"So, you are going to Flowerville the day after tomorrow, in spite of it meaning that you are taking a leave for work and not be with me. Am I understanding it right?"
Sipping my tea, I answered calmly, "Yes, it does seem like it. A pity, but it is what it is."
"And may I know the reason too?"
"Well, you already must have an idea, right?"
"Is it Vivienne? Also, care to explain what you were doing all alone at her studio apartment?"
I got up to the counter to refill my tea.
Without turning behind, I retorted,
"You should go first then. What is with the stalker behavior? Having your people monitoring me, I don't take too kindly to it, you know. And I had only noticed it yesterday. How long have you been doing this?"
"The day I woke up from my feverish dream and came to see you."
"Stalker woman."
"Now, now, you shouldn't hate me just because of this." She got up and walked up to me.
Wrapping her arms around my neck and staring directly into my eyes, she spoke,
"It is just that I am very possessive of what is mine. You are my only husband, so please understand how much I wish for your safety."
She tugged at my neck, bringing my face a little closer towards hers. In a low voice, "Also, Darling, don't think I would let you change the subject and skip the question? I also know you are not angry at me. Just a bit wary. But that's it. It will go away as we get closer to each other."
I could feel her breath on my face.
Pulling myself from her hold, I fake coughed to compose myself.
"It was Celeste. She had asked me to be with her."
Upon hearing my answer, I could see the gears turning rapidly inside her head.
So, before she could do anything to butt in, I made it clear.
"I do not hope to see you getting in between us during the visit. I am warning you this time. I respect all three of you and I hope you all will also. So no getting jealous and sabotaging our visit."
Before she could answer, I leaned in closer to her ear and whispered,
"You don't have to worry about losing me.
I am interested in you too.
"
Iris's face heated up a little from my statement. She tried hard to hide it. But it seemed even the conglomerate's heir had something she was bad in.
And with that soon came the day, I was leaving for FlowerVille along with Celeste.
I was waiting at the station for her. It was early in the morning, around five. Even though I made an excuse of playing outside early morning, mom was still suspicious about it. It was a given, since I had not gone out like this in a year. She still allowed it, trusting my word. Sorry mom, your son has grown to become a good liar.
As I was standing alone at this lonely hour, I noticed a black-haired girl standing directly across from me. At the opposite platform. I never noticed her presence when I entered. I believed my spatial awareness increased because of all these interactions I had with the girls. I guess I was wrong in my assumption.
Looking at her again, I noticed she had long bangs that covered her eyes completely and a faint smile on her face. Normally if someone described what I witnessed as words, I would have first asked if they were in a horror film. But looking at her, only gave me this sense of warmth. The same I feel when I am with the girls.
As I pondered on the reason, the station had begun filling. The regular passengers were starting to arrive. It was by no means on the same level as the rush in the mornings or evenings. But I was surprised that these many people began their day so early.
Hearing a crisp heel sound, I turned to see its source. It was Celeste. In a white long top and blue jeans, she was slowly walking towards me. All the attention in the station turned towards her. Even though she was wearing a mask to hide her identity, her beauty was still apparent from behind it.
I was no expert in women's clothing. But seeing her in her attire along with her free flowing white hair made her look like one of those internet icons. Those who set trends for clothes in social media. She was that darn beautiful.
I couldn't take my eyes off her. Having seen her only once in her casual wear, I was blown off. It was weird for me too. To be this shaken by someone's appearance.
Vivienne and Iris were beautiful too. There was nothing like more beautiful or less beautiful. It wasn't because of some ideal of mine or anything to feel so. It was simply the limit of my intellectual capabilities to grade someone's beauty. At least of their level. I was sure if either of the other two had come here dressed up just like Celeste, I would have had the same reaction.
Having always seen the girls in a casual setting has made me too comfortable with them. They were the 'Three Beautiful Flowers'.
I smiled at her as she came closer. And the very next moment, the train was announced to have reached the station and was heading to our platform. As expected of an idol, punctuality was a characteristic of her.
I noticed that the black-haired girl on the opposite platform was no more there. There had been no train until now though.
Soon, Celeste and I boarded the reserved coach. I wouldn't want her to be uncomfortable or have any unnecessary rumors spreading around her.
Unsurprisingly, we were the only ones in our coach, along with a man sitting at the entrance of the coach. We sat opposite, facing each other. As the train began to move, I prompted Celeste to remove her mask, explaining it was safe as there was a while until the next stop.
Removing her mask, Celeste spoke for the first time since the meeting.
"I would like to thank you again for accepting my selfish request."