2025-10-25: Flower Language for Beginners
- Log: 2025-10-25 Flower Language for Beginners
- Cast: Ren Amamiya, Ryuji Sakamoto, Kasumi Yoshizawa
- Where: Underground Mall, Shibuya Station, Tokyo
- OOC Date: November 06, 2025
- IC Date: August 06, 2012
- Summary: Ren starts a new part-time job at the local Rafflesia Flower Shop after a sudden change in his living situation. Kasumi and Ryuji come by to support him.
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
It has already been a weird start to summer vacation for Ren Amamiya. They got pretty decent grades on exams--solidly middle of the pack, unremarkable, save for the fact that they hate studying and homework is an eternal struggle. Recently improved study habits and understanding of a major subject have saved them there.
But then, yesterday, on the actual last day of the semester, in the evening while Ren was coming off a shift at the Triple Seven, they got a text from Sojiro: they will need to find somewhere else to crash for the next night or two, and in the meantime they should NOT come back to Leblanc, period.
Ren naturally texted back to ask what was wrong and what happened. Then they called. Then they texted and called a few more times. They gave up when Sojiro didn't respond further, and instead reached out to their friends asking if any of them could put them up for the next night or two. Thankfully, Ann and Yusuke were able to step up, so they've got somewhere to crash for those two days, but...
Well, it's worrying, to say the least. At least Ren had their bag and thus a) their wallet b) Morgana with them when they got that text. They can all figure something out together...
At this point, that was yesterday. One night passed, one more night to go. If they haven't heard anything by Sojiro by tomorrow, they've decided they're heading back to Leblanc to investigate what's going on. Sojiro only said up to two nights; if he's not responding to Ren to extend that, that's on him.
Right now, they can't do much--so they're doing what they were planning on doing anyway and part-timing. Today's job is at Rafflesia, the flower shop at the Underground Mall in Shibuya. They've got a branch in Port Island, which will make it convenient for Ren if they end up staying at Yusuke's dorm room longer than just one night. The florist lady has been very understanding of their abrupt emergency circumstances, at least.
It's been a fairly quiet shift so far, at least--mostly the florist showing Ren the ropes, explaining prices and how to make bouquets and so on. An apron covers their school uniform, the only thing they've got to wear right now besides their Triple Seven work uniform--though at least they were able to take a shower and launder their clothes last night, so they're not grungy. It's a Tuesday, so the adults are at work still. But now that it's summer vacation, it's easy for teenagers to drop by to, say, check in on their friend... Ren doesn't normally advertise what they do from day to day, but the circumstances being what they are, they're keeping the others in the loop.
In a lull in tasks, they take a moment to sigh, then needlessly rearrange some of the potted plants to either side of the Rafflesia storefront. Morgana's hanging out nearby, draped atop a sign and looking worried himself--but they're in public, and Ren is working, so he keeps his furry mouth shut.
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
The start to Kasumi's summer break has actually been fairly normal for her. Thanks to her diligence in keeping up with her school work, she doesn't need to worry about any makeup sessions or extra studying during the break. She even managed to make it into the top third of scores at Shujin! Just barely though. Of course, as any who know her might be able to guess, most of Kasumi's time during the break is going towards her gymnastics training. The next competition isn't for some time, but she's not improving as much as she wants. So she needs to double down!
It's probably no surprise then that she can be seen making her way through Shibuya station, wearing some black sports leggings and a white t-shirt, a bag over her shoulder. She's just finished up some training and is on her way home.
Of course, such a trip doesn't require a detour into the station's underground mall, but she recalled that Ren was working here today. And Kasumi wanted to stop by to apologise to them in person. Naturally when she'd heard about their situation, Kasumi had wanted to help. But she didn't think her parents would go for the idea of letting Ren stay over. Thankfully some of the others stepped up to offer Ren a place. But Kasumi still feels bad that she couldn't help.
Which is why she rocks up to Rafflesia, smiling at the sight of Ren in the apron. As they catch sight of her, Kasumi waves, "Hello, senpai! How has your work been, not too busy, I hope?"
<Pose Tracker> Ryuji Sakamoto has posed.
Summer Break! Ryuji couldn't be more thrilled to be freed from the consequences of his poor study habits...More on that later maybe.
He would've offered to let Ren bunk at his place but it was kinda cramped as is with just him and his mom. He is glad that people are keeping Joker from being homeless for a few days. What was Sojiro thinking?
The blonde ruffian has been going to one of his favorite book stores to pick up some manga. Some he'd be open to sharing. Others that would forever change the way people looked at him. You just put the manga together in piles that it wasn't so obvious you were buying such things.
Ryuji yawns as he made his way into the underground, looking around just to see if there is something else he can spend a little bank on. Nothing extravagant but maybe a CD? A gift for someone? He stretches, letting his sleeveless shirt hang for a moment as he passes the flower store and spots a familiar face. "For Real?! dude, I didn't know you worked here too." Ryuji walks up at the same time as Kasumi, grinning wide. "You're gonna burn yourself out if you work too hard during summer break."
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
What is Sojiro thinking? Ren's been wondering that themself a lot.
When Kasumi walks up with Ryuji in her wake, Ren has a smile for both of them. It's nice to see their friends here, whether they were able to offer any space for them to stay or not. It's only two nights--hopefully--and Ren a) already knew Ryuji doesn't have any space from when Yusuke needed to stay somewhere b) didn't figure any of the girls would be able to offer them a room or even just a couch for the night. The fact that Ann could... well, for right now, that's between them.
"Hey there, you two," they greet them. "Yeah, I just picked up this job recently. I'm going to have a lot of free time, so I figure, I may as well use it to earn some extra money." That's especially important right now. "It's been pretty sane so far--" They share a nod with the florist lady, who offers the three teens a friendly smile and a bow of greeting. "--which is all I can ask for my first day."
Ryuji points out that they might burn themself out working so far. Ren can only shrug. "Gotta make money somehow," they say. "Don't worry. My schedules are pretty relaxed since I'm a part-timer. I can take a break if I really have to." They look between him and Kasumi. Ryuji looks like he's been buying manga, with the bag he's carrying, and Kasumi... is a little more ambiguous. "What brings you here?" They step back and turn a hand towards Rafflessia's wares. "And can I interest either of you in any flowers today?" They catch Ryuji's eye and add, "It'd be a great gift for your mom."
All channels have been gagged.
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
Kasumi spots Ryuji at the last moment, "Ah, Sakamoto-senpai!" What a coincidence that they'd both end up here at the same time!
Kasumi greets Ryuji then shakes her head, "I think it's admirable that Amamiya-senpai is working part-time so much. It makes me feel more determined to put more effort into my training!" She's definitely not saying Ryuji is slacking or anything of course of course.
Still, Kasumi nods along as Ren explains their day so far. It makes sense it'd be fairly easy going as it's their first. Though when Ren asks why she's there, and whether she'd be interested in a flower...
A sparkle appears in Kasumi's eyes as she gets an idea, "Actually, I am here to purchase a flower! Though I'm afraid I don't know anything about the language of flowers... What would you suggest for something to give someone as an apology?"
<Pose Tracker> Ryuji Sakamoto has posed.
"Fair enough...Man, I should look at getting a job." Ryuji sighs as he rubs the back of his neck, shutting his eyes in thought. Just the way of the world. You couldn't just have fun...as awesome as that would be.
Ryuji smiles as Ren starts his salesman routine, holding up his hand until his mom is mentioned. "Woah. You're right. My mom could use something with how much she's been working...Man dude, you're a better son than I am right now." Ryuji grins before laughing, breaking off to stare down some roses.
"Hmmm what was my mom's favorite flower again...Do I know that?" Ryuji is now scanning the store for sign of a plant he knows he's seen his mom show some joy in. His mind begins wondering if he needs to know a girl's favorite flower. Is that a thing? What was -her- flower?
"You have someone you need to apologize to Yoshizawa-san? Ah, you have a devilish side to ya, I see." Ryuji grins at his joke, nodding his head. "Must be all those hearts you break with your sick moves."
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
Ren rubs the back of their neck, smiling, when Kasumi praises their work ethic. It's hardly on the level of an athlete aiming for the Olympic stage, but... the fact that she is that makes them feel good. Mostly. Some parts are painful... but that's not Kasumi's fault at all.
Nor is it Ryuji's, another athlete who was forced to give up on his dream. Honestly, if Ren didn't have to work to support themself, maybe they'd be going around buying more books too. "I can give you some of the part-time pamphlets I've used," Ren offers him. "Otherwise, Triple Seven and Ore no Beko," the konbini and the beef bowl place on Central Street, in other words, "are always hiring."
A better son than Ryuji, huh... Ren doesn't know what their own parents would think of that, but they accept the compliment with grace, laughing along with him. "Glad I could inspire you," they say to Kasumi. They pause at her question. "Hmm... I'm still new, so I haven't had a chance to learn that much yet..." They haven't yet found a flower language dictionary to read up on yet, after all. They glance at the florist lady, who thankfully is on the ball.
"If you want to express your regrets and sympathy, then purple verbena is your flower of choice. If you're apologizing to a friend or family member and you want to convey your pure feelings, white verbena is better. If you want to apologize to a boyfriend, though, then you should gift them a white rose. If it's not that heavy, and you want to say 'thank you' as well as 'I'm sorry,' then a pale pink carnation would be more appropriate," she explains. "There are lots of ways to convey your apologies to someone with flowers, but those are ones we currently have in stock."
She smiles at Ryuji then. "If you'd like to get your mother flowers, then I'm sure they'd be happy with anything you can give her. If you want to get something that conveys gratitude, let me suggest pink roses--even if you don't know her favorite flower, no woman is ever unhappy with roses!"
This might well just be her opinion, but Ren shrugs a little and nods. "They are a pretty universally loved flower," they remark. "Can't go wrong."
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
"Getting a flower for your mother is a great idea. I'm sure she'll appreciate it, Sakamoto-senpai! And I'm sure you're a good son to her in other ways." Kasumi still doesn't know Ryuji very well, but the glimpses she's gotten since meeting him. Yes, Kasumi is certain he's got a good heart! Which is why she just smiles at his friendly teasing and counters, "Why? Have I stolen your heart and need to buy a flower for you too, senpai?"
Kasumi's too busy for a part-time job herself. And thankfully her family is well enough off that it's not a serious issue if she doesn't. But she nods along in enthusiastic encouragement as Ren suggests possibilities to Ryuji, lightly pumping her fists, "Do your best!"
Kasumi then listens along as the florist lady offers up some suggestions. There's a few to choose from... A couple which closely match what she's going for. She decides to go for the final one, as it seems to be close to what she's thinking, "I'll take a pale pink carnation then, please." She opens up her bag to pull out a small purse, digging around in it for the cash to hand over to Ren.
<Pose Tracker> Ryuji Sakamoto has posed.
Ryuji clamps his chin as he hears his options. He nods along, actually listening to whats being said. However, he does blurt out "Maybe I should Host...That could be pretty sweet..Erm, But well, maybe you're right, I should aim much lower first. Gotta pay that sweat equity." He shuts his eyes and nods to each syllable of 'sweat equity'.
Ryuji grins at Ren's reaction to his compliment, nodding. He stops when the florist speaks up, wide eyed as he listens to the wisdom. He smiles when she finishes. "Awesome. Then that's what I'm getting her...as long as I can afford it!" He puffs out his chest with pride.
He is taken aback when Kasumi TEASES him. Ryuji isn't catching feels but he is blushing. He looks plenty shocked. "N,NOT NECESSARILY, Yoshizawa. San. BUT NOTED."
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
Ren laughs silently at Kasumi's counter-teasing. She probably has stolen a lot of hearts--she's very cute, friendly, quick to help others, and big-hearted. Is she Ryuji's type in particular? ...Well, that Ren doesn't know, but given how he blushes pretty hard in response, it's clear he didn't expect her to take that in such stride. He smiles at them both. Maybe he does have a crush on her?
If so, then maybe he could use a good wingperson... but not yet. He could just be surprised she teased him right back. Ren'll have to double-check that later.
"Host?" they echo, though. "As in... a host at a host club? I think the school would flip out over that." But Ryuji gravitates away from that, and Ren nods once. "Gotta pay that sweat equity," they echo. ...Whatever that's supposed to mean.
The florist lady wraps up a single pink rose for Ryuji. Roses are a bit on the pricier side compared to other flowers, but just one rose isn't so bad--it wouldn't be any more than a CD. "Here you are!" she tells him, after letting him know the price so he can pay. It's at least an even number, so easy to pay.
Meanwhile, since Kasumi hands her cash over to Ren, they accept it and take it over to the register to make change, then wraps up a pink carnation for her. "Here you go. Who are you trying to apologize to? If it's okay to ask," they wonder as they hand it over. Based on what she picked, it sounds like it's nothing that's too big a deal, but still.
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
Kasumi giggles a little behind her hand at Ryuji's response to her teasing. She says somewhat vaguely, "Remember, Sakamoto-senpai, some girls like perseverance!" Is she such a girl? Possibly! She's remaining coyly silent on the matter any further.
Ryuji does seem to have some grand dreams in regards to a profession, "A club host, huh?" She nods along at Ren's thoughts about the school, "Perhaps something to work towards later... If that's what you're interested in!"
Though Kasumi does stare blankly at the two as they speak of 'sweat equity'. She has no dea what they're going on about...
She thinks she doesn't want to inquire further.
So instead, Kasumi focuses on her purchase. As Ren hands her the wrapped pink carnation, she proceeds to hand it back to them, "You, actually! I just wanted to apologise for not being able to offer you a place to stay. I was just going to say it with words..." She grins, "But then I figured a flower as a gift might help improve your mood in what must be a tough situation."
There's a brief moment of silence before she remembers and quickly adds on, "Oh, and I guess the 'thank you' part is for being my friend and helping me as you do?"
<Pose Tracker> Ryuji Sakamoto has posed.
Ryuji blinks for a moment, still in shock from Kasumi's counterattack. "Also a good point. I didn't think about that." He is largely basing this off a manga. He snaps out of it as a thought comes to him. "Man how did that work in a high school then...Ugh, well whatever."
Ryuji pays for the rose and grins at the florist, bowing politely. "Thank you very much. I'm sure she'll love this." He had just enough to pay. It might mean one less thing for him but Ryuji thought this was better. Besides he was going to get a job and that would help out some too. Things were looking up!
Ryuji attention goes back to Kasumi when she keeps the attack on. He is like a deer in headlights. This is the second time a girl has caught him off guard. He has no defense. "Noted. Yoshizawa-san." Does he have a thing? Remains to be seen or really thought about.
Ryuji sees the reaction sweat equity is receiving and blinks. "Uh...So...you gotta work your way up to the top with your sweat and hard work. Maybe that's something the track team kept to themselves Heh heh..."
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
That's probably for the best, Kasumi. Ren's willing to just roll with whatever, but if you actually want to know what it means... But then Ryuji sees her confusion--and explains! It even makes sense! "Why'd they call it sweat equity?" Ren wonders though, curious.
For now, Ren asks, and Kasumi answers--by handing the carnation right back to them. They blink in surprise and confusion--she hasn't done anything to apologize for, in their view. When she explains, they give her a rueful smile and accept the flower anyway. "You really don't need to worry about it. Ann and Yusuke have it covered, and I wouldn't expect your dad to want to let someone like me crash on the couch when he's got a teen daughter to worry about."
It's unfair in a number of ways, but Ren gets it. Kasumi's safety is more important than their comfort.
"You're welcome, though," they add graciously as they tuck the carnation into their apron, letting its pink petals peek out. "It does help brighten my day, so thank you too. It's just like you to make a sweet gesture like this." Especially since it makes them look good in front of their boss to immediately sell flowers to a couple of their friends!
The florist bows in gratitude to both her customers, but Ren gives Ryuji a thoughtful look. He really seems to have frozen up... Something to ask him about later. For now, they just say, "You're welcome. I'm sure she will, too."
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
Ryuji explains the phrase and Kasumi ohhhhhhs. Well. That's not as weird as she was expecting! She offers, "Well, I only started this year." And the track team had already been gone by then... Unfortunate. Though Ren's question does get her curious about it a little bit. Maybe there's a story there?
Kasumi is happy when Ren accepts the flower from her. She knows it's not that big of a deal that she couldn't help. But still, making an apology is still an important way of being polite and making the world a better place!
However, Kasumi does giggle as Ren speaks of her father, "Yes, I expect he probably would have blown his top if I had asked." She of course doesn't mind as she just knows it's one way that he cares about her. And as Ren says, it's a father's job to be protective! Even though it's not like that between Kasumi and Ren.
The florist bows to Kasumi and she returns it, before looking back at Ren, "I guess I should get going on home now. I don't want to be late, or take up any more of your time while you're at work."
Kasumi slings her bag over her shoulder again as she starts to head off, waving to Ren and Ryuji as she departs, "See you later, senpais!"
<Pose Tracker> Ryuji Sakamoto has posed.
"Eh...Probably something with you get equal to the work or sweat you put in...I dunno just something we said so it stuck." The blonde laughs embarrassed to have not realized that wasn't a well known expression. He looks to Ren with a sheepish grin.
He blinks at the flower from Kasumi to Ren. The blonde blushes even deeper. "Woah...Are you two?!"
Suddenly there is this whole thing that he seems to have stumbled into. Sakamoto watches her leave and then looks to Ren, who is already busy. He has no answers on this misunderstanding and he just leaves before this soap opera gets even more shocking.