TV_L   It’s now, officially, a month before the opening ceremony.

TV_L   Yet, we still haven’t gotten our cast!

TV_L   What could the Program be preparing this time?

TV_R   They could be building up anticipation with the delay.

TV_R   After all - they’ve been hinting at some exciting plans for the 200th season.

TV_L   But not even a sneak preview at this point?

TV_R   Well, if you don't count the leaks.

TV_L   I don't! I'd get fired! Ha ha!

TV_L   Do you think they’re having difficulty assembling the newest competitors?

TV_R   That could be it!

TV_L   It would be hard to top the star-studded cast of last season.

TV_L   At least, the most shining star. Oh ho!

TV_R   Good one.

TV_R   It could be a number of things. But don't forget one crucial detail.

TV_R   It's the big anniversary.

TV_L   Oh, that's right!

TV_L   What a bad time to be a specific shade, huh?

TV_L   Imagine being rejected because you were ‘light blue’, and not just blue!

TV_R   It's happened to me.

TV_L   Probably because you weren't star material.

TV_R   It's definitely happened to you, too.

TV_L   Hey, that's why we're both here.

??   Stupid tradition.

??   It's like, uh, picking people based on their name or something.

??   Your name starts with an 'a'? Too bad, we already have an 'a'.

??   Dumb.

GB   W-well...

GB   Well, I can see it making sense.

GB   You don't want too many people with similar-sounding names.

GB   In a character-focused show like this, you want everyone to be as unique as possible.

GB   Spread things evenly for... variety. A wide palette.

GB   It's more entertaining that way, don't you think?

??   ...

??   You like this stuff, huh?

You can only smile and shrug your shoulders.

GB   I mean...

GB   I have my reservations about it like anyone else!

GB   It's just - it's been around this long for a reason.

GB   The way it's set up makes sense. It's meaningful.

GB   Like a bouquet with the right arrangement.

GB   And good things can come out of it. Like how they can come out of everything.

GB   That makes sense, doesn't it, um, valued customer?

She stares at you long enough to make you wonder if your words are being heard. Then, she grins and comes over to the side of the counter.

SK   I'm Skylar.

GB   Okay.

GB   I'm Gabrielle.

SK   Ha. I know.

SK   You're the only one who works here.

GB   Oh, that's not true. I'm just the one people see the most.

GB   The face of the business, I suppose.

SK   And you like it?

GB   It's a very important job.

SK   Geez.

GB   Is something wrong?

SK   You could use some fresh air.

SK   Do you wanna go outside? There's a nice park nearby.

GB   That's very kind of you.

GB   But I have to be here. Business comes first.

SK   What about, I dunno, your lunch break?

SK   You get those, right?

GB   I really can't leave while we're open.

GB   Thank you for the offer, though.

GB   It's... nice to meet you, Skylar.

Not many customers go out of their way to make conversation. It warms your heart, seeing her try.

SK   Huh? Where are you going?

You return with the flower you were looking for.

SK   What's this?

GB   Rotheca myricoides.

GB   For you.

SK   For... me?

SK   (cough) O-okay.

It takes a few tries for her to grasp it. You'd think her coordination would be better, considering how sporty she looks. Maybe she's trying to be more careful around such a delicate thing.

SK   Thanks.

SK   How much is it?

GB   It's on the house. For keeping me company today, and all those other times, too.

SK   Umm...

SK   Okay. Thanks. Again.

SK   You're really nice.

GB   Hee hee.

You hope she'll find someone just as spirited as her. Someone she can look at flowers with together. Someone worth her compassion.

SK   Was I talking about something?

SK   I totally blanked.

GB   Just about how nice the store is, and how much you want to bring your friends here.

SK   That doesn't sound right. I don't know a lot of people who'd wanna -

The entrance bell rings a bit loudly, causing both of you look up.

GB   Welcome! Welcome in!

GB   If there's anything I can help you with, please d-

SK   A-Akhi? What are )you( doing here?!

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