The morning was going well—until Min decided to water the plants by himself.
"Okay, Kei said not too much, not too little…" Min muttered, holding the watering can like it was a sacred artifact. "I can do this."
He tipped it carefully over the row of potted daisies. A few drops sprinkled out. Encouraged, he tilted more. Then… a little more.
A second later, the daisies were drowning.
"Ah! No, no, no—!" Min panicked, trying to stop the water, but the can slipped from his hands. It landed with a loud *clunk*, splashing water everywhere—on the floor, the counter, even the neatly wrapped bouquet Kei had finished earlier.
Min froze, horror-stricken.
"…What are you doing?" Kei's calm voice came from behind.
Min turned slowly. Kei stood there, arms crossed, one brow raised. His silver hair caught the light, his expression unreadable.
"I-I was just… giving them a drink?" Min squeaked.
"A drink or a flood?" Kei asked flatly.
Min's shoulders slumped. "I'll clean it up right now, I promise!" He scrambled for a cloth, slipping a little on the wet floor in the process.
Kei sighed, stepping forward. "Move."
Before Min could argue, Kei crouched beside him, carefully blotting the bouquet with gentle hands. Min watched, feeling guilt twist in his chest.
"…Sorry," he whispered. "I keep messing things up."
Kei didn't answer right away. He set the bouquet upright, checking the petals one last time. Only then did he glance at Min, his violet eyes softer than usual.
"Then learn faster."
Min blinked. The words weren't harsh, but oddly encouraging. His chest warmed.
He grinned sheepishly. "I'll do better. Promise."
Kei shook his head faintly, almost amused. "You'd better."
To be continued....