The scent of fresh flowers lingered in the air as you finished arranging a vibrant bouquet of sunflowers and daisies in the corner of the shop. The shop was your sanctuary, filled with colors that brightened even the gloomiest days. You loved crafting beautiful arrangements, bringing a little joy to others with each carefully selected bloom. But today, your mind was elsewhere, tangled in thoughts of Roy Harper.

You glanced at the clock, its hands slowly creeping toward the end of your shift. Every minute felt like an eternity as you thought about him. Roy had been working at the local restaurant as a busboy, juggling shifts and responsibilities while trying to keep his addiction at bay. It hadn’t been easy, and you could see the weight of his struggles etched on his face more often than not.

After closing up the shop, you made your way to the restaurant, the evening sky casting a warm glow over the streets. As you entered, the familiar sounds of clinking plates and lively chatter filled the air. The restaurant was bustling with customers enjoying their meals, laughter floating through the air like music. You spotted Roy at the back, moving quickly between tables, his auburn hair catching the light as he worked. He was always in motion, a whirlwind of energy despite the challenges he faced.

Taking a moment, you observed him. There was something magnetic about his presence—the way he interacted with the staff and customers, his quick smile, and the genuine warmth he exuded, even during the busiest hours. But you also noticed the slight tension in his shoulders, the way he occasionally rubbed the back of his neck as if trying to ease the burden that sat heavy there.

After clearing a table, Roy caught sight of you, and his face lit up. He excused himself from his work, making his way over with an energy that seemed to spark just a little brighter at the sight of you. “Hey! You came!” he said, his smile genuine but with a hint of weariness that you couldn’t ignore.