The way he stumbled into Magnolia Flower Café was by chance. His boss is looking for a location to shoot the magazine cover for next month’s model, and he wanted someplace outside the studio. Fire razed their original location, and the shoot is supposed to be in three days. Juri is working double time enough as it is.
Just as he was about to pass the café, he stops and looks at the flowers surrounding the off-white wooden walls. Thew place is almost empty, except for a man typing on his laptop and a woman sipping coffee at another table.
Juri reaches for the door handle and makes his way in. The place actually doesn’t look bad. The flowers make it aesthetic enough and matches the concept they have for the photoshoot. He takes out his phone and opens the camera app so he can take pictures to send to his boss.
“Hi, can I help you?”
Juri turns around and finds himself face to face with wavy-haired man and a bright smile. He’s wearing a white shirt and a brown apron that go well with the café’s aesthetic. And he has a name tag on.
“Hi, um …” He squints at the name tag. “Kochi.” He puts on his most professional smile before reaching for his wallet to take out his business card. “I’m Tanaka Juri. From Style Tokyo.”
Kochi blinks as he takes the business card. “Oh, hi,” he greets. He takes out a business card from the pocket of his apron. “I’m Kochi Yugo. I’m the manager of Magnolia.”
“I’m actually scouting locations for a photoshoot,” Juri explains. “It’s kind of last-minute because our original location had a problem, and I was wondering if we could do it here.”
Kochi’s smile widens. “That would be nice,” he remarks. “When will you have it?”
“In three days.” Juri grimaces. “"It’ll just be for half a day, and you can get back to your normal operations after that. We’ll cover food, drinks, and flowers —”
“Okay.”
Well, that was easy. “Okay?” he repeats, just to be sure.
“Yeah, we’re usually not busy on …” He fishes out his phone and taps his fingers on the screen. “Thursdays, so we can accommodate a photoshoot. Does morning sound good to you?”
“Of course.” Juri grins as he fishes out his phone to give his boss the head’s up. “Thank you so much.”
The photoshoot went better than expected. As always, Juri gets lost in the flurry of activity, from setting up the location to directing his assistants. Kochi Yugo makes sure they have everything they need, even helping some of their assistants arrange the flowers.
And the food and drinks were good, too. Juri’s no gourmet, but he would come back to Magnolia just for that iced Americano and cheesecake.
When everyone is packed up and ready to leave, he approaches Yugo, who had returned to the counter to punch something in the cash register. He looks up and puts on his customer-friendly smile. “Can I help you?”
“Just wanna thank you for today,” Juri says, rubbing the back of his head.
Yugo shakes his head. “Glad to be of help,” he remarks.
“Anything I can do to thank you?”
“Oh, just promote this place in your magazine, and I should be fine.” Yugo chuckles. “Or you can swing by over here without bringing your work.”
Juri laughs at that. “Sounds like a plan.”
Juri keeps his word and goes back to Magnolia two weeks later. Because his friends are busy with their own personal lives, he had nothing else to do on a Saturday morning.
Not that Juri is jealous. He hasn't been with anyone in a while, and it’s refreshing. No need to wait for someone or find something to talk about. No need to read the room to see if his date is having a great time or feeling bored.
It’s just him.
Yugo isn’t there when he enters. Instead, it’s Matsumura Hokuto — Yugo introduced him as the chef — who approaches him. “Hello,” he greets, eyes brightening. “Tanaka, right? From the magazine shoot a few days ago.”
Juri blinks but nods. “Yeah, that’s me. How did you …”
“Oh, Yugo told me about it. Might have dug a bit into your magazine, too.” Hokuto grins. “Actually, we have to thank you. A lot of our new customers saw the café in your magazine, so we owe you a lot.”
Warmth spreads across his chest. “Good to know.”
“Yugo’s out for some errands, but he’ll be back.” Hokuto gestures to the dining area, where the place is surprisingly almost full. “Have a seat, and I’ll get the menu. He said your first meal with us is on the house.”
Yugo returns to the café thirty minutes later, just as Juri is enjoying his meal. He beams and practically skips toward him. “Hey, you came.”
Juri grins. “Hey. Thanks for the free meal. You really didn’t have to do that.”
“Oh, I wanted to.” Yugo plops on the chair across him. “Since your magazine came out, customers came pouring in. We have a lot more people in the café, and we have a lot of flower deliveries, too.”
“Flower deliveries?” Juri repeats.
“Yeah, would be a waste if these flowers are just for display here.” He tilts his head toward the doorframe bordered with flowers. “But this café actually started as a flower shop, until I convinced my parents that the flowers need to have some use instead of us waiting for a customer to turn it into a bouquet.”
Juri nods. “So, a family business.”
“Yup. One that I would never trade in the world for.”
Yugo’s eyes sparkle as he talks about the café and the flower shop, a sparkle Juri understands. He has the same passion when he’s looking for locations for their shoot, when he’s taking photos of things and places and people. He loves the rush he gets whenever he nails a photo, whether intentionally or not. And best of all, he loves it when people feel something from his work.
But he likes this passion on Yugo, one that he wishes he could see every day.
Unlike the warm, spring-like interiors of the cafe, the city outside is transformed with a blanket of snow, with delicate flakes falling gently onto the ground. The air outside is crisp and cold, and Juri thanks the heavens that Magnolia’s heater is working double time.
It’s already evening, just hours after the dinner rush, and yet the place is almost full. Juri — he’s lucky to be working remotely today — ignores the thousands of photos he should be sorting through to watch Yugo take orders while giving instructions to the new waiter — Shintaro. Sometimes Shintaro would take over so that Yugo would disappear in the flower booth to handle deliveries that come and go.
“You’re staring.”
Juri glares at his companion, who has been watching him with a hand on his chin and a knowing smile. “I’m just amazed how he could handle everything when the cafe is busy.”
“Oh, Juri.” Taiga laughs. “I think I’ve known you long enough to recognize if you like someone.”
He clears his throat. Of course. Of all people, Taiga should know.
“And you’re not exactly the type who likes” — Taiga makes a sweeping gesture at the walls — “this kind of aesthetic, so I figured out your Saturdays are occupied not because you like flowers.”
“Okay, detective genius, that’s enough,” Juri mumbles, rolling his eyes and returning his attention to his laptop.
Taiga laughs before his gaze softens. “But seriously, I’m happy for you,” he says. “I haven’t seen you like this since …” He trails off when Juri raises an eyebrow at him then stays silent.
Juri would rather not have Taiga continue the sentence. They were doing so well being who they are now. If they try to remember again …
“Anyway.” Taiga looks at his watch then stands up. “I should get going.”
Juri grunts in reply. From his gaze at the laptop, he fees Taiga put down a couple of bills before standing up.
He doesn’t know how long Taiga has gone, but someone has sat where he used to sit. When Juri looks up, he’s met by a bright smile. “Hey,” Yugo greets with a smile.
Juri grins, closing his laptop. “Does being manager involve sitting with customers?” he asks.
“Helps with the customer service,” Yugo quips. “Also, it’s almost closing time.” He slides Juri’s bill next to his phone.
He looks at his watch, and sure enough, it’s almost nine. “Sorry about that.” He takes out his wallet.
“No need to rush. Just leave it by the register. I just need to store the flowers, alright?”
Juri finds an exact amount and packs up before heading to the register, where Shintaro punches in his order. From there, he can see Yugo and Hokuto in the booth across them, wrapping flowers in their vases before disappearing in a white door that Juri has never seen before.
He can’t help but approach the booth. “Where do the flowers go?” he asks.
Yugo turns around. “Oh, to our cold storage,” he says, gesturing toward the door. “It’s where we keep them from wilting.”
“Amazing.”
“Would you like to check it out?” Yugo offers with a chuckle.
Juri’s not in a hurry. He’ll just be by himself in his apartment, most of his boxes still unopened. He’s not looking forward to unpacking those either. He shrugs and nods.
He’s expecting harsh, industrial lights, but the cold storage just like those shelves from the drinks section of a convenience store, only vases of flowers surround it. Juri watches as Yugo opens one of the refrigerator doors before storing the vase he’s holding inside.
“Do you really like flowers?” Juri asks.
Yugo laughs. “I mean, I do run a cafe-slash-flower shop.”
“I know that.” Juri mentally smacks his face. “It’s just —“
“I get it.” Yugo heads out of the storage, and Juri follows. “But I really do love flowers. Sometimes they express feelings better than words ever could.”
Juri vaguely knows that flowers do carry some symbolisms — like roses are for eternal love or whatever. But just as he’s about to ask Yugo to elaborate, Shintaro and Hokuto call Yugo’s name.
“Yo, Jesse’s here.”
He had seen Yugo’s face brighten before, but right now, his face puts the sun to shame. “I have to go,” he says. “See you again, Tanaka?”
“Yeah. See you.”
As he exits so that Shintaro and Hokuto could lock up, he watches Yugo practically run toward a tall figure by the lamp post. The man’s face — Jesse, from what Juri remembers a couple of seconds ago — brightens up as well as he opens his arms, welcoming Yugo in an embrace.
“He’s Jesse,” Shintaro says. Juri didn’t even know that Yugo’s two co-workers have already finished locking up.
“Jesse?” Juri repeats.
“Yugo’s boyfriend,” Hokuto adds before slinging his bag over his shoulder.
Juri’s supposed to turn the other way around and walk home. But he can’t take his eyes away from Yugo and Jesse.
Neither can he ignore the hot pit in his stomach when he watches Jesse kiss the top of Yugo’s head before they walk away, hand in hand.
Jesse. Two years younger than Yugo, a year younger than Juri. Just graduated and is currently looking for a job.
They met when Yugo was in his third year of university, and Jesse in his first. Jesse had been adamant in getting Yugo to date him, and at first, Yugo wasn’t interested in being in a relationship. But apparently, Jesse is hard to say no to.
And Yugo hadn’t been saying no to Jesse for the next three years.
Juri learns everything about Yugo and Jesse against his will. Unfortunately, he came at a slow day at Magnolia, and Yugo was out speaking to one of their flower suppliers. Shintaro takes it as an opportunity to blab away even though Juri only asked about how long Yugo and Jesse have been together.
Shintaro seems to be willing to share more until Yugo finally arrives, arms crossed. Not that it scared Shintaro, who skips back to the register.
“I’m sorry about that.” Yugo smiles apologetically as he sits across Juri, like he always does. “I can’t believe I tell that brat everything.”
Juri swallows the last of his drink. “I think he’s just happy for you,” he says. “You seem to be happy.”
“Not all the time.” Yugo blushes. “But Jesse’s worth staying for.”
A couple of years ago, Juri believed that, too. He’s glad that Taiga’s still in his life at all, but he wonders if he could have been worth staying or he was just a coward to let go.
But it’s all in the past. They’re still friends — maybe not as close as they were before — and Juri has moved on. To one of the brightest smiles he has ever seen. But whose smile will not be for him.
Sometimes Juri feels wonderful. He would reward himself after a long night in an event by sleeping in and waking at noon. After that, he’ll just do whatever — clean his house, call a friend (usually Shota or Fuma), or just go out by himself.
Other times, like today, he can’t even get a decent few hours of sleep. Juri gives up altogether and heads to the kitchen to brew himself a cup of coffee.
Only to find out that he had run out of beans and had forgotten to do a quick grocery run after the event last night. Juri groans, pulls a hoodie and sweatpants, and gets his keys. Luckily, the nearest grocery is just a couple of minutes away, and he’ll be back before he knows it.
The apartment hallway is quiet, just how Juri likes it at the moment. It’s the weekend, so there’s no one really in a hurry to get up and go out. Juri pushes the elevator button to the ground floor and lets it close.
He doesn’t expect to see Yugo and Jesse in the apartment lobby.
“Kochi?”
Yugo spins around, and his eyes widen. “Tanaka?” he asks. “What are you doing here?”
“I live here.”
“So do we!” Yugo takes Jesse’s hand. “Tanaka, this is Jesse, my boyfriend. Jesse, this is Tanaka Juri. The one I told you about Style Tokyo?”
“Oh, that guy!” Jesse breaks into a smile as he holds out his hand. “Nice to meet you, man. Magnolia’s been super busy these days, and this guy’s been super happy.”
“Glad to hear. Been a regular customer myself.” Juri shakes Jesse’s hand. Compared to what he’s wearing, Jesse looks like he’s about to strut the runway of some fashion show Juri is set to cover next spring. Yugo isn’t dressed like a model, but he’s put together as well. Then his gaze falls to the luggage. “Going somewhere?”
Yugo grins. “Yeah, out of town for a few days,” he explains. “Will you be at Magnolia later?”
“Yeah.” Juri nods. Even though he plans only to stay at home the rest of the day. But Yugo doesn’t need to know that.
“Okay.” Yugo looks down when Jesse tugs his hand. “See you when I see you, then.”
Juri watches Yugo and Jesse leave and decides to head back to his apartment. Maybe he doesn’t need coffee after all.
When Juri drops by Magnolia four days later, Taiga is by the counter, speaking to Hokuto. Taiga’s eyes are sparkling, and Yugo must have made a funny comment before Taiga throws his head back in laughter, a hand up to cover his mouth.
That’s when Juri sees the ring around his finger.
He knows it would happen. Taiga had been dating this guy half a year after they broke up, and he always has a smile on his face whenever the guy is mentioned in conversation. Juri should have seen it coming when Taiga started talking more about having a house and playing with their co-workers’ kids.
But the realization still hits him like he had just collided with a bullet train.
Hokuto and Taiga both turn their heads to the direction of the door when Juri enters, the chimes giving away his presence. Taiga practically skips to his direction and grabs him by the wrist, the ring digging against Juri’s skin. “I have something to tell you.”
They take a seat on one of the cream benches, Shintaro setting two glasses of water on their table. Taiga practically jumps in his seat, and Juri wishes for the entire thing to be over.
Finally, Taiga takes a deep breath. “I’m getting married,” he announces.
He had braced himself for the announcement minutes ago, but it still hurts. But he puts on a smile. “Congratulations,” he says. “When?”
“We haven’t started planning yet. He proposed to me yesterday.” Taiga smiles at the ring on his finger. “Oh, Juri, I knew this would happen eventually, but I still didn’t expect to cry when he brought out the ring and …” He giggles. “I spoke to the waiter and asked if they also do flower arrangements for events, but they’ll check with the manager. He’s out for the week, apparently.”
The image of Yugo and Jesse for a couple of days returns in his memory. Juri squeezes his fists hard against his thigh as if the act itself could calm him down.
Taiga’s face falls. “Juri?” he asks.
He mentally shakes his head. “I’m happy for you,” he says, and he means it. “Really, I am. This is what you wanted, right?”
This is what I couldn’t give.
Taiga’s shoulders relax as he nods. “I really think this is it,” he says. “Thank you. I wanted you to be the first to know. You’re my best friend, Juri. And I hope you could be my best man, too.”
“Of course.”
“Great.” Taiga raises his hand and asks Shintaro for the menu. “So let’s celebrate. My treat.”
Juri is happy for Taiga, he really is. But a part of him wonders what could have happened those years ago, if he were more willing to ask Taiga for forever.
But he knew it was impossible. Their relationship as more than friends was bound to fail anyway.
Yugo is finally in Magnolia when Juri arrives on Monday evening, too busy to give him anymore but a greeting as he attends to a line of customers standing by the register. Juri just gives him a wave before heading to a vacant table.
“Hey.”
Yugo slides on the chair across his once everything looks like it has calmed down. Juri looks at the time on his phone and realizes that there’s an hour left until closing.
“How was your date?” he asks.
He doesn’t expect Yugo to avoid his gaze. “It’s okay,” he says. “I heard your friend wants to hire us for flower arrangements for his wedding.”
Juri winces. Taiga had only been in Magnolia once; he didn’t expect Yugo to remember him. “Yeah.” He smiles. He’s been getting better with processing the news these days.
“For a moment I thought you two were together,” Yugo adds. “So I was surprised.” He blinks then blushes. “Sorry about that. I shouldn’t be assuming.”
He shakes his head.
“Yugo!” Hokuto calls from the register. “Just gonna start closing.”
“Thanks.” Yugo turns back to Juri. He stands up. “I should go—“
“Taiga and I used to date.”
Juri doesn’t know why he had to blurt it out. It’s been more than two years since the breakup, a year and a half since Taiga found someone else. He had more than enough time to move on, but some days he would hurt again, and he’s tired of opening up to friends who have better things to do.
Yugo isn’t exactly a friend, but at this point, he’s not a stranger either.
Yugo tilts his head to the side. “I’m supposed to fix the flowers in cold storage. Talk to me while I do that?”
Juri blinks, but he nods anyway.