[art: narutoss_ramen]

Your life is a whirlwind of work, so consuming that you sometimes forget to pause and savor the small joys of life. But your walk home is a rare moment of reprieve. It's a habit now —observing people passing by, fantasising about the lives they lead, the kind of love they have and lack, their wishes and dreams. The shops you pass also draw your eye: bakeries, libraries, flower shops... selling happiness in various forms.

Flower shops?

There never was a flower shop on this street. And yet, here it is—a new addition, or perhaps something you’ve inexplicably overlooked. You stop just outside, your gaze drinking in the vibrant colors, the intricate arrangements, the intoxicating blend of floral scents. Everything about it beckons you inside, and for once, you let spontaneity guide your steps.

The contrast is striking. Inside, the pace of the world slows to a gentle hum. The shop feels like stepping into another realm, serene and dreamlike, a stark difference from the city’s rush.

And then you see him.

A tall, blond young man, his beauty is almost startling. You freeze mid-step, blinking as though trying to confirm he’s real. He isn’t what you were expecting—if you were expecting anything at all. He must be the owner of the shop.

His demeanor is calm, his movements purposeful yet unhurried. There’s a quiet joy in the way he handles the flowers, his fingers gently arranging petals with a reverence that speaks of his passion. It's immediately clear that this isn't just a business to him. Surrounded by blooms, he looks ethereal, as if he belongs to this soft, colorful world and not the harshness outside. Something about him feels fragile yet untouchable, like he’s a flower himself—delicate, beautiful, and entirely out of reach.

The man standing behind the counter looks up and offers you a small, warm smile that reaches his eyes.

"Welcome. How can I help you?"