box of chocolates from her bag and glanced at Minami.

He was taking out his lunch from his bag and no one was talking to him at the moment.

It’s my occasion!

She got up and timidly approached his desk.

“M-Minami-kun—”

Suddenly, a boy from another class stuck his head in from the door.

“Yo, Minami, we’re missing one person for a quick game of five-a-side football. Are you in?”

Minami smiled. “Of course!”

Satoko’s jaw dropped. I can’t believe it! He couldn’t have had the worst timing!

Minami got up, but before going out, he glanced at her.

“Itou-san, were you saying something?”

Satoko instantly hid the chocolates behind her. “N-No, don’t worry!”

Minami furrowed his eyebrows. “Are you sure? There’s really nothing you have to tell me? Or give me?”

Satoko shook her head, nervous. “N-No, really.”

The blonde guy narrowed his eyes and tried to peek behind her back.

“What are you hiding?”

Satoko took a few steps back to not let him see, but her foot slipped on a bag that someone had left on the floor and she started falling backwards.

Time seemed to slow down as the desks disappeared from her vision to give space to the white ceiling of the classroom.

I’m going to fall on the chocolates this way!

She closed her eyes and stiffened her body, afraid of hitting the floor.

But I want to give them to Minami-kun!

“Itou-san!”

Suddenly, she felt two arms wrapping around her body and stopping her fall before she could touch the ground.

Uh? Why didn’t I fall? Satoko thought, confused. I feel something warm next to me…

She slowly opened her eyelids and was welcomed by Minami’s big rounded eyes looking at her with worry.

“Be careful, Itou-san, it’s dangerous!”

But Satoko didn’t have any sort of reaction. Minami frowned, a little concerned.

“Itou-san? Are you okay?”

Satoko blinked twice, stunned. When she realised the situation, her face reddened completely.

He’s so close!

She closed her eyes to calm down, then opened them again and shot him a sweet glance.

“T-Thank you for saving me.”

Minami’s eyes widened, taken aback, and his arms gave in involuntarily, making Satoko fall anyways.

“Oh, I’m so sorry! Did you get hurt?!” he exclaimed, mortified.

Satoko instantly turned to the chocolate box, now ruined because of the fall, and tore her hair out.

My precious chocolates!

“N-No, I’m fine” she replied, on the verge of crying.

I can’t give him chocolates in this state, I’ll just have to renounce.

Depression took over her.

Apparently, it wasn’t destiny that I gave it to him…

***

When Satoko arrived at The Nightingale she could sense the excitement in the air.

“It’s finally that time of the year” Akito said, looking strangely invested.

Satoko glanced at him, confused. What time of the year?

He smirked and ran a hand through his hair, releasing sparkles.

“This time I’ll put Hiroto in his place!”

“Keep dreaming” Hiroto replied, more serious than ever.

What’s with these two today?

“What are they talking about?” Satoko asked.

“Since it’s Valentine’s Day, a lot of customers leave chocolates for their favourite butler and Akito and Hiroto are always in competition to see who gets more” Mr. Ikeda explained.

“Last year, Hiroto won” Kenji added.

Very predictable. Satoko thought, but didn’t say it out loud so as not to ruin Akito’s confidence.

“What do you think if we also participate, Satoshi?” Kenji asked. “Let’s see how many chocolates each one of us gets!”

“If you insist…” Satoko replied.

It’s not like I care, anyways. I already know Hiroto will win. She lowered her gaze and blushed a little. I just hope I’ll receive something from Minami-kun.

So, the competition for the chocolates started. As expected, from the start Hiroto was already winning by a huge gap, but Akito showed no sign of giving up.

Even though she was the latest arrival, Satoko was standing her ground with a similar number of chocolates as Kenji, more or less.

Satoko stared at the cute boxes the customers gave her, feeling a little moved.

Honestly, I didn’t think I would receive anything. Being appreciated feels better than I thought.

At the usual hour, Minami arrived at the cafe. Satoko immediately walked to the door to welcome him. For some reason, he was dressed more elegantly than usual and held one hand behind his back.

Satoko frowned. It looks like he’s hiding something…

Despite the initial surprise, she didn’t get distracted and bowed gracefully.

“Welcome back, danna-sama. You must be tired, allow me to help you with your luggage.”

“Hello, Satoshi.” Minami smiled and his cheeks coloured a little. “Actually, before you do anything, I have something for you.”

Satoko raised an eyebrow. “What could the master have brought for a humble butler like me?”

Minami took his hand out from behind his back, revealing a beautiful bouquet of red roses.

“This is for you, I hope you like it.”

He was visibly blushing, but didn’t look away. Instead, he stared directly into her eyes and smiled brightly.

“Happy Valentine’s Day, Satoshi.”