All my comrades are obsessed with me?

"I'm Helen. Nice to meet you" Helen introduces herself, shaking Kaiser's hand. Her cheerful gesture creates a charming scene

Kaiser releases her hand, stands upright, and smiles "Could you help me bundle these flowers into a large bouquet?"

"Yes, I'll do that" Helen responds eagerly, her small hands swiftly gathering the roses. In just a moment, she wraps a beautiful bouquet, with the petals neatly arranged like a work of art

"Here you go, that'll be 150 Cels" Helen says, offering the bouquet to Kaiser with a gentle smile

Kaiser bends down, takes the bouquet from her hands, and starts rummaging through his pockets. Then he looks up with a mock-surprised expression and says

"Unfortunately, I don't have any small change on me right now. Please take this gold coin instead, Helen" He smiles as he places a gold coin gently in her hand

Helen's eyes widen in surprise at his gesture. She immediately pushes the coin back toward Kaiser, flustered

"N-No, this is too much for the price of the bouquet. I can't accept it!" she protests

Kaiser continues smiling and replies calmly "But I only have gold coins with me. And I must pay you, right?" He places the gold coin back into her hand and stands up "Besides, you don't have enough change to give me, do you? Just consider it an advance payment for teaching me how to grow flowers"

Helen looks at the gold coin in her hand, hesitation flickering in her eyes. After a moment, she looks up, her cheeks slightly flushed but her eyes shining with determination

"Alright, if you say so, I'll keep it. But remember, I'll teach you thoroughly to make sure it's worth this coin!"

Kaiser laughs heartily and nods "Of course! I'm looking forward to our lessons"

He then glances at her wheelchair "Let me help you get home" Kaiser says, stepping behind her chair

"Yes, thank you. I hope it's not too much trouble" Helen says, looking up at him

"Not at all, it's no trouble at all" he replies and starts pushing the wheelchair forward

—

Kaiser pushes Helen's wheelchair through the bustling streets of the market, following her directions to her house. Inky and Snowy, two cats who somehow ended up on Helen's lap, lie comfortably as Helen gently strokes them with her delicate hands

Helen smiles, lightly running her fingers through Snowy's soft fur. Looking up at Kaiser, her pale violet eyes shimmer with curiosity

"Kaiser, what are their names?" she asks in a clear, sweet voice

"Inky is the black one, and Snowy is the white one" Kaiser replies with a proud smile. "What do you think? Aren't they adorable?"

Helen nods, her short purple hair bouncing slightly

"Yes, they're so fluffy" she says, her hands continuing to stroke the two cats, making them purr contentedly and close their eyes

The two continue moving through the vibrant market, surrounded by cheerful voices and the sounds of commerce. While pushing the wheelchair, Kaiser notices Helen's gaze lingering on a nearby ice cream stand. Her wide eyes sparkle with interest but also hold a hint of hesitation

Kaiser smiles and gently stops the wheelchair. Leaning down, he says warmly "Wait here for a moment, Helen"

"Okay" Helen responds, surprised but obedient

Kaiser quickly walks over to the ice cream stand. Moments later, he returns with two ice cream cones, one vanilla and one chocolate

"I suddenly had a craving for ice cream, so I bought these two" he says, crouching down to offer the vanilla cone to her with a bright smile "This one's for you. I wasn't sure what flavor you liked, but I thought this would suit you."

Helen takes the cone, her eyes lighting up with unexpected joy "Thank you, Kaiser!" she says before taking a small bite. The sweet and refreshing flavor melts on her tongue, making her smile brightly

Seeing her radiant smile, Kaiser feels a warm sensation in his chest. He sits beside her, enjoying his ice cream while they chat, temporarily forgetting the lively market around them

After finishing her cone, Helen looks up at Kaiser. Her small hands clasp together as if summoning the courage to speak

"H-Hey, Kaiser," she begins hesitantly

"Hm? What's on your mind, Helen?" Kaiser looks down at her with gentle eyes

"Why are you so kind to me?" Helen asks, her pale violet eyes filled with curiosity and a touch of uncertainty.

Kaiser studies her for a moment, his gaze becoming thoughtful as if reflecting on a distant memory. He smiles softly, crouching to meet her eye level

"Because I want to help children who face difficulties" he says gently

"They remind me of myself when I was younger. I used to struggle to survive, not knowing where my next meal would come from or what I'd do the next day"

"I thought you were a noble" Helen says, her eyes widening with surprise at his confession. She hadn't expected such hardships from someone as confident as Kaiser

"Not at all" Kaiser replies with a faint smile, his eyes glimmering with nostalgia "I was fortunate to be taken in by someone kind, which allowed me to become who I am today"

Helen listens silently, her expression softening as he continues

"That's why, when I became capable of standing on my own, I decided to help others in need. Whether it's providing a meal, some money, or even just a smile, I want to make someone's day a little brighter" Kaiser says, his voice warm with sincerity

Helen's hands relax, and her eyes grow tender "Thank you, Kaiser" she says softly, her words filled with gratitude

"I think the world would be much better with more people like you"

Kaiser chuckles and gently ruffles her hair "The world is brighter because of people like you, Helen, those who hold on to hope and strength even in tough times"

Helen smiles shyly, feeling an unfamiliar warmth in her heart. As they continue their journey, Helen begins to admire Kaiser deeply, her heart brimming with newfound respect and gratitude

—

"Helen, is this your house?" Kaiser asks, looking toward the small house nestled in the outskirts of town.

"Yes, this is my house" Helen replies softly, pointing toward it

She wheels herself closer to the door, knocks lightly, and calls out "Father, I'm home!" Then, she takes a small key from her pocket and unlocks the door. Both of them step inside. The house is small but cozy and neat

Helen glances around, a hint of surprise on her face. "Father isn't in his room? He must be out back tending to his rose garden" She turns to Kaiser, her eyes lighting up "Let's go find him"

Kaiser nods gently, helping Helen push her wheelchair through the narrow path leading to the backyard. Before them lies a charming rose garden, not too large, but meticulously cared for. Among the rows of roses, a middle-aged man with light lavender hair stands, leaning on a cane, delicately tending to the flowers as if they were treasures

The man looks up at the sound of footsteps, his eyes filled with joy when he sees Helen. He slowly makes his way toward her, his steps somewhat labored "Oh, Helen, you're back?" He smiles, then glances at Kaiser with curiosity "And who is this young man with you?"

"Father, this is Kaiser" Helen responds cheerfully "I just met him today. He wants to learn how to grow roses, so he asked me to teach him"

Hearing this, the man nods thoughtfully and turns to Kaiser, bowing politely

"Greetings, Mr. Kaiser. I'm Hugo, Helen's father. It's a pleasure to meet you"

Caught off guard by Hugo's formality, Kaiser quickly waves his hand, smiling

"Hello, Mr. Hugo. Please don't be so formal with me. I'm not a noble, just an ordinary person"

"Is that so?" Hugo raises an eyebrow in surprise but quickly regains his composure

"Yes" Kaiser replies sincerely "And as Helen mentioned, I genuinely want to learn how to care for roses, which is why I followed her here"

Hugo falls silent, his face thoughtful. He glances at Helen, who is smiling brightly as she watches their conversation. After a moment, he asks Helen

"Helen, excuse me, but may I have a word with this young man alone?"

Helen nods obediently "Of course, Father"

Hugo gestures for Kaiser to follow him to a corner of the garden, away from Helen. His tone shifts, becoming cold and stern

"She can't hear us now. Tell me the truth, why are you really here?"

Kaiser is not surprised by Hugo's wary gaze. He understands that his sudden appearance might raise suspicions. His eyes remain earnest, and his voice steady but firm

"I truly want to help make Helen's life better. I see her strength and optimism despite her challenges. She told me she's working hard to earn money for your treatment, and I respect her determination. That's why I suggested she teach me how to care for roses, so my help could feel like a fair exchange, not just charity."

Hugo pauses, a faint smile flickering on his lips "She refused to accept money without doing anything? That's just like he" His voice carries a note of pride, but his sharp gaze quickly returns to Kaiser "But you say you want to help. Why should I trust you? You're just a stranger who showed up today"

Kaiser takes a deep breath, his gaze unwavering "Mr. Hugo, I understand that trust isn't built through words alone. But I can share a bit about myself. I grew up in difficult circumstances, much like Helen. I struggled to survive each day and knew the pain of having no one to turn to. But one day, someone kind reached out to help me, and because of them, I'm standing here today"

He pauses briefly, his voice softening "Seeing Helen, seeing her determination, I don't want her to endure the hardships I faced. If learning how to care for roses from her is a way to help while respecting her pride, then I'm willing to do it"

Hugo listens in silence, his expression softening. He looks toward Helen, who sits in her wheelchair, her eyes sparkling as she watches Inky and Snowy play among the vibrant roses. He sighs, his voice tinged with sadness but resolute "She's all I have left"

Kaiser understands that Hugo is not only protecting Helen but also the last thing that gives his life meaning. Bowing his head slightly, Kaiser speaks with conviction

"I'm not here to take anything away but to offer Helen more opportunities and hope. You don't need to trust me right away, but let time prove my intentions"

Hugo studies Kaiser for a long moment before finally nodding, his voice softer

"I'll keep an eye on you. But if I find anything suspicious, you will have to take responsibility"

Kaiser smiles and nods "You can rest assured, Mr. Hugo. All I want is to do is help you and Helen"

Hugo says no more, his gaze still cautious but with a trace of relief. Turning back to Helen, his smile becomes gentle as if all his worries fade when he looks at her

Hugo and Kaiser return to Helen. Placing a hand on her shoulder, Hugo speaks warmly

"Helen, I'll allow you to teach him how to care for roses. But remember, don't overexert yourself"

Hearing this, Helen's eyes light up

"Thank you, Father!" She turns to Kaiser, her smile radiant with joy "Let's get started!"

The two head toward a small plot in the garden. Helen carefully introduces each type of rose, explaining how they are grown and cared for. She passionately explains every step, from pruning leaves to fertilizing and watering. Her small hands move deftly, her eyes glowing with enthusiasm

Kaiser watches her, unable to hide his smile. Her energy and charm make him chuckle softly. He gently pats her head "You're amazing, Helen. I have so much to learn from you"

Helen looks up at him, her cheeks turning pink at the compliment, but she remains focused on teaching. Together, they tend to the roses, their laughter blending with the fragrant air of the garden

Time flies, and the sun begins to set. Kaiser wipes the sweat from his forehead and smiles warmly at Helen "Today was wonderful. I'll come back in two days to visit you"

Helen nods slightly, her eyes reflecting her reluctance to say goodbye "I'll be waiting"

Kaiser bids farewell to Hugo and Helen, then leaves the small house with Inky and Snowy. As he walks home, the golden glow of the sunset bathes the path, creating an unusually peaceful scene

Back at the dormitory, Kaiser places the bouquet of roses from Helen on the table. He carefully takes out a vase he bought on the way back, fills it with water, and gently arranges the roses inside

When he's done, he steps back to admire his work. The simple vase of roses holds all the sincerity and rustic beauty of Helen's flowers. A faint smile graces Kaiser's face as a warm, indescribable feeling fills his heart