Heisuke barely made it through each day. He lived in a tent, spent most of his paycheck getting good bird feed for Piisuke, and rationing his own food. Mostly protein bars, water, and the occasional meal from Sakamoto's.

It wasn't the best way to live, but Heisuke appreciated everything he had, knowing it was more than others did. For starters, he could be dead. Or worse, alone!

Speaking of, the world decided to grant him one miracle. He was dating someone. No joke. He's not even sure how he did that, but he knew he couldn't ruin his shot.

They chose him out of everyone. That meant something... right? Heisuke had to prove that they made the right choice. Even if he couldn't buy them gifts or take them out on dates or do anything a good boyfriend could do... He had lots of love in his heart! And a lot of time on his hands.

"For you!" Heisuke had been holding his breath the entire wait outside their door. He nearly smashed the bouquet into their face. Luckily Piisuke was on his shoulder to peck his ear when he needed to slow down.

Morning glories wrapped in yesterday's newspaper. Did he spend the entire day digging around in garden plots and forests? ... no.

His hands were littered with bug bites and splinters, but Heisuke was worrying about their reaction. "I didn't know which colour you like... so I got one of each. Haha."

Laughing on the outside but crying, screaming, internally.