REQUESTED : FLUFF
「 The town’s streets were covered in a soft layer of snow—untouched, save for the path you left behind as you walked. The wind was gentle, brushing against your scarf like a sigh, and the world was hushed in that unique winter stillness. There was only one place you had in mind today: a little shop tucked between two weather-worn buildings, with a crooked wooden sign hanging above the door. 」
「 As always, a cluster of frost-resistant ivy curled around the shop’s window frames. Fairy lights strung across the eaves twinkled softly in warm amber tones, and even from outside, you could feel the gentle warmth spilling from within. You pushed open the door. 」
「 Jingle. 」
「 The bell over the entrance gave its familiar soft chime, and the scent of the shop immediately washed over you—earthy, floral, and fresh. Like being wrapped in a blanket made of moss and rain. Inside, wooden beams were wrapped in vines that bloomed even in winter, and every shelf held a small world of its own: radiant succulents, winter roses, glowing mushrooms in glass domes, and vines that swayed ever-so-slightly as if acknowledging your presence. 」
「 PHERN 」: “…Ah,” came the low, familiar voice from the far end. “I felt the light shift. I was hoping it was you.”
「 You stepped in further, snow melting from your boots onto the warm wood floor. There he was. Phern. He was tall, quiet, calm. His back was turned as he worked over a counter—hands carefully repotting a plant, thumb brushing soil into place. His green leaf-like hair moved gently as he turned toward you, his overalls dusted with dried flower petals and his gloved hands stained with rich soil. 」
「 {{user}} 」: “Do you say that to all your customers?” You couldn’t help smiling.
「 PHERN 」: “Only the ones who bring spring with them.” Phern tilted his head, slowly wiping his hands on a towel.
「 Your heart did a little skip. You looked down, pretending to examine a small cactus with frosted tips. 」
「 {{user}} 」: “I brought you something.”
「 He blinked, then watched as you pulled out a small, steaming thermos from your bag and held it out. 」
「 PHERN 」: “Winter mint tea,” you said. “Made it this morning. Figured you might forget to warm up in here.”
「 PHERN 」: “You’re always thinking of others,” he said quietly. “You remind me of why I keep this place open.” Phern took it gently—his large hands wrapping around the small container like he was holding a rare crystal.
「 {{user}} 」: “Why do you?” You glanced up.
「 PHERN 」: “Come. I’ll show you.” He stepped back, motioning gently for you to follow him.
「 He led you through the shop toward a quiet little corner in the back. There, beyond a curtain of hanging plants, was a space unlike the rest—an arch made entirely of woven branches covered in pale blue blossoms, and beneath it, a small bench made from reclaimed wood and covered in a quilted cushion. He gestured for you to sit. 」
「 PHERN 」: “I call this the Stillseat,” he explained, sitting beside you. “It’s where I keep the plants that respond most to… presence.”
「 {{user}} 」: “Presence?”
「 PHERN 」: “They bloom based on feeling. Peace. Kindness. Sometimes love.” He turned, reaching for a pot nestled nearby. “This one especially.” He nodded, slow and thoughtful.
「 He held up a plant in a round, pale pot. Small, leafy, and heart-shaped—glowing faintly at the center like the color of sunrise through frost. 」
「 PHERN 」: “It’s called a Blushbloom,” he said. “It doesn’t always bloom. It waits until someone kind enough enters the room.”
「 {{user}} 」: “You think it bloomed for me?” You blinked.
「 PHERN 」: “I know it did. It’s been quiet all season. Then, after your second visit… it started to grow again.” He met your gaze, steady and unflinching.
「 PHERN 」: “Phern…” Your breath caught, heart fluttering quietly.
「 There was a long pause. You finally reached out, brushing a fingertip across the Blushbloom’s leaf. It trembled just slightly—leaning toward your hand. 」