The shop bell chimed with a cheerful jingle, and a familiar voice rang out.
"Min~! Kei~! I came to see you two!"
Min looked up just in time to see Airi sweep inside, her bright smile lighting up the room like sunshine. She carried a tote bag filled with snacks and placed it dramatically on the counter.
"You work too hard," she scolded lightly, wagging a finger at Min. "You need breaks, proper meals, and friends like me to remind you."
Min laughed, already peeking into the bag. "You really brought food? Airi, you're a lifesaver!"
"Of course," she said proudly. Then her eyes flicked to Kei, who was arranging chrysanthemums with his usual calm. "And you—still the same? Quiet and serious as ever?"
Kei raised an eyebrow but didn't answer. Airi giggled, clearly unbothered.
Min quickly unwrapped one of the snacks and took a bite, his eyes sparkling. "So good! Want some, Kei?"
Kei paused, glancing at the offered piece. For a heartbeat, Min wondered if he'd refuse. But Kei leaned forward slightly and accepted it, his lips brushing against Min's fingers for the briefest second.
Min froze. His ears turned scarlet.
Airi's sharp eyes caught the moment immediately, and she smirked. "Oho~ what's this? Feeding each other now?"
"I-It's not like that!" Min yelped, nearly choking on his own snack.
Kei simply turned back to the flowers, as calm as ever, though Min swore he saw the corner of his mouth twitch.
Airi leaned close to Min and whispered teasingly, "Not like that, huh? You keep telling yourself that."
Min buried his face in his hands, groaning softly. His heart, however, thudded far too happily to be annoyed.
To be continued....