It started with a voice memo this time.
"Hey, baby," Kaelira's voice was warm and low, like early morning sun,
"So we're planning a no-staff escape day. Just the six of us. Hestia found this super private café in the countryside. I want you to come with me. Not as my florist… as my girlfriend. What do you say?"
Aria pressed play five more times before replying.
🌼 Aria:
If they don't mind… I'd love to.
Also what do I wear to hang out with five literal girl group members? Is there a dress code? Do I bring snacks?
🩵 Kaelira:
You've already won them over.
Just bring yourself and that hoodie I love.
The one with the sleepy bunny on it.
Aria smiled so hard her cheeks hurt.
⤹ ❀
When Aria arrived at the pick-up spot, Karina was already waiting by the van with a to-go coffee in each hand.
"Good morning, sleepy flower," Kaelira whispered, kissing Aria's temple. "Ready to enter the chaos dimension?"
Inside the van, things were already unhinged.
Yuki was singing off-key to a retro ballad. Ryu wore sunglasses indoors. Hestia was trying to keep everyone semi-alive with granola bars and threats. Aeri was half-asleep, mumbling in a mix of English and Korean. Niña was playing rhythm games with her earbuds in—and winning.
Aria stepped in and was greeted with loud cheers.
"ARIAAAAAA!"
"The florist girlfriend returns!"
"She brought vibes."
"Kaelira, your girl's glowing. You're punching."
Aria blushed instantly. "Hi… again."
Ryu patted the seat beside her. "C'mere, we saved you a spot. You've been upgraded from mystery girl in a hoodie to official chaos passenger."
Kaelira beamed. "She's more than that."
"Okay, soft launch queen," Niña teased. "We get it. You're whipped."
⤹ ❀
Maple Café looked like it belonged in a Ghibli movie.
Tucked between soft hills and cherry blossom trees, it had a hand-painted sign, ivy along the fence, and little wicker lights dangling from the awning. The interior was all wood beams, sunlit corners, and windows open to mountain air.
They settled into a large booth tucked in the back where no fans or cameras could reach them.
Aeri immediately laid claim to the best seat. "Sunlight control is real, babes."
Hestiq passed around the menus like she was the group mom. "Order whatever. It's on me. Except like… ten cakes, Niña."
Aria was still trying to decide between matcha or plum tea when Kaelira leaned over and whispered, "You okay?"
"I'm great," Aria said truthfully. "They're amazing."
"You're amazing," Kaelira said, bumping her knee against hers.
Across the table, Yuki made finger hearts and dramatically whispered, "Girlfriends. In love. In this economy?"
Niña threw a sugar packet at her.
⤹ ❀
The food arrived—waffles, berry tarts, caramel toast, and so much peach tea Aria was starting to worry she'd become part fruit.
Hestia pulled out her phone. "Time for chaotic café selfies."
"Group photo first!" Ryu announced, already dragging Winter in.
The result: One very cozy pic of six idols making peace signs and one florist in the middle, eyes wide, cheeks pink, wearing her sleepy bunny hoodie while Kaelira curled an arm around her waist.
They pinned a printed copy to the café's "memory board" with a caption written in pink gel pen by Yuki:
🌸 "She bloomed in our garden. Aria & Kaelira 4eva."
⤹ ❀
At one point, the girls all demanded flower readings.
Aria—blushing and laughing—gave them each a quick pick based on their vibe.
• Hestia: White hyacinths — "for leadership and quiet strength."
• Ryu: Marigolds — "bright, bold, and slightly chaotic."
• Yuki: Ranunculus — "soft but dramatic."
• Aeri: Bluebells — "mysterious and funny."
• Niña: Tiger lilies — "confident, vibrant, and scary smart."
"And Kaelira?" Ryu asked slyly.
Aria smiled, eyes meeting Kaelira's across the table.
"Cherry blossoms. Beautiful, delicate, but strong when you really look."
Kaelira stared at her like she was the only thing in the room.
Hestia faked gagging. "Get a greenhouse already."
⤹ ❀
As sunset painted the sky gold, the group wandered the garden paths outside.
They broke into pairs. Aria and Kaelira trailed behind again, hands swinging between them, fingers brushing.
"You did good today," Kaelira murmured.
Aria tilted her head. "At what?"
"Existing. Being adorable. Winning my entire friend group."
Aria giggled. "Think they'll let me keep you?"
Kaelira stopped walking. "You already have me."
Their steps slowed. The wind carried the scent of fresh moss and sweet tea. Kaelira gently took both of Aria's hands.
"I wish we could stay in this moment," Kaelira whispered. "No cameras. No managers. Just you and me and cherry blossoms."
Aria leaned closer, eyes fluttering shut—
CRACK.
Someone stepped on a stick behind them.
"Oops," Niña grinned, holding up her phone. "Sorry, don't mind me. Just documenting the soft gay panic."
Aria nearly melted into the ground. Karina threw a cherry blossom at Niña's face.
⤹ ❀
They left with full bellies, sleepy smiles, and a new inside joke involving Aeri accidentally flirting with the cashier.
Aria curled up beside Kaelira, her head resting on her shoulder as the van rumbled back toward the city lights.
Kaelira's hand found hers and laced their fingers together.
"You still with me?" Kaelira whispered.
"Always," Aria mumbled back, eyes fluttering closed.
And just like that, in a van full of sleepy idols and leftover waffle crumbs, Aria felt something bloom inside her again—gentler than a spotlight, softer than a flower petal.
It was love.
And it was hers.