"At the grave…"
Lunar's voice trembled the moment the words left her lips. "…When I saw Aunt Autumn there already," she continued quietly. "She was kneeling in front of Momma's grave, and she had flowers with her." Her breath hitched. "She placed them down so neatly and beautifully."
Her ears drooped as she continued, eyes fixed on the floor.
"And everyone else… They were standing there, being quiet and respectful. They knew what to do. They did what they could." A bitter little laugh escaped her. "And then there was me."
"I didn't bring anything."
The words seemed to scrape on the way out. "No flowers, no offering, nothing at all." Her hands trembled now."I was so wrapped up in my own despair—thinking about what I'd lost, what I couldn't say—that I didn't even think about Momma."
Tears spilled freely down her cheeks. "I forgot the one thing that mattered."
She squeezed her eyes shut, but the tears still ran.
"It made me feel horrible," she whispered. "Like I was standing there thinking only about myself, even though it was momma's grave." Her shoulders shook. "When I saw the flowers… it stabbed me really painfully in the chest, and I couldn't stand it."
She wiped at her cheeks, sniffing hard. "So I ran. I ran because I was embarrassed. Because I didn't want anyone to see how awful I am."
A pause followed, before a voice broke through.
"You shouldn't have thought that way," Black Caviar said, her voice quieter than before. "I didn't bring anything either."
Lunar shook her head violently, tears spilling faster. "That's not an excuse!" she said, voice cracking. "It's different." Her fists clenched tight. "I'm momma's daughter… her only daughter. The least I could do… the one thing I could do… just one flower… would have been enough…"
Her voice broke completely. Before she could fold in on herself any further, warm arms wrapped around her.
Hanako pulled her close without hesitation, one hand settling firmly between Lunar's shoulder blades, the other gently rubbing slow, steady circles against her back. The scent of flowers and perfume surrounded her.
Lunar let out another shaky sob, her forehead dropping against Hanako's shoulder, chin resting there as she clutched weakly at her sleeve.
"…That's why I came here," she murmured, voice muffled against the fabric. "I wanted Momma's favorite flowers… I thought… if I could just bring those… maybe… maybe I wouldn't feel so terrible anymore."
Hanako's hand paused for a moment, then resumed its gentle rhythm.
"…The pink cosmos?" she asked softly.
Lunar nodded against her shoulder, unable to speak, tears soaking into the fabric as she clung there.
Hanako stayed quiet for a few seconds after Lunar nodded against her shoulder.
Then she let out a small, helpless laugh. "Oh, you silly child…" she murmured, affection and ache tangled together in her voice.
She loosened her hold and gently guided Lunar upright, brushing a thumb beneath her eye to catch the last of her tears. Hanako smiled, soft and fond, but there was sadness there too.
"Wait here for a moment," she said gently.
Before Lunar could respond, Hanako stepped away, moving toward the back of the shop. The faint rustle of paper and stems followed her as she disappeared from view, leaving the space behind her feeling unexpectedly wide and empty.
Black Caviar immediately stepped forward. She knelt so that her eyes met the girls', her presence firm yet gentle. Without hesitation, she drew them both close. One arm wrapped securely around Lunar, the other pulled Saiya against her side.
The hug was strong and protective, a hug lunar had grown to be accustomed to and associated with black caviar.
Saiya melted into it instantly, clutching Black Caviar's shirt tightly. Lunar froze for a heartbeat, then leaned forward, resting her forehead against Black Caviar's shoulder and exhaling shakily.
"What you both did," Black Caviar said quietly, her voice low and controlled, "was still wrong."
Both girls flinched.
"But…" she continued, her tone softening, almost tender, "At the very least, I understand."
She shifted slightly so neither girl felt trapped. Her grip didn't loosen entirely, but it became gentler.
"Lunar," she said, voice calm but serious, "your feelings are valid. Feeling shame… feeling guilt… those feelings are natural, and they make us act impulsively sometimes."
Lunar swallowed hard, nodding faintly.
Black Caviar turned her gaze to Saiya. "And you, honey," she said, pressing her chin lightly against the top of Saiya's head, "your intention was noble. You wanted to help Lunar get flowers for her mother—that is sweet, truly."
Saiya's ears drooped anyway. "…But…?" she asked hesitantly.
"But," Black Caviar said, "you both need to understand something."
She pulled back just enough to look at them.
"Your actions don't only affect you," she said. "They affect everyone around you—the people who care about you." Her voice was steady, gentle but firm. "What you did… it caused a lot of worry. Everyone was distressed. I still don't know if they are all okay, or if some are still out there, looking for you."
Lunar's face fell while Saiiya nodded slowly, guilt weighing heavy on her face.
"No matter how justified something feels in the moment," Black Caviar continued, "actions have consequences. Part of growing up is learning to see beyond your own feelings… and consider others."
Both girls nodded again, more firmly this time.
Black Caviar studied them for a second longer—then sighed. She reached up and patted both of their heads, one after the other, still holding them close.
"…Still," she said, voice warm now, "you're both children."
They looked up.
"If adults can make mistakes," she said quietly, "then children are expected to do so." Her grip tightened slightly, reassuringly. "So don't let yourselves sink under sadness. Learn from what happened, and grow wiser."
A pause.
"…Got it?"
"…Yes," Lunar whispered.
"Yes, Mommy," Saiya said softly.
Black Caviar nodded once, satisfied—and pulled them back into the hug, holding them there a moment longer than strictly necessary.
As she did, soft footsteps approached from behind.
Hanako emerged from the back of the shop, a bouquet cradled carefully in her arms.
It was filled with pink cosmos.
Fresh and vivid, their petals were soft and full, layered like delicate ribbons of blush. Some bloomed wide and open, others still shy and curling inward, their slender stems swaying lightly with each step Hanako took. They looked alive—warm, gentle, and beautifully hopeful.
Hanako smiled as she came closer. "It's early October," she said softly. "That's when pink cosmos are at their best. They're in full bloom right now."
She tilted the bouquet slightly, letting the lighting fully encapsulate the flowers. "These are all fresh and newly bloomed. I picked the most vibrant and beautiful ones I could find."
Lunar's pale yellow eyes lit up, a faint sparkle returning to them as she slipped free from Black Caviar's embrace in one swift, instinctive movement. Saiya followed immediately, her small steps quick and eager. Black Caviar rose more slowly, trailing after them at a calmer pace.
Lunar stopped in front of Hanako. Big, soft eyes staring blankly at the flowers as if they might vanish if she blinked.
Hanako lowered herself just slightly and held the bouquet out.
Lunar accepted it with both hands, carefully so like she was holding something fragile and sacred. The gentle scent reached her—clean, floral, and comforting—and for the first time that day, her shoulders eased, the tight knot in her chest loosening just a little.
"Your mother loved flowers a lot," Hanako said softly, watching her reaction. "But this one is especially special to her, isn't it?"
Lunar nodded, clutching the bouquet closer. "…Yes."
Hanako's smile lingered—but then softened into something thoughtful.
"But, Lunar-chan," she continued gently, "did you know this wasn't actually your mother's favorite flower at first?"
Lunar blinked.
"…Huh?" Her eyes widened. "But—Momma always said pink cosmos were her favorite."
Hanako let out a quiet, knowing chuckle, the sound filled with fond memories. Her gaze drifted past Lunar and settled on the tall figure standing just behind her.
"Then," Hanako said, tilting her head slightly, "perhaps you would know, Black Caviar-san?"
Black Caviar's eyes widened for a split second before going back to its usual calmness, clearly not expecting to be put on the spot. "…Me?" She hesitated, then nodded slowly. "From what I remember," she said, choosing her words carefully, "when we were younger… Guair was always fond of the bird of paradise.."
Hanako nodded immediately. "That's right," she said warmly. "That's what she told me too, when we first met."
She turned back to Lunar, her expression gentle but bright with old memories.
"She loved it because of what it meant," Hanako continued. "The bird of paradise stands for absolute freedom, joy, and the ability to always look for something positive—no matter how difficult things become."
Her voice softened further.
"In my opinion," she said with a faint smile, "those were Guair's most apparent traits. And her most brilliant ones."
Lunar looked down at the pink cosmos in her hands—then slowly, thoughtfully, held them a little closer to her heart.
Her fingers tightened around the bouquet. "…Then why did Momma change her mind?" she asked quietly. "Why pink cosmos?"
Hanako didn't answer right away. She reached out instead, brushing her fingers lightly over the petals, careful not to bend them. The flowers swayed faintly under her touch.
"Do you know what pink cosmos represents, Lunar-chan?" she asked softly.
Lunar shook her head.
Hanako glanced aside. Black Caviar gave a small shake of her own head, and Saiya tilted hers, ears twitching with curiosity.
Hanako smiled. "Then I suppose I should explain."
She folded her hands gently in front of her before speaking. "Pink cosmos represent many things," she said. "In Japan, we sometimes call them 'Autumn Sakura.' "Just as cherry blossoms mark the arrival of spring, cosmos belong to autumn."
She paused, giving the image time to settle.
"They also speak of harmony," she continued. "of peace and of balance"
Her gaze softened as it returned to Lunar. "Perhaps that was what Guair was searching for during that time in her life," Hanako said quietly. "The life she lived here—with you, Lunar-chan."
Lunar's thought to herself. So that's why…?
"And there's more," Hanako went on. "Pink cosmos also represent a maiden's heart." She smiled faintly. "The innocence of young love. A tenderness that feels distant and familiar all at once. Something nostalgic."
For just a split second, her eyes drifted toward Black Caviar before looking back to Lunar and smiled gently.
"But even so," Hanako said softly, "none of those were the true reason your mother chose them."
Lunar blinked, lifting her head. "…Then what was it?"
Hanako's expression warmed further, as memories surfaced quietly.
-
"These are lilies," Hanako said, lifting one gently and smiling brightly. "They're often associated with purity."
She shifted slightly and gestured to another display. "And those are chrysanthemums—symbols of longevity and respect. People often offer them at graves, or during important rites."
She moved on, fingers hovering over a cluster of deeper red blossoms. "These are camellias. They stand for devotion and quiet strength." Then, with a softer tone, she added, "And those over there are irises. They represent hope, protection, and the courage to face change."
Guair listened politely, nodding along, though her attention drifted from one flower to the next. Her eyes wandered from color to color, from petal to petal, until they suddenly stopped.
Her gaze had settled on a cluster of soft pink blooms tucked slightly to the side.
"…What about those?" Guair asked, lifting a hand and pointing. "What are they called?"
Hanako followed her finger and smiled. "Ah. Those are pink cosmos."
"Cosmos…" Guair repeated.
"They bloom from August through November," Hanako explained. "In many parts of Hokkaido during that time, you can find entire fields of them. Rows and rows, stretching as far as the eye can see. It's really beautiful."
Guair studied the flowers in silence. The way the petals layered softly, the gentle sway of the thin stems.
"…They are pretty," she said at last before looking back at Hanako. "What do they represent?"
Hanako thought for a moment. "Harmony," she began. "Peace. Balance." She smiled slightly. "And a maiden's love."
Guair nodded, but her expression barely changed. Polite interest, nothing more.
Hanako then added more gently, "They also represent a mother's love."
Guair looked up.
"They also represent a mother's love," she added.
Guair looked up.
"A love that's gentle, nurturing," Hanako continued. "Quiet, but endlessly strong. One that supports without demanding, that gives without keeping score." Her smile grew faintly nostalgic. "I give these to my mom every Mother's Day."
In the memory, Guair leaned forward slightly, as if drawn in by an invisible thread as a smile prettier than the flowers surrounding the entire shop bloomed on her face.
"Hana-chan," she said, her voice suddenly warm with quiet delight, "I think I've found my new favorite flower."
Her eyes sparkled as she gazed down at the blossoms, fingers brushing over the soft petals.
Then Hanako blinked. The warmth of the memory faded, and the scene shifted seamlessly back to the present.
Where Guair had been, Lunar now stood.
She held the pink cosmos the same way—both hands cradling the stems, fingers curled delicately, careful not to crush them. She brushed the petals softly, mirroring the gesture without realizing it. But unlike Guair's bright smile, Lunar's expression was complicated. Awe mingled with reflection, and beneath it all, a quiet ache lingered in her eyes.
She swallowed.
"So…" Lunar whispered, her voice barely carrying. "…Momma loved it… because of that?"
Hanako nodded, her expression tender and understanding. "Your mother was the kind of person who put meaning into everything she did," she said gently. "Everything she chose to love." If her love for the bird of paradise reflected her love for herself… then her change to pink cosmos represented…"
She let the pause stretch, giving the words weight. "…Her love for you, Lunar-chan."
The realization hit Lunar like a gentle wave. Her hands trembled slightly around the bouquet. She pressed it to her chest and let out a quiet breath, speechless.
After a moment, she straightened, eyes glinting with determination. "Then… I'll make sure I give this to Momma." She lowered herself into a deep bow, the bouquet cradled in her hands, showing a deep gesture of gratitude.
Black Caviar stepped forward, Saiya close by her side. "And thank you as well, Hana-san," she said, voice calm but warm. "For helping them… and for everything else."
Hanako waved a hand dismissively, cheeks flushed faintly. "Guair was one of my closest friends," she said softly. "What kind of friend would I be if I couldn't help the only child of my late friend?"
Black Caviar's expression softened, a small, appreciative smile crossing her face. She reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone. "Hana-san… may I have your number?"
Hanako froze mid-motion.
Her face flushed deeper as she waved her hands in a flustered panic. "W-why—why would you want my phone number—phone—for—?"
Her mind raced, chaotic and loud: W-wait a minute! No matter how handsome and attractive you are, you're already married! Why are you flirting with me in front of your daughter?! But… wait… didn't Saiya say she has lots of mothers…? Does that mean I have a chance—
Black Caviar, entirely oblivious to the storm in Hanako's head, held up her phone again, voice calm and unaware.
"I need your contact because I want to buy all the pink cosmos you have."
Hanako's pink eyes widened in shock, her hands fluttering in front of her chest. "…W-why would you do that?" she stammered.
"It is my way of repaying the kindness and help you have shown us," Black Caviar replied simply.
Hanako shook her head, her tone gentle but firm. "I didn't help out of obligation," she said. "I did it because I wanted to. I only wanted to help Lunar."
Black Caviar nodded, as if she had expected this. "I understand that," she said slowly. "And I respect the sincerity behind your reasoning." Her eyes, calm yet piercing, locked onto Hanako's. "But I also have an ulterior motive."
Hanako tilted her head, curiosity flickering through the shock.
"I want to buy all the pink cosmos you have," Black Caviar continued, "because they are Guair's favorite. And Guair… was someone who would share her love with everyone. I want the love she had for these flowers to be shared as well."
Her blue eyes glimmered with quiet intensity. "I plan to give them all away to the locals. So that her love lives on, through them."
Hanako's mouth fell open, words failing her as she stared. She saw it—the depth of affection smothered in Black Caviar's gaze, the care and love she held for Guair in every single word.
This person… must have loved Guair, Hanako realized silently. The thought softened something in her chest.
She let out a quiet breath—part awe, part acceptance—and reached for Black Caviar's phone. Her fingers hesitated for just a moment before she carefully typed in her number and handed it back.
Black Caviar's lips curved into a small, content smile. "I will contact you later," she said gently. "Once things settle, we can discuss the details properly. For now…" Her gaze shifted to the girls. "We should return and let everyone know the matter has been resolved."
She reached down and took Lunar's and Saiya's hands in hers, warm and steady. "Thank you again, Hana-san," she said sincerely.
Both girls bowed deeply. "Thank you, Hana-san!" they said together.
Hanako's smile softened, reaching her eyes. "You're welcome," she replied. She glanced down at Lunar and added with a gentle note of care, "And make sure you place them nicely, alright?"
Lunar nodded solemnly. "I will."
Black Caviar began to turn, guiding Saiya and Lunar toward the door—but Hanako suddenly called out, her voice quick and hurried.
"Wait! One more thing!"
Black Caviar paused, glancing back.
Hanako hurried to the shelves, moving carefully among the blooms before selecting a small bouquet. She returned briskly—only to stop short when she noticed Black Caviar's hands were already full.
Without missing a beat, Hanako handed the bouquet to Saiya instead.
Saiya's eyes lit up as she looked down at the flowers. "They're… pretty!" she said, brushing the petals lightly.
Then she blinked. "…Wait. They look just like the pink cosmos—but… white?"
Hanako chuckled softly. "Good eye," she said, pink eyes twinkling. "They're white cosmos. They bloom alongside the pink ones."
She lifted her gaze, meeting Black Caviar's blue eyes for a brief, meaningful moment. "And they represent pure, faithful, and honest love."
For a heartbeat, Black Caviar's expression shifted. Her eyes flickered as the meaning settled in. "Thank you, Hana-san," she said quietly, her voice noticeably softer.
Hanako smiled back, knowing and gentle, her heart light with quiet satisfaction.
At last, Black Caviar guided the girls toward the door. The three of them moved together, calm and unhurried.
At the threshold, Lunar paused. She turned back, clutching the pink cosmos close to her chest.
Hanako raised a hand and waved. "I'll visit your mother as well, soon," she called warmly.
A small smile spread across Lunar's face—soft, sincere, and lighter than it had been in a long time.
And with that, the door closed gently behind them.