#asobaroweek

Barok is a professor of law who recently moved to Japan to join the faculty at Yumei University. Despite growing up in London and studying British law, he has always been fascinated by legal systems from other countries, which is what led him to accept a position at Yumei University through the Foreign Exchange Prosecutor's Program. Despite his enthusiasm for learning, Barok struggled with the language barrier and had trouble communicating with some of his students. However, Barok settled into a comfortable routine, taking the train before driving to the university, greeting his students with a warm smile. He would teach his classes and engage with his students, sometimes discussing topics with colleagues like Dr. Yujin Mikotoba, a professor of Medical Science. After five months of settling into his new environment, Barok received a strange and unusual gift - a bouquet of flowers. Barok's eyes immediately fell upon the striking bouquet of fragrant blooms sitting atop his desk. He could discern the delicate petals of four silver Eucalyptuses, the fiery hues of two orange Ranunculuses, the pristine beauty of two white Lilies, and the intricate lavender patterns on three Roses. Two red Carnations and four cheerful Gerbera Daisies added further brightness to the collection. Barok savored the heady scent of the flowers as he carefully arranged them next to the window, where the sunlight could cast vivid reflections and colorful shadows across the room. Despite his appreciation for their beauty, he also knew the hidden message behind them - beauty, radiance, charm, joy, positive energy, happiness, sunshine, sweetness, purity, enchantment, and admiration. Barok knew that these flowers were associated with romantic or youthful love, but believed the sender likely bought the bouquet from a local flower shop without any knowledge of the flowers' meanings. He found it strange to receive this gift and longed to know the identity of the mysterious giver. Despite searching the vase for any indication of the sender's name, Barok found no further information besides a card that read, “亜双義 一真 …. I am still learning English.” He struggled to understand the Japanese characters since he had not yet mastered the Japanese language. He wanted to know who sent the flowers but didn't know how to speak with them because of the language difference. Barok let out a deep, heavy sigh and sank back into his chair, his shoulders drooping and his head falling back against the cushion. He picked up the card once more, hoping to find some clue to the sender's identity, but it remained stubbornly blank. "It's the thought that counts," he supposed. Barok smiled to himself, allowing his imagination to wander. It was amusing to think that one of his students might have a crush on him, but he quickly dismissed the thought. He knew he wasn't as charismatic as his brother, who had a way of charming everyone he met. Still, the flowers would brighten up the classroom and add a touch of beauty to the space. Barok carefully arranged them next to the window, where the sunlight could shine on the petals and leaves, casting colorful shadows across the room. The students seemed to like the bouquet, believing it to be used for decoration. Barok's class continued as usual, but his mind was preoccupied with thoughts of the mysterious flowers. He couldn't help but wonder who had sent them and what message they were trying to convey. He tried to discreetly ask a few students who were fluent in English if they knew anything about the bouquet, but they were as clueless as he was. He approached one student in particular, Ryunosuke, who was studying English in another classroom at Yumei. He hoped that Ryunosuke might be able to shed some light on the situation. "Do you know anything about these flowers?" he asked, gesturing toward the bouquet over at the window. Ryunosuke's eyes lit up with curiosity as he leaned forward to get a better look. "Oh, those? I saw them when I came in this morning. Do you know who sent them?" Barok shook his head. "No, and I've been asking around, but no one seems to know anything about them." Ryunosuke nodded sympathetically. "That's frustrating. But wait, there's a card here." He reached out and picked up the small note that was tucked into the flowers. Barok had forgotten about the card. He watched eagerly as Ryunosuke read the message. "Well?" he asked impatiently. Ryunosuke's brow furrowed in confusion. "It's from Kazuma. I don't think he's in any of your classes." "Kazuma? I don't remember anyone by that name... Do you know his surname?" "Asogi, I believe. He's the son of the Dean." “And, you are now telling me this!?” Barok cried out frustratingly. Ryunosuke took a step back, not expecting him to raise his voice and fearful that he offended his teacher. Barok took a moment to collect himself, realizing that he had spoken too loudly to Ryunosuke. "I'm sorry," he said genuinely.

"I-It's alright," Ryunosuke responded, still visibly shaken by the previous outburst. “At the very least, it helps to know his name. Thank you for your help, Mr. Naruhodo.” Ryunosuke bowed respectfully. "You're welcome, van Zieks-sensei. If there's anything else I can do, just let me know."

Barok scrutinized the list of students from all his classes but once again, Kazuma Asogi was absent. This was particularly strange because there was no reason for the Dean's son to know Barok, let alone send him flowers. Puzzled by this unexpected gesture, Barok tried to recall if he had ever met anyone associated with the Dean. However, he could not recall any such encounters, leaving him more confused than before. Barok's unease grew as he received another bouquet of flowers, deepening the mystery. The latest bouquet included yellow carnations, peach ranunculuses, lavender, white hydrangeas, and blue dendrobium orchids. These flowers represent feelings of happiness, joy, charm, attractiveness, purity, gracefulness, abundance, rarity, and uniqueness. While searching for a card, Barok wondered if the sender was the same person as before. Eventually, he found a card with only the name "Kazuma Asogi" written in English, adding to the confusion and intrigue surrounding the mystery. This left Barok perplexed about the reason behind the bouquets. How could the Dean's son afford to give flowers to all the teachers? Also, why were these bouquets meant specifically for him? Barok was certain that Kazuma was not his student, and there were plenty of other newly appointed teachers at the school. The fact that the flowers seemed to have a romantic connotation, especially considering this was the second bouquet from Kazuma, only added to the mystery. As an act of courtesy, Barok placed the new bouquet next to the previous one, but he couldn't resist his curiosity any longer. He decided to discuss the matter with Ryunosuke, the only student who knew Kazuma. In private while all the students were gone, Barok shared his confusion about the bouquets and asked Ryunosuke for insights. Ryunosuke raised his eyebrows in curiosity when Barok mentioned the second bouquet. "Another bouquet? That's strange. I've never seen Kazuma as the gifting type, especially not to people he hardly knows. I figured the first one was out of gratitude." Barok acknowledged Ryunosuke and confidently asked, "Since you appear to be familiar with him, could you kindly inquire about the meaning of these flowers?" "Thank you for informing me about the flowers. My best friend never mentioned it, so I'm grateful for the heads up," expressed Ryunosuke. "I don't know Japanese well enough to ask," Barok said, hesitating. "And if those flowers mean what I think they do..." Ryunosuke interrupted, "You're worried it's romantic?" Barok admitted, "If I were to go by the meaning of these flowers, it does seem that way." Ryunosuke appeared taken aback by Barok's revelation. "Pardon me, Barok, but I find it hard to believe that Kazuma is capable of romantic gestures. He has never exhibited such behavior towards anyone, including his colleagues. It is indeed surprising that he harbors such emotions for you." “Barok sighed, "I haven't given much thought to the idea of romance or teacher-student relationships. It's just strange that he would hold such feelings towards me. I'm not exactly an approachable man." "Pardon me, but I must disagree with your statement," Ryunosuke replied, halting his self-criticism. "While you certainly hold high standards, I do not find you unapproachable. In fact, Van Zieks-sensei is held in high regard by all of us." Barok smiled at the compliment. "Please keep me updated on any news from Kazuma. Thank you."

Ryunosuke displayed an unwavering determination to unravel the mystery that lay before him. Barok, on the other hand, was driven by an insatiable desire to uncover the truth behind Kazuma's peculiar habit of gifting flowers. As he concentrated on his studies, he couldn't help but overhear whispers from his students and colleagues about the frequent bouquets that Kazuma was sending his way. Despite the attention, he felt compelled to keep this information to himself and remain discreet. 

Barok was in a tough spot when two small flower bouquets caused a stir among those around him. The gossip that followed became overwhelming, especially coming from a foreign instructor at Yumei University who seemed to enjoy making Barok's life difficult with their constant and unnecessary comments. "Hello, Mr. Van Zieks. I heard that someone has taken a liking to you," said Herlock Sholmes, the peculiar colleague of Professor Yujin Mikotoba and the godfather of Barok's niece. “It's just a student wishing to send me a gift to show his gratitude,” Barok stated. “Regrettably, it seems that the sender of the message is not registered in any of the classes that you teach.”

“How would you know this?” Barok glared with disapproval in his eyes. “Elementary, my dear Professor. Upon observing the exterior of your classroom this morning, I noticed two floral arrangements with the name of the Dean's son inscribed in both English and Japanese. Given that you are the only individual with access to the room, it is a logical deduction that these flowers were delivered prior to your arrival. It is improbable that a student would have sent them, as Mr. Asogi is not listed on your class roster, a fact which I confirmed by perusing the online records which are readily available to all instructors. In light of this evidence, it is reasonable to surmise that the sender of the bouquets must have possessed a master key or perhaps even scaled the building to leave them behind.”

“You read the name on the card from outside the school building, didn’t you?” Barok glared, his voice dripping with venom. “I observed that you've recently displayed signs of agitation upon receiving your initial floral arrangement. It's quite interesting to note that the specific blossoms in the bouquet are imbued with hidden connotations of romantic intent. Fortunately, I have a penchant for studying the significance of flowers during my leisure hours. This knowledge may prove useful upon my return to London.

“Furthermore, I am presently aiding an associate who speaks Japanese as their mother tongue. This has allowed me to refine my abilities in reading and deciphering Japanese to English. I would recommend against concealing the identity of the suitor on the card behind the window frame, as it is visible from your current vantage point.” “You read the card from outside the university building using your goggles, didn't you? Why should I expect any less from you?” Barok grumbled, crossing his arms. “Nevertheless, I'm sure the flowers were no more than simple gifts of gratitude. He is the Dean's son after all.” “Mr. Asogi is one of Dear Mikotoba's students and a beloved friend of his daughter. Giving flowers has never been Dear Kazuma's motif based on my knowledge of how he socializes with his peers and teachers. Not to mention... he's quite knowledgeable in flower language. He was the one that taught me it during my free time after all,” Herlock stated, which took Barok by surprise. Kazuma knew the meanings of flowers!? But then that means... “What are you saying, man!?” Barok asked, too taken aback to respond any other way. “Perhaps nothing, perhaps something. If Dear Kazuma never gives bouquets of flowers to anyone else, let alone a teacher, yet gives two to you and is knowledgeable in the meaning of flowers,” Herlock stated, pointing his finger up, then pointing it to the corner of his forehead. “I'd deduce he knew what those flowers meant when he picked them for you.” Barok stood rooted to the spot, his mind reeling from the sudden realization. If Kazuma had actually sent him those flowers with full knowledge of their symbolic meaning, then what did it imply? Overwhelming fear and disbelief flooded Barok's mind at the thought of Kazuma harboring genuine feelings for him. He struggled to make sense of his jumbled emotions, unable to comprehend the possibility. “That doesn't make sense! I haven't seen Kazuma since I started working here! I barely remember seeing the Dean on my first day!” Barok retorted, his glare intense. “That's not entirely true, my dear chap. As a matter of fact, the Dean was sick on the day the University opened. I realized this when I registered as a teacher's aid here in this school, being I met the Dean, Mr. Genshin Asogi, in his offices with a picture of him and his son displayed at the corner of his desk. It was clear they were father and son based on the physical features they share and the number of times the Dean looks upon the picture with great admiration. I'm certain the Dean had to ask his son to step in and meet with the new staff, being I noticed the same chap behind the desk handing Dear Mikotoba his paperwork. The poor lad was a deer caught in headlights. He wasn't very fluent in English and didn't quite know how to introduce himself to the new staff. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!” Herlock laughed, his laughter ringing throughout the room. “Wait, are you saying that Kazuma Asogi was the man who introduced the school to the new staff members?” Barok questioned, his hand covering his face in disbelief. At that moment, Barok's memory flashed back to his first day of teaching at the school. He recalled being lost and confused when he stumbled upon the main office. Inside, the air conditioning was on full blast, making the room feel frigid like a walk-in refrigerator. The acrid smell of fresh office papers and the sound of busy copy machines filled the air, intensifying the confusion of several newly appointed staff members waiting in line. Behind the elegant front desk sat a professional Japanese man dressed in a sleek suit and tie. He had striking black, short, choppy hair that gave him an air of confidence. The man spoke Japanese at lightning speed with the person at the front of the queue, his language skills awe-inspiring. Whenever the man handed someone their papers, he would bow courteously, his hand gesturing respectfully. The next person in line, a newly recruited teacher, spoke in English, which broke the spell of the previously spoken Japanese language. The teacher spoke up as soon as he and Barok entered the office. "Hi, I'm teaching here at Yumei and I need to collect my map and lesson plans." The young man behind the desk looked up at them, blinking a few times before responding. "Paper, you need paper?" he replied in heavily accented and broken English, searching frantically through his drawers. "No, I need my lesson plans and a map!" the teacher repeated, growing increasingly impatient. "Yes, papers... sorry," the young man apologized, his face red with embarrassment. Barok couldn't help feeling sympathetic towards him. It was clear that he had little grasp of the English language. Without hesitation, Barok offered to help. Barok offered to help and immediately pulled out his phone. "Here, let me assist you." He handed the teacher his phone, which displayed an app with English text ready to record any spoken words. Below the English text box was a Japanese translation, showing what would be displayed in the English text box. However, the frustrated teacher didn't understand Barok's intentions. "I'm just trying to collect my lesson plans and a map of the school!" he exclaimed, getting more and more agitated. Barok's phone displayed the teacher's spoken words in the text, translating from English to Japanese. To help the young man behind the desk understand, Barok pressed the button on the Japanese text, which then spoke aloud in a professional voice. The young man behind the desk heard the translation and immediately began rummaging through the drawer of his desk, pulling out the lesson plans and map of the school the teacher had been asking for. "Sorry! Sorry!" he cried out in Japanese. "Thank you," the teacher said as he took the papers and rushed out, still visibly frustrated. The young man behind the desk appeared ashamed and embarrassed, covering his face. Feeling satisfied that he had been able to help, Barok introduced himself. "Watashi no namae wa Barok van Zieks," he said, using the Japanese greetings that he knew. The young man looked up, removing his hands from his face. "Yoroshiku onegai shi masu." "Arigatou gozaimasu," the young man responded, his gentle smile conveying gratitude. Barok opened the same app on his phone that had helped him translate before, but this time he used it to record his own voice. "Excuse me, I would like my lesson plans and map, please. I'm sorry for not knowing much Japanese," he spoke into his phone. The app instantly translated his words into Japanese. When the young man on the other end heard the translated message, he chuckled before going to his drawer and retrieving everything that Barok needed: the lesson plans, the map of the school, and other paperwork. "Th-Thank you... Van Zieks-sensei," the young man stumbled over the words as he struggled to speak correctly in English. "You're welcome," Barok replied, bowing out of courtesy before leaving. As he walked away, he noticed the young man smiling, his cheeks flushed pink from being flustered. Barok didn't dwell on the incident with the young man and had a suspicion that he couldn't be the Dean. The young man's "thank you" was overly formal for someone of his presumed status, suggesting that he considered himself below Barok's authority. However, this theory didn't quite explain why the man had not given the flowers directly to Barok. Despite these doubts, Barok now understood why Kazuma had given him the bouquet of flowers. He was the young Japanese man he met on his first day working at Yumei University.

After snapping out of his reverie, Herlock asked, "have you solved the mystery of your admirer?" "Somewhat," Barok muttered, eager to see the young man's face once more. Later that day, when Barok was walking by the offices, he peeked inside the office where he had first met Kazuma on his opening day at Yumei University, and a wave of disappointment washed over Barok. An older man with a dark suit, mustache, and ponytail sat at the desk instead of the young man he longed to see. Barok sighed softly, realizing how unlikely that would be to find the young man again. Just as he turned to leave, Barok spotted a figure he recognized running towards the main office. It was Kazuma, and he was biting his lip, looking nervous. As he approached Barok, he seemed unsure of how to say what was on his mind. Barok felt the same way, his body frozen as he tried to remember any Japanese he knew. His eyes darted around before he looked back at Kazuma. Their lack of a shared language complicated their attempts to express themselves. Kazuma felt ashamed and embarrassed that he couldn't communicate better in English, feeling like he knew much less than Barok knew of Japanese. Turning to run away with, "I'm sorry" leaving his lips, he heard Barok call after him. "Wait! Azaasu!" Kazuma paused, his heart thudding in his chest as he turned to face Barok. Barok continued speaking softly with a soft, comforting, "Ohana." Kazuma froze, his body shaking without anything he could deliver from his lips. Even when his lips moved, they froze in that very spot. Kazuma's eyes fell to the ground, his face flushed with embarrassment. There was nothing he could say. Darkness clouded his eyes in shame as he bowed to Barok halfway. "I'm sorry!" Kazuma apologized. Barok shook his head. He used nonverbal cues like smiles and gestures to show he was listening. He smiled softly at Kazuma with great understanding and sympathy. Barok felt the same at times when his students asked him questions after class. Kazuma understood the smile that graced Barok's lips, returning it with his own. However, that smile turned into a frown, a dark shadow casting over his eyes. Did Kazuma wish to say more? Feeling frustrated by their inability to communicate, Barok took out his phone and showed Kazuma the translator app they had used during their first meeting. Seeing the familiar app, Kazuma felt a glimmer of hope. Barok spoke in Japanese, the device translating his words: "I wish to learn English so I can tell you what is on my heart. I promise to work hard and get better." Kazuma's eyes widened with surprise and gratitude. He took the phone and replied in Japanese, "I will do the same." Barok nodded, relieved to have found a way to communicate with his admirer. Kazuma felt a rush of warmth flood his chest, a smile spreading across his face. Perhaps this was the beginning of a meaningful connection between them. He bowed to Barok, saying "Arigato," happily. Barok replied with "Dōitashimashite," feeling a sense of camaraderie with the young man. As Kazuma turned to leave, Barok smiled after him, feeling grateful for the opportunity to connect with him.

That was when Barok realized that he had to return Kazuma's message in those flowers. The next day, Ryunosuke confirmed Barok's suspicions after class. "Van Zieks-sensei, Kazuma is quite frustrated. He cannot truly articulate his feelings for you, and wishes for you to know what's in his heart," Ryunosuke explained, fidgeting with his pen. He remembered struggling with the language barrier when he first learned English during English Class last year in a different classroom and imagined how Kazuma must have felt. "I see. So Kazuma has feelings for me," Barok said with a slight smile. He had suspected it all along. "More of an attraction, sir. He is drawn to you but finds it difficult to express himself. He worries he will never understand you fully and feels ashamed he did not study English more," Ryunosuke replied, pressing the pen down harder on his notepad. "You can assure him that there is nothing to be ashamed of. I understand the struggle of learning a new language," Barok said, his voice calm and understanding. "Kazuma is a passionate person, sir. He reaches for the stars, even if they are beyond his grasp. He wants to take his time, so please do not feel pressured," Ryunosuke added, looking up to meet his van Zieks-sensei's gaze. "Of course. The bouquet was quite sweet, but nothing too romantic," Barok chuckled. He thought back to the flowers Kazuma had given him, and how endearing they were. "I believe he wanted to convey a small crush, sir," Ryunosuke grinned. He was glad to have lightened the mood with his teacher. Barok laughed. "Well, it definitely conveyed something. I thought you Japanese were superstitious about even numbers of flowers," he said, raising an eyebrow. "Actually, we do not mind. Only the number four is considered unlucky. It can represent death," Ryunosuke explained, tapping his pen on the notepad. "Interesting. In the UK, we have our fair share of superstitions too. For example, people used to plant hawthorn flowers in hedgerows to protect their livestock from witches," Barok said, reminiscing on some of the strange traditions of his birthplace. "Really? And what about Christmas traditions?" Ryunosuke asked, intrigued. "Ah, yes. Holly is often used to represent the thorns and blood of Christ's crown. It is said to protect the household," Barok replied, his tone growing more animated with each word. "I never knew that! See, Sensei, there is always something to learn from different cultures," Ryunosuke exclaimed, smiling. "Indeed. Just like how flowers can bring two worlds together. Each country has its own culture and language, but they all have flowers. The national flower can even tell you something about that country," Barok said, his voice taking on a more reflective tone. "And what about the rose, sir? Isn't it the national flower of the UK?" Ryunosuke asked, thinking back to his own knowledge of flowers. "Yes, the red rose. It represents love and romance. But did you know that yellow roses signify friendship and new beginnings, while pink roses are for gratitude and admiration?" Barok said, wanting to share his knowledge. "I had no idea!" Ryunosuke exclaimed, amazed. "And cherry blossoms signify renewal and the beginnings of life. It seems this country is full of new starts," Barok added, his voice laced with pride. "And the UK is full of love, gratitude, and admiration! It's amazing how different countries have so many similarities," Ryunosuke said, grinning. Barok smiled back. "Yes, we may speak different languages, but the language of flowers is universal."

Ever since starting this relationship, Barok had begun learning how inexperienced he and Kazuma were romantically. Neither of them had ever thought about romance throughout their lives. Both of them had crushes growing up, but nothing came of them. Their relationship was the first one for either of them that went beyond the puppy love of grade school crushes. Most would believe that Barok would be the least affectionate of the two. However, it was the opposite. Barok was the one who enjoyed any and every physical affection, such as hugs, kisses, holding hands, and other displays of affection. Kazuma, on the other hand, felt discomforted by these things. Kazuma loved Barok, but he didn't feel comfortable with hugs or certain types of touch. Fortunately, Barok was sensitive to Kazuma's feelings and would always ask before hugging or touching him in a way that might make him uncomfortable. Kazuma was curled up on the couch, a book in one hand and a cup of tea in the other. The gas lamp created a warm glow on Kazuma's face. Barok couldn't help but admire Kazuma's beauty and grace. Suddenly, he felt the urge to hold Kazuma and kiss him. But as he took a step forward, he hesitated and cleared his throat. Kazuma turned to him, a questioning look in his eyes. "Excuse me," Barok said, avoiding eye contact. "I was wondering, if it's not too much trouble, could I...er...?" Kazuma raised an eyebrow. "Sure, go ahead. But, make it quick." Barok tentatively wrapped his arms around Kazuma's shoulders, savoring the warmth of his lover's close proximity. Kazuma patted his arm with a look of mild discomfort, but allowed the embrace to continue. After a moment, Barok planted a quick kiss on Kazuma's cheek and released him. Kazuma returned to his book, seemingly unperturbed by the gesture. Barok knew that physical affection wasn't Kazuma's forte, but he took heart in the fact that they were still making progress. In their relationship, they didn't need grand displays of love – they valued quiet moments of understanding and respect more than grand displays of affection. One day, Barok relished the opportunity to take Kazuma out to dinner. Barok toyed with the idea of a romantic picnic for just the two of them. With excitement bubbling up within him, he presented the idea to Kazuma that morning. “A picnic?” Kazuma asked once he was offered. “Indeed, I thought it would do us good to venture outdoors and enjoy some quality time together,” Barok replied. “Hm... what sort of nibbles shall we bring then?” “What sort of nibbles do you fancy?” “Well, most picnic-goers tend to opt for sandwiches. We could rustle up a few of those... also some savory bites, perhaps?” 

“Splendid idea. I shall also prepare some of your preferred tea,” Barok added with a small smile. “It seems you already have a plan in mind,” Kazuma teased, flashing a flirtatious look. “Perhaps just a rough outline. My true aim is to charm you with my company.” “I concur. I have been yearning for your company lately,” Kazuma admitted, lightly clasping Barok's index finger. It was his subtle way of showing affection. “Likewise. I have felt your absence quite keenly,” Barok confessed, moving to embrace Kazuma before withdrawing awkwardly. “I beg your pardon.” “No need to apologize,” Kazuma reassured him, smiling before proceeding to get ready for their date. Barok felt disheartened by how uncomfortable Kazuma was with physical affection. He knew that expressing love was different for Kazuma, but he yearned to connect with him through touch. Unfortunately, he struggled to find gestures of affection that didn't make Kazuma uneasy. Kissing seemed to be one form of intimacy that Kazuma was at ease with while hugging and holding hands were off-limits. Despite his sadness, Barok remained patient and understanding, hoping that someday Kazuma would feel more comfortable expressing his love in physical ways. Perhaps he was being too demanding. After all, he loved Kazuma for who he was, not just for physical affection. Barok reminded himself that he didn't need a fairytale romance; he just wanted to be around Kazuma and spend time with him. With a deep breath, he headed to the kitchen to make some tea and calm his thoughts. The prospect of a picnic with Kazuma lifted his spirits, and he looked forward to enjoying the day with his beloved. After wrapping up his duties at the Prosecutor's Office, Barok joined Kazuma to prepare for their picnic lunch. Kazuma brewed the tea while Barok made the sandwiches, mindful of avoiding any poultry after the chicken fiasco on their first date. Even now, Barok couldn't resist chuckling at the memory of Kazuma dumping all the chicken into the river, convinced it was poison. It was a humorous reminder of the quirks that made Kazuma so endearing to him, and Barok couldn't help but smile at the memory, though he knew he should have been clearer about the menu. The aroma of Kazuma's tea reached Barok's nose, filling him with anticipation. Kazuma always knew Barok's favorite blend. Looking over at Kazuma, Barok couldn't help but admire his serious expression. Whenever Kazuma worked on something he was passionate about, he threw himself into it with boundless dedication. It was yet another quality that drew Barok to him, among many others. Kazuma glanced back at Barok and let out a soft hum of approval at the sight of the sandwiches he'd made. A warm smile graced Kazuma's lips, then suddenly Barok's cheeks pinkened with self-consciousness. Kazuma chuckled at this reaction, then approached Barok and reached out a hand. Somewhat unsure, Barok accepted Kazuma's hand, feeling the press of a few fingers against his palm. It was an unusual gesture, but somehow endearing. Kazuma let out a contented sigh and smiled at him, and Barok couldn't help but feel his heart skip a beat. “You make quite good sandwiches,” Kazuma said, catching Barok off guard. “Y-Yes... I suppose I do,” Barok replied somewhat lamely. He wasn't sure what else to say. “I'll pop them in the baskets. Wouldn't do to lug everything about on your own.” “I don't mind, really. We haven't got much. Thanks all the same.” “I'm keen on carrying a bit, all the same. You're very much welcome,” Kazuma replied sweetly, then gently withdrew his hand from Barok's. There was something about Kazuma's gestures, the way he offered compliments and help in such a sincere and meaningful way. Barok had grown accustomed to these small acts of kindness, but they still left a lasting impression on him. He couldn't help but wonder about the significance of Kazuma's finger-grasping. Was it a cultural custom he wasn't familiar with? After packing up the food and drinks, they made their way to the park, careful to choose a secluded and quiet spot. Kazuma was quick to grab the basket with the hot tea kettle and step aside to give Barok room to retrieve the other basket. Barok soon realized that Kazuma's back was turned towards the road, protecting him from any dirt or dust kicked up by passing carriages. It was an incredibly thoughtful gesture, one that touched Barok deeply. As they settled down to enjoy their picnic, Barok couldn't help but feel grateful for Kazuma's unwavering kindness and consideration. He knew he was lucky to have someone like him in his life. “Shall we head off?” Barok asked, his voice betraying a hint of fluster. “Yes,” Kazuma replied, deferring to Barok to lead the way. Barok took Kazuma to a quiet spot among the trees. They could only hear the rustling of leaves and whisper of grass. Kazuma spread out a blanket and carefully extracted the tea from the basket, then removed his coat and boots to avoid soiling it. Barok followed suit, eager to make this a pleasant experience. As he unpacked the sandwiches and fruit, he offered Kazuma an apple. The smile that blossomed across Kazuma's face made Barok's heart swell with warmth. "Cheers," Kazuma replied before taking a bite from the apple. "I suppose you don't go on outings like this very often?" "No, I don't really get out much since I've got so few friends and loved ones," Barok poured a cup of piping hot tea for the pair of them. "I reckon Iris would be chuffed to go on a picnic with you." "Ah, perhaps," Barok replied, with a hint of a smile. "Her mother and Klint used to go on outings like these." "Sounds like all of you had a jolly good time." "Aye, we did. I used to love spending time with Klint. At the time, it was just the two of us as I wanted to live near where I was studying to become a Prosecutor." "I can't say I've ever met your folks," Kazuma said. Despite being together for nearly a year, Barok had never mentioned or invited him to meet his parents. "My father and I haven't been on good terms since Klint's death, and my mother passed away three years later," Barok's tone became saddened. "Oh, I'm terribly sorry to hear that. I had no idea." "It's a shame really. Klint's death affected the whole van Zieks family. My old man tried to curse the Asogi Clan, which I didn't agree with, and we haven't spoken since," Barok explained to Kazuma, whose eyes widened before staring at the grass with a look of contemplation. Kazuma finally spoke, "I received a letter after Father's supposed death about the Professor and... what my father did." "That was probably from my father. I'm so sorry," Barok replied, saddened. "It's alright. I did have my suspicions, but I'm glad it wasn't from you." Barok was surprised. Did Kazuma think he was the one who wrote the letter? It made sense, but... "When I suspected your lineage whilst were under my care, I wished to protect your name from being dragged