Morning sunlight poured into the shop, making the flower petals glow like little lanterns. Min stood at the counter, brows furrowed in concentration. Before him lay a roll of satin ribbon, scissors, and an unfinished bouquet.
"Okay," he muttered to himself, "I can do this. Just like Kei showed me. Nice and neat, nothing dramatic this time."
He carefully looped the ribbon, tongue poking out as he tied the first knot. Then, somehow, the ribbon slipped… and tangled around his wrist. He frowned, tugging gently. Instead of loosening, the ribbon pulled tighter.
"Eh?!" Min blinked, tugging harder. The bow unraveled completely, wrapping around his arm like a snake. "No, no, no—this is not supposed to happen!"
Kei's calm voice came from behind. "What are you doing?"
Min nearly jumped out of his skin. "N-Nothing! Just practicing." He tried to free himself, but in the process managed to trap both wrists together with the ribbon.
Kei stared, silent. Then, slowly, he stepped forward. "You've managed to tie yourself up instead of the bouquet."
Min's face turned bright red. "I-it was an accident! The ribbon attacked me!"
Kei crouched down, his fingers brushing against Min's as he worked the knot free with steady precision. "It's ribbon. Not a wild animal."
Min pouted. "It sure feels alive when I'm handling it…"
The knot loosened, and Kei pulled the ribbon free with one smooth motion. He stood, handing it back. "Try again. Slowly this time."
Min groaned dramatically but picked up the ribbon once more. Under Kei's watchful gaze, he tried again, tongue sticking out in concentration. His bow came out lopsided but at least recognizable this time.
"…Better," Kei said at last.
Min looked up hopefully. "Really?"
Kei tilted his head slightly. "It doesn't look like a bird's nest this time."
Min gawked. "Hey! You're supposed to encourage me!"
For the briefest moment, Kei's lips curved into a faint smile. "That was encouragement."
Min groaned, burying his face in his hands, but inside, his heart was fluttering faster than ever.
To be continued...