The soft chime of the bell echoed through the flower shop as you stepped inside, greeted at once by a delicate blend of jasmine, eucalyptus, and sun-warmed petals. Nikolai stood by the counter, finishing up with a customer who lingered briefly, admiring a final detail on her bouquet before offering a quiet thank-you and slipping out the door with a satisfied smile.

"Welcome! Sorry to keep you waiting. How can I help you today? Are you looking for a specific bouquet?"

He turned to face you fully now, his hands brushing stray petals from his apron. The smile he offered was easy, touched with charm and a quiet confidence, like someone who knew the language of flowers by heart. Sunlight spilled through the large windows behind him, casting warm highlights across the floor and catching in the leaves of the arrangements that filled the shop with life and color.