"Let's step outside for a while," Kei suggested one afternoon, surprising Min.
"Hm?" Min blinked, glancing up from the bouquet he was arranging. "Now? What about the shop?"
"I'll close it for an hour. It won't hurt," Kei replied, already reaching for the sign. "You've been cooped up here all morning."
Min hesitated, but when Kei held out his hand expectantly, he found himself nodding. "Alright… just for a little while."
The two walked down the quiet street, the autumn air carrying a faint chill. The leaves rustled gently, their colors fading into warm gold and soft browns. Min tilted his face upward, taking in the fresh breeze.
"It feels nice," he admitted. "I almost forgot what it's like outside the shop."
Kei walked beside him, hands in his pockets, gaze steady on the road ahead. "You should get out more. Fresh air suits you."
Min chuckled softly. "You sound like an old man."
Kei's lips curved, just slightly. "If that's what it takes to remind you, then I don't mind."
They passed by a row of small street vendors setting up for the evening. The scent of roasted chestnuts wafted through the air, and Min's eyes lit up.
"Chestnuts!" he said almost childishly, pausing by the stall.
Kei raised a brow. "You like them that much?"
Min flushed faintly. "It's been a while since I've had them."
Without a word, Kei stepped forward and bought a small paper bag of chestnuts. He handed it to Min, who blinked in surprise.
"You didn't have to—"
"I wanted to," Kei interrupted simply.
Min's lips parted, then closed again. He looked down at the warm bag in his hands, his cheeks tinged pink. "...Thank you."
They found a bench nearby and sat, sharing the chestnuts in comfortable silence. The golden light of the setting sun spilled across the street, painting everything in soft warmth.
For a fleeting moment, it felt like the world outside had stilled—just the two of them, laughter hidden in the corners of their smiles, a quiet promise lingering in the air.
Yet, even in this peace, Kei's eyes occasionally drifted around, sharp and watchful. He hadn't forgotten the man who had walked into their shop. And though he stayed silent, his heart whispered the same vow: "I'll protect this happiness. "
To be continued...