The shop was quiet in the late morning sun. Min carefully arranged a bouquet of daisies, humming softly to himself.
The bell above the door jingled, and Min looked up. "Welcome!"
A cheerful young woman stepped inside, umbrella dripping slightly. "Hello! Oh, it smells wonderful in here."
Min's chest lifted. "Thank you! Can I help you find something?"
She tilted her head, eyes twinkling. "Hmm… I'm looking for a gift for my friend. Something cheerful… and maybe a little romantic?"
Min froze. "R-Romantic?"
A soft chuckle came from the doorway. Kei leaned casually against the counter, observing. "Noted," he said simply.
The customer grinned mischievously. "I think you two would know, right?" She gave a pointed look at Kei and Min. "You look like a couple already."
Min's face turned crimson. He flustered, tripping slightly over a stool. "W-What?! N-No, we're not—"
Kei raised an eyebrow, expression perfectly unreadable, though the faintest corner of his lips twitched. "Noted," he repeated.
The customer laughed, clearly delighted. "I'll trust you two then. What would you suggest? Oh—my name's Airi, by the way."
Min stammered, "R-right, Miss Airi… let's see…" He hurried to gather bright tulips and soft pink carnations, muttering to himself. Kei silently guided his hand to adjust the arrangement, his fingers brushing Min's. Min's heart skipped.
Finally, Min held up the bouquet. "This should be perfect! Bright tulips for happiness, pink carnations for admiration."
Airi's eyes lit up. "It's beautiful! You two make a great team."
As she left, Min sank into a chair, wiping sweat from his forehead. "I can't believe she called us a couple!"
Kei leaned over, picking up a fallen petal. "She wasn't wrong."
Min blinked. "W-What did you just say?"
Kei's gaze returned to arranging flowers. "Nothing. Focus on your work."
Min pouted but couldn't help the small smile tugging at his lips. Somehow, he felt a little braver today—not just with flowers, but… with Kei too.
To be continued....