The bell above the door jingled softly one last time as the final customer left. Min exhaled, wiping his hands on his apron. The shop smelled of fresh lilies and faint traces of coffee from the cafe down the street.
"We're done for the day," Kei said, locking the door.
Min nodded and began tidying the counter, carefully aligning the receipts and wiping stray petals away. The quiet of the shop felt different in the evenings—softer, almost intimate.
As Min reached for a vase on the top shelf, his foot slipped slightly on the stool. "Ah—!"
Before he could fall, Kei's hand steadied his arm firmly.
"Careful," Kei said, his voice low but steady.
Min's heart hammered. "S-Sorry. I thought I could reach."
Kei didn't let go immediately, his gaze lingering for a fraction longer than usual. Then he set the vase down himself, as if it weighed nothing at all.
Min looked away quickly, pretending to fuss with the petals on the counter. But his cheeks burned. That brief touch was enough to remind him of Kei's quiet strength—and how safe he felt beside him.
"Min," Kei said after a moment.
"Y-Yes?"
Kei handed him a wrapped bundle of leftover flowers. "Take these home."
Min blinked. "For me?"
Kei gave a short nod. "They'd only wilt here."
Min cradled the bouquet against his chest, unable to stop his smile. "Thank you, Kei. I'll take good care of them."
As he stepped out into the cool night air, Min glanced back through the shop window. Kei was still inside, quietly arranging tomorrow's stock. The warm glow of the lamps framed his figure, steady and calm.
Min hugged the flowers tighter. *Maybe tomorrow… I'll find the courage to say more.*
To be continued...