Back at the shop, Min carefully placed a fresh bouquet by the window. The flowers gleamed under the fading sunlight, their colors bright against the glass. He stepped back to admire the display, satisfaction softening his features.
Kei, leaning against the counter, watched him quietly. The small smile on Min's face seemed to ease the heaviness in Kei's chest, if only for a moment.
"You're staring again," Min said lightly without turning around.
Kei didn't flinch. "And if I am?"
Min turned, caught off guard by the calm reply. His cheeks warmed, and he quickly busied himself with adjusting the ribbon on another bouquet. "Then… it means you're easily distracted."
Kei's lips twitched. "Only by you."
The words hung in the air, unguarded and raw. Min froze, the ribbon slipping from his fingers. He looked at Kei, uncertain if he had misheard.
Before he could respond, the bell above the door chimed. Airi strolled in, carrying a small bag.
"Evening! I brought snacks." She placed the bag on the counter and glanced between the two men, her eyes narrowing. "...Did I interrupt something?"
"No," Min said quickly, his voice a touch higher than usual.
Airi raised a brow but didn't press. She unpacked the bag, chatting casually about her day, but Kei stayed silent, his eyes occasionally flicking toward the window as though searching for shadows outside.
After Airi left, Min finally asked, "Kei… do you really think that man will come back?"
"Yes." Kei's answer was firm, without hesitation.
Min bit his lip. "And if he does?"
"I'll be here." Kei's voice was steady, carrying a quiet certainty that made Min's chest tighten.
Silence stretched between them again, heavy but strangely comforting. Outside, the street grew darker, lanterns beginning to glow against the evening sky.
Min finally smiled faintly, breaking the tension. "You sound like a guard dog, you know."
Kei smirked, just barely. "Then I'll be your guard dog."
Min's laugh slipped out before he could stop it, soft and warm. And though the unease lingered like a shadow at the edge of their peace, in that moment, the shop felt just a little brighter.
To be continued.....