❝my sister’s favourite person 2❞
pairing: kimi antonelli x florist!reader
summary: with the help of his little cupid, kimi finally works up the courage to ask you out.
warnings: kimi getting embarrassed by his family, maggie being a not so subtle source of information, lovestruck smiles, you'll want a boyfriend (yes, that's a warning), and a florist receiving flowers as a gift.
a/n: i honestly didn't expect the first part to do so well. it's literally the most-liked fic of my humble career lol. i really hope you all enjoy this one too.
ଓ english is not my first language, be kind.
The front door of the Antonelli family home swung open with a cheerful bang. Maggie came in first, practically skipping down the dark wooden hallway. She tossed her bag onto the console table with the boundless energy of someone who had just orchestrated the plan of the century and watched it succeed. Kimi walked in right behind her, closing the door much more slowly. The driver's face was flushed a deep shade of red. He was trying very hard to keep his composure, but the hopelessly lovestruck smile tugging at the corners of his mouth gave him away completely.
"We're home!" Maggie sang at the top of her lungs as she slid across the floor in her socks toward the kitchen.
The Antonelli kitchen smelled of sautéed garlic and tomato sauce. Their mother stood by the stove, drying her hands on a dish towel, while their father, Marco, sat at the kitchen island, casually flipping through a motorsport magazine.
"So?" Their mother asked immediately, tossing the dish towel onto the counter and giving her children her full attention. Her eyes sparkled with motherly curiosity. "How was your outing? Did she enjoy the shopping? Andrea Kimi, tell me you behaved like a gentleman."
Kimi barely had time to open his mouth before Maggie threw herself onto one of the island stools, swinging her legs excitedly.
"It was perfect!" She exclaimed, clapping her hands. "Mom, seriously, they're so cute together it makes me want to roll my eyes. He bought her a necklace. A beautiful necklace! And the whole time he kept looking at her with that lovesick expression. She got so shy! My plan is working one hundred percent."
Kimi let out a strangled groan of embarrassment, covering his face with both hands as he leaned against the hallway wall, wishing the floor would simply open up and swallow him whole.
"Maggie, for the love of God…" he mumbled, his voice muffled behind his hands.
"Oh, let your sister talk!" His mother scolded with a huge smile as she walked over and ruffled his dark hair even more. "I'm so proud of you, mio caro. Finally, a little romance in your life besides the smell of burnt tires."
Marco closed the magazine and tossed it onto the table, crossing his arms as he shot his son an amused, appraising look.
"The real question here isn't about the shopping," he interrupted, his voice dripping with playful mischief. "The real question is: when are you finally going to grow a spine and ask that girl out properly? A real date, Kimi. Just the two of you. No little sister acting as your bodyguard."
"Dad!" Kimi's eyes widened, his ears burning with embarrassment. He walked over to the refrigerator just to have something to do with his hands, grabbing a bottle of cold water he didn't even want. "I… we barely know each other… I don't want to rush things."
Marco let out a deep laugh and shook his head. He motioned for Kimi to come closer to the island.
"Listen to your old man." He rested his elbows on the countertop, settling into the role of relationship expert — or at least pretending to. "When you ask that florist out, you need to do it for the same day. Call her at five in the afternoon and say, 'Hi, I'll pick you up at seven for dinner.' That's it. No room for second thoughts."
Kimi frowned, puzzled by his father's tactical advice.
"Because," Marco replied with a sly grin, "if you ask too far in advance, she'll have time to think it through, realize what a terrible mistake she's making by going out with you, and back out before the date even happens! You have to strike fast. Surprise is everything."
The crack of a dish towel hitting the back of Marco's neck echoed through the kitchen. Kimi's mother stood behind her husband with her hands on her hips and a murderous glare. Maggie burst into laughter, doubling over on the counter, while Marco rubbed the back of his neck, pretending to look offended.
"Marco Antonelli, don't you dare teach your caveman dating tactics to my son!" she shot back indignantly, earning a relieved laugh from Kimi. Then she turned toward him, completely ignoring her husband's grumbling, and pointed a finger straight at him. "Kimi, don't listen to this idiot. You're going to ask her out at least three days in advance. You're going to open the car door for her. You're going to pull out her chair at the restaurant. And most importantly, you have to bring her a gift. The necklace today was an excellent start, but for your first official date, you need to bring her a little something. Flowers! Women love flowers. It's foolproof. Bring her a beautiful bouquet."
Kimi, who had been taking a sip of water, nearly choked. He lowered the bottle, coughed lightly, and stared at his mother as though she'd just spoken in an alien language.
"Mom…" he began slowly. "____ is a florist. Do you understand the concept? She literally owns a flower shop. She spends hours a day, every day, surrounded by orchids, roses, lilies, and who knows what else. You really want me to show up to a florist's date carrying flowers? That's like someone giving me a tire for my birthday!"
Marco burst into loud laughter from his chair, clearly siding with his son, which earned him another deadly glare from his wife.
"Flowers given with love are completely different from flowers at work!" She argued stubbornly, lifting her chin. "It's the gesture that matters. And if you don't want to bring flowers, then buy her some ridiculously expensive chocolate. But don't you dare show up empty-handed."
Kimi let out a long sigh, rubbing both hands over his face. Anxiety was already beginning to churn in his stomach. He wanted that date to be perfect. You were the sweetest, most lovable, most beautiful girl he'd ever met, and the thought of doing something that might ruin his chances with you made his palms sweat.
"I don't even know where to take her…" he muttered, resting his forehead against the cool refrigerator door in the unmistakable posture of an almost twenty year old hopelessly in love. "What if I pick a restaurant she doesn't like? What if she's allergic to something? What if she thinks I'm boring?"
That was the moment Maggie — the criminal mastermind behind the entire operation — slapped both hands dramatically onto the marble countertop. She straightened her posture, radiating the confidence of a tiny Italian mafia boss taking over the family business.
"Relax, Romeo. Don't panic," Maggie declared with absolute confidence. She pointed at her brother with a mischievous grin. "Leave it to me. I spend almost every afternoon at the flower shop with her, remember? I'll be your inside informant. I'll find out everything. Her favorite food, where she wants to go, what kind of dessert she likes, even her favorite color so you can match your shirt. I guarantee it."
Kimi looked at his little sister, feeling an overwhelming mixture of eternal gratitude and mild terror over what she might actually be capable of.
"You'd really do that? Without making it obvious?" He asked hopefully.
"Of course! But obviously, it's going to cost you. A lot. I'm talking plenty of chocolate and presents in the future." She winked as she hopped off the stool. "Don't worry. By the end of the week, you'll have a complete dossier on ____ in your hands. All you have to do is work up the courage to ask her out."
♡ • ♡ • ♡ • ♡ • ♡ • ♡ • ♡ • ♡ • ♡ • ♡ • ♡ • ♡
The next morning, the flower shop smelled of freshly cut stems and clean water. You were arranging a few glass vases when the little bell above the front door chimed, announcing the arrival of your most frequent visitor over the past few weeks.
Maggie walked in like a whirlwind of excitement, wearing a colorful dress, a grin stretched from ear to ear, and carrying a determination that immediately struck you as… suspicious.
"Good morning!" She sang, resting her elbows on the wooden counter. "I decided today that I absolutely need to learn how to make a bouquet on my own. Will you teach me?"
You smiled, finding her sudden enthusiasm adorable.
"Of course I will, Maggie. Come around to this side of the counter."
You gathered a handful of assorted flowers, pruning shears, and satin ribbons, setting everything down on the wooden worktable. It took less than three minutes for you to realize that Maggie's talent for arranging flowers was directly opposed to the amount of curiosity she seemed to have. While she struggled to cross three eucalyptus stems without crushing them, the "interrogation" quietly began.
"So…" Maggie said, pretending to be deeply focused on the bouquet in her hands. "Just so I can understand color harmony and personal taste better… what's your favorite color? Like, for clothes, decorations… everything?"
You let out a small laugh as you adjusted a pale tea rose. "Hmm… light blue, or earthy tones, I guess. Why?"
"No reason! Just… technical curiosity," she answered far too quickly, her eyes sparkling. "And food? If you could eat only one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be? Do you have a favorite restaurant around here? You know, somewhere you always want to go when you're celebrating something?"
You paused with the pruning shears still in the air, slowly narrowing your eyes at the girl beside you. Maggie didn't even blink, keeping the most innocent expression on the planet.
"Maggie… why all these questions?" You asked, suspicion written all over your face.
"Oh, I'm just trying to get to know you better! We're friends now, aren't we? Friends know these things!" She justified with a quick wave of her hand before returning to her disastrously assembled bouquet. "Come on, tell me! Favorite restaurant? Favorite place in town?"
Even though you were almost certain a certain racing driver had something to do with this sudden field research, you eventually gave in to her charm. You told her that pasta was your favorite food and that the quiet park by the river was your favorite place to read on sunny afternoons.
"And your favorite flower?" Maggie asked this time, looking at you with almost ceremonial seriousness. "Don't even try telling me you love them all equally. I know florists always have one secret favorite."
You smiled, your expression softening with nostalgia.
"Daisies," you answered without hesitation, your voice gentle. "Simple daisies are my favorite flowers."
"Really? But you have so many exotic and expensive flowers here… why daisies?"
"Because of my grandmother," you explained, warmth settling in your chest. "When I was little, she'd pick dozens of daisies from her garden and spend the afternoon making flower crowns for me. She always said I looked like a little princess of the countryside. And… they were also the first flowers I ever planted by myself when I was about seven years old. They mean a lot to me."
Maggie listened with wide eyes, absorbing every word as though she were committing a priceless treasure to memory.
"Daisies… flower crowns with Grandma. Perfect. I mean… that's so sweet!" She corrected herself quickly with a nervous cough before pulling her phone from her pocket. "Oh! Before I forget, can I have your phone number? You know… in case I ever want to ask you something, or need flower advice, I can call you directly!"
You raised an eyebrow, becoming even more skeptical about the young Antonelli's intentions, but you still took her phone and typed in your number, saving your contact.
"There you go. Your brother has my number now too, right?" You teased, watching for her reaction.
Maggie's eyes widened for a split second before she let out an awkward laugh and took two quick steps backward, adjusting her purse on her shoulder.
"Kimi? As if! He doesn't even know where I am! The bouquet turned out great, thanks for the lesson, I have to go, bye!"
She fired off the entire sentence in a single breath before practically sprinting toward the exit, making the little bell above the door ring frantically.
You stayed behind, laughing quietly to yourself as you absentmindedly touched the butterfly pendant resting against your neck.
That same evening, at the Antonelli family home, the scene was almost comical.
Kimi sat at the desk in his bedroom, wearing a comfortable shirt with a black pen between his fingers. Standing beside him like a strict military commander instructing a rookie was Maggie. She placed a small hardcover notebook on the desk.
"Open the notebook, Andy. Write down everything I'm about to dictate before I forget the details," she ordered, folding her arms.
"Maggie, I don't need to write it all down… I can just remember—" Kimi began protesting, his face turning bright red as he noticed the title she'd already written across the first page.
"Don't argue with your PR manager!" She shot back, tapping the blank page with one finger. "Write!"
Kimi sighed but surrendered. He rested the tip of the pen against the paper, listening with absolute focus to every word that came out of his sister's mouth.
"Favorite colors: light blue and earthy tones," Maggie dictated as she paced around the room. "Favorite food: fresh pasta. Favorite place: the riverside park where she likes to read. Got it?"
"Slow down… talk slower," Kimi pleaded, carefully writing each word in neat handwriting, wanting to preserve every detail as though it were the most important telemetry he'd ever received.
"And now for the most important part." Maggie lowered her voice dramatically. Kimi looked up from the page, curious. "Her favorite flowers are daisies. Her grandmother used to make daisy crowns for her when she was little, and they were the very first flowers she ever planted. They have sentimental value."
Kimi stopped writing for a moment, the pen hovering over the page. A calm, genuine, hopelessly lovestruck smile appeared on his face as he imagined you as a little girl, wearing a daisy crown while proudly taking care of your very first flowers.
He carefully wrote beneath the previous notes:
Daisies (special meaning because of her grandma).
"And one more thing." Maggie smiled triumphantly as she pulled her phone from her pocket and waved it in front of her brother's face. "I got her phone number."
Kimi nearly dropped the pen. He jumped to his feet, eyes wide with shock.
"Her phone number?! Maggie, are you insane? What did you tell her?"
"Relax. I came up with some ridiculous excuse and she totally bought it," Maggie laughed, shamelessly exaggerating as she copied your number across the top of Kimi's notebook page. "There you go, Romeo. The dossier is complete. You've got her favorite things, the perfect location, and her phone number. The ball's in your court now."
Kimi stared at the page filled with information about you. His heart pounded hard against his ribs, a dizzying mixture of anxiety and excitement. His fingertips gently brushed over the handwritten digits of your phone number.
The plan was finally complete.
♡ • ♡ • ♡ • ♡ • ♡ • ♡ • ♡ • ♡ • ♡ • ♡ • ♡ • ♡
The Antonelli family's plan finally started falling into place by the end of that same week. Kimi had stopped by the flower shop to pick Maggie up, who claimed she needed to use the restroom in the back before they left. The moment his sister disappeared down the hallway, leaving the two of you alone among the scent of fresh greenery and the warm glow of the late afternoon sun, the air suddenly felt heavier.
Kimi took two hesitant steps toward the counter, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck. A soft blush slowly spread across his cheeks.
"So…" he began, his voice cracking ever so slightly before he cleared his throat and tried again. "I was wondering… would you like to have dinner with me this weekend? Just the two of us?"
You stared at him for a second, surprised by his sudden courage, and the shy smile he offered you made your heart do a little flip.
"I'd love to, Kimi." You answered softly.
The relief that washed over his face was immediate, blooming into a bright, genuine smile just before Maggie returned from the restroom, pretending she hadn't overheard a single word.
On the day of the date, anxiety completely took over the tiny apartment you lived in above the flower shop. Your cousin had come over to help you get ready, took one look through your wardrobe, crossed her arms, and firmly rejected every outfit you owned.
"You're going on a date with Kimi Antonelli, not to the grocery store!" She declared before running out to her car and returning with an elegant dress and a gorgeous pair of heels for you to borrow.
When the bell above the flower shop door rang at the agreed time, you made your way downstairs, smoothing the fabric of the dress over your body.
Kimi was waiting by the entrance. He was dressed in a perfectly tailored button-up shirt, but the instant his eyes traveled up your legs and finally met your face, he seemed to freeze completely. He blinked slowly, his jaw falling ever so slightly as he simply stared.
"You look…" he whispered, his voice genuinely failing him. "My God… you look beautiful."
After finally remembering how to breathe, he handed you a delicate bouquet made entirely of cheerful white daisies, along with a box of fine chocolates. He had remembered absolutely everything his mother had told him. He opened the passenger door for you, waited patiently while you settled into your seat without wrinkling your dress, then gently closed the door behind you.
He had chosen an incredibly discreet restaurant tucked away on a quiet, tree-lined street. Kimi had picked it carefully to make sure no photographers or fans would interrupt the evening, but the elegant atmosphere — with its dim lighting, candlelit tables, and formally dressed waiters made you feel a little out of place at first, unaccustomed to somewhere so sophisticated.
Sensing your nervousness almost immediately, Kimi quietly dissolved every bit of tension. He pulled out your chair, casually recommended a few dishes from the menu, and spent the entire dinner focused on you. The conversation flowed effortlessly; you laughed over stories from his childhood, he listened with genuine interest as you talked about your days surrounded by flowers, and before long the restaurant's luxurious atmosphere faded into the background, leaving only the warmth of the connection growing between the two of you.
After dinner, the evening was simply too pleasant to head home right away. Kimi suggested taking a walk along a quiet path beside the canal. The city lights shimmered across the water while your footsteps echoed softly against the cobblestones. As the conversation drifted from one lighthearted topic to another, his hand brushed against yours a few times… until he finally gathered enough courage to lace his fingers through yours.
Your hands fit together perfectly — warm, natural, effortless. You squeezed his hand gently in return, a pleasant shiver running up your arm, and Kimi couldn't help smiling down at the ground, his chest swelling with happiness.
When his car eventually pulled up in front of your flower shop, an expectant silence settled inside the cabin. He climbed out, walked around the car, and accompanied you to the front entrance.
Kimi didn't want to come across as pushy or rush anything. He respected you far too much to force a moment on your very first date. So he leaned in slowly, one hesitant hand resting lightly on your waist, and placed nothing more than a gentle kiss at the corner of your lips, lingering there for a couple of seconds as the soft scent of your perfume quietly surrounded him.
But when he started to pull away, he realized you hadn't moved back. Your eyes remained half-lidded, your breathing had turned shallow, and you were still there, close enough for him to feel your warmth.
Feeling your unspoken permission, Kimi's heart slammed against his ribs. He cupped your face with both hands, his thumbs gently caressing your warm skin, before finally leaning in for real.
The kiss began slowly, a sweet and careful exploration. Kimi's lips were unbelievably soft, and the way he drew you against his chest revealed just how long he'd been dreaming of that moment. The world around you seemed to disappear. You felt one of his hands drift back down to your waist, his warm breath mingling with yours, and the restrained urgency that made his body tremble ever so slightly against yours. There was no rush — only complete surrender, a perfect fit that made your stomach flutter as the butterfly pendant resting against your skin seemed to seal the moment itself.
When you finally pulled apart, both of you breathless and your lips faintly flushed, Kimi rested his forehead against yours, keeping his eyes closed for a moment, as if trying to imprint the feeling into his memory forever.
"Goodnight…" he whispered against your lips, his voice husky and overflowing with affection.
"Goodnight, Kimi," you replied just above a whisper, smiling against his skin.
He waited until you'd climbed the stairs and turned on the apartment light before getting back into his car. And that night, both in your room above the flower shop and in the young driver's bed on the other side of the city, neither of you managed to fall asleep anytime soon, drifting off only with the most hopelessly lovestruck smiles love could ever paint.
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