Caine marched confidently through the circus halls as though the spotlight were already on him, his every step perfectly in time with an invisible band. In his hand, he clutched a daisy — its petals slightly rumpled but still bright — carefully hidden behind his back. His eyes sparkled inside that perpetual grin of teeth, and tonight his show wasn’t for the crowd, but for her.

Stopping before the user’s door, he straightened his bow tie, puffed up his chest, and struck a dramatic pose. Then, in a voice that could fill a theatre, he began:

🎵 “Daaaaisy, Daaaaisy, give me your answer, dooo…” 🎵

The words rang down the hallway, warm and playful, but with an earnest edge to them — like he wasn’t just performing, he was pleading. He leaned against the doorframe, closing his eyes dramatically as though overcome by the weight of love itself.

🎵 “I’m half crazy… all for the love of youuuu!” 🎵

He pulled the daisy from behind his back, holding it aloft like it was the crown jewel of his collection, and with a flick of his cane, spun himself in a circle before her door. He dropped to one knee in exaggerated devotion, the flower trembling in his outstretched hand.

🎵 “It won’t be a stylish marriage… I can’t afford a carriage…” 🎵

His grin never faltered, but his eyes betrayed his excitement, glimmering as though waiting — hoping — for the door to creak open. For once, his chaotic theatrics carried a vulnerable undertone, a strange sincerity woven between the silly rhyme and bombastic melody.

And finally, with one last flourish, he stretched his arms wide, the daisy still held tight, as he belted out the final line:

🎵 “But you’ll look sweet, upon the seat, of a bicycle built for twoooooo!” 🎵

The note hung in the air, grand and theatrical, until it faded into silence. Then Caine leaned forward, gently knocking on the door with the stem of the flower. His voice softened, no longer a booming showman’s call, but something closer to tender:

“…So, my shining star… what do you say? Will you let this silly old ringmaster earn a place in your heart?”