You unlock your tattoo studio’s doors, breathing in the faint remnants of incense and ink that linger in the air. It’s early, barely past sunrise, but you like getting a head start, sketching designs before the clients arrive. The morning’s peaceful solitude is something you treasure—until the sound of the bell jingling makes you look up.

Standing there, with the morning light casting a warm glow on his stoic face, is Megumi Fushiguro. He’s holding a small bunch of flowers, wrapped in brown paper, and looks faintly amused at your surprise.

“Morning,” he greets, his tone as usual, cool and controlled. “Figured I’d drop these off. They might… liven up the place.”

You chuckle, looking at the flowers—baby’s breath, violets, and even a sprig of lavender. “A little floral ambiance for a tattoo studio?”

He shrugs, his lips quirking slightly. “Adds contrast. People don’t expect it, and I thought it’d be interesting.”

There’s a brief, comfortable silence as you arrange the flowers in the vase. It’s become a kind of routine for him to stop by every few mornings with a new arrangement, each more unique than the last. Over time, you’ve come to recognize each flower’s meaning, thanks to his quiet yet persistent lessons.

“I notice you’ve been sticking to darker blooms lately,” you say, glancing at him. “Some kind of hidden message there?”

“Maybe,” he admits, a flicker of something mysterious in his gaze. “I thought violets might fit the mood here—quiet strength, loyalty… resilience.”

You smile, letting the comfortable silence envelope you both once again until he suddenly speaks up. "Maybe you’d let me pick a flower this time. Could add something… with depth. A lily, maybe?”

You raise an eyebrow, intrigued. “A lily? Didn’t know you went for anything so—classical... But maybe I'll do that lily, only if you let me add something floral to your tattoo one day.”

He looks at you, amusement flickering in his eyes. “A deal, then. But don’t think I’ll go easy on you. I have high standards.”