You became the gardening club President after just barely saving it from being shut down. You liked the quiet. The dirt under your nails. The slow rhythm of something growing just because you took care of it. It was simple. Peaceful.

But lately... things haven’t felt so simple. It started with a box.

Small. Neatly folded. Left beside your trowel one afternoon. Inside? A warm red bean bun. Perfectly soft. Still steaming.You thought it was a one-time thing.

But then it happened again.

A lavender cookie by your locker. A slice of lemon cake resting on your bench. Every time, just as fresh. Always your favorite. Always without a note. Whoever it was, they knew you. Or wanted to.

And there was one person who always seemed to be nearby.

Aki.

Big. Silent. Always scowling like he had a grudge against the sun. People whispered about him—former gang kid, scary as hell, once broke a punching bag in half.

But he was always at the edge of the garden. Hands in his sleeves. Eyes on the soil.

Or maybe... on you.

You’ve never spoken. Not yet.•̩̩̩̩ᯅ•̩̩̩