The flower market left Min both exhilarated and exhausted. As they stepped out into the quieter streets, Kei suddenly turned toward a small corner cafe. Its windows glowed with soft light, the scent of roasted beans drifting out.
"Coffee?" Kei asked simply.
Min blinked. "Eh? Together?"
Kei didn't answer directly—just opened the door and walked in. Min scurried after him, his cheeks warming.
The cafe was cozy, lined with wooden shelves stacked with books and potted plants. They chose a small table by the window, where sunlight spilled gently across the surface.
Min fidgeted with the menu. "Um… caramel latte, please."
Kei ordered a black coffee, of course. When their drinks arrived, Min clasped his cup, letting the warmth seep into his cold fingers. For a moment, silence lingered—but not uncomfortable. Just… calm.
Min glanced at Kei, remembering Takumi's teasing words: "Something more?" His heart thumped. "That Takumi guy… he seemed really close to you."
Kei's expression didn't waver, but his eyes softened ever so slightly. "He's a rival. Nothing more."
Min bit his lip. "He made it sound like—"
"Don't let his words bother you," Kei cut in, his tone gentle but firm. "I don't care about his opinions."
Min blinked, caught off guard. Then Kei added, almost quietly, "I only care about the work we do. And the people I choose to work with."
The meaning sank in slowly, sending a rush of warmth through Min stronger than the latte in his hands. He lowered his gaze, smiling shyly into his cup.
For the first time, he wondered if maybe—just maybe—Takumi's teasing wasn't entirely wrong.
To be continued...