"You're right, sometimes we have to go through pain first in order to grow stronger and come back together. I don't know what lies ahead, but what I do know is that as long as you hold my hand, I can face anything."
Sera's cheeks blushed as she sat in front of her vanity. Blush-on meant nothing now compared to the warmth spreading across her face. After spending the entire day together, she and Liam finally talked honestly—sharing their dreams, their pain from past misunderstandings, and even Sera's story about the antique shop she visited yesterday and the tulip locket that felt strangely familiar to both of them.
The knock on her front door pulled her from her thoughts. Sera already knew who it was. Quickly, she got up and rushed to the door, a smile on her face.
A soft kiss landed on her cheek, the culprit none other than Liam.
"You look so beautiful. Ahhh, if only I had asked you out on a date sooner…" Liam teased, making Sera's cheeks grow redder.
"Don't tease me, Liam. I don't want my face to turn into a tomato," Sera muttered, rolling her eyes.
"That's fine. Tomatoes are cute—round and red. If you were a tomato, maybe I'd take a bite out of you," Liam added with a mischievous grin.
Sera could only stare at him, half holding back a laugh. "Ugh, your words are so cheesy. Come on, let's go," she said, grabbing her bag.
They walked side by side toward their workplaces. Liam's shop, a cozy florist, was right across the street, while Sera headed to the bakery directly opposite. Though their shops were close, the air between them felt different today—warmer, sweeter—because they had just officially become a couple.
As they walked, a voice called out Sera's name.
"Sera…? Oh, it is you. I thought I was mistaken."
Ghio jogged over to Sera's side, positioning her between two handsome men, making it look like she was being protected by bodyguards. Anyone who saw the scene would probably feel jealous of her.
Liam's eyes darkened slightly as he watched his girlfriend casually chat with another man. A thin wave of jealousy rose inside him, but he held back, simply tightening his grip on Sera's hand and sending her a meaningful glance.
Sera gave Ghio a small, polite smile. "Hi, Ghio. Yes, it's really me," she replied, sneaking a glance at Liam.
Ghio smiled warmly. "It's been a while, Sera. How have you been?"
"I'm good, thank you. How about you?"
"I'm good too. Where are you headed? Maybe we can walk together?…" Ghio suggested, hopeful.
Liam's gaze sharpened, protective but still composed.
Sera gave Liam's hand a reassuring pat. "There's no need, Ghio. I have to head to work now."
Ghio's shoulders dropped slightly, disappointment flickering across his face, but he managed a polite smile. "Alright then, I hope you have a wonderful day, Sera. See you around."
He waved before walking away, leaving Sera and Liam standing together again.
As soon as Ghio disappeared from sight, Liam turned to Sera, his cheeks still faintly flushed. "Why didn't you tell me someone was talking to you?"
Sera widened her eyes at him. "Ah, Liam… I was just replying to a greeting. There's nothing to worry about."
Liam let out a small sigh, a faint smile tugging at his lips, though a trace of jealousy lingered in his eyes. "Hmmm… fine. But don't make me jealous again, okay?"
Sera giggled softly. "Relax, I'm yours now. Come on, let's go before we're late—or rather, before I'm late."
They continued walking toward their shops, hands intertwined tightly. Each step felt warmer and lighter than before. Even though work awaited—Sera at the bakery, Liam at the florist—their hearts felt buoyant because today marked their first moments as a couple.
In front of the bakery, Sera flashed Liam one more smile before stepping inside. Liam returned it with a playful smirk, his eyes sparkling. Even amid their busy routines, they knew that just a glance, a shared smile, or a brief touch was enough to make their hearts bloom.
---
"Uuuuuuwww, look who's here! Ahhh, I'm sure it won't be long before someone gets engaged—or even married," Cindy teased the moment Sera walked into the bakery.
Sera ducked her head, her cheeks already crimson.
"Awww, Sera… I'm so jealous. A florist and a baker? That's so romantic," Stella added, making Sera blush even harder.
"Come on, you guys, stop teasing me," Sera muttered, her face and ears burning, though a shy smile betrayed her happiness.
"Hey, you still owe us a story! Not too long ago, you said there was no way the two of you would ever happen. And now? You're dating!" Stella chimed in, clinging to Sera's side.
"Have you two… kissed yet?" Maria blurted out bluntly, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.
"Mariiiiaaaa!!!" Sera squeaked in panic, covering her face with both hands as laughter erupted from her friends. Her cheeks burned hotter, and she wished she could hide behind the bakery's pastry shelves forever.
"Hahaha, okay, okay, that's enough! Look at her—her face is like a loaf of bread about to bake. Don't let our friend turn into toast," Cindy said through laughter, trying to calm everyone down.
Sera slowly lowered her hands, taking a deep breath, though her heart was still racing. She gave her friends a shy smile. "Hahaha… you guys never run out of ways to tease me."
Stella leaned closer, patting Sera's shoulder. "But seriously… how does it feel to finally have a boyfriend after holding back your feelings for so long?"
Sera let out a soft laugh, her eyes drifting to the bakery's display rack as if searching for courage. "It feels… strange but happy. Everything feels lighter, but… I get so embarrassed every time he looks at me."
Maria and Cindy exchanged glances, then burst out laughing again. "Hahaha, it's so obvious! Sera, you're adorable. Liam is so lucky to have you."
Sera's blush deepened, but her smile widened as she busied herself arranging pastries in the display case. Her heart still fluttered wildly whenever she thought of Liam—who, for all she knew, might be sneaking glances at her from his florist shop across the street.
"Alright, that's enough teasing! Back to work, or the pastries will get cold before they're sold," Cindy finally declared, ending their playful banter with a laugh. Sera let out a small sigh of relief, her heart still racing.
But her cheeks stayed pink, and her shy smile lingered all day long. That day, the bakery felt warmer than usual—filled with laughter, teasing, and a sweetness that made Sera eager to see Liam again.