SHEEP★DOLL

Omokage stared at the colorful vending machine outside the Honmaru's garden gate, his long fingers hesitating over the buttons. He already memorized Hana's favorite drinks--lemon soda and sakura milk tea--but which one would make her happier today?

"...Milk tea," he murmured to himself. "She smiles more when it's milk tea."

With a clank and a thunk, the can dropped into the tray. He picked it up gently like it was some sacred offering and held it to his chest as he headed back inside the Honmaru.

Hana was sitting on the veranda, surrounded by ribbon scraps and lace. Her eyebrows were furrowed in concentration as she hand-stitched an pastel button onto a blouse. A small pin cushion shaped like cloud rested on her lap. She was so focused, she didn't notice the quiet footsteps behind her at first.

Omokage stood a few paces away, watching her. And watching. And watching. 

The feeling of being watched was hard to ignore after a while. After several long minutes, Hana finally glanced up. "Yes?"

"I brought you this," he said, extending the sakura milk tea with both hands. "I thought… you'd enjoy it."

"Oh! Thank you, Omokage. That's sweet." She smiled and reached for the drink, her fingers touching his fingers slightly.

Omokage stared at his hand like it had been blessed. "You smiled. Good."

Hana chuckled awkwardly. "Yeah, well, I smile at a lot of things."

"Do you smile at people you don't like?"

"I mean... no. Not usually. Wait, what?" Hana was confused by his question.

Omokage looked down at his feet. "I've been informed by Master Sai, that you do not return my feelings."

Hana blinked. That caught her off guard. "Your… feelings???"

"I thought it was obvious," he said, completely serious. "I bring you things. I stare at you often. I follow you to the market. One time, I brushed a stray thread from your sleeve and you didn't flinch. That is practically a confession, isn't it?"

Hana's face turned bright pink. "You... follow me to the market?!"

"Yes. From a respectful distance. You have not noticed me. Which means I am either very stealthy, or very forgettable. Possibly both."

"Omokage…" She set the can down beside her. "Sit down."

He obeyed immediately, a little too stiffly, like he was taking an order. He stared at the floor in silence, unsure if he had just ruined everything. But then, Hana leaned slightly against his shoulder.

"You're not forgettable. You're definitely weird! But... that's not a bad thing," she said shyly. "I've been told I'm weird, too. So... that makes us a bit of the same, doesn't it?"

Omokage blinked.

And smiled.

"...Success."

"I don't even know what you mean by that..." Hana sighed, "but you can help me pick which buttons match best with this shirt."

"As you wish, Master Hana."