Flowers

The saloon where Jyou's graduation ceremony was being held was richly decorated with several roses arrangements. Mimi almost felt drunk by their sweetness as she looked for the best seat from which she could watch her boyfriend delivering his speech. Her long sleeveless red dress had the same shade as the roses decorating the pulpit.

Jyou tried to write it several times for the past couple of weeks but could not achieve a satisfying result. Mimi wanted to help and read some of the things he had written. They were too formal, too unoriginal and too rigid, with an old-fashioned streak that didn't belong in a New York University.

"I can't do this! Why was I chosen to do the speech?! It's impossible!" Jyou despaired, like usual.

"It's coming off weird because you're forcing yourself too much to write what you think is the 'right thing.'" Mimi told him. "Instead of that, you should speak from your heart."

"I-I can't! It's not going to work! I'm not capable-"

"You listen to me!" Mimi spoke authoritatively. "I've known you for years! I know what you're capable of! You're the person that used to hide your softness behind a mask of respectability, until you learned that your softness is precisely what makes you great! You're the person who, despite trembling in fear, still puts your all in a task if you think you're helping someone! You work harder and care more than anyone else! That dedication shows, you know? Anyone that gets to know you can see stars shining in your eyes when you talk about being a doctor and helping people! Your heart is the most beautiful thing in the world, Jyou…" She felt her eyes getting wetter.

"Thank you." Jyou told her, holding both of her hands. "I will speak from my heart. Please, listen to me."

Mimi didn't know what kind of speech her boyfriend prepared in the end but she was sure it would be worthy listening to.

The saloon soon became crowded. Mimi was proud for getting a seat not very far from the pulpit.

When Jyou came in, in full graduation garb, Mimi had a hard time fighting the tears. It wasn't simply because he was a very handsome man. That night, her Jyou was realizing his long life dream, the goal he had worked so hard to reach. Despite doubting himself so much, despite losing faith so many times, despite all his insecurities... Jyou persisted and stood victorious. At that moment, Mimi doubted that any other person in the world was as proud as she was.

Jyou began his speech in a conventional way, talking about everything his class went through and how much the students learned. He thanked the professors and paid homage to family and friends, bringing up the fact that despite his family not being able to travel to the United States and his best friend living in a place that is, sometimes, difficult to reach, he knew they had him in their hearts, just like he had them all.

Simple but sweet, Mimi thought, not expecting what was coming next.

"There was someone, though… someone who has always been by my side. Someone who always believed in me and encouraged me. Ever since we were kids and I thought I couldn't do a damn thing right… when I thought that I was mediocre and would never realize my dreams… she spoke to me, in a ferocity that I learned to love. Mimi told me that I could do whatever the hell I wanted."

Mimi lost the battle against her tears.

"I want to believe that everybody has or will have that person in their lives that becomes absolutely essential to them. Someone who sees the best in them even when all they can see are ugly things. That person that loves you so much and believes in you so much that she gets mad at you when you put yourself down." Jyou's eyes were getting brimmed with tears. "That person that is an inspiration, a source of strength… someone that, on bad days when you think she's too good for you, reminds you of your worth. I wouldn't be here tonight; I wouldn't be standing here delivering a graduation speech if it wasn't for her. Thank you for being my sunshine, Mimi. You helped me to become someone I can be proud of. Someone that will save lives! I can only hope to be for you someone you deserve to be with. I promise I'll never stop trying to be that person. I'll love you forever!"

Jyou was bawling his eyes out as he continued his speech, talking about Medicine. When he was over, the entire saloon did a standing ovation. Mimi was the one clapping the loudest, almost drowning in her own tears.

After the ceremony was over and Jyou's friends asked him to take pictures with them, Mimi told him she would wait in the outside garden. It was a beautiful place, especially under the moonlight. There were groups of people talking not too far away from her. The flowers growing there, so diverse from each other, seemed more beautiful than the perfect roses inside. She picked a little mirror from her purse to see how much of her makeup had been ruined by Jyou's speech. Overall, it was still holding up well. Even if it wasn't, she wouldn't be sad.

"Mimi."

Jyou approached her by her left, showing her his most beautiful smile.

"Well, hello, Doctor Kido." She greeted. "That was a beautiful speech."

"Thank you." He told her, getting closer. They sat on a bench nearby, looking at each other with adoration.

"One day, when we're both financially stable…" Jyou began, holding her hands. "I'm going to ask you something… I'll do it the right way, I promise. I'll be very romantic, like I know you like. It's okay if you say no to my question. But I'm going to ask you anyway. So, please, wait for me."

Mimi looked deeply into his eyes and smiled.

"Yes." She told him.

"Yes…?" Jyou asked, blushing. "Yes like… you will wait for my question?"

"Yes like I want you to be my husband." She explained, giggling.

Fresh tears appeared in his eyes as Jyou laughed (or coughed) nervously.

"I'll wait for your official proposal, though." Mimi added. "I'm expecting to be bathed in romance, just so you know."

"Of course!" Jyou promised, pulling her to a kiss.

Under the moonlight, his wife to be was more beautiful than all the flowers in the world.

Today is the last day of jyoumi week and here is the last chapter of this collection. Thank you very much for all the reviews and the support.