Even if there are obstacles, I will face them. Whatever it takes, whoever stands in the way. I don't care if the world wants to keep us apart. I will shorten the time of separation, and I will hold your hand so tight that nothing will ever be able to tear it away and no one will be able to take you away from me.
"Hey, Sera…!"
Sera turned her head and saw Ghio waving at her with a warm smile as he jogged lightly toward her.
"Hi… On your way to work?"
Ghio nodded.
"Oh, me too."
Their steps fell in sync as they walked side by side, chatting every now and then.
"How about the novel from the other day? Have you read it yet?" Ghio asked.
Sera nodded. "It was really good, I liked it. Fantasy and romance. I didn't know you liked reading books like that."
Ghio scratched his head awkwardly, though it wasn't itchy. "I just like reading random stuff. And somehow, that story was good and interesting."
They looked close, even though they hadn't known each other for long. Ghio's easygoing nature and his knack for finding topics to talk about made her feel comfortable around him.
"We're here. Drop by if you have time this afternoon. I'll treat you to a hot chocolate," Ghio offered.
Sera smiled at his invitation. "We'll see. Bye… see you later."
She waved and continued walking toward the bakery where she worked.
Arriving in front of the bakery, Sera's steps came to a halt. Her gaze was drawn toward the florist across the street. Its lights were still off, the door tightly shut with a small sign that read Closed. For some reason, Sera lingered for a moment, hoping the door might open and someone would walk out. But nothing happened.
"Surprise!!!"
A cheerful voice greeted her from behind. Sera almost dropped the bag she was carrying, startled to see several of her coworkers standing there with a small cake and a few simple balloons.
"Happy birthday, Sera!"
Sera froze, her eyes widening. Birthday? She had even forgotten that today was her day. So busy with work, and with her mind since yesterday filled with things she could hardly explain—about someone, about a feeling faint yet warm—she had completely forgotten.
One of her friends stepped forward, holding a cake with a small candle already lit. The birthday song rang out, sung casually with wide smiles and voices laced with laughter.
Sera covered her mouth, almost in disbelief. Her chest felt warm. Not because of a grand party, but precisely because of its simplicity. That small gesture of attention made her eyes well up.
"Come on, Sera, make a wish," said one of her friends teasingly.
For a moment, Sera's gaze drifted back outside the bakery. She looked across the street—at the florist still closed up. A bitter feeling stirred inside her, hard to explain, as if she wished that someone behind that door knew how much this day meant to her.
Her hands slowly clasped together in front of her chest. She closed her eyes, and with all her heart whispered silently:
"I hope… i really do hope there will be a reason for me to smile a little longer today and tomorrow and the days ahead.
I hope… if there truly is someone with a sincere heart, our paths will never be separated."
After that, she slowly opened her eyes and blew out the small candle on the cake. The flame went out, and a chorus of claps erupted all around her. All of of her friends congratulate her and gave some lovely gift.
Sera smiled. On the outside, she looked like a girl touched and happy because of a simple surprise. But inside, there was a wish she had just entrusted to the candle's breath—a wish no one else knew, except her own heart.
And without realizing it, her eyes once again turned toward the florist that remained dark. As if waiting… for something, or perhaps for someone.
That day seemed to pass quickly. After the little surprise in the morning, Sera continued her work as usual. A smile occasionally appeared on her face, but there was also an emptiness quietly lingering in the corner of her heart.
Until evening came. The sky had begun to change colors, soft orange dripping between the clouds. Sera finally stepped out of the bakery, carrying her slightly heavy bag.
The moment her feet stepped outside, her eyes reflexively shifted across the street. The florist. The shop she had been watching since that morning.
But, just like before, its lights were still off. The door remained tightly closed, the small Closed sign still hanging there. As if time had stopped only at that shop, different from the evening bustle around them.
Sera's brows furrowed slightly. Why was it still closed? Usually, at this hour, Liam would already be serving some customers. She knew it well, because she had often seen the shop busy, especially as night approached.
Sera stood a few seconds longer in front of the bakery. Her heart beat strangely fast, as if there was an inexplicable sense of unease. Her hand gripped the strap of her bag tightly, before she finally took a deep breath.
"Maybe… he has something to take care of. ugh why did i care. Pull your self together Nina!!" she whispered softly, trying to calm herself.
Even so, her steps felt heavy to move away. Her eyes were still reluctant to part from that florist, as if something was holding her back.
Sera stood still for a moment at the corner of the street. Behind her, the bakery where the little surprise had taken place was still filled with laughter and the remnants of colorful balloons. In her hand, she carried a small piece of birthday cake she had saved on purpose.
Yet her eyes once again drifted across the street, to the florist. Still the same—lights off, doors shut tight, a Closed sign hanging motionlessly.
She drew a long breath. "Happy birthday to me," she whispered softly, her lips curving into a faint smile. A smile that felt more like a prayer than an expression of joy.
The evening breeze swept past, carrying with it a faint trace of flowers from somewhere unknown. For a fleeting moment, Sera felt something she could not explain—like someone behind that florist door quietly knew… and perhaps was waiting for the right time to appear.
With slow steps, she finally began walking home. But before she disappeared around the corner, she turned back once more. The florist remained silent—guarding its secret.
And in Sera's heart, her birthday wish lingered. A wish that might only be answered… behind the florist's closed door.