The morning rush had passed, leaving the shop in a rare hush. Sunlight streamed through the glass, painting soft golden patterns across the floor. Min finally had a chance to breathe, though his thoughts still lingered on yesterday's encounter.
He clipped a few stray leaves when Airi popped her head in through the door. "Min\~," she sang, her smile wide. "I came to check on you."
Min blinked. "Check on me? Why?"
Airi stepped inside, her eyes sparkling mischievously. "Well, someone told me a certain mysterious man came by again. I thought maybe you'd fainted from all the attention."
Min nearly dropped his scissors. "I did not! Don't exaggerate…"
She leaned against the counter, chin in her hand. "Oh, come on. Between Kei and that smooth stranger, it feels like you're in one of those romance novels I read."
Min flushed, avoiding her gaze. "It's not like that."
"Not like that?" Airi tilted her head. "Kei literally stares at anyone who gets too close to you, and that other man looks like he walked out of a magazine. You're practically the heroine here."
Min sighed, though his lips twitched slightly. "You really enjoy teasing me, don't you?"
"Of course." She grinned. "It's my job as your friend."
Just then, the door opened again. Kei entered, carrying a small bag in one hand. His gaze immediately found Min, softening almost imperceptibly.
Airi caught the look and smirked. "Speak of the devil."
Kei raised a brow. "What are you scheming?"
"Nothing at all," she said innocently, but her eyes danced with mischief.
Kei set the bag on the counter. "Lunch," he said simply, before glancing at Min. "Don't skip it today."
Min murmured a quiet thanks, his chest warming.
Airi gave an exaggerated sigh. "See? Protective as always."
Kei ignored her, his focus only on Min. And though Min tried to keep his composure, he couldn't hide the faint smile tugging at his lips.
For a brief moment, the tension of yesterday seemed far away, replaced instead with something gentler—something that felt like home.
To be continued...