The bell above the door jingled, and Min straightened immediately. His first solo customer since the "watering disaster"!
A cheerful young woman stepped inside, shaking raindrops from her umbrella. "Wow, it smells amazing in here."
Min beamed. "Welcome! Is there anything you're looking for?"
She tilted her head. "Hmm… it's my best friend's birthday. Something bright, maybe? But not roses—they feel too serious."
Min's mind raced. He'd studied the meanings, hadn't he? He darted toward a row of flowers, muttering under his breath. "Sunflowers… loyalty. Gerberas… cheerfulness. Carnations… admiration."
Finally, he turned with a grin, holding up a bouquet of orange gerberas. "How about these? They symbolize cheerfulness. Perfect for a birthday!"
The customer's face lit up. "That's lovely! I'll take them."
As Min wrapped the bouquet carefully (this time without ripping the paper), Kei watched silently from behind the counter.
When the woman left, bouquet in hand, Min exhaled loudly and leaned against the counter. "Did you see that? I did it right!"
Kei's gaze lingered on him for a long moment before he finally said, "You remembered the meaning. Not bad."
Min's chest swelled with pride. "Not bad? That was perfect!"
Kei's lips curved faintly, though he looked away before Min could catch it. "Don't get cocky. You still need practice."
Min laughed, scratching his cheek. "You're impossible to impress, huh?"
But even as he teased, his heart fluttered. That look Kei gave him just now—quiet, steady, and maybe just a little proud—made Min feel warmer than any praise could.
To be continued....