THERE YOU GO. A senseless sappy story (hey that's three s!) for those who like happy endings lolol.
HAHA. I promise I'll not write such crappy stories again. Angst owns :)
000
Seth was walking along the empty corridor, a thick book in hand. He was having an exam in his next class, and his brain was about to explode from too much information and lack of sleep. His rigorous practice did not help him either. Not minding if he trip or something, he continued on his way to class.
He was nearing the Music Hall when he heard a faint sound of piano being played. He stopped in his tracks and listened to the soft melody. Leaning on the wall, he closed his eyes, allowing the music to flow inside him. It was light and sweet, calming his strained mind. He could see himself in an open field, with the grass swaying along the wind. Seth continued to listen, letting the music take him away. He could almost feel the warmth of the sun against his skin, its rays piercing through the white, puffy clouds.
His daydreaming was cut off by the loud beeping of his watch. Class was about to start. He ran as he went past the source of sound, his lips curved just a small bit upward. He felt much better after listening to it.
000
It was his free time and afternoon practice would not start till two hours later. Thinking that he should train early, he found himself in the Music Hall instead of the grounds, standing in front of that particular room. Seth got a high score in his exam yesterday, and he believed it was because of the music. It made his mind at ease, allowing him to concentrate. And since he was not busy, he decided to go back there.
He was making himself comfortable sitting beside the door when the familiar sound of piano filled the air. He closed his eyes and relaxed, feeling the emotion of the music once more. He was not the type to appreciate all kinds of music. In all honesty, people do not see him as someone who can appreciate ANY music. Despite this, he could feel himself becoming attracted to the music. It was pleasant if not lovely, to his ears.
His coming to the Music Room became a daily basis. He would sit beside the door and listen, freeing his soul from the chains of reality. Being a person who was given a leadership responsibility, Seth never let his emotions take over his mind. He always thought rationally and stuck to his principles, as what is needed to his position. But whenever he was here, he felt freedom here.
000
He was almost near the university when a small shop came to view. "Bloom Fields", the sign read. He decided to enter the shop and was welcomed by wide array of flowers, all bright and colorful. His eyes wandered inside, taking in the beauty of the place. The interior was simple yet captivating, with the flowers serving as the main decoration. It was also clear and airy, thanks to the glass panels that allowed light to enter.
"Good morning. How may I help you?"
Seth turned and saw a lady smiling, standing in front of him. She was wearing a pink apron, a bouquet of roses in hand.
"Hn." He nodded his head in greeting.
"Make yourself comfortable." Her smile grew wider as she went to the counter and placed the flowers on the table.
Seth continued to walk around, his eyes feasting on every flower.
"Do you happen to like flowers?"
His musing was cut off by that question. He shook his head politely "No." He answered.
"I see. But flowers are magnificent creations. They can deliver one's message in the most charming way."
"Ah."
"Flowers have their own language. Everyone of them has its own meaning. By giving someone a flower, you can express what you feel without speaking. And they give a visual appeal to our message."
Seth nodded his head in understanding. "Flowers have their own language." Suddenly, an idea popped inside his head. "Do you happen to know their meanings?"
The lady looked up to him, an eyebrow arched upward. "Of course. How can I say such things if I don't know what I'm talking about?"
"I'm sorry." He apologized.
"It's okay. So, how can I help?"
"A flower that says you admire the person." Seth asked.
"Admiration? There are lots, actually." She stepped out of the counter and looked around. "It depends on what kind of admiration you have."
"Just pure adoration."
"I see. Perhaps..." She went to a row and pulled a branch of small, purple flowers. "These will do."
"..."
"Purple heather." She replied, as if knowing he would ask. "They mean admiration."
"Purple heather..." Seth repeated. "I'll take it."
"You don't look like someone who gives flowers."
"Hn."
"Yeah. You look more of a... practical type." She held the flowers before him. "Will this be all?"
"Yes." Seth was about to take his wallet when the other stopped him. "On the house. No need to pay for it."
His eyebrow furrowed slightly, hesitant to take it for free.
The florist smiled. "It's fine, really. One branch won't hurt my business."
Thanking her, Seth took it and went to the door. Looking at the flowers in hand, he wondered if his idea would work.
000
It was still few minutes before lunch break, but Seth already asked the lecturer if he could go. Being an excellent student, the teacher agreed and he got out of the class earlier.
He didn't mean to buy it (which he didn't because he got it for free). But the idea of expressing his admiration to the unknown pianist pushed him to ask for the flower. It wasn’t that he knew who it was, and that music was his only link to him, but he knew he adored his music, listening to it everyday.
He entered the room quietly. It wasn't big, but spacious. It was plain, save for the grand piano sitting in the middle of the room. He approached the instrument, feeling the soft carpet under his feet. His fingers ran on the keys, imagining the pianist hitting them lightly with his own. He could visualize him sitting on the chair, making those musical notes come to life.
He couldn't afford to daydream for long. The musician might come anytime now. Seth placed the small note on the piano, together with the purple heather. He just wished that person get his message, and will continue playing everyday.
He went out of the Music Room and waited at a corner, listening for footsteps. Soon, he heard a faint rustling of feet and a soft click of the door. Someone had entered the room. Seth caught his breath, waiting for a reaction. He began to relax as he heard the familiar music coming inside. Drowning himself to the song once again, he sat against the wall and listened, a small, contented look on his face.
Shane was busily arranging the music sheets and placing them in his folder. He wanted to play longer, but he needed to meet his friend Sera at the cafeteria. He was about to leave when his eyes caught those purple flowers on top of the piano, a note lying beneath them. He mentally scolded himself for almost forgetting. He had placed them back to where he saw it when he entered the room. With a small smile playing on his lips, he read the message again.
"A branch of purple heather for your wonderful music. May this simple flower show you my admiration of your sweet melodies."
The note was simple yet pretty, just like the flower with it. Shane could feel the sincerity of the sender through his words. Many have told him how great his music was. But it was the first time he got something like it. Somehow, it warmed his heart to get an unusual way of compliment. And so he played with more passion. True, he alway let his music take over him, but the message fueled him to do better, hoping that the person, whoever he was, was still around and heard him say his thanks.
He took the flower and the note and placed them inside his bag, careful not to be crushed. Making his way out, he glanced at the piano once more, vowing to play it again the next day.
000
Days passed since he gave the flower to the still unknown pianist. Gnawing with curiosity, Seth wondered if the other got them, or what his reaction was. How would he know? He doesn't even know the person's face.
He waited near that place again, feeling anxious. He wanted to see the person who let his soul free with his melodies. Then what? Go and tell him he was the one who gave the flowers, and ask if he got them? It's already stupid wanting to see the faceless pianist when all he needed was his music, but it's even more stupid to do this just to know if he received his so called "gift".
Seth's body stiffened when he heard those light footsteps and the familiar sound of knob being turned. He knew that the pianist was already inside, preparing to play again. Nearing the door, he opened it cautiously. He needed to do this to stop his bugging curiosity. Seth peeked at the small opening he made as he heard the sound of musical notes. He felt his eyes widen as he stared at the figure.
An angel was playing in front of the piano.
Seth was never the type to use flowery words to describe a person. But upon seeing the mysterious pianist, only one word entered his mind.
Ethereal. That's how he would describe the sight before him. The man was playing the instrument, his long, slender fingers gracing the keys. His head was full of golden brown hair, falling just above his shoulders. Seth might not have an excellent vision, but he was able to see that flawlessly angelic face. His eyes were closed beneath those long lashes, which the law student assumed would be lovely and soulful. He had a perfect nose and cherry red lips that were slightly parted. The light coming from the windows illuminated him, making him glow. Seth never thought someone would be this beautiful, let alone a man. He let out the breath he had unconsciously caught. Those wonderful songs he never got tired of listening to were created by an equally attractive being. Seth closed the door quietly, not wanting to distract the still absorbed musician. He could feel his heart hammering loudly inside his chest. He ward of the unfamiliar feeling, leaving the area.
Seth shook his head vigorously. What was he thinking, admiring someone, let alone a man? And since when did he start being cheesy? He had been showering the man with romantic compliments since the day he saw him.
When practice ended that day, he found himself walking on that same left path to his house. Soon, the familiar shop came to view. Bloom Fields. Seth thought of walking past it, but as he reached the place, he just caught himself pushing the door open.
"Good morning." The lady greeted. "Welcome to- oh it's you again."
"Hn."
"Of course! It's not everyday that someone ask me for a flower's meaning before buying them. I'm used to people buying what they think is pretty in their eyes."
"Hn." Seth repeated.
"Not last time." She went to Seth, a friendly smile on her lips. "Do you need my help again?"
"Ah."
The other tilted her head slightly. "You wouldn't go here if you don't need to, right? You will ask for some flower again."
"..."
"You're quite easy to read." The florist chuckled. "I'm Erika by the way."
"Seth."
"Well, Seth, what do you need this time?" Erika asked.
He looked around. "...I really don't have something in mind yet." Seth said as he strolled along the flowers.
"That's what I'm here for."
Shane was humming to himself as he walked to the Music Room. He had just finished his latest composition last night. Opening the door, he was welcomed by the calming aura of the place. It had always made his mind at ease. Placing his things on the couch, he pulled out his music sheets and approached the piano. There, on top of the instrument, was a single pink rose. Knowing what it was, he picked it up. Just like before, it was accompanied by a note.
"I wanted to know if you got my little gift. Forgive me if I will keep on doing this from now on."
Shane stared at the message. Continue doing what? Sending him flowers? Feeling clueless, he sat on the chair, preparing to start his practice. He gave one last look at the flower.
"Maybe the flowers mean something?" He thought. " I wonder what's next."
He had regularly received flowers since then. Everyday, a different one will be waiting for him, sometimes with a note attached to it. Shane have a friend who helps him in knowing their meanings, so he's not that clueless anymore.
That single pink rose. "I watch you from afar."
Then an Azalea. "Please take care of yourself for me. Stay healthy."
White Camellia. "You're adorable."
Gardenia. "You're lovely."
He didn't know why that person kept on sending him such messages, but he eventually got used to it. He even found himself anticipating them whenever he comes to the room. After seeing the flower, he would play to his heart's content.
He pushed the door open, entering the flower shop. He looked for a certain someone and spotted her between the lilies
"So, what did you got today?" She greeted.
Shane opened his bag and pulled out a striped flower. "This."
"Oh, variegated tulips. He thinks you have beautiful eyes." Erika said.
Shane grinned at the answer. "Really?"
"Yep." The other replied.
"Why do you think he keeps on doing that?"
"The what?"
"Giving me flowers."
"Hmm, maybe he likes you?"
"He should've just told me directly." He let out a chuckle. "I don't even know him or what he looks like. And besides, he hadn't expressed anything romantic. Just the usual compliments."
"Oh, did I sense disappointment in your voice?"
He arched an eyebrow, smile still plastered on his pretty face. "Why would I be disappointed?"
"Because you wanted more than compliments."
"You're crazy." This earned a chuckle from the florist. "I'll go now. Need to buy some music sheets."
"Why don't you stay for a while?"
"No thanks. I might become a crazy like you. These flowers make you think weird."
"At least we're pretty." Erika said.
Shane gave a laugh. "In your dreams. You look like a Venus fly trap."
"Really? You should be careful when you sleep tonight. You might find some cactus under your bed."
"I would appreciate that little gift, Erika." The pianist waved as he heard his friend's last words before leaving. He thinks you have beautiful eyes." He smiled at the thought, thinking what he'll receive next.
000
Shane counted the music sheets he was carrying. "These will be enough." He thought.
He was still absorbed in counting that he didn't see the person appear before him from one of the aisle. He bumped into him, causing the pianist to look up.
Dark brown eyes met emerald green ones.
Shane continued staring at the handsome face. His hair was dark brown in color. Athletic built barely hidden beneath the same uniform Shane was wearing. His eyes were hidden behind those oval spectacles, yet there was something powerful about them, as if a strong force was pulling him towards him.
He backed away, waking from his trance. Fighting his face to flush in embarrassment; he gave an apology before walking away.
"So you bumped into him yesterday?" Erika asked, her eyes not leaving the
"Ah." Seth said.
"What did you say?"
"Nothing." He replied. It's true that he had nothing to say. But it's more correct that he was at loss of words when their eyes met. Good thing the pianist walked away first, or he would've looked like a gaping fish.
"I must say… I admire your stupidity. Never thought you have that." The florist said. "You could've easily asked him out, saving yourself some time instead of sending flowers everyday."
Seth didn't answer. Erika was right. He could've just asked him out. But for some unknown reasons, he found it hard to speak. That's why he chose to send his message through the flowers. His almost nonexistent communication skill can never help him whenever he saw the man, making it impossible to approach him.
Erika's voice broke his musings. "What should you give him today? To be honest, the variegated tulip was a little...pathetic."
Seth remained impassive. When he saw those blue eyes framed staring at him, he couldn't do anything but feel drowned on those lovely pools.
"Why don't you step a level higher? Enough compliments and go straight to the point."
He fell silent. He knew that his admiration towards him have passed platonic, entering the realm of romance in the course of time. And seeing him everyday only made it worse. Watching him play, even from afar, was enough for him to fall in love. It all seemed petty and illogical for someone like him, but love really makes even the smartest person stupid. Not that he consider himself one anyway.
"It's about time you start courting." Erika said. "I'm running out of flowers because of this. We could finish the whole floral encyclopedia if you don't do it now."
000
Shane slammed the door behind him as he entered. He was really pissed. Sera accidentally spilled some soup on his music sheet, smudging the notes. He had told her many times not to read while eating. Plus the fact that the girl was a walking accident. He let out a huff. Now he had to repeat his score all over again. He looked at the piano, knowing that something was waiting for him. Unlike before, there were two, one which was white, with clover-like petals, and the other a couple of red flowers attached on a branch. Shane took the note and read it.
"I didn't realize that my simple admiration will turn into this. It may sound crazy, but I think I like you."
He had forgotten whatever irritation he felt. The person who constantly gave him flowers just confessed to him. But surprisingly, he doesn't feel annoyed. Quite the opposite in fact.
He took the flowers and touched its petals, a sweet smile playing on his lips. "How could someone be as weird as this?"
000
"Erika." Shane called as he entered the flower shop.
"What is it?" Erika said.
"This."
Erika read the message. "He confessed?" The other nodded.
"You don't hate it? The confession thing?"
"Why would I?"
"I know you and I are too weird to be categorized as normal, but I thought you might at least find it disturbing to receive a confession from someone. A GUY to be exact." She looked at the pianist with a teasing expression. "Could it be that you're playing for the other team now?"
Shane's face remained smiling. "Is it wrong?"
"Of course not. You can't help being chased by both parties. I know you already had a few guy confessions before but I've never seen you as amused as this." She glanced at the flowers in hand. "Gladiola and white pansy. He's really sincere, and you were always in his mind. He must really like you."
"You think so?"
The florist winked at him. "Yeah. Just wait for the others. I'm sure he'll say something more than that."
Erika's prediction turned out to be true. His unknown admirer continued sending him flowers. And every time he did, Shane's heart would flutter.
A purple Lupin. Your music holds the sweetest melody."
Pink camellia. "Longing for you."
A stock. You'll always be beautiful to me."
Stripped carnation. "Wish I could be with you."
He might not want to admit it, but he was starting to like him too. He would sometimes wonder what he looks like, or when will they meet. And he would play with more passion, wanting the person to hear his feelings through his music.
000
Seth was standing beside a vase of sunflowers, staring at the petals. He watched as Erika watered her flowers lovingly. Erika looked up, a spray can in hand. "Until when will you keep up with this charade? It's about time you show yourself to him."
"Hn."
Erika was not the type to be easily pissed on people. But with a man like Seth who is as exciting as a rock, her inner love for sadism wanted to creep out. "Since when did you become afraid of something? You liked him even if you know nothing about him. You admitted loving him despite knowing it's pretty stupid. And now you're backing out?" The spray can she was holding was somehow pleading her to crush the dumb man's skull.
"Hn."
"Tell me." The florist was now facing him. "Do you really love him?"
Seth met her gaze. "I've never been this foolish in my whole life."
"Then let's finish this." She looked around the shop. "I've been helping in finding the flower that suits your message. This time, find it yourself. Give him the flower that reflects what you really feel. You're not that clueless now, are you?"
The ever stoic captain gave a nod. "Thank you. I might know what I need now."
Erika handed her guest a cup of hot coffee before getting one for herself. "Seriously, this game is more of a pain than enjoyment for me." She thought. "What now?"
Shane glanced towards the blood red flowers on the counter. Red carnation. My heart aches for you.
000
He took the small paper and read. "I'm sorry if it took me this long to tell you how I feel. Meet me at this room tomorrow, the same time you come here everyday." Her eyes went back to the pianist."You're going?"
"I think so. Considering I cannot make you introduce him to me."
Erika smiled. "Are you worried?"
Shane took a sip in his mug. "I don't know. What if he's not what I expect him to be? What if my feelings change moment I see him?"
The florist placed a hand on his shoulder. "Do you love him?"
Shane looked at the hand before speaking. "I learned to like him despite hiding behind those sweet gestures. I loved him knowing nothing but his feelings for me."
"Then believe in that. Meet him tomorrow. Only by then will you know what to do. Love is not seen. It is felt."
He smiled at his friend. "Thanks." His eyes shifted to the colorful flowers around them. "Can I ask a favor? I want to return his efforts when we meet."
000
It was time. Seth had his feet glued on the ground, unable to do anything. The man will arrive anytime now. And he still didn't know what to do. He wasn't even sure if the pianist will come. What if he didn't read it? What if he chose not to come? What if he just came to reject him?
These questions ran inside his head, failing to hear the door opened and closed.
"Excuse me. Was it you?"
That smooth, clear voice pulled him back to reality. Turning slowly, his gaze was met by those crystal green eyes. Seth caught his breath, taken by the other's appearance. He looked so beautiful, just like the first time he saw him.
He came.
000
Shane made his way to the music room, trying to calm his racing heart. He will meet him there, and he still didn't know what to do. What if he felt disappointed when they meet? What if he really isn't in love like he thought? These questions ran in his mind as he opened the door.
There, standing beside the piano was a man, his back facing him. He looked familiar, the pianist thought as he walked towards him. The man seemed to be lost in his thoughts, not sensing his presence. "Excuse me. Was it you?"
He saw the other's body froze. Turning slowly, he was met by a familiar pair of brown eyes. Everything went still as he saw that face.
It was him.
000
Both remained motionless, lost in each other's gaze. Sensing, thinking, feeling. They continued staring at each other, as if saying the words they cannot express through their eyes.
"Shane. Music major. Genius in piano and music composition. Quite popular among girls, and even to some boys. There are rumors around that he is a player."
He didn't look like it. More like an innocent angel sent from above.
"Ah, Seth. He's the captain of men's tennis club. Straight A student too. I heard he is a cold guy who never smiles."
He will never believe it. How can a cold guy send him such things?
"Love is not seen, it is felt."
He was afraid that his heart might change. But no. It didn't. Not because it was Seth. But because his feelings were created without knowing him. He learned to love him as the guy who loved him through the most wonderful creation of God.
It was Seth who broke the silence. "I really want to know everything about you." He extended his hand. "I believe I haven't properly introduced myself." He was holding a single, white flower. "I'm Seth."
Shane looked at the flower before extending his own. He too was holding one. They almost looked identical, only his was pinkish red in color. "Shane."
The flowers intertwined as their hands touched.
Arbutus.
Ambrosia.
“Please be mine."
“I would love to.”