The groceries weighed heavily in her arms, making it difficult for her to see her own footsteps on the cracked pavement below. Yet, despite the burden, she felt a sense of determination; her building was just around the corner. As she paused for a moment, the sharp, clear sound of a bell chimed in the distance, cutting through the crisp air. A sudden gust of wind swept through, tousling her hair and sending a chill down her spine. In that fleeting instant, a powerful aroma enveloped her—a striking scent that captivated her senses. It was the heady fragrance of a dominant flower, intertwining with the exotic allure of a manly rose, both rich and intoxicating, leaving her momentarily spellbound.

“Mister! You’ve returned once more?” she exclaimed, her voice a blend of surprise and reproach. Her brows furrowed slightly as she stepped through the doorway, the bell above chiming softly to announce her arrival. “I was certain that the flower would last at least another week with the care instructions I provided.” She glanced up at him, a hint of concern in her eyes as she spoke. After he held the door wide for her, she paused for a moment, inclination marking her movement as she lowered her head in a respectful bow, a gesture of gratitude for his kindness.

Why is she acting as if nothing happened?

“I want to sincerely apologize for my behavior yesterday,” he began, his voice trembling slightly. “My wife’s condition was getting worse, and it weighed heavily on me,” he continued, a flicker of pain crossing his face. “But now it's stable, and that brings me some relief. Those flowers we received symbolize hope for us, and Dam Bi is more determined than ever to get better so she can watch the blooms come alive next spring.” He paused for a moment, taking a deep breath, gratitude filling his heart as he spoke. “I’m truly thankful for your understanding, and I want to extend my apologies once more.” A weak smile appeared on his lips, yet he couldn't bring himself to meet their gaze.

Why does he keep apologizing?

“Congratulations on your wife’s progress, Mister! I graciously accept your apology, even though I believe it wasn’t truly needed. I recognize that everyone has their share of challenging days along with the brighter ones, so I didn’t take your words to heart.”

Did he really forget that he came back to apologize? There was a distinct scent of liquor lingering around him, yet I couldn't help but wonder if that was just my imagination running wild. Had he truly erased our encounter from his memory?me back and apologize? He did kind of smell like liquor but maybe that was just my imagination. Did As she carefully snipped the vibrant blooms from her small, sunlit greenhouse, a sense of reverence washed over her. The air was filled with the sweet, intoxicating fragrance of blossoms—hues of deep crimson, bright yellow, and soft lavender mingling in a kaleidoscope of color. Each time the shears met a stem, she paused for a moment, whispering a quiet prayer underneath her breath. It was a heartfelt wish for a world where her flowers could flourish blissfully, untouched by the harsh realities of life and inevitable decay.

Yet, an ache of bittersweet melancholy settled in her heart, the painful acknowledgment that despite her tender care, these magnificent blooms would only grace the earth for a fleeting couple of weeks before succumbing to their destiny. Still, standing before her was a sad man whose eyes held the weight of profound sorrow; he had traveled from afar, propelled by a deep love for his late wife. The thought of sending him away empty-handed was unbearable, igniting an overwhelming urge within her to provide him with something beautiful.

As she meticulously arranged the bouquet, weaving the flowers together like a tapestry of color and emotion, she felt a stirring yearning for a love like his—a steadfast, unwavering bond that transcended time and loss. Her fingers brushed against a crinkled piece of paper left unattended on her counter. It was a note, a heartfelt thank you from his wife, and the gentle touch of it sent an unexpected warmth surging through her. The words, filled with gratitude and affection, stirred something deep within her, and a small smile blossomed on her lips as she read them.

With the bouquet now artfully arranged, she turned to the man, her eyes shimmering with both compassion and hope. “I hope your wife enjoys these very much,” she said softly, handing him the radiant blossoms. Each petal represented not only the beauty of nature but also an unspoken promise of enduring love and cherished memories—a gift she fervently hoped would offer him a measure of comfort during his time of profound sorrow. The vibrant colors seemed to pulse with life, embodying the warmth she wished to share with him, a tangible reminder that even in darkness, beauty could still flourish."She’s feeling better than she has in a long time, and these vibrant flowers bring her joy each day. Witnessing her smile, a glimmer of warmth amidst the struggles, makes the long drive absolutely worthwhile. I can't help but feel a swell of gratitude for having found you,” he said, his smile wide and genuine. Yet, beneath that cheerful facade, there was an unmistakable shadow of sadness in his eyes, hinting at unspoken worries that lingered just out of sight."

"I'm so happy to hear! Enjoy the rest of your day Mister.” She said as she watch him walked out of the door, one of these days she told herself that she will tell him that this is not a flourish shop but until then, she will just keep it to herself. She slightly turned her head as she heard her phone ringing from her room. As she locked up, she walked towards her bedroom after turning off the lights, and notice the group chat among her friends that trying to link up soon and do something together. She tried to response that she can’t make it but he phone did the exact opposite and said that she was coming to the event. She was upset because she did not want to see Si Woo who slept with my first love, those feelings of betrayal came rushing back to her life a fresh cut."I'm so happy to hear that! Enjoy the rest of your day, Mister,” she said with a warm smile as she watched him walk out the door, the late afternoon sunlight casting a golden hue around him. She felt a mix of admiration and trepidation as she thought about how, one day, she would gather the courage to tell him that this was not a flower shop but instead a little corner of her heart. Until that day arrived, she would keep her secret tucked away like a fragile blossom.

As she slightly turned her head, her phone began to ring from the other room, breaking the serene moment. After locking up, she moved through the dimly lit space, her footsteps soft on the wooden floor, and as she flipped off the last light, a sense of calm settled over her. She made her way to her bedroom, where the glow of her phone lit up the darkness, revealing a lively group chat among her friends buzzing with plans to meet up soon.

She felt a surge of reluctance as she typed a response to decline the invitation, but her phone had other ideas, automatically sending a message confirming her attendance. A wave of frustration washed over her. The thought of seeing Si Woo again—especially after the betrayal of being with her first love—caused a flood of emotions to crash over her like a wave against rocky shores. It felt like a fresh wound reopening, raw and painful, reminding her of trust broken and feelings she'd thought were buried deep.

FUCK!

-

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A man strode through the bustling hospital corridor, flanked by imposing bodyguards and subservient attendants who averted their gazes in deference to his authority. Clutched tightly in his hand was a vibrant bouquet of flowers, their colors stark against the sterile environment. As he paused before room 503, a somber expression settled on his face, revealing the weight of his thoughts amidst the clinical surroundings. The quiet hum of the hospital contrasted sharply with the turmoil he felt inside.

I can’t let Dam Bi see me like this

He let out a soft sigh, taking a long, deep breath to steady himself before gently sliding the door open, a calm smile gracing his lips. As he stepped into the hospital room, his heart tightened at the sight of his wife lying in the bed, her frail form both fragile and radiant. She beamed at him, her smile the brightest thing in the dimly lit room, desperately trying to mask the pain etched across her features. "Welcome back, dear!” she said, her soft, sweet voice cutting through the sterile atmosphere like a warm embrace.

He made his way toward her, each step filled with love and concern, and as he reached her side, he leaned down to place a tender kiss on her forehead. In his hand, he held a vibrant bouquet of flowers, a splash of color against the monotony of the hospital backdrop. A glimmer caught his eye, and he noticed a small letter nestled among the blossoms, its significance palpable in the moment.