Chapter Text
With how late it was, Piko could’ve easily stayed home and nitpicked every little detail of his cover— if it wasn’t for the opening of a new snack store!
Sure, to most people it was just another place. But with how busy Flower seemed with that upcoming show, he figured it’d be the best way to treat her! Plus, it was one of the few stores near him that had more than the basic flavors. Not only was there snacks, but a fresh dessert section too— a perfect opportunity to snag favorites of his and hers, like pudding.
Before he had time to think, Piko hopped into his car and drove to the dance studio. It was something he’d always do when they hadn’t seen each other for a while, (which in their standards, was three days) so the directions came naturally.
Once he arrived at the second floor, he scurried over to room 220— the one he vividly remembered Flower always rented. Though to avoid an awkward interaction with a stranger, he knocked just in case.
“Hey, uhh… is Flower in here?” he asked, his voice a bit shaky.
The wilted Flower (who was still on the ground, mind you) didn’t move besides a groggy raise of her head. She recognized that nasally voice from anywhere.
“No,” she joked, smirking.
“Pardon?”
She may not have been able to see his face, but could just tell he was holding back a laugh. “Come on in,” she replied, the smirk softening.
A bit stunned at how she didn’t get the door herself, he glanced around before turning the doorknob. Stepping inside, he set down the group of bags, ready to explain every dessert he saw at the store.
“So I discovered this marvelous—“
He gazed at Flower, who was still on the floor.
“Oh dear… just what are you doing?” he huffed, narrowing his gaze— though it was more of a statement judging her than a question.
“Chill, ya dork. I’m just tired…” she rolled over, now trying to swat at the imaginary flowers like a cat. Maybe if she tried hard enough, she could get some for Piko. As her hands passed through air, she realized what was happening and shook her head. “Ow…”
Just as Piko was about to open his mouth, she noticed the bags.
“Ooh! Whatcha got there~?” she jested, her voice a sing-songy tone.
“Put that aside! Why are you so—”
Her bangs were tilted, revealing her forehead’s red tint.
“What happened there?!”
“Where?” she asked, turning to face the mirror. The bump was redder than she thought.
“I-I, wow that’s…” she tittered, forcing a grin. “Must’ve hit it harder than I thought, huh?”
“You hit—?!”
As much as he could’ve went on about being more careful, Flower’s feelings were the main focus right now.
Sighing, he bent down to her level. “Look, I’m aware you’re distressed about the show— but this is really beginning to concern me.”
His look was softer now, the tension of his facial muscles easing. Flower averted her eyes.
“It is about the show… right?”
“W-well, duh.” replied Flower, gazing back at him while trying to keep her most neutral face. But he wasn’t letting her out of this one.
“Okay, well… maybe just one other thing…”
Piko sat closer now, keeping his eyes on her as long as he could.
“I dunno…” Flower muttered, grimacing. “I don’t think my focus has ever been worse than it was today. Like… I fix one mistake, then another one pops up—” she admitted, motioning each side with her hands. “It’s never been that bad before.”
“Do you know what might be causing that?” Piko inquired, eyebrows furrowed.
“My mind’s been other places,” she confessed further. “Like, yeah— the show’s important and all, but I’ve done shows before. Our relationship, on the other hand…”
Oh god, what was she saying? Her face was turning redder with every word now. He was probably so worried, thinking that it was some deep, personal problem— but nope. Just her being a dork. But she’d already spoke— it was too late to back down.
“I’ll be dancing one second, but then I realize how late it is, and… I start to wonder what you’re up to, y’know?” Flower said, only looking at her twiddling fingers now. “What cover you’re working on… what shape that stupid ahoge is in…” she chuckled. She was trying to be serious right now, but it sounded funnier now that she said it out loud.
As if on cue, Piko’s ahoge curved into a heart. “Oh my…”
Although the red tint on Flower’s forehead was slowly fading, the tint on his cheeks only burned redder. Even though they were in a relationship now, it stunned him all the same.
“Yup…” sighed Flower, sliding one hand over her face. “I’m supposed to be this cool idol who sings rock and metal, but now— I can’t even think straight! Man…” she removed the hand, looking up to see his reaction. But he was still beet red.
“Uh… Peeks? You good there?”
“Huh?” asked the dazed Piko. He gave his head a little shake.
“N-no! I mean, yes! I mean… I know the exact way you feel! You see, I was getting quite worried with how much less we began spending time together, and I figured you were stressed with the show. That’s why I came here,” he spluttered, letting his mind catch up with his words. “I just… didn’t think you’d feel the same…”
Of course he did.
Flower’s smirk returned to her face, her usual teasing coming on. “Surprise, surprise… the person you’re in a relationship with feels the same way,”
“I-I don’t know, okay?! I’m new to this whole relationship thing… you have more experience and everything…!” exclaimed Piko, waving his hands around.
“Relaaax, I’m kiddin’!”she beamed, a giggle escaping her. “I just find it cute how easily you get flustered, y’know?”
“Flowerrr…” Piko whined, noticing the bags still beside him. Right, he thought.
“Anyway… I assume you’ve been practicing for a while, so… how about we take a little break?” he offered, pulling the bags between them. Looking inside them, Flower was met with konpeito, various types of cake, and all different flavors of pudding.
“Woah, where’d you find all this?!” she bounced with the motion and leaned over, taking out some of them. “They even had the black sesame one that I like, too?”
“Indeed! It’s a new store that opened up near me recently— I was gonna bring it up before your little… predicament,” he replied, a slight smile tugging on the corners of his lips. “I figured you were quite worried with everything for the show, and that it’d cheer you up a bit— oh?!”
Flower threw her arms around him, squeezing with all her might before he could even blink. “Of course your first thought was me, ya dork…” she chaffed, burying her face further into his shoulder. Pulling away, she continued:
“Gosh… as much as I love to say that I don’t need breaks, I really do appreciate it.” Flower beamed, a warm expression entering her face along with eyes that sparkled with gratitude. One that made Piko do the same, too.
His actions weren’t needed, but the fact that they were done kindled a warm fire inside her— and she wanted to make sure he knew of that.
One leg at a time, she brought herself off the floor, hands on her hips. “What do you say we call it a night, huh?”
“If you’re certain, then I don’t see why not!” Piko agreed, bringing himself to his feet as well now.
And so, the two settled at Piko’s house— laughing at old, cringeworthy covers of theirs while munching on all the pudding they could.
Sure, they might’ve been dorks.
But maybe it wasn’t so bad to be someone else’s.