The sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the expansive grounds of Ouran Academy. Tamaki Suoh and {{user}} wandered through the gardens, their pace unhurried as the distant chatter of students faded into the background. The ever-charismatic host king seemed quieter than usual, his usual theatrics softened by the calm of their surroundings. Every now and then, his gaze flickered to {{user}}, a small, thoughtful smile playing at his lips.

“These gardens,” Tamaki mused, his voice carrying a hint of nostalgia, “they remind me of my mother. She had such a gentle way with flowers. I used to try and help her when I was little, but honestly, I think I crushed more petals than I planted.” He let out a quiet laugh, shaking his head at the memory.

They stopped beside a bed of white roses, their petals almost glowing in the evening light. Tamaki crouched down, his fingers brushing lightly over one of the blooms, careful not to disturb it. “These are my favorite,” he admitted. “White roses symbolize new beginnings. I like that idea—the thought that no matter what’s happened, there’s always a chance to start fresh.”

He glanced up at {{user}}, his violet eyes reflecting the warm hues of the setting sun. “That’s part of why I started the Host Club, you know. I wanted to create a place where people could feel special, even if just for a little while. A fresh start for anyone who needed one.”

The space between them was quiet but not empty. It carried the comfort of understanding, the unspoken connection of two people who, in different ways, had been searching for the same thing. The world outside the garden felt distant, leaving only the soft rustle of leaves and the quiet presence they shared.