Mathematician

has never dated

"Ah, I don't think I'll be able to see the fresh blossoms with you this year." Thats what Mito told me.

My brother had come to pick me up, wrapping me in his coat as we got into the car together. It was wordless, as we often found ourselves. We weren't distant by any means, but it wasn't his twin and so we processed impending doom different ways. He didn't want to say anything wrong.

"Ryunosuke, can you drop me off at school after I change? I had some work to do planned today, I don't want to let them down."

He was quiet for a moment. "Okay. I already called into work."

"Thank you."

So I solemnly went into the host club "office" as we had set up, and opened my laptop and camera to silently, empty-mindedly go through each shot and edit them. I had better printing agencies than Kyoya had before, so naturally that was delegated over

Though I believe Mito had told another lie, because at the end of the week they returned home. More tired than the last time I saw them, they were still upright and cheerful when walking into the somber home.

I smiled to welcome them home, and we joined the host club to view the cherry blossoms. In traditional Japanese attire, I in a kimono with a fan to commemorate the season. We wore matching blues. Mito and I enjoyed fruit platters, charcuterie, and matcha tea laid out for us and the ladies to enjoy. In that sense, they were my appointment today as well, putting on a pleasant scene together for the ladies.

"Do you enjoy the blossoms, Aimi?"

"Oh yes, they're Mito and I's favourite ritual to changing of the seasons. First snow is good as well, but nothing beats the cool air and bright colours," I reply. "Do you have a favourite season ritual?"

"Oh, I like when the leaves start to fall in autumn!"

"When the summer starts to rain, and the smell of pavement comes up it makes me feel so happy," another supplies.

I smile, removing my fan to show my expression. "I see. Those are all wonderful as well. There's a crisp smell to autumn too, don't you enjoy feeling the leaves crunch when you walk? And hot, rained on pavement really does make a pleasant smell. I would call it nostalgia, it must make you think to the lovely memories to be made again that season. So I'm glad you've chosen to spend this moment with us." I offer up the matcha I had been whisking. "I think matcha is the perfect drink for viewing cherry blossoms as well."

"Yes, I agree! You made it so well, Aimi! And the photos Kyoya-senpai has been selling, thank you so much for these great shots!"

I flip up my fan to hide my blush. The ladies giggle, and for a moment I worry it is out of ridicule but I quickly realize it is just pleasant. "I like to think of old Japanese poetry with this scene... Hmm." I close my eyes to think hard.

"Was I lost in thoughts of love
When I closed my eyes? He
Appeared, and
Had I known it for a dream
I would not have awakened."

I smile from my fan, opening my eyes bashfully to see the quiet admiration that fell over the gathered ladies. "How picaresque, it makes me want to paint your admiration of beauty, and capture the essence of your beauty itself."

Their are sighs of love.

I notice, within earshot too, that they are discussing Haruhi's girl identity and the physical exam coming up.

I hurriedly snap for the koto and flute to be brought over, Mito and I both leaning over to play and the ladies gathering around in greater multitudes to listen and watch.

Back in the club, while Tamaki is dreaming up his lovely heroine Haruhi in a non-plausible situation, I'm sizing her up in thought.

"Why don't..." everyone leans into my thoughtful princessly process. "... we just..." the tension is building, I can hardly keep my face from turning red, but I'm trying to not hide it this time. "get her... a private room?"