To distract himself, Jungtae spent most of his time at the flower shop. He helped his mother carry boxes, trim stems, arrange bouquets, and clean up fallen petals from the floor. The shop smelled fresh and flower scent, making them calm while arranging.
That afternoon, Jungtae paused while tying a ribbon around a bouquet. He glanced at his mother, who was carefully arranging flowers into a display vase by the window. Sunlight filtered through the glass, catching in her hair.
He hesitated.
For a while now, something had been sitting in his chest. Not fear exactly…but anticipation.
'Should I tell her?'
He swallowed and took a breath.
"Mom," Jungtae said, trying to sound casual.
"Yes?" Mrs. Han replied, not looking up.
They started with small talk. About customers. About how business has been steady lately. About how graduation still felt unreal.
Then Jungtae shifted slightly. "Um… mom."
She finally turned to look at him. "Hmm?"
