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Mina paced back and forth in front of the quaint flower shop, drawing curious glances from passersby. Children pointed at her, their mothers shushing them and guiding them away. To anyone who didn’t know her, Mina might have seemed out of place. She wasn’t weird, despite how it might appear from the outside. Her behavior—hovering near the brick wall of the flower shop and peering through the glass window at intervals—might have given the wrong impression. But, despite appearances, she wasn’t a stalker. There was a reason for her presence, and she hoped it was a good one.
“You can do this,” she muttered to herself, her breath forming a fleeting white cloud in the chilly air. “Just go in there and ask for her number.”
Gripping her jacket tightly, Mina wiped the sweat from her forehead, even though the winter breeze was biting cold. She hesitated for a moment, then carefully stepped out of her makeshift hiding spot. Her hand trembled, whether from the cold or nerves, as she reached for the silver doorknob and turned it slowly.
The bell above the door jingled as she entered, announcing her arrival. Mina gazed in awe at the colorful array of flowers that filled the shop, their vibrant hues brightening the room. The meticulous arrangement of each bloom spoke of the care they were given. Lost in admiration, she hadn’t noticed the shop’s attendant.
“Hi there! How can I help you today?” a cheerful voice called from behind her, causing Mina to jump slightly.
“Oh, um— I was just—uhhh,” Mina stammered, mentally kicking herself. ‘Great start, really.’
As she continued to flounder, absorbed in self-reproach, she failed to see the approaching figure.
“You know, it seems like every time you come in here, you’re always a bit tongue-tied,” Nayeon said with a chuckle, her eyes twinkling as she observed Mina’s flustered state. “Maybe I should start offering a crash course in smooth talking.”
Mina looked up, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. “Nayeon, I—uh, yeah. I really need to ask you something.”
“Sure, what is it?” Nayeon responded, her head tilting slightly and her lips forming a curious pout.
‘ARRRGGGHH WHY IS SHE SO CUTE?’ Mina thought, feeling her brain short-circuit from the sheer cuteness.
“Uh, well, I—um,” Mina fumbled, her words tripping over each other. “So, I’ve— I’ve known you for a little while now, and I was just wondering if you—” Mina’s face grew hotter with each stammered word, her nervousness palpable.
‘How on earth am I supposed to ask her for her number like this???’
“Are you alright?” Nayeon asked, her pout deepening in concern as she noticed Mina’s discomfort, which only made Mina’s heart race faster.
“Oh yeah, I’m fine!” Mina blurted out, her voice rising a pitch. “I was just thinking if you could, um…” Her panic escalated, and she darted her gaze around the shop, desperately seeking a distraction. “FLOWERS!” she exclaimed, making Nayeon to jump. “I, uh, need help with flowers.”
Nayeon’s initial shock quickly melted into laughter, and she wiped a tear from her eye. “You’re adorable, you know that? If you just needed help with flowers, you could have asked. No need to get all flustered.”
Nayeon’s laughter slowly subsided, and she gave Mina a reassuring smile. “Alright, let’s talk flowers then. What do you need help with?” She guided Mina towards a display of fresh blooms, her demeanor now both professional and friendly. As they walked together, Mina couldn’t help but feel a bit more at ease. “But,” Nayeon added with a playful glint in her eye, “If you still want to ask me something else later, just let me know. I promise I won’t bite.” Mina’s heart fluttered, a mix of relief and lingering nerves washing over her as she realized she might actually get through this conversation after all.
“Right, so, I was wondering if you could help me with a bouquet,” Mina began, her nerves making a swift return. “It’s, uh, for this girl I’ve had a crush on for a while…”
Nayeon’s eyes widened slightly, and she fixed Mina with an unreadable gaze. The shop seemed to hold its breath as the silence stretched between them. Mina felt her tongue twist into an incoherent mess, her gaze dropping to her fidgeting fingers. She shifted awkwardly from foot to foot, feeling the weight of Nayeon’s intense stare.
“If you keep looking at me like that, I’m going to turn into a puddle,” Mina thought, her cheeks flushing even more.
“Well, well,” Nayeon finally broke the silence, a teasing lilt in her voice. “Looks like Minari got a crush.” A flicker of something—curiosity?—danced in Nayeon’s eyes, making Mina’s heart race faster. “So, tell me about her. What’s she like?”
Mina’s anxiety was momentarily replaced by a hopeful smile as she began to describe her crush, eager to share but still nervously stumbling over her words.
Mina took a deep breath, her face flushed as she tried to gather her thoughts. “Well, um,” she began, her voice trembling slightly. “I don’t really know where to start. My crush is just… perfect. I mean, I could go on forever about her.”
Nayeon, offered a warm and encouraging smile. “Take your time,” she said, her tone gentle and understanding. “I’m here to help.”
Mina’s eyes lit up with excitement as she spoke, her gaze occasionally drifting toward Nayeon, who she didn’t realize was the very subject of her admiration. “Her eyes are like, um, stars. They just sparkle and shine whenever she’s around. It’s like they have this magical quality that lights up everything. And her smile—oh, it’s the cutest thing. It’s like a bunny’s, you know? So sweet and charming. Whenever she smiles, it’s like the world becomes a brighter, happier place.” Mina’s hands gestured animatedly as she tried to convey her feelings, her excitement palpable.
“She’s not just beautiful outside, though,” Mina continued, her voice filled with admiration. “She’s incredibly kind and thoughtful. She has this way of making everyone feel special, like she’s genuinely interested in them. Her laughter is like music—so melodic and contagious. And she’s always there with a kind word or a helpful gesture. I could go on and on about her kindness. She’s beautiful inside and out, and she’s one of those people who just makes everything better just by being in the room.”
Mina took another deep breath, her excitement undiminished. “You know, she has this incredible way of making ordinary moments feel magical. Like, when she’s around, even just walking down the street, it feels like the whole world is brighter. She’s got this aura that just draws people in, and it’s like everyone feels like they’re a part of something special when she’s there. She’s also really passionate about her hobbies and interests, and it’s amazing to see how much love and dedication she puts into everything she does. It’s like she’s got this inner fire that lights up her entire life.”
Mina’s hands were now moving in rhythm with her words, her face alight with admiration. “And she’s so considerate. I remember this one time she noticed someone was feeling down and she just—without a second thought—went out of her way to brighten their day. It was such a small thing, but it meant the world to that person. And to me, it was just another example of how genuinely wonderful she is. She’s the type of person who makes you feel valued and understood, no matter what.”
Her ramble continued, almost as if she couldn’t stop. “I mean, everything about her is just… captivating. The way she talks, the way she moves—it’s all so graceful. It’s like she has this natural elegance that makes everything she does seem effortless. And her voice, oh, it’s soothing and warm. When she speaks, it’s like a gentle breeze that makes you feel calm and at ease. Even the little things she does, like the way she tucks her hair behind her ear or how she tilts her head when she’s thinking, are just so endearing.”
Mina paused, catching her breath and her cheeks now a deep shade of crimson. “I’m really sorry for going on like this,” she stammered, her voice trembling with embarrassment. “I didn’t mean to make things awkward. I just… I’m really passionate about how amazing she is, and I got a bit carried away. I hope I didn’t, um, overdo it.”
Nayeon, still processing the heartfelt and detailed description, gave Mina a reassuring smile. “No need to apologize,” she said softly. “It’s clear how much you care about her. I’ll make sure to create a bouquet that reflects everything you’ve described. You’ve painted such a beautiful picture of her.”
Mina let out a sigh of relief, her heart pounding with a mix of embarrassment and hope. “Thank you, Nayeon,” she said, her voice still shaky but filled with gratitude. “I really appreciate it. And, um, I hope the bouquet turns out just right.”
Nayeon nodded, her focus now solely on arranging the bouquet with meticulous care. Her hands moved gracefully among the blooms, her mind racing to capture the essence of Mina’s heartfelt description. Unbeknownst to her, Mina’s detailed ramblings had affectionately painted her portrait, creating a discernable sense of anticipation and hope in the air. The room was charged with an undercurrent of unspoken emotions, setting the stage for an unexpected revelation.
“Hey,” Mina said, her voice low, breaking the silence and causing Nayeon to pause. “Just out of curiosity, what’s your favorite flower?”
Nayeon looked up from her arrangement, her face lighting up with a wide, bunny-like smile that made Mina’s heart flutter. “Oh, that’s a tough question,” Nayeon replied, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “I absolutely adore hydrangeas, especially the pink ones. They’re such beautiful flowers—so captivating and vibrant. They really stand out, don’t you think?” She paused, her gaze meeting Mina’s. “Just like you,” she added with a playful wink.
A wave of heat spread across Mina’s face, turning her cheeks a shade of red that rivaled the ripest tomatoes. “Y-Yah! You can’t just say that!” she stammered, her voice tinged with embarrassment as she attempted to hide behind her hands.
Nayeon’s laughter rang out warmly through the shop, a sound that seemed to brighten the room even more. “No need to be shy,” she said, gently removing Mina’s hands from her face. Leaning in closer, she whispered, “It’s true, after all.”
The closeness of Nayeon’s whisper sent a shiver down Mina’s spine, leaving her heart racing and her thoughts a flurry of emotions. The soft scent of Nayeon’s vanilla shampoo mingled with the fragrant flowers surrounding them, creating an intoxicating blend that overwhelmed Mina’s senses. Her brain seemed to go haywire from the combination of Nayeon’s nearness and the heady aroma of the shop.
Mina's breath caught in her throat, and she found herself momentarily lost in the warmth of Nayeon’s gaze. The gentle, soothing tone of Nayeon’s voice felt like a caress against her skin, and the intimate space between them made Mina acutely aware of every small gesture and detail. She struggled to find her voice, her usual composure crumbling under the weight of her emotions. The world outside the shop felt distant, as if time had slowed to focus solely on this delicate moment.
Mina’s eyes slowly drifted down to Nayeon’s plump, inviting lips. The sight of them, just inches away, became the center of her focus. Each subtle movement of Nayeon's mouth seemed to draw Mina in, as if a single shift or sigh could close the space between them. The longer her gaze lingered, the more Mina’s thoughts wandered to the tantalizing possibility of what it would feel like to press her lips against Nayeon's, to taste that sweet warmth she had only imagined until now. The tension in the air grew thick, almost tangible, and Mina could feel it wrapping around them, pressing in on every side.
Desperately trying to clear the charged atmosphere, Mina took a small step back, her movement somewhat jittery as she sought to break the magnetic pull of the moment. Her voice, shaky and faltering, cut through the tension. “*Cough* So, um,” she began, her words almost stumbling over themselves, “I was wondering if you could, maybe, add some hydrangeas to the bouquet? You know, since you described them so perfectly and all, I think they’d be a great fit and she might really like them.”
As she spoke, Mina’s gaze flitted nervously from Nayeon’s face to the flowers, her heart still pounding with the remnants of their intense proximity. The air between them infused with a lingering, unspoken connection, leaving Mina to grapple with her own swirling emotions as she awaited Nayeon’s response.
“Sure thing, it’s great that you’re thinking about what she likes,” Nayeon said warmly. “I’m sure she’d love it.” Beaming, Nayeon bounded over to where the hydrangeas were, selecting a few with an easy grace as she hummed a soothing melody.
Mina watched, her heart fluttering at the sight of Nayeon’s genuine joy. There was something endearing about the way she moved with such zeal and care, her face lighting up at the mere presence of the flowers. ‘I truly hope you will,’ Mina thought, her smile softening as she took in Nayeon’s radiant demeanor.
As Nayeon arranged the hydrangeas into the bouquet with delicate precision, Mina’s gaze lingered on her, captivated by the effortless charm she exuded. The way Nayeon’s fingers danced among the blooms, the tender attention she gave each flower, made Mina’s heart ache with a mixture of admiration and longing. The room seemed to hum with a new, tender energy, each small gesture from Nayeon weaving a deeper thread of connection between them. Mina took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing emotions.
Nayeon’s eyes sparkled with satisfaction as she finished arranging the bouquet. With a radiant smile, she handed it to Mina. “Here you go,” she said, her tone warm and inviting. “I really hope it captures everything you wanted to express.”
Mina’s breath caught in her throat as she took in the sight of the bouquet. Her heart swelled with appreciation at the delicate arrangement of flowers, each one seemingly chosen with care to reflect her feelings. “This is perfect, Nayeon,” she said, her voice trembling with unfeigned appreciation. “It’s even more beautiful than I could have imagined.”
Nayeon’s face lit up with pride as she heard Mina’s response. “I’m so glad you like it!” she said warmly, her exuberance evident. “It was a pleasure to create. Now, go on—make sure she knows just how special she is to you.”
As Mina reached for her wallet to pay, Nayeon quickly intervened. “Oh, don’t worry about the payment,” she said, waving her hand dismissively. “Consider it a gift. Just go out there and make her day.”
Mina’s eyes widened in surprise, her face reflecting a mixture of gratitude and disbelief. “Are you sure?” she asked, her voice carrying a hint of concern. “I really don’t want to impose…”
Nayeon’s smile remained steadfast, her tone sincere and reassuring. “Absolutely sure,” she replied, her eyes softening. “It’s my pleasure. You’ve been so thoughtful, and it’s nice to be part of something special like this.”
Feeling deeply touched by Nayeon’s generosity, Mina accepted the bouquet with a heartfelt nod. “Thank you so much, Nayeon,” she said softly, her voice filled with warmth and appreciation.
As Mina prepared to leave, Nayeon leaned casually against the counter, her curiosity piqued. “So, how do you plan to give it to her?” she asked, her tone light and inquisitive. “Do you have any special plans?”
Mina’s cheeks flushed with a soft pink hue as she considered her response. “I’m thinking of waiting until she finishes work,” she said, her voice brimming with excitement. “I might even include a letter to make it extra special. You know, to surprise her and add a personal touch.”
Nayeon’s eyes twinkled with approval, her smile growing even warmer. “That sounds incredibly sweet,” she said, her tone full of admiration. “I’m sure she’ll love it.”
Seizing the moment, Mina decided to drop a subtle hint. “By the way,” she began, her voice slightly hesitant, “when do you get off work today?”
Nayeon tilted her head in thought, a puzzled look crossing her face. “Oh, I’m here until closing,” she replied. “Why do you ask?”
Mina’s heart raced, her nerves betraying her calm exterior. “Just curious,” she said, her voice tinged with nervousness. “It’s not every day I get to have such a lovely conversation with someone I admire.”
Nayeon’s smile grew even warmer, touched by Mina’s words. “Well, I’m glad we had a chance to chat,” she said, giving Mina an encouraging nod. “Now, go get your girl!”
As the clock ticked toward the end of the workday, the flower shop’s soft lights flickered against the cold, darkening street outside. The winter chill hung heavily in the air, seeping through every crack and crevice. Nayeon, having finished tidying up, was about to lock the door when she noticed a familiar figure standing on the other side of the glass. Mina was there, bundled up against the cold, her breath forming small clouds in the frigid air.
Nayeon’s brow furrowed in surprise as she approached the door, pulling it open with a chime of the bell. “Mina? What are you doing here?” she asked, her voice a mix of confusion and concern. The sight of Mina standing there, waiting in the cold, tugged at her heart.
Mina looked up, her face flushed from the cold but glowing with a determined smile. “I’m just waiting for my crush to get off work,” she said, her voice steady despite the shivering winter wind.
Nayeon’s eyes widened in confusion. “But I’m the only one working here today,” she said, a hint of perplexity coloring her tone. “Are you sure you’re in the right place?”
Mina’s heart skipped a beat, and she took a deep breath, trying to remain calm. “Yeah, I know,” she said softly, her eyes locked onto Nayeon’s. “It’s just that I wanted to see if I could catch her before she leaves.”
Nayeon’s brow furrowed in confusion. “I’m not quite following,” she admitted, her tone laced with concern. “I’m the only one working here today, so... I don’t quite understand who you’re waiting for. Would you like to come inside and warm up while you explain?”
Mina took a step closer, her heart pounding with each beat. She tried again, her voice trembling slightly. “Uh, no, I- Well, you see, this crush of mine—she’s someone I really admire, and I thought maybe... well, you might be able to help me figure out how to tell her how I feel.”
Nayeon tilted her head, clearly still not understanding. “I’m still not following,” she admitted, looking genuinely baffled. “I mean, if you really like someone, you should just tell them, right? That’s the best way.”
Mina’s cheeks burned with both embarrassment and frustration. She took a deep breath, deciding to forego any more subtle hints. “Actually,” she said, reaching into her pocket and pulling out a neatly folded letter. “I have something for you. It’s, um, for you to read.”
Nayeon’s eyes widened in curiosity as she accepted the letter. “For me?” she asked, her voice tinged with surprise. “Alright, let’s see what this is about.”
With a mix of trepidation and excitement, Mina watched as Nayeon unfolded the letter and began to read. The words on the page were carefully chosen, each one reflecting Mina’s deepest emotions:
~ ~ ~
Dear Nayeon,
From the moment I met you, my world has felt a little brighter. There’s a warmth in your smile, a kindness in your eyes, and a grace in your presence that I find utterly captivating. I’ve found myself mesmerized by the way you move among the flowers, with a gentle elegance that seems to make everything more beautiful.
You may not realize it, but your laughter and the way you light up a room have become a part of my daily thoughts. You’ve inspired me to see beauty in the little things, and your kindness has shown me what it truly means to care for someone with all your heart.
I’m not the best with words, but I wanted to try and express how much you mean to me. I’ve admired you from afar, finding myself drawn to your spirit and the way you make everyone around you feel valued. It’s hard for me to say this out loud, but I hope these words can convey what’s in my heart.
I like you, Nayeon. More than just a little. I like you in a way that makes my heart race and my thoughts scatter whenever I’m near you. I hope that, maybe, you could feel the same way about me.
Until then, I’ll be here, hoping for a chance to show you just how much you mean to me. Thank you for being the person you are and for making my world a bit more magical.
Sincerely,
Mina
~ ~ ~
As Nayeon finished reading, her eyes went wide with realization. She looked up at Mina, who was now kneeling on the cold pavement, holding out the bouquet with a mixture of hope and anxiety in her eyes. “I—” Mina started, her voice wavering as she tried to convey her feelings directly. “I really like you, Nayeon. I’ve admired you for so long, and I just wanted you to know…”
Nayeon stood frozen, her eyes filling with tears as she processed Mina’s heartfelt confession. Mina’s heart sank as she saw Nayeon’s emotional reaction, and she began to worry that perhaps she had made a mistake. “I’m so sorry if I—if I did something wrong,” Mina stammered, her voice cracking with concern. “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable…”
Before Mina could say anything more, Nayeon’s tears started to flow freely. “No, you idiot,” she said through her sobs, her voice trembling with a mix of relief and happiness. “I like you too.”
Mina’s eyes widened in shock, her heart racing with a mix of joy and disbelief. “You do?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Nayeon nodded, wiping her tears away with a shaky hand. “Yes,” she said softly, her voice filled with emotion. “I’ve liked you for a long time too. I was just too afraid to say anything.”
Overwhelmed by the emotional intensity of the moment, Mina’s heart soared as Nayeon stepped closer and wrapped her arms around her. The cold night air seemed to vanish, replaced by the warmth of their shared emotions. Mina’s earlier plan to get Nayeon’s number felt trivial now; she had something much more precious—Nayeon’s genuine affection.
Mina hugged Nayeon back tightly, her voice trembling slightly. “I thought... I thought I’d never get the chance to tell you how I feel,” she whispered, her breath mingling with the crisp air.
Nayeon’s embrace tightened, and she looked into Mina’s eyes, her own filled with a mixture of relief and joy. “I’m glad you did,” she murmured, her voice soft and filled with warmth. “I felt the same way but didn’t know how to say it.”
Despite the frigid winter chill, Mina felt like she was melting into Nayeon’s warmth. Her skin tingled with the sensation of Nayeon’s closeness, every shiver of the night replaced by the comforting heat of their shared affection.
“Feels like we’re in our own little world,” Mina said, her voice barely more than a breath.
Nayeon’s smile was radiant, her eyes sparkling as she nodded. “Yeah, it does. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”