It was faint but unmistakable, the soft sounds that Ricinus could hear coming from behind the room. Of course, being the reasonable man that he was, he had to investigate. 

Secrets, he knew, were one of the most valuable things to have in the world that he lived in. The more you knew, the better of you were, and he would be damned if he let this one pass him by. 

The sight that greeted him as he crossed the curtained threshold, well, it certainly didn’t disappoint. He leaned against the stone column, letting out a low, drawn-out whistle. “Now what do we have here?” he asked.

Kiku felt her heart drop straight down into her stomach. She knew it. It was far too risky to attempt anything here. She straightened her dress as she sat up, pushing the strap back up and looking up at their spectator. Great, she thought. Of all the berries in the room, it just had to be Ricinus Fir. 

“Don’t stop on account of me. I don’t mind watching.”

“Ew,” Moonflower said from behind her, sitting against the bench with her legs crossed. Kiku shot her a glare. This was all her fault, to begin with. Couldn’t she at least act a little more concerned that they were caught?

“Oh berry,” Kiku started, putting her hands up nervously, “this isn’t what it looks like.”

“Is that really how you’re going to play this? I’m disappointed in you Kiku. I thought you were better than such washed up cliche.”