In the mansion's sprawling backyard, a lush garden brimming with greenery beckoned. Amidst the verdant foliage, vibrant flowers burst forth in a riot of colour. Oliver and Gregory meandered along the emerald lawn as the balmy air allowed them to stroll. The gentle warmth of the sun caressed their skin, and a light breeze carried the fragrant scent of flowers.

     Oliver's outfit exuded. He wore his green waistcoat, accented with a sleek black trim, which brought out the colour in his golden eyes. He then added a white undershirt and cravat tie, contrasting with his black trousers and polished leather shoes.

     In the meantime, Gregory wore an orange vest with black vertical stripes. He donned a white shirt underneath with a cravat tie around his neck. Finishing his look, he put on black trousers and shoes.

"Look at those redburry flowers on the trees, Oli!" Gregory pointed at the trees as they strolled around the garden. "They're in full bloom! It's the perfect time to harvest them."

Oliver looked up at the tree, admiring the vibrant red flowers. "Don't they just smell so good, too?" he grinned.

     Suddenly, Gregory halted. It caused his friend to cease as well. Gregory then cleared his throat.

"...Oli?" Gregory called out gently.

"Hm?" Oliver responded, raising a brow.

Gregory pondered to himself whether he should ask his question. "...Are you seeing anyone?" he questioned.

"I'm still thinking about it. No one has caught my eye yet," Oliver chuckled as they resumed walking.

"Courting someone?"

"Not at all."

"Oh, I see," Gregory nodded. "Is there anyone you're... admiring?"

"Still no," Oliver grinned as he walked around the yard. "...Uhm... well, maybe. It's someone... who's always been there for me, supportive and caring."

"Who?" Gregory wondered.

"I admire that person as a beloved, trusting friend," Oliver described while strolling.

"Who...?" Gregory asked.

"You," Oliver answered, placing a hand on Gregory's shoulder before hurrying to another part of the garden.

     Gregory's steps abruptly halt, a broad, confident smile spreading from ear to ear. Meanwhile, his friend, Oliver, dashes to the other side of the garden, looking over his shoulder with a playful smirk. Gregory then follows Oliver and catches his pace with him.

"Wow, thank you," Gregory brushed his arm against Oliver. "I never knew you think about me in such a way."

Oliver gazed at the beautiful roses and replied, "No problem, Greg. I've always thought highly of you since the night we met." Oliver straightened his back and puffed his chest, resting his eyes as he smirked. "You're the best."

"Wow! Thanks, heh," Gregory commented.

"Hm... hey, do you still remember Sophia?" Oliver asked as they wandered around the vast garden.

"I still know her well," Gregory replied.

"It's a shame we don't know her address. We can't exchange letters," Oliver sighed.

"I wonder how she is doing now?" Gregory wondered.

"Probably doing whatever she wants," Oliver speculated.

"Perhaps dating someone she likes?" Gregory guessed.

"Greg, she told me she doesn't have any interest in anyone," Oliver replied, pressing his lips.

"What about you? Do you have any romantic interest in anyone?" Gregory asked.

"As I said—no," Oliver ventured and laughed. "Also, you've asked me that question a million times already! I should be the one asking you if you're already married! Haha!"

"I'm unmarried. But, if I get married, I want you, Mr Frederick, Sophia, and my only cousin present at my wedding," Gregory remarked.

"We'll be there, I promise," Oliver replied eagerly. "By the way, who's your cousin?" he asked curiously.

"He is... uhh... a Podeshire fan," Gregory admitted, looking down at the grass. "That's why I must keep our friendship a secret from him. Otherwise, he might become too excited and make a scene."

"...He's a Podeshire fan like your father...?" Oliver raised a brow.

"But doesn't my father hate you?" Gregory asked.

Oliver laughed. "Yeah, he despises me. But I remember when your father and I first met. He tried to pretend to be a Podeshire fan to gain my trust," he stated.

"I didn't know," Gregory commented.

"Don't worry about it," Oliver assured him. "Anyways, it's getting hot!"

"Yeah, we should go inside," Gregory suggested, taking a deep breath.

"Oh! Wait!" Oliver pointed at the red roses. "Greg! Before we head back inside, look at these roses first. They would make a nice bouquet, don't you think?" Oliver said.

"I agree," Gregory replied, glancing at the roses.

"You should give some to the person you admire," Oliver suggested with a broad smile.

Gregory picked a rose and handed it to Oliver. "You mean you?"

"Oh! I- I mean the person you're 'romantically interested' in," Oliver shook his hands.

"Just take it, my friend," Gregory said, giving the rose to Oliver before strutting away.

As Gregory walked away, Oliver murmured, "Doesn't he know what giving red roses means...?"