The bell above the shop chimed again. Min, still a little embarrassed from Airi's teasing earlier, straightened quickly.
This time, an elderly woman entered, her steps slow but steady. She carried a basket of groceries and smiled kindly as she looked around.
"Welcome, ma'am," Min said softly.
She walked closer, her eyes crinkling. "It smells just like my youth… when my husband used to bring me flowers every week."
Min's chest warmed. "That's lovely. Would you like to find something today?"
Her gaze swept over the flowers until she stopped at a cluster of lilacs. "These. He used to bring me these every spring."
Min carefully selected the freshest ones, wrapping them neatly. His fingers fumbled with the ribbon, but he managed, placing the bouquet gently in her hands.
She looked at him thoughtfully. "You're new here, aren't you? I've seen the tall one before." Her eyes flickered toward Kei.
Min scratched the back of his neck, smiling shyly. "Yes, I just started helping out."
Her smile softened. "Then I hope this shop brings you joy, too. Flowers are funny things… they wilt quickly, but the feelings behind them last a lifetime."
Min blinked. Something about her words sank deeper than he expected.
Kei, who had been silently arranging roses, spoke up quietly. "She's right."
The old woman chuckled. "Ah, so you do speak. I was beginning to think you were carved from stone."
Min choked on a laugh, while Kei simply sighed, turning away to hide the faintest smirk.
The woman handed over the payment and patted Min's hand gently. "Take care of this shop together, alright? You two seem like you'll keep it blooming."
Min flushed again, stammering, "Y-Yes, ma'am!"
As she left, the bell chimed once more, leaving the faint scent of lilacs behind.
Kei's voice broke the quiet. "You handled that well."
Min's cheeks warmed. Praise from Kei was rare—soft, fleeting, but it meant everything. "T-thank you. I'll… keep doing better."
Kei glanced at him for a brief moment, then returned to trimming stems. "See that you do."
Min smiled to himself. Somehow, the shop felt warmer today.
To be continued....