"Irie-kun!" Her expression was a blend of surprise and pleasure. "You came." Her smile was wide and bright.

He shrugged. Casual. Nonchalant. As if he didn't know that his presence meant the world to her. He wasn't ready to admit certain truths yet but he also couldn't stay away. She treated him as if he hung the moon. Little did she know that he felt like a satellite planet that couldn't resister her gravitational pull. Is this how all those other guys felt — no, feel — toward her? Did they discover much sooner what he was just now realizing? Guys and girls both, he amended. Kotoko did have very loyal girlfriends in that Jinko and Satomi duo. Correction, add Chris to that.

With an effort, he thrust the bouquet that had been burning a hole in his hand toward her. "Here."

She looked from the bouquet to him then and back again. "It's—"

"Because Uncle couldn't come he sent those for you." He explained quickly, lest she get the wrong idea. He couldn't have her taking that line of thought.

She nodded. Otousan had already called her before the ceremony with his apologies. She understood. The storms were bad down south and transportation had become an issue. She was disappointed he wasn't able to make it back but the Irie's were here and they were family too — in a away. She tried to cheer up and tell herself that at least having some of the people she loved present for her big day was enough. Things happened and she knew her father felt bad enough about missing her capping ceremony without her also feeling down about it.

"Mother took a video of the entire thing so he can watch it when he gets back." Naoki continued.

Kotoko nodded again, her smile returning. "Thank you! These peonies are beautiful." She held them up to her face to take in the subtle fragrance and Naoki blinked as his mind — without his leave — compared her pink cheeks to the soft blush of the petals and found the sight adorable. He mentally clapped a hand over his overactive mind to silence it.

Kotoko's expression then morphed into one that he was well acquainted with. Confusion. "Peonies." Her murmur was almost inaudible. She looked up at him as if his face would hold the answer to her unspoken question.

Uh oh.

"I guess Uncle remembers that you don't particularly like roses." He supplied smoothly. Quickly.

Her smile came back full-force. "These are perfect."

Naoki knew the lie was worth it.

His lips lifted in a small smile.

A/N:

Oh wow, you guys! I haven't posted anything for SSN since June 2017! Time sure has flown. I miss you all. I miss writing for this fandom, reading works by others, and just being in fanfic in general. How's everyone? Happy New Year, by the way! Can you believe we're already two months into 2018? Crazy, huh? I hope this year has been wonderful so far to all of you. I haven't forgotten that I owe Omiai Kekkon readers a honeymoon 2.0 scene. Maybe I'll be able to keep the promise of writing it at some point this year...? Fingers crossed!

Anyway, I'd love to hear how you're all doing and I hope to get back to reading the updates and new fics on our favorite polar opposites couple! =)

BTW, have you guys seen Good Morning Call? *wink*