Kaoru Hoshitani had always loved Sunflower; this fondness was etched deep into his very bones.
When he was still very young, he once heard his father—always wearing a gentle smile—say that Sunflower was a fascinating plant.
Its orientation changed between morning and evening, always following the sun’s path.
Wherever the sun was, the golden, brilliant face of the Sunflower would devoutly turn in that direction.
From then on, this image of persistence and living toward the light took root in his pure heart, causing him to fall helplessly in love with this bright and warm flower.
He liked the way Sunflower always turned toward the sunlight, striving to grow; he liked what it represented: vitality, hope, and all things positive and uplifting, full of energy.
This preference was like a microcosm of his own character—always instinctively drawn toward warmth and brightness.
Having lasted for so many years, this fondness was naturally well known to Aina Saiten, who had grown up with him since childhood and later became his Girlfriend.
Back when Kaoru Hoshitani was still a middle or high school student, that cleanly dressed, awkwardly smiling boy in his School Uniform, Aina Saiten would often give him small Sunflower-themed gifts on every special day worth commemorating.
But as Kaoru Hoshitani gradually grew up and shed the greenness of youth, perhaps because his priorities shifted or his state of mind changed, this once-vivid passion, at least to outsiders, seemed no longer so strong or so open—like a treasured memory tucked away.
“Senpai, are you planning to buy flowers? Could it be… you’re getting them for your Boyfriend?”
Chinatsu Ayase followed Aina Saiten’s gaze, which had been lingering dreamily, and also noticed that little flower shop filled with all kinds of fresh blooms and a rich fragrance behind its shop window.
She stopped, a curious smile on her face, and quietly asked.
“Yes… I’m planning to buy a little something.”
To be honest, Aina Saiten didn’t really want to discuss her precious, not-easily-shared Boyfriend with this newly acquainted girl, so she only gave a vague and reserved answer, her eyes still lingering on those Sunflowers, dazzling gold outside the shop.
“Haha, looks like you really do love your Boyfriend, Senpai. I won’t disturb you anymore then—goodbye.”
Chinatsu Ayase was quick-witted and perceptive.
Seeing that Aina Saiten didn’t wish to talk more, she sensibly didn’t pry further.
She simply sighed a little, said that, and then politely nodded goodbye to Aina Saiten before blending into the crowd heading home from work.
“Mm, goodbye, Ayase Miss.”
After seeing off Chinatsu Ayase, Aina Saiten didn’t hesitate any longer. She pushed open the Glass Door with Wind Chime and stepped inside.
Warm, humid air filled with a stronger floral fragrance greeted her.
She went directly to the bucket where Sunflowers were displayed and carefully picked out three of the best: each with full petals and the brightest golden color.
She then asked the enthusiastic clerk to add a few green sprigs of Eucalyptus and a scattering of white Baby’s Breath for decoration, to wrap it all up beautifully with a pale gold ribbon tied into a bow.
After she received the bouquet from the clerk’s hands—delicately wrapped, vibrant, and brimming with vitality—she lowered her head for a closer look.
The golden faces, set off by green leaves, appeared even more radiant and lovely, and her heart was filled with satisfaction, her face unconsciously blossoming with anticipation.
She swiftly paid, then carefully cradled the bouquet, left the shop, and melted into the busy crowds of early evening, heading toward the Train Station, ready to pick up her beloved Boyfriend from work as usual.
On the gently rocking train, as the carriage swayed rhythmically, Aina Saiten held the bouquet of Sunflowers to her chest, the subtle fragrance lingering at the tip of her nose. She couldn’t help but let her thoughts drift.
She began to imagine, later that night, after presenting this bouquet filled with apology and affection to Kaoru, how she might naturally unlock some of her Boyfriend’s alluring and bashful “Special Scenario” and “Hidden CG.”
[Now that I think about it… it really shouldn’t be this way. Ever since I sprained my back last time because I got too excited, I haven’t done it with Kaoru… If I count carefully, it’s already been a week, hasn’t it…?]
Images of Kaoru Hoshitani’s hazy, passionate eyes and flushed cheeks flashed in her mind, and her heart fluttered with heat.
But as Aina Saiten sat on the train, gently swaying with its motion, lost in her rosy, wandering thoughts—
What she didn’t know was that at this very moment, the Boyfriend she held so dear was, in the depths of that familiar Izakaya, being forcefully pressed against a cold wall by another tall, powerful woman—unable to resist her overwhelming strength—as she captured him in a deep, dominating kiss…
—————
Time must rewind several hours.
Kaoru Hoshitani had already walked from home to Kawasakiya, changed into the navy blue Kimono Work Uniform, and was preparing to start his evening shift.
Because of that previous awkward and nerve-wracking incident, there was still a faint layer of tension and discomfort between him and Rika Kawasaki—like a tautly drawn string.
Out of loyalty to his Girlfriend and a sense of self-preservation, Kaoru Hoshitani intended to keep a safe distance from Rika Kawasaki, just as he had in recent days.
He avoided her as much as possible at work, steering clear of any unnecessary contact or eye contact.
But for some reason, Rika Kawasaki was behaving a bit strangely tonight.
Her presence was forceful, and her gaze—carrying a hint of scrutiny and other complex emotions—kept trailing after his busy figure, lingering for a long time whenever it fell on him.
She wore an obviously conflicted expression, clearly wanting to say something but not knowing how to start, her brows slightly knit, lips pressed together.
But Kaoru Hoshitani didn’t want to hear whatever it was she wanted to say.
Because deep down, ever since that incident, he had developed an inexplicable instinctive fear and wariness toward this tall, physically powerful woman—like a small animal alert to a potential predator.
The source of his fear likely stemmed from that day in the dim restroom, when he’d been forcefully kissed by Rika Kawasaki, his entire body trapped in her iron embrace.
No matter how much he struggled, it was like a powerless insect shaking a great tree—he couldn’t move at all, as if her burning breath and overpowering strength would completely swallow him, merge him into her broad chest.
That absolute sense of suppression and suffocation had left a deep psychological scar.
[If… if I get caught by her like that again, there’s no way… absolutely no way I’ll escape…]