By the time Min and Airi returned from the marketplace, the sun was slipping low, casting long golden shadows across the street. Min carried a small paper bag of sweets, Airi humming beside him as they walked. For the first time in days, he felt lighter.
But the moment he stepped into the shop, the air shifted.
Kei stood behind the counter, everything in its place, his expression calm as always—but Min's chest tightened immediately. It was too calm, too careful, like glass hiding a crack beneath its surface.
"We're back!" Airi called cheerfully, holding up a basket of trinkets. "The market was lively today—you should've seen Min getting flower-crowns shoved on his head!"
Min flushed. "Don't exaggerate."
Kei's lips curved faintly, but it didn't reach his eyes. He nodded, greeting them with the same steady tone. "I'm glad you enjoyed yourselves."
Airi didn't notice the shift, already bustling to set her things down. But Min lingered near the counter, his gaze locked on Kei.
Something had happened. He could feel it.
When Airi finally disappeared upstairs, Min stepped closer. "What's wrong?" he asked quietly.
"Nothing," Kei said smoothly, his hands folding over the ledger. "The day was quiet."
Min frowned. "That's not true. I can tell."
Kei's hand stilled, but he didn't look up. For a long moment, silence stretched between them, heavy and thick.
"Min," he said at last, his voice low, "there are things I don't want to drag you into. If you feel something is wrong… it's because it is. But that doesn't mean you need to bear it."
Min's chest tightened. He hated that answer—not because it pushed him away, but because it was soaked in Kei's desire to protect him.
"I want to," Min whispered fiercely. "I don't care if it's heavy or dangerous or ugly—I don't want you carrying it alone."
Kei finally looked at him then, and for just an instant, the calm mask cracked. Min caught a glimpse of something raw in his eyes—fear, perhaps, or maybe regret.
Kei reached out suddenly, his hand brushing Min's cheek in a fleeting, tender touch. "You're too kind," he murmured. "And that's what scares me most."
Before Min could answer, the bell above the door jingled again. Both of them turned, hearts jolting, as the evening shadows spilled into the shop.
To be continued....