Matchmaker Mayhem

The morning in Tokyo was crisp and fragrant, with a hint of plum blossoms in the air. Ava adjusted her scarf as she and Ryan approached the venue—a serene ikebana school tucked in the quiet backstreets of Bunkyo Ward. Unlike the flashy venues of the past few days, today’s challenge took place within a traditional machiya-style house, its wooden lattice exterior and sliding shoji doors wrapped in early spring sunlight.

A gentle breeze stirred as they stepped into the inner courtyard. The air carried a delicate floral scent—peonies, camellias, irises—mingling with the faint notes of incense from a nearby shrine. It was beautiful. Serene. Exactly the kind of place Ava might’ve appreciated... if not for the chaos she already felt bubbling beneath the surface.

Inside, long wooden tables were arranged in rows, each one topped with baskets of fresh seasonal blooms, slender bamboo shears, ceramic vases, and handwritten instructions in both Japanese and English. Soft koto music played in the background as kimono-clad hosts welcomed participants with warm bows and gentle smiles.

Ryan leaned in, whispering, "This is like a high-stakes version of a florist’s dream date."

Ava snorted softly. "A florist’s dream date that will turn into a floral bloodbath once Julian shows up."

And right on cue—

"Why, Ava," came the voice she was already dreading, smooth as silk and twice as smug. "You actually look... calm."

Julian strolled in like he owned the place, Ethan trailing behind him, as effortlessly polished as always.

"Don’t let the serenity fool you," Ava replied sweetly. "I’m just imagining ways to strangle you with a sakura branch."

Julian chuckled. "Floral violence. How poetic."

Ryan smirked. "If you breathe wrong near her ikebana display, I’m letting her stab you with garden shears."