The morning sunlight streamed into the shop the next day, soft and golden. Min arranged fresh lilies in a vase, humming quietly to himself. The gentle rhythm of his work calmed him, the unease from yesterday slowly fading.
Kei entered, carrying a small basket of supplies. He set it down near the counter and gave Min a quiet nod. "Busy already?"
"Just a little," Min replied with a smile. "These lilies were opening beautifully. I couldn't leave them alone."
Kei's lips tugged upward, just slightly. "Figures."
For a while, they worked in companionable silence. The air smelled of lilies and roses, crisp and sweet. Every now and then, Kei's gaze flicked to the door, as if still half on guard.
Min noticed. "You're still thinking about him, aren't you?"
Kei didn't answer immediately. He adjusted a vase, his expression unreadable. "I don't trust him. But… I'll stop hovering if it bothers you."
"It doesn't bother me," Min admitted softly. "I just don't want you to worry too much."
Kei turned then, his dark eyes catching Min's. "If it's about you, I'll always worry."
Min's breath caught. The words were plain, spoken without hesitation, and yet they carried a warmth that curled deep into his chest. He looked away quickly, busying himself with another ribbon. "You say things too easily sometimes, Kei."
"I don't say them easily," Kei replied. His voice was steady, but quieter now, as though revealing a truth he rarely spoke.
Min glanced at him, unsure what to say. Their eyes held for a heartbeat too long before Airi burst in through the door.
"Morning!" she chimed, carrying a tray of drinks. "I brought coffee! You two look like you need it."
Min nearly jumped, quickly setting down the ribbon. "You didn't have to, Airi."
"Of course I did." She winked, placing the cups down. "And besides, the air in here feels heavy. Did something happen?"
Kei and Min both shook their heads at the same time.
Airi smirked knowingly. "Uh-huh. Sure." She didn't press further, but the sparkle in her eyes suggested she'd seen more than either of them wanted to admit.
To be continued....