Cotton's Little Crush- Valentines Day

I was, you could say, star struck. I experience both a flurry of fear and excitement, staring deep into the jet black sky.

It was the late night of Saturday, and I gazed upon the twinkling stars, grounded on the grassy earth, while my mind most definitely was not. As per usual, I was daydreaming of the day where my one desire in life came true. No, it wasn't a beach house, or to one day rule the world, as most people would think, for all other desires of mine were fulfilled upon my arrival at Mochi Island. No, it was one person in particular. This person, of whom I have told myself many times, fae don’t like me back. But there's no harm in dreaming, right?

Toki. Commonly known as Toku, but as faer best friend I created a little nickname for faer. Ever since I knew faer, when I first joined the island's community, I never stopped getting pink in the cheeks when fae grabbed my paw or gave me a hug.  Even writing this, below the twinkling stars, brings that same shade of pink upon my face. I feel my mind drifting off again, dreaming of the day we connect hands in more than just a best friend way.

And that was when I realized. Tomorrows Valentine's Day- the day of love and appreciation for all close to you- but most of all, it was when you tell the people you fall for, well, that you're falling for faer. And that's when I became a flurry of fear and excitement, both swirling around me as I processed whether to do something about it. Am I supposed to? I thought, I have to, right? Not only is it Valentine's day, but i've been waiting for so long that it must be. And to that I made my final decision. I will. Just gotta figure out how…

The next day dawned upon me faster than my preparations. In the morning, as I prepared myself a quick breakfast, a knock at the door caught me off-guard.

“Cotton?” A sweet, soft voice calls from outside. “It’s me, Mikoto!”

Mikoto, other than Toki, was one of my closest friends. Excitedly, I leap towards the door and swing it open. “Mikoto!” She also happens to know my one secret.

Mikoto enters and sits down at my small table, draped with a light blue table cloth. Upon it was a small jar of cookies that I always kept full just for Mikoto. As expected, she grabs one to nibble on as she continues.

“So…” a sly grin crept upon her face as she talked. “I think that today would be just a perfect day for your long awaited date” She emphasizes her words with a sing-song tone, giggling as I playfully pushed her to the side. “Oh, c’mon, you’ve waited long enough, and you know it.” She retorts back, although her grin shines as much as her enthusiasm. Mikoto was the only friend I told about my crush. She was, you could say, Mochi Island’s matchmaker, holding many of secrets. That, of course, included mine. 

“I suppose I..” Pausing, I revisit my past thoughts and feelings from the late night of yesterday. I mutter, “I dunno how. Like- do I just go up to faer house and say it? Or do I bake faer cookies? You know I can't bake-” I say, smiling shyly at Mikoto.

“No, no. You can’t, and I most definitely know that,” she chuckles, referring to our failed attempt at baking Mae’s scone recipe a few weeks ago that ended with a big waste of sugar and no scones. “You'll be fine, whatever you do! Even if it’s a disaster, this is your best friend you're talking to, not some stranger. Faer a loyal friend and you live on a small island together. Fae can’t avoid you forever.”

I sigh. “Yeah, you're right. Toku isn't that kind of person.” I debated whether to continue, “what am i to do though? How do I say ‘I like you’ without saying ‘I like you’? Or without making it weird?”

“You won’t!” Mikoto encouraged. “No need to do anything special,” She grabbed my hands and held them close. “Okay, how about this; we set up a little picnic area in the cherry blossoms. Faer favorite place on this island. We can borrow Mae’s picnic blanket and basket and snag some berries. I’d be perfect!” Stars shone in her eyes. Her matchmaking was at its peak. 

“Fine.” I say, holding back a smile.

The rest of the morning passed quickly. Mikoto went to grab the fruit, and I was sent off with the picnic stuff to find a spot. It was the peak of February, and although Mochi Island was moderately warm or cool throughout the year, the peak was chill and the breeze was light. As I walked, sakura petals were dragged into the air, swirled around in circles and brought down again, as if the wind were playing in the leaves. The sakuras were quiet, for most were content with thriving back in town with bonsais and more greener surroundings. 

I approach a small clearing in the forest. The sun beamed and the wind whistled quietly. “Perfect!” I whispered to myself, and began to set up the picnic. When I finish the arrangement, neatly spreading out the checkered blanket, I hear a voice from afar. 

“Cotton?” It was Mikoto.

“Heya! I’m over here!” I bound over towards her, grabbing her hands and bounding back, proudly showing off my arrangements.

“Awe, cute!” She giggles, and pulls out a basket full of berries, off all shades of red and blue. “So I suppose the only thing left to do is…” Mikoto glances at me.

“Tell Toki. Yeah, I know.” I sigh. “How do I do it again?” And we walked towards Toki’s house, Mikoto comforting and encouraging me as we walked. We finally arrive, my breath quickens the closer we get. “Remember, don't be shy! This is your best friend you're talking to!” She walks away, leaving me helpless at faer front door. I take a breath, leaning forward to open the door when it swings open by itself. 

“Cotton!”