Airi stayed perched on the counter, swinging her legs like she owned the place. Min tried to tidy up around her, but she kept poking his arm whenever he passed.
"Stop fidgeting, Min! Come sit. You never just *sit* and chat."
"I can't, Airi," Min said, balancing a stack of vases. "If I don't finish this, Kei will—"
"Will what?" Airi interrupted, smirking. "Scold you? He doesn't even raise his voice."
Min blinked. "…True."
Behind them, Kei was calmly wrapping a bouquet for a customer, as unbothered as always. But Airi leaned closer, lowering her voice dramatically.
"You know, Min… Kei's really patient with you. Way more than he is with anyone else. Doesn't that tell you something?"
Min's heart skipped. "H-Hey, don't say weird things!"
Before Airi could reply, the customer left, and Kei returned to the counter. His gaze landed briefly on Airi. "Don't distract him too much."
Airi raised her hands innocently. "I'm only here to brighten the mood. Actually—" She hopped down, eyes sparkling. "Why don't the three of us go out sometime? You two never leave this shop except for errands. Let's make it fun. A park, maybe a festival? I heard one's coming soon."
Min's eyes widened. "A festival?"
Airi nodded eagerly. "Lanterns, food stalls, music—the perfect change of scenery." She clapped her hands together. "Imagine it, Min. You'd look adorable under all the lights."
Min's cheeks flamed. "A-Airi!"
Kei, however, remained silent, watching Min's fluster with an unreadable expression. After a pause, he said simply, "If Min wants to go, we'll go."
The quiet certainty in his voice made Min's chest tighten. He stared down at his hands, trying to hide the foolish smile creeping onto his face.
"Then it's settled!" Airi announced triumphantly. "Next week—we're going to the festival. Don't you dare back out!"
Min groaned, but inside, his heart was already racing with anticipation. A festival… with Kei. The thought alone made him giddy.
And For the first time, Min felt excited instead of scared to step out of his comfort zone.
To be continued....