#chanverkwan

Chan didn’t really notice that Seungkwan wasn’t there. When he came home from work in the evening, after at least 2-3 hours of overtime a day, he was so exhausted that he was glad when he managed to cook something to eat and usually went straight to sleep afterward. It was just like that. He was used to it. It would stop soon, and he would have more free time again. His friends were all used to the fact that things got quieter around him in the winter months.

If he was honest, he threw himself into work more this year to avoid thinking about Seungkwan. He also only half noticed Jihoon got sick, Wonwoos grandmother got sick, Seokmin searched for a new apprenticeship and Wonwoo got a boyfriend? He didn’t even know that Wonwoo had shown any interest in anyone. Chan felt really guilty when he couldn’t be at anyone’s side. He had to make it up to them when things got better at his job!

Next Saturday he slept in. He could sleep as much as he wanted - he was generally exhausted, and he didn’t feel rested. He wrote a quick message to Jihoon, Wonwoo, and Seokmin. It was better than nothing, wasn’t it? Nevertheless, the guilty conscience did not let go of him.

He next opened the chat with Seungkwan when he got a call. Chan made him wait a few seconds and looked at his caller picture. It was a picture of the two of them when they were getting to know each other. He longed a little for that time back.

“Hi,” he greeted the other. “I was about to write you too”

“Hey,” Seungkwan greeted him in a soft voice. “Didn’t I wake you up? I wanted to wait until the weekend. The others have told me how busy you are.”

Chan sank back into bed. “No, I am awake. What’s up?”

“Can I come over? I think we should talk.”

“Sure, come over.”

They ended the call, and Chan rushed to get in the shower and wake up. He wanted to be fit for this talk.

Seungkwan was already in the apartment when he came out of the bathroom, freshly dressed. He came up to Chan and hugged him. They stayed in the hug longer than was necessary for a greeting. And it was only at that moment that Chan realized how much he had missed the other.

“I missed you,” he admitted.

“Of course, you did.” Seungkwan teased lightly. “Have you eaten properly? Have you taken your vitamins?” And Seungkwans slight nagging cheered him up.

Until Seungkwan broke away from him and grabbed his hands.

“I kissed Vernon.”

Wow! That was unexpected. He had expected a lot. But it made sense why Seungkwan was here, even though they had agreed that he would stay away for a few more weeks and think it all over. Not just so he could think about this, but also so he wouldn’t be so lonely when Chan was working so much. Their “fight” came at the right time. Even if Chan didn’t even really see it as an argument anymore.

He remained silent, knowing that Seungkwan hadn’t finished speaking.

“He explained to me that it doesn’t have to be just one-sided between the two of you. And I… Vernon is just Vernon.” Seungkwan said, and Chan nodded. He understood what Seungkwan meant. Vernon was special. And he wasn’t so blind as to not see that the two were interested in each other.

If he hadn’t seen it, it probably wouldn’t have come up. He knew how difficult it could be in the beginning and the relationship with Seungkwan was still too new to put him to such a test right away. He also thought at first that he could live monogamously for Seungkwans sake. Until feelings for Vernon came up again. If he hadn’t met Seungkwan - would Vernon be by his side now? But he didn’t want to miss Seungkwan. And he had seen the looks of the two. Their behavior. He had heard a lot from their stories. And finally decided to do it. Either he lost Seungkwan, or he won both.

“Just because I love him doesn’t mean I love you any less.”

Seungkwan nodded slowly. “That…I think I get it. I don’t know if I can do it. It’s...this way of thinking is too new. But...if it’s Vernon, I’m fine. He gave me flowers and wanted me to believe they were from you.”

Chan released his hands from Seungkwan and took him in his arms again.

“I’m proud of you.” Many would rather take the easy way out and end it all than at least try.

“Stop acting like a wise guy. I’m the older one here!”

Chan laughed. Oh, how he had missed Seungkwan!

Seungkwan didn’t move back in with him, but he spent the weekend with him. Chan still had a lot of work to do, and he didn’t want to take his stressed mood out on Seungkwan. He decided, as hard as it was, not to write to Vernon. He wanted to speak to him face to face.

It so happened that he didn’t see him until Jihoons birthday a week later. He got up earlier and went to the office so he wouldn’t get out of the office that late. However, it was already dark and the flower shop next to Jihoons apartment was already closed. Only the shop sign glowed faintly. Chan had to smile when he saw it. Koneko. It all started with that. Luckily, he had already bought a present during the lunch break. According to the others, Jihoon had discovered his green thumb. Especially for tiger lilies. So, he bought one of these.

But Jihoons look as he handed it over spoke volumes. Wasn’t it a tiger lily?

“Thank you,” he said gloomily and put it aside. Chan looked around his apartment. Jihoon must have had twelve tiger lilies by now. With his now thirteen.

“You’ve really discovered your green thumb, huh?” While Jihoons gaze darkened, the others laughed.

“I have no idea what idiots work in this flower shop. I only get tiger lilies. Do you know how difficult it is to take care of them?”

“I don’t think they know the meaning either,” agreed Wonwoo. “Initially, it was said that it should be good for moving. During my research, I concluded that it symbolizes “wealth and pride”.”

“I’m sorry, what? I thought it would be a good gift for someone who is sick?”

“He struck me as so unprofessional.” As Seungkwan spoke, Chan looked at him. He was still standing, so he made his way over to him and sat down next to his boyfriend. Seungkwan grabbed his hand. As they interlocked their fingers, he felt the eyes of the others on them. They probably still thought that they had argued and never reconciled.

If he had talked to Vernon, maybe he would enlighten them.

“Didn’t your boyfriend want to come, Wonwoo?”

“What? No...we...we were just on a date. It’s too early?”

Chan enjoyed being with his friends. But he was far too exhausted, which is why he fell asleep a little later, leaning against Seungkwan.

When he woke up, everyone was still there, and he was lying on Seungkwans lap. He sat up, yawned, and stretched before apologizing. Looking around, he saw Vernon wasn’t there. Oh no. Was he already gone? He hadn’t had a chance to talk to him yet.

“Is Vernon gone yet?” he asked the group.

“He’s still in my workroom,” Jihoon replied, pointing to his door.

Even though he hadn’t planned to discuss the subject with Vernon at Jihoons birthday party, it was the right time. He got up and squeezed Seungkwans shoulder before walking through the door.

Vernon sat in front of Jihoons computer and read something. Chan closed the door behind him and said nothing. He didn’t want to disturb him. Instead, he looked through the window. Jihoon had a good view of the flower shop from here. Did he often look out here and just watch the people?

“Have you guys made up?” Vernon broke the silence.

Chan turned around. He seemed to have finished reading and turned to face him.

“Yes. It wasn’t really an argument. Seungkwan had to figure things out.”

Vernon nodded slowly. He couldn’t read anything from him. Was he surprised by Chan’s statements?

“He also told me he kissed you.”

“Chan...I told him it wasn’t possible. I am sorry.”

Chan waved him off. He didn’t want to play any games with Vernon. That wasn’t him. That wasn’t Vernon. It wasn’t like that between them.

“I just think it’s a shame that he did it first. I’ve known you much longer. I have the right to do so first, don’t I? Considering what was before my vacation.”

Vernon looked at him silently. It seemed like he was trying to make sense of his words. As if he wanted to understand what they meant.

“Then it’s me?”

“Were you expecting someone else? I haven’t forgotten what it was like between us before I went on vacation. Perhaps repressed, but not forgotten.”

“And Seungkwan?”

“The kiss doesn’t say everything? He agrees. We still have to give him time at first, but he understands it.”

Vernon made a “Hm” and said nothing. Chan gave him his hand. “Come over to us tomorrow and we’ll talk, okay?” He helped Vernon up, and they walked back to the others. However, Chan didn’t let go of Vernon’s hand and as he sat down next to Seungkwan he smiled reassuringly at him.

Vernon was still worried about Seungkwan and Chan.

Chan was his best friend for a long time. He had witnessed his relationships and often comforted him. His past relationships had been...heavy. He had suffered for a long time afterward and Vernon was relieved when he got better. Seungkwan did him good. But he also knew that Seungkwan couldn’t imagine a polyamorous relationship. Vernon just hoped that went well.

He later met with Wonwoo and Seokmin but did not tell them about the situation. As long as the two hadn’t worked it out, he would keep his mouth shut. And even after that, he would only say something if it fits, and he was asked about it. He wasn’t the type to tell big secrets, anyway. Even if the conversation turned to flowers. Wonwoo with his new hobby of flower language (“I found a new flower shop. I think the flowers last better there than at that across my company.”) and Seokmins second apprenticeship as a florist (“But I don’t know. The working is really fun. But the company is...the trainer is pretty strict.”). His thoughts kept wandering to Seungkwan and Chan. He said goodbye early and went home.

Somehow, he was waiting for Chan to call. He always came to Vernon with his problems. But somehow, he also waited for Seungkwan to call. He had only met Seungkwan through Chan. When Chan had been alone on vacation, the two had met. After that, they kept in touch and when Seungkwan finally visited Chan in his hometown they became a couple.

For the first time, he wondered if things would have been different if he had accompanied Chan. He had offered it to Vernon. At that time things had sparked between them. If Vernon had gone with him or if Chan hadn’t met Seungkwan...what would have happened to them? He’d never given himself a chance to think about it, because what was the point? He couldn’t go back in time and undo it. And he certainly wouldn’t try anything now. Not when Chan was in a monogamous relationship. Not when he was in a relationship with Seungkwan, who Vernon had also befriended. He had to accept it, even if it was still difficult for him months later. Chan had gotten over their sparkled moments. Not Vernon.

He was about to go to sleep when the doorbell rang. Had the two talked and separated? Did Chan need his help? Vernon rushed to the door and opened it. But it wasn’t Chan standing in front of the door.

Seungkwan stood in front of his door with an overnight bag. His eyes were red, and tears still glistened in them.

“Seungkwan” Vernon wasn’t expecting him. He always thought Seungkwan would get along better with Wonwoo or Seokmin.

“Sorry. I didn’t know where else to go. Can I...can I stay with you tonight?”

“Of course, come in. Tell me what happened.”

Seungkwan entered, and Vernon took the bag from him.

But one night turned into several. And that’s how Seungkwan almost moved in with him. Seungkwan was silent about the argument with Chan. Chan didn’t talk about it. And so, weeks went by with nothing happening.

“I cooked,” Seungkwan announced when Vernon got home. He could get used to it. That someone was always there when he came home. That someone was cooking for him. And then they washed the dishes together and watched a movie or did something else together. It was almost...like a relationship. Vernon immediately shook off the thought. What was he thinking? Seungkwan dated Chan. Maybe.

“What about you and Chan?” Vernon finally asked as they sat in the living room later.

“Chan...” Seungkwan sighed. “It’s...we’re on...we’re on a break. He wanted it that way. We had quite a fight. I also know now that my reaction was too much. But he has admitted he still has feelings for someone else. That this “monogamous” relationship is not enough for him. And I should think about it. Because he can’t go on like this. Either I have to share him, or I lose him. And I don’t want either."

That...was intense. Vernon had imagined a lot. But that? Chan had feelings for someone else? He hadn’t told Vernon about it. Nothing! But because Seungkwan was staying here temporarily, he didn’t see Chan as often as he used to.

He hugged Seungkwan as he looked sad. However, his thoughts wandered to Chan.

“You know,” Vernon began, “if you choose to do this, it’s not like you necessarily have to share him. What if you get to know this person and develop feelings too?”

“Do you know who it is?”

“Me? No. He didn’t tell me anything.” Who could it be? Had Chan met someone? He was always so stressed during the winter months - did he really have time to get to know new people? Or was it a new colleague? Seungkwan was one thing…but another one? Was what had been sparking between them not that special for Chan?

“Hm” Seungkwan leaned against him. They stayed like that for a few minutes before Seungkwan broke away.

“Maybe...maybe I really should talk to him. I don’t know if I can do something like that...but I should tell him that, shouldn’t I? It’s so much easier to talk about these things with you, Vernon. Chan didn’t even get in touch the whole time. He must think about a breakup!”

“No, I think he’s waiting for you to get in touch. He wanted to give you time.”

But Seungkwan remained stubborn.

Vernon took the opportunity that Seokmin and Seungkwan wanted to do together to visit Chan. This one looked miserable. But it was normal for him in the winter months.

“Sorry, did we agree to meet?”

“No. I wanted to see if everything was alright. Now that...”

“Since my boyfriend lives with you? I’m glad he’s with you. I know you take care of him.” He was silent for a moment. “If you want to talk, can we sit down? I’m tired.”

“Sure.” Vernon followed him into the living room and Chan lay down on his sofa. He sat down next to him, and Chan looked at him before closing his eyes.

If he hadn’t known him so well, he would leave. But he knew he was always welcome at his best friend’s house, no matter how exhausted he was.

“How is he?”

“He misses you. He keeps talking about you.”

“And yet he doesn’t text me. If he missed me so much, wouldn’t he have written by now?”

Vernon had to laugh. The two were more alike than they would like to admit. Both stubborn without an end.

“He told me you have feelings for someone else. I think he’s trying to deal with it.” Vernon didn’t know exactly why he wanted to put Seungkwan in a better light in front of Chan, either. Seungkwan had probably grown more to his heart after all, and he didn’t want any of his friends to suffer.

“Did he...did he also tell you for whom?” Chan didn’t move, but Vernon heard a slight panic in his voice. Just who was it?

“No. I didn’t want to know either. When you’re ready, you can tell me yourself.”

Now Chan opened his eyes and even got up. Only to sit on Vernon’s lap, though. “Thanks,” he said as he wrapped his arms around Vernon and slumped against him.

He only left when he was sure Chan was feeling a little better. And Seungkwan seemed to do a little better than in the last few days. Still, both were miserable. But their stubbornness prevented them from speaking it out. It might be better for the two of them if they had someone else to mediate these moments. That it didn’t always stick with Vernon.

Two days later, he had a crisis lunchtime talk with Wonwoo, Seokmin, and even Jihoon. He was stressed and looked pale (which happened when you holed up at home for days), but at least they saw him outside his apartment again.

“What if we send one of them a bouquet as an apology? We can pretend the other send it?”

“You and your flowers. He’s been talking about it for weeks. Just because of the handsome employee.” Jihoon said and rolled his eyes.

“But that’s not a bad idea! Seungkwan complained that Chan never sends him flowers,” Seokmin began enthusiastically. It seemed like everyone in their circle of friends was suffering from the break between the two.

“And maybe then they’ll finally talk to each other. Even if it turns out we’re behind it. It’s worth a try.” Vernon agreed. He was tired of seeing the two of them suffer stubbornly because neither was able to make the first move.

“Jihoon can you get one? You live right next to one, don’t you?”

“Get one, yes, but I don’t have time to deliver it. I have so many assignments right now. And I don’t feel very good.”

“I’ll get it tomorrow. Can I drop it off at your workplace on the way home, Vernon? You can give it to Seungkwan,” Wonwoo suggested.

“Sure, just come by.”

The plan was done, and Vernon came home with the bouquet the next day. Seungkwan was already home when Vernon stepped through the door. He didn’t know how to go about handing him the bouquet. He knew from Wonwoo that he had included a card. But how was he supposed to make him understand that Chan had given him a bouquet and hadn’t shown up himself?

Vernon stepped into their living room, Seungkwans temporary bedroom. Seungkwan sat on the pull-out sofa and had been crying. His eyes were red again. Noticing Vernon, Seungkwan quickly wiped his eyes and stood up.

“Sorry I- oh a bouquet.”

“Yeah um...this is for you.” Vernon held out the bouquet.

Seungkwans eyes widened. He walked up to Vernon and took the bouquet from him. “That...Vernon that is...thank you very much!” Suddenly Seungkwan hugged him, and Vernon was unable to say anything else.

Seungkwan broke away from him and hurried into the kitchen to put the flowers in the water. Only then did Vernon realize his mistake. He hadn’t told him the flowers were from Chan. Did Seungkwan now think Vernon had given him the flowers? But he would see it on the card?

Nevertheless, he went after him. Seungkwan put the bouquet in the vase and sniffed them. “These are lilies, aren’t they?” Apparently, he noticed him.

Vernon knew nothing about flowers. He shrugged his shoulders. “Yes. Maybe. No idea.”

Seungkwan turned to him, and it seemed like the smile that crept onto his face was finally reaching his eyes.

“Vernon, you have no idea how much this means to me. I’ve seldom received flowers. Especially not from him.”

“Wait, they aren’t-“

“Shhh” Seungkwan came over and hugged him. “You don’t know how much you’ve helped me.”

“Seungkwan I-“

But again, Seungkwan didn’t let him finish. He broke away from Vernon. But instead of pulling away, Seungkwan kissed him.

Shit.

Vernon gently pushed him back. Seungkwan looked at him questioningly.

“I...sorry. The flowers...they’re not from me. They are from Chan. We shouldn’t do this. You are with him. You love him. He is my best friend. I am sorry.”

Seungkwan looked at the closing door. Something was wrong between them. It frustrated him. They didn’t talk about it. Seungkwan didn’t even know if Chan noticed or if everything was normal for him. If you could even speak of normal.

He knew what he was getting into with Chan. On his polyamory... past? And he wasn’t even sure if he had thought that correctly because, for Seungkwan, there was always the one. The great love. What if Chan regretted getting involved with him? What if he longed for someone else? When they first got together and Seungkwan moved in with him (from a completely different city!) they talked about it. Since Seungkwan wasn’t comfortable with it, Chan agreed (or rather gave in?). What if he regrets it now? Seungkwan didn’t want to bring it up. He was afraid that his fears would come true. Seungkwan didn’t have anyone here except Chan’s friends. He had left his own circle of friends behind when he moved. Unfortunately, long-distance friendships didn’t always work. And of course, he got along great with Wonwoo, Seokmin, Jihoon, and Vernon, but when things fell apart with Chan, they would definitely side with him, and he was on his own. Moving back wasn’t an option either, as he now had a job here (and liked it).

Seungkwan pushed the thoughts aside. He was too scared of losing Chan to bring it up. Instead, he made sure the apartment was tidy. He finally had his first vacation (but since Chan had a ban on leave, they couldn’t go away together) and Wonwoo and Vernon wanted to come to visit him.

Just as he was making tea, the doorbell rang. Seungkwan went to the door and let them both in.

“Here I brought you a bouquet.”

Seungkwan looked surprised at the small bouquet that Wonwoo held in his hands and gave to him. He knew from Chan that Wonwoo was shy and reserved. That new things were difficult for him. Was that a good sign? He never quite knew where he was with Wonwoo. Did he like Seungkwan? Didn’t he like him? It was hard to get something like that out of him.

“Thank you Wonwoo. Come in, I’ll put the flowers in water.” He’d never got flowers before! Seungkwan took the bouquet and smelled it. It smelled wonderful and brought a little spring into the dreary autumn. He went into the kitchen and looked for a vase. But since they never got flowers, they had nothing like that either. Finally, he walked into the living room with the flowers in his tall mixing bowl.

“Chan has never given me flowers. I don’t think we own a vase.“, he apologized quickly when he noticed the looks of the two.

“I thought it was a friendly gesture. To give flowers away. There is even a language of flowers. Different flowers have different meanings. For example, the sunflower means I like you and-“

Wonwoo told them about different flower meanings. Seungkwan didn’t know about this. He knew the sunflower and since it was also in his bouquet; he concluded Wonwoo liked him (and he was so relieved about that!). But all the other flowers meant nothing to him. He preferred to listen to Wonwoo, who for once spoke like a waterfall. Chan had “warned” him about this, but Seungkwan hadn’t believed him.

“I brought you something, too.” Vernon began when Wonwoo had finished talking. But instead of a gift, he gave him a couple of letters.

“Um thanks.”

“They were in your mailbox.” Vernon was...Vernon. It was difficult to describe him. He sometimes did things that Seungkwan didn’t understand. But he didn’t mean it negatively. Vernon was a very kind and thoughtful person. Whenever Seungkwan was unsure, Vernon reassured him. Like the other time when Jihoon snapped at him a bit harshly and Seungkwan wasn’t sure what he had said wrong. The others didn’t think about it anymore, but Vernon had assured him that Jihoon was stressed about his new job as a freelancer and that he shouldn’t take it personally. Yes, Vernon was just Vernon. If Seungkwan had met him first and not Chan, they wouldn’t be sitting here now. They would be in a completely new apartment, since Vernon’s apartment was too small for the two of them. Ugh. He shouldn’t think like that anymore. Sure, Vernon might have been more like his dream man than Chan, but he was dating Chan. They were happy, and he loved Chan. The subject of Vernon...shouldn’t be an issue!

To distract himself, he picked up the letters and looked through them briefly. Advertising, an invoice, bank statements, and more advertising. Nothing important.

Spending the morning with Wonwoo and Vernon was nice, and Seungkwan felt the stress of the last few months finally slip away. Moving, the new job, and then the new situation with Chan - it wasn’t all that easy.

When Chan returned home in the evening (yes, Seungkwan had done nothing else. He was still too much in love and wanted to greet Chan when he came home). Everything was back to normal. It calmed him down.

“Who did you get flowers from?”

“Wonwoo. He and Vernon were here today.”

“I’m glad you’re making friends with them. That you can connect here.”

It was the same as always. Maybe Seungkwan was just imagining the problems.

His feeling changed the next morning. Seungkwan got up with Chan extra early, prepared him a great breakfast, packed him lunch, and put out vitamins he would need in this cold season, and what did his boyfriend do? Once in the bathroom, he hastily stuffed himself with a few bites, left everything else, and disappeared. Only with a “Sorry, I have to go.” Without a goodbye kiss.

Frustrated, Seungkwan looked at the fully laid table. Now they had the opportunity except on weekends to have breakfast together, and Chan didn’t appreciate it. He hated Chan’s work!

The food was too good to throw away, so he wrote in the group chat if anyone would like to eat breakfast. They just have to hurry. A moment later, Vernon was at the door. He didn’t look rushed or stressed, just as calm as ever, but since his breathing was faster, Seungkwan knew he had hurried. His heart shouldn’t be beating so fast. It shouldn’t at all.

But then why was it so much easier to chat with Vernon than with his own boyfriend? Why did he keep forgetting him when Vernon was around?

“The flowers aren’t looking so good anymore,” Vernon stated as he helped clear the table. Although Seungkwan had assured him often enough that he didn’t have to do that. Seungkwan gave it a sad look. He got flowers and they didn’t last long.

“Maybe they’re picking up the negative vibes here.” He didn’t want to bring it up. Chan was Vernon’s friend. But didn’t he also have the right to have someone listen to his problems?

“What do you mean by that?”

Seungkwan bit his lip. Vernon was far too harmony-loving to get involved in this argument. He shook his head and grabbed yesterday’s letters to distract himself. “Oh, nothing.” He sorted out the ads and opened the bill. After glancing at it, he put them away so he could pay them later. Since Vernon said nothing, he opened the bank statements and went through them.

Against all odds, they had merged their accounts when he moved in. With his knowing today, he wouldn’t do it now. But back then, just a few months ago, it seemed like the right thing to do. He didn’t always look at his bank statements that closely, either. But when he was done with his mail, he had to talk to Vernon. And with that, he would cross a line. Either Vernon would walk away or Seungkwan would drive a wedge between the two’s friendship. Could he do this? And what were the consequences? Would Vernon… no, he mustn’t think about it! He loved Chan!

He hesitated at one deduction. 7,000 won. He definitely hadn’t paid for anything of that amount by card. He couldn’t remember anything either. Was that Chan? He was curious to see what he had bought. It just said that the money was debited from “Koneko”. Seungkwan put down the bank statements and checked for Koneko on his phone.

He didn’t know whether to cry or laugh when he saw the first hit that was very close. A brothel.

“Seungkwan?”

“Has...” He paused. Seungkwan was far too scared of what Vernon would say next. “Has Chan ever cheated on anyone?”

“Cheated? Chan?” Vernon looked surprised.

Seungkwan put down his phone and looked up. “Has he?”

You could tell Vernon was uncomfortable talking about it. There he had his answer. “He was still very young. And drunk. It’s not an excuse, really, but he’s changed. He would never cheat on you. What makes you think that?”

Seungkwan pointed to the bank statements. “He was in a brothel. I...this…”

“Chan?” Vernon asked unbelievingly. He took the bank statement. “7,000 won is not much for a shop like this, is it?”

Seungkwan shrugged. He was tired. He wasn’t even mad. Only tired. Have they gotten to that point in their relationship so soon? Even though they have only known each other for a year?

“Wait...” Vernon was still studying the bank statement until he pulled out his phone and tapped on it. “It’s a flower shop, Seungkwan!”

A… flower shop? He hurried to Vernon’s side and looked at his screen. “But I didn’t get any flowers!” The indignation spread through him. A brothel was one thing. This wasn’t about feelings. Even if it still meant Chan didn’t trust him enough and Seungkwan wasn’t enough for him. But a flower shop? To whom was he giving flowers? It was not Chan’s mother’s birthday (Besides, 7,000 won wasn’t enough for a bouquet).

He grabbed Vernon’s phone and hit the call button.

“Here at Koneko, Jeonghan on the phone. What can I do for you?”

“What is this shop? Koneko? Hm?”

“Um...excuse me?” The other person on the phone sounded confused.

Seungkwan was far too enraged to care that he was making a scene in front of a complete stranger here. And this in front of Vernon!

“What kind of shop are you? Are you really a flower shop?”

“Of course, we are a flower shop!”

“Really? My bank statement was debited 7,000 won 4 days ago. I haven’t bought anything."

“Does anyone else have access to the account? I’d be happy to look up the receipts at what time that was.”

Grrr. That the other remained so friendly didn’t exactly improve his mood. He did not answer his question but waited and listened.

He heard the other leaf through paper. “Ah, there we have it. 7,000 won. A lily was bought at 6:17 p.m.”

“Thank you. Then it must have been my boyfriend. I’m sorry.” He squeezed out the words before hanging up. Seungkwan handed Vernon his phone. “I’m sorry,” he said sincerely to this one. “You were right. He...he bought a lily. I overreacted.” But it’s...it’s not easy lately."

Vernon just shrugged and took his phone. “It’s all fine. You don’t have to apologize to me. You should talk to him, really. I think there are a few issues you should discuss.” Maybe Vernon was right.

When he left, however, he called Wonwoo. He couldn’t get the subject out of his head. He hadn’t received any flowers! Who got a lily from Chan?

“Seungkwan?”

“Hello, Wonwoo. You talked about the language of flowers the other day. I wanted to ask you if you know what a lily means. Who do you give it to? And what does it mean?”

“A lily? Hmm wait a minute.” Seungkwan walked a few steps impatiently. How he hated waiting!

“It says here that the white lily represents light and real love. Weird. I thought this would be a good fit for moving?”

“Okay, you helped me a lot. Thank you.”

Real love. Chan had given a flower that meant real love. And he hadn’t gotten it.

Many people knew Jeonghan. Some saw him as a hard-working employee who clearly deserved to finally officially run the shop. The others saw him as a cheap replacement because they didn’t want or couldn’t take care of the shop themselves. Some saw him as a pretty employee to flirt with (and he usually joined in). But these people didn’t matter to Jeonghan. Whether customers, owners, the owner’s children, or neighbors. What counted for him were his employees, his colleagues. He had nothing but work and these were his friends, almost family (he wouldn’t admit it, but it was true). Outside of his colleagues, he had exactly two friends on whom he could rely. Jun and Joshua. He would do anything for them.

Even if it involved playing Armor. Oh, especially if it involved playing Armor.

Joshua was in a terrible relationship. Jeonghan didn’t like this guy. Not at all. It was clear that he was not good for Joshua. Since Jeonghan wasn’t one to keep quiet about such things, he approached the subject cautiously. But Joshua didn’t want to listen to him. And for Jun there has been only affairs for several years. Not that Jeonghan was any better. His last boyfriend was...oh, this wasn’t about him. He was stuck when it came to his friends.

But things changed when he was in the store, had just cleared the new order away and wanted to take over from Soonyoung at the cash register so that the latter could go home. Instead of sitting there bored (Soonyoung hated sitting at the cash register when nothing was going on), he sat up straight and stared out the window. Jeonghan bit back a sound and followed his gaze. There was a pickup truck outside. It wasn’t long before three young men came, took boxes out of the truck, and disappeared into Joshua’s house. So were there finally new tenants? Jeonghan looked back at Soonyoung, who looked after them, and sighed.

Soonyoung had just gotten out of a long-term relationship. Jeonghan had never heard the details of it, but just 2 months ago, Soonyoung burst into tears almost every day. It was nice to see that Soonyoung was finally interested in others again. But for now, Jeonghan didn’t want to get involved. Maybe Soonyoung could do it himself?

After a week, he gave up hope. Soonyoung complained several times a day that “the cute little neighbor” never showed up. Didn’t he come up with the idea of ringing his doorbell? He at least thought of asking him and Mingyu if they had seen him, but that was it.

Jeonghan had enough! He had given Soonyoung a week, but if he didn’t act, Jeonghan just had to help him. He withdrew to the storeroom and began preparing a bouquet for Soonyoung to give to his crush. Jeonghan heard Mingyu and Soonyoung talking but couldn’t understand what they were saying. But he wasn’t the boss who cut off private conversations. There was hardly anything going on anyway, and if the two were bored, he just had to entertain them again.

The bouquet was just finished when he heard Soonyoung laugh out loud. “Jeonghan! Jeonghan quick!” When he was like this, Mingyu has made a fool of himself. Probably the clumsy oaf slipped again and made a mess. Jeonghan left the bouquet behind and hurried forward. But it looked the same as always. Only Mingyu was red in the face.

“Mingyu made...Mingyu made...” Soonyoung tried to tell him something but laughed too much and Jeonghan didn’t understand a word.

“Soonyoung, calm down. I don’t understand a word.”

Soonyoung tried to take deep breaths. Mingyu gave him a mean look, which made Soonyoung laugh even more. “He went to your crush!” Mingyu pouted and Soonyoungs laughter stopped immediately.

“Mingyu! Do you have to remind me?” Soonyoung sighed and turned to Jeonghan. “Mingyu made a fool of himself. You don’t know how much!” Just the thought of it seemed to cheer Soonyoung up again. It was fascinating.

“A customer came in and Mingyu asked him what his name was and said that Wonwoos were given a flower today. So...his name was Wonwoo. And he was way too confused. You should have seen it.”

Jeonghan glanced at Mingyu. “I...I didn’t know what to say okay? That’s all I could think of.” Mingyu defended himself. “But it doesn’t matter. He went to Soonyoungs crush. The two are probably a couple.” Mingyu cast a longing look out of the shop window.

So Mingyu got a crush too. That would be interesting. Mingyu has been working here for 3 years and Jeonghan has never seen him in a relationship. So it was badly needed that Mingyu finally got in one! Maybe Jeonghan could help him, too?

Soonyoung told him the story five more times over the next few days and Jeonghan couldn’t help but tease Mingyu about it. It was a good story though, and yes, he had told it to Joshua and Jun as soon as they stopped by.

Jeonghan made a deal with Joshua that he would bring Jeonghan coffee when he got home from work in the evening. Sometimes it was very long for him in the flower shop, and he could really use the coffee. Jeonghan would stop by Joshua’s place after work and prepare food for the two (He didn’t particularly like it...but he worked so much that he couldn’t offer anything else to Joshua). He brought the leftovers to Jun on the way home and Jun would bring him lunch tomorrow. Jun and Joshua saw each other on their lunch break (unfortunately, both worked too far from the flower shop for Jeonghan to be there). It was their safeguard against loneliness.

After a week of Mingyu and Soonyoung whining more than working, Jeonghan was more than happy to finally be alone. Mingyu had taken on more shifts, and the other thought no one would notice. Jeonghan enjoyed the quiet and used it to just sit at the cash register and rest until customers came. The two had become too exhausting for him. He hadn’t told Soonyoung about the bouquet for their new neighbor. The two were too convinced that Soonyoungs crush and Mingyus crush were dating. Then he would have to come up with something else.

But the situation with Mingyus crush almost sorted itself out. When the next customer walked in, Jeonghan recognized him from Mingyus and Soonyoungs stories. His insecure gaze, the fumbling with his jacket, and his deep voice when he spoke.

“Um sorry? I...I was here a week ago and...um...”

Jeonghan got up from his chair and looked him straight in the eye. Which made the other look around the store.

“Is...is...” He broke off and pressed his lips together.

“Aren’t you dating our new neighbor?” Jeonghan tried his luck. He didn’t know if it was true, but Wonwoo would surely tell him right away. Besides, the other didn’t seem to want to come out with his question, anyway.

“Neighbor? Jihoon?” The insecurity fell from him and he shook his head. “No. We are just friends.”

Friends. Interesting. “And you’re looking for a plant for him again?”

Wonwoo looked around the store but stopped in front of the cash register. When Jeonghan spoke to him again, he winced and looked at him. His cheeks turned red.

“Mingyu isn’t here.” Jeonghan answered his unasked question with a smile. He realized when Wonwoo looked around. His cheeks colored even more and Jeonghan resisted the urge to laugh. He really hit the mark. “Friday afternoon is a good time to meet him here.” Any other day would do, but Mingyu didn’t always work there. Friday was constant.

“I…”

“I won’t tell.” Jeonghan put a finger to his lips.

Wonwoo seemed a little calmer. “That’s-“

“You don’t have to explain anything to me, really. Take it as a welcome gift.”

“Thank you.” Jeonghan sensed the honesty in Wonwoos voice, even though he was still embarrassed. Without buying anything, Wonwoo said goodbye and left. Jeonghan sat down again, crossed his legs, and watched him go. That would be interesting. Oh, he wouldn’t say anything to Mingyu. That was for the headache this week!

Since Mingyu was settled for now, Jeonghan tried to take care of Soonyoung.

“Poor Mingyu. He’s really falling hard for this Wonwoo. But we suspect he’s our neighbor’s boyfriend. He showed up yesterday with pizza and went to see him. He should have asked him out as soon as they met. Then he would know.” Jeonghan could have been an actor! Nobody seemed to suspect that he knew more. Well, the two crabbers continued the same drama as last week. And yes, it got on Jeonghans nerves. He just hoped Wonwoo wouldn’t change his mind and show up on Friday and cheer up Mingyu.

“What’s the matter with you?” He was just trying to cheer up Soonyoung. It wasn’t easy. He just wanted the other to tell him about the neighbor so Jeonghan could bring the suggestion with the bouquet. Because by now it was far too late to talk to Soonyoung about it. He would have to trick him far too much for Soonyoung to believe it was his own idea.

“It’s because of-“ Soonyoung trailed off. Jeonghan had previously had the feeling that the other wasn’t really listening to him. That he was now staring openly out of the shop window and whispering something to himself confirmed his suspicions. Jeonghan turned around and spotted someone in front of the house next door, turning and going into their shop. He withdrew a little, but just enough so that he could eavesdrop on the conversation unnoticed.

“Is he single?” Soonyoung was doing great! To be honest, Jeonghan wouldn’t have believed him capable of it. “It’s important because of its meaning.” Well...he didn’t know if Soonyoung really believed that or if he had learned from Jeonghan and made up white lies.

Ah okay. He is single. He’s not really coming out of his apartment.”

Well finally! Soonyoung would be in a better mood, and they wouldn’t bother Jeonghan so much!

On Friday he saw Wonwoo, but the other didn’t come into the store. Jeonghan frowned slightly. Was he wrong? But the news that he wasn’t in a relationship with their neighbor seemed to put Mingyu through it. And Jeonghan didn’t interfere further at first. Instead, he had to deal with a customer on the phone.

“Here at Koneko, Jeonghan on the phone. What can I do for you?”

“What is this shop? Koneko? Hm?” What kind of guy was that? He had to know where he called? Jeonghan bit back a scathing comment. “Um...excuse me?” He tried to give the other a chance to cool off.

“What kind of shop are you? Are they really a flower shop?”

“Of course, we’re a flower shop!” He resisted the urge to hang up. There were sometimes difficult customers. Maybe the other one would calm down and talk to him like a normal person.

“Really? My bank statement was debited 7,000 won 4 days ago. I have bought nothing.”

At least he could roll his eyes. He should have let Soonyoung or Mingyu answer the phone. No, instead he had to deal with rude customers!

“Does anyone else have access to the account? I’d be happy to look up the receipts at what time that was.”

He took the phone back to the storeroom and leafed through the receipts. Luckily, he didn’t have to look far as it had happened recently. “Ah, there we have it. 7,000 won. A lily was bought at 6:17 p.m.”

It was quiet on the other side. Jeonghan wondered if the other guy was so rude and just hung up. Until he spoke again: “Thank you. Then it must have been my boyfriend. I’m sorry.” And then he hung up.

As a precaution, Jeonghan pressed the hang-up symbol twice before letting out an annoyed breath. What crazy people were there? He would not soon forget this caller!

He told Jun on the phone that evening (Sometimes you just had to get worked up no matter how much you loved your job) and when Joshua was sitting with him in the store a few days later (Joshua had nothing to do and the store wasn’t busy today), he told the story again.

“You don’t believe what kind of crazy customers we have here! Someone actually called one day and asked to find out what kind of shop we are. Apparently, his boyfriend was shopping here, and he got nothing. As if I had nothing better to do here.”

“You haven’t,” Soonyoung interjected. Tsk, watch him helping Soonyoung again! Joshua laughed. He enjoyed it far too much when someone defied Jeonghan.

“He is right. You mostly flirt or drink coffee with me. You’re lucky your boss doesn’t seem to care. I would have thrown you out a long time ago!”

The words didn’t bother him. Jeonghan knew how much he did for the store. He could take it easy when the other employees were there.

“Joshua!” Soonyoung suddenly shouted and Jeonghan felt Joshua wince next to him at the volume. “Have you already met your new neighbor? What’s his name? How is he? Why does he so seldom leave the house?”

Now Jeonghan laughed. Joshua had been here several times since their neighbor moved in. And Soonyoung had never cared. “Don’t hold it against him. I think everyone is in love here.”

Joshua looked at him, and Jeonghan shook his head defensively. Not that Joshua thought Jeonghan was in love. No. Jeonghan did not fall in love. He flirted (also with customers, because where else did he meet other people) and also went on dates, but that was it. Nobody interested him. People were too predictable. It was boring. He knew how they would react. No, he didn’t have to have that. He preferred to have his fun and leave it at that.

Joshua and Soonyoung were so engrossed in their conversation that Jeonghan slipped into his thoughts unnoticed. Only when the word tiger lily came up did he pay attention. These weren’t very popular, but they’ve been selling a lot lately.

“He probably doesn’t have time. He’s in the stress of moving!” Was it still about the new neighbor?

“Well, you convinced me.”

Soonyoung rushed towards them and threw his arms around Joshua’s neck. “Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!”

Apparently, Soonyoung didn’t really need his help. He would watch. “You should have made him wait a lot more,” he told Joshua.

Joshua was too nice! When he came to him in the evening, he had already been to Jihoon and introduced himself.

“He seems nice. You can still see in his apartment that he has just moved in. But did you know people can see into your shop from the apartment? He set up his study there, and I saw you today. Did you give the nice blond man your number, yes?”

Jeonghan lifted his head in surprise. This information was actually new to him. You could see into their store? He didn’t know yet whether this information could be useful to him or not. But it was interesting. He would remember it in case he needed anything to help Soonyoung.

“So, you questioned him for Soonyoung?”

Joshua smiled. “Don’t be like that. I think they would go well together. He also has three tiger lilies in his apartment. They are his only plants. Aren’t those Soonyoungs favorite flowers, too?”

Three tiger lilies? If Jeonghan remembered correctly, three Tiger Lilies were sold the last two weeks...was that Soonyoungs plan?

The next Friday, Wonwoo finally came to the store when Mingyu was working. Jeonghan was sitting at the cash register when Mingyu hissed at him, “I’ll take over.” He looked up in surprise but shrugged his shoulders. It was common for them that you could take over if you liked the person. But when he looked at the customer and recognized Wonwoo, it became clear to him. He excused himself and went back to the storage room. So Mingyu wasn’t over him yet and finally took matters into his own hands. It made him a little sad that Mingyu didn’t need him anymore. But he didn’t get bored. The shop across the street was finally sold after ages and they could see construction workers going into the shop every day. He was excited to see what kind of store it would be. And then Joshua’s boyfriend broke up with him and Jeonghan had to stand by his friend. It wasn’t a nice breakup, and it took Joshua a long time to recover from it. And even though he always insisted that he would make it on his own, Jeonghan had almost moved in with him and Jun also stopped by every day.

And when Mingyu announced he’d had a long chat with Wonwoo and Soonyoung started crying because Jihoon was sick and he didn’t see him that much (Jeonghans praise for selling so many tiger lilies lately didn’t do much), that was the day Joshua officially got better.

“You can say it now.”

Joshua lay with his head on Jeonghans lap. Jeonghan was busy with his phone. He knew that the other just needed his presence and if he wanted to talk to him, he would. “What can I say?” He didn’t look up from his phone.

“That you didn’t like him anyway, and you knew it.”

Uff. Now he put his phone down. “Would that make you feel any better?”

“Why should that make me feel better?”

“Then why should I say it? You always make me look way too mean.” Jeonghan countered, making Joshua sit up and give him an apologetic look.

“Sorry. I wasn’t in a good mood.”

Jeonghan shrugged. “Not for this. But you’ll let me know when the three of us can go out, okay? Finally, all three of us are single again. We have to take advantage of that.”

“I don’t think I want to go out anytime soon.”

Of course not. But Joshua had suffered long enough. At some point he had to get over that idiot. “I can also recommend someone for a night or two,” he offered generously, but Joshua made a face again.

“I don’t want any discarded guys from you, thanks.” It was good to hear Joshua’s cheerful voice again.

“I would look for someone new for you. We got a few new regular customers.”

But the moment when they could joke with each other was short-lived. “I’m not looking to meet anyone right now.”

The following week, Joshua finally came back into the store, and they could continue their coffee chat. The shop across the street wasn’t anymore under construction (at least Jeonghan didn’t see any construction workers coming in and out), but he couldn’t tell what kind of shop it was going to be. The next few weeks were pleasantly quiet. Except that Mingyu ate with Wonwoo (only here in the shop, but it was a start) and Mingyu and Soonyoung quarreled (And Jeonghan didn’t have the energy to reconcile the two). He felt a little lonely. He wasn’t really lonely since he had his friends and it hadn’t been that long since his last one-night stand, but seeing Mingyu getting close to Wonwoo, Soonyoung still not giving up (Jeonghan wondered if he had ever spoken with Jihoon) and even Joshua’s heartache filled him with loneliness. It got worse when Wonwoo walked into the store the following Friday. When he had Mingyu put together a bouquet, Jeonghan knew right away that Wonwoo had finally found the courage to go one step further. Well finally! But it would be nice to experience something like that. To give the two of them some privacy (he really wasn’t the kind of person his friends sometimes made him out to be), he went outside and looked longer after the flowers they were displaying in front of the flower shop. When Wonwoo left the store without a bouquet, Jeonghan went back inside. And yes, his heart ached a bit when he let the overjoyed Mingyu tell him the story.

He distracted himself, oh, he distracted himself very much. But the longing did not leave him completely. He wanted something to happen in his life. Something unforeseen. But was he lucky? No. Instead, it was Soonyoungs moment. He had heard that Mingyu and Soonyoung had made up last week. What he didn’t seem to be aware of was Soonyoungs activity over the past few months.

A very angry customer burst into the store just as he was about to leave and yelled, “What idiot gives a tiger lily to each of my visitors?” He knew right away it could only have been Soonyoung. And he guessed that the angry customer was Jihoon. Damn. He could have guessed that Soonyoung had no plan. And Jeonghan praised him because of the tiger lilies!

“Is there a problem?” he asked calmly after Soonyoung didn’t react, just stared at Jihoon with a big grin.

“Apparently, someone here puts tiger lilies out all the time and says they always have a different meaning. Whether it’s a new job, moving, birthday, or being sick. I have enough. I have so many tiger lilies that I now get more from friends because they think I like these flowers. I don’t have a green thumb! Sooner or later, they will all die with me.”

“I’m sorry.” Jeonghan apologized. He would have to talk to Soonyoung. If he had at least had a plan, he would forgive him. But that apparently wasn’t the case, and it stuck with Jeonghan again. “We’ll talk to everyone again. Maybe there was a misunderstanding here. Of course, you can bring us the flowers to nurse them back up. But you won’t get the money back.”

“That was me!” Soonyoung blurted out.

Jeonghan clapped his hand over his forehead. How was he supposed to help him? Soonyoung was hopeless. And yet... whatever this one was doing seemed to be working. He withdrew a bit but didn’t want to leave to miss everything. And then...Soonyoung managed to get a date with Jihoon after all. Jeonghan didn’t understand. And at the same time, he longed for something like that himself. Not directly such an action, but romance!

He tried dating again through December. Real dating. But his dates were...not what he was looking for. Not only did something change in his private life, but also in the flower shop were some changes.

“Jeonghan? Can I...can I talk to you?” Mingyu stood in front of him and seemed nervous.

“Sure. What’s up?”

“I...you know I really like it here.” Oh no. “But I can’t work as much as I need money. And Wonwoos company has a temp job right now.” Oh please no. “And he got it for me. That’s why I have to quit here.” How was he supposed to find someone who would help them soon? Spring, and with it Valentine’s Day, was just around the corner, and they couldn’t do it together.

“But I have a friend who is looking for a job. He’s new to flowers, but he’s creative. I’m sure he would fit in well here.”

Those weren’t great prospects. But he had never turned down anyone. “Sure Mingyu. Send him over. It’s a shame to see you go. Stop by every once in a while, ok?”

“Of course. Thanks for everything, Jeonghan!” Mingyu hugged him and Jeonghans heart finally got a little warmer.

And so, it came that Mingyu stopped working at the flower shop and Minghao started working for them. At the same time, Seokmin also started. He was a friend of Wonwoo and Jihoon and had started an apprenticeship at another flower shop, which he didn’t like. And why would Jeonghan say no to someone who loved flowers? If it didn’t work out with Minghao, at least they would have Seokmin. And it seemed like they would get some more friends because of that, not only Wonwoo and Mingyu and more rarely Jihoon visited them at the flower shop, but also the rest of Seokmins friends.

In the first few days, Soonyoung was extremely exhausting.

“I miss Mingyu.”

Jeonghan already ignored him. Still, he had to resist the urge to roll his eyes. Today was Seokmins first day and Soonyoung didn’t seem to make it easy for him.

“Don’t blame him, okay?” He wanted Seokmin to be comfortable here. “And you! Don’t act like that! You’ve had enough feuds with Mingyu. He has a better-paying job now, be happy for him,” he snapped at Soonyoung. Not much, but he hoped Soonyoung would finally understand.

The doorbell rang, and they all looked towards the entrance, happy to be disturbed. It was Jun with his food. “Enjoy it Hanie.”

“What?” Seokmin asked and Jeonghan smiled when he saw his disappointed face. Seokmin was full of energy.

“This is Jun. He brings me my food every day.” Jeonghan explained.

While Soonyoung took care of Jihoons tiger lilies (which they actually “got back”), Jeonghan showed Seokmin various activities and was satisfied to see that he was talented. What could not be said of Minghao. When the latter showed up, he made it clear again that he had no idea about flowers. Jeonghan tried simple tasks, but this one seemed overwhelmed. But since he wasn’t as stupid as Mingyu on his first day (he actually created a minor flood... just by watering the flowers), he didn’t give up on Minghao right away. He showed him an even simpler task. Unpack orders, trim cut flowers, and store them properly. Jeonghan would see how Minghao managed this and then decide. He didn’t have to think twice about Seokmin (well, he might have had a favorite). He often heard him talking to the plants and even sang to them. It was a quite different vibe than when he worked with Mingyu and Soonyoung.

However, they didn’t miss Mingyu too much when Minghao threw down his lunch meal. Jeonghan didn’t want him quitting everything just because of bad luck (Hopefully he wasn’t as clumsy as Mingyu) and gave him his lunch box from Jun. “Here, you can have something from me.”

He took the opportunity and went outside for a little walk while the three could get to know each other. In doing so, he noticed that the shop across the street was finally set up and labeled. It was a tattoo shop. Interesting. He saw the sign saying the store would open next week. He’d stop by then.

He waited longingly for Jun in the evening (since he could finally call it a day when he would show up). He had taken on too much with learning two new employees at once. Jeonghan was exhausted. And he still had to see Joshua.

But finally, Jun came and Jeonghan could give him his bag with the lunch box. For once, they didn’t talk much because Jun could see how exhausted he was, and Jun went to the exit. As soon as they said goodbye, Jeonghan went to the back and got everything ready for closing. He also quickly said goodbye to Minghao, who had helped him and went to Joshua.

“Tell me...who is your new employee?”

“Which one?”

They were having dinner, but Jeonghan was ready to go to bed. Maybe he could sleep here tonight? Then he wouldn’t have it so far tomorrow.

“Oh yes, you got two new ones. Um...he looks friendly. He…I heard him sing.”

Seokmin. He was clearly speaking of Seokmin. But why was Joshua smiling like that? No. That couldn’t be. Was Joshua interested in Seokmin? Was he finally over his ex?

“That’s Seokmin. Pretty cute, huh?”

“Seokmin.” Joshua repeated while picking at his food. Jeonghan knew him so well, he knew he was right.

“Interested?” he asked with a grin.

Joshua seemed to come out of a trance. He put down his chopsticks and looked at Jeonghan. “What? I...no. I just noticed him.” Apparently, he knew Joshua better than Joshua knew himself. So, it was up to Jeonghan again.

He let the topic drop and persuaded Joshua that he could sleep here, which is why they were lying together in Joshua’s bed a little later. Joshua fell asleep straight away, but Jun wrote Jeonghan a message.

What is wrong with you?

What do you mean?

[Picture]

Huh? What was that? It was a flower made of petals. It looked great. But how did Jun get the idea that it came from him?

???

This came back in my lunch box

That was Minghao. The new employee

Maybe he had underestimated him, after all.

The next day he instructed Minghao in making the bouquets and things seemed to be going better than yesterday. With a smile, he noted Jun had also brought four lunch boxes. He had to ask Jun occasionally. Was he interested in Minghao? He could help there too.

Only Seokmin made him problems. He was so friendly and nice to the customers that they started flirting with him. Jeonghan couldn’t let that happen! Right now, Seokmin was standing at the cash register and a not bad-looking guy was flirting with him. To his relief, Seokmin didn’t seem to notice. But Joshua was interested in him. He couldn’t just lose him to just any guy. And even if the guy wasn’t exactly his type, Jeonghan squeezed in and made it clear to Seokmin that Jeonghan would continue here. Oh, Joshua owed him one!

He always kept an eye on Seokmin when he was in the storefront. Any time someone was a little too friendly with him, he would step in. Jeonghan could only hope Joshua would make a move soon. Jun flirted heavily with Minghao. Why was Jeonghan worried? Jun could sort that out himself (he was so proud of him). Even if Minghao kept his distance. But Jun told him that Minghao always returned his lunch box full. Maybe he just didn’t want to give in right away?

On the day the tattoo shop opened, he made Seokmin work in the storeroom. Better safe than sorry. He wanted to greet the new neighbor but couldn’t assume that nobody would approach Seokmin in the meantime.

As soon as he walked in the door, he saw the plastic flowers on the counter. Plastic...flowers? And that, although a flower shop was directly opposite? Urgh. He heard a buzzing behind the curtain and concluded that his new neighbor was at work. He was looking around the store when a “Wait a minute, please.” rang out. Jeonghan didn’t want to leave yet and sat down behind the reception desk, where he discovered a sketch pad. He leafed through the block curiously. There were pretty nice designs (Not that he even considered getting a tattoo). But the flowers were screwed up. The rose (he thought it was at least one) looked terrible. It looked drawn by an inexperienced elementary school student. What kind of person was that? Not being able to draw flowers and having plastic plants?

He heard the customer say goodbye and as the door closed (he didn’t want to embarrass him in front of customers, either. He wasn’t that mean), he criticized him: “You’re not very good when it comes to flowers. Maybe you should get some real plants.“

He turned in the chair and stood up. And then he saw him. He was... hot. Because the other was only wearing a short-sleeved shirt (in winter!), he could see his arms, which were covered in various tattoos. And he was muscular. Wow.

“Yes, there you have discovered my weakness. And no, real plants don’t come here. I can do it and kill them within a week.”

Jeonghan smiled. The other didn’t try to flirt with Jeonghan and yet he had eyed him the way Jeonghan had eyed the other. “I’m Jeonghan. From the flower shop across the street. I’ve seen a lot of people not good with plants, but a week? That would be a new record. How about cutting flowers? You don’t have to take special care of them.”

“Seungcheol. From the tattoo studio here. No, I’ll stick with my plastic plants. It’s hardly noticeable.”

There was something about the other that sparked Jeonghans interest. And it wasn’t just his good looks. Well, maybe Jeonghan was lucky and Seungcheol would break through his boredom. The way he was looking at him, he would soon ask him out.

“You see, you have no idea about plants. Once you come over, you’ll notice the difference.”

He walked past him to the door. There he turned around again and looked into Seungcheols eyes. “See you Seungcheol. To good neighborhood.”

But Seungcheol didn’t come. Not the next day, not the next week, or the week after that. Jeonghan would have to think of something to lure him here. Until now, he had to content himself with waving to Seungcheol when he saw him through the shop windows.

But for the moment, he had other problems. Joshua still hadn’t approached Seokmin! And even if Jeonghan still intervened, it couldn’t go on like this! Today Joshua just came into the shop, greeted the others in the nice and polite way he could sometimes be, but just waited for him in silence. It was Joshua’s chance! He should finally speak to Seokmin. The idea came to Jeonghan when Joshua was telling him what funny thing happened to his colleague.

“Hey Seokmin, come here,” he called out to Joshua Seokmin without warning.

“Jeonghan,” Joshua whispered warningly, but Seokmin was already on his way to them. He didn’t know Seokmin that well, so he couldn’t tell if his embarrassment was because he was getting to know someone or because he was getting to know Joshua. But it certainly wasn’t a bad sign.

“This is Joshua. He also lives in the house next to the shop and is a friend of mine. And no, he’s not my boyfriend either,” he introduced Joshua and winked at Seokmin. Seokmin actually thought Jun was his boyfriend.

“Hi Seokmin. Nice to meet you.”

“Hi. It’s nice...nice to meet you, too.”

Jeonghan sipped his coffee and watched the two of them. He waited, but since nobody said anything, he spoke again. “Joshua asked us if we could nurse one of his plants back to health again. He doesn’t have a green thumb, but he still buys all sorts of plants, and they die.” It was a lie. Joshua had a few plants in his apartment, and they were all doing great.

“Of course, we can take care of it!” Seokmin seemed enthusiastic about his plan.

Only Joshua seemed a bit confused, as Jeonghan hadn’t let him in on his plan yet. “What?”

“You know.” He tried to make it clear with looks that he just had to play along. “The one plant you told me about yesterday. Just bring it over tomorrow. From 8 o ‘clock.”

“Okay?” Well, at least Joshua went along with it.

Jeonghan looked after him with satisfaction. Seokmin was still standing next to him and when Jeonghan looked at him, he noticed Seokmin was also looking after Joshua. He grinned. “Well, do you like him?”

Seokmin winced visibly. “Yes, he seems quite nice.”

Jeonghans grin almost widened. Those two would definitely work.

But first, he had to leave work early to find a neglected plant. Jeonghan went to the nearest supermarket and found a very run-down Zuzu plant. Uff how did someone manage to do this? He walked back to Joshua’s apartment, making sure no one saw him as he stepped into the house. Then he rang Joshua’s bell. Joshua opened the door and cast a skeptical look at the plant. “What was that?”

“This is your chance to talk to him. Here, you owe me the money for this.” He gave him the Zuzu plant and went into the kitchen.

“Why are you so obsessed that I should talk to him? I’m...I’m not ready, Jeonghan.”

“You would be a perfect match!”

“Don’t you have someone of your own to focus on?” Briefly, Seungcheol came to his mind. It was just a fleeting thought. He shook his head. “No, I’m totally here for you.” Joshua’s moan lifted his spirits. Now the other was still complaining, but Jeonghan was sure that would change soon. He missed the transfer of the Zuzu Plant, but Seokmin seemed to be in a good mood for the day, so it must have gone well?

Seungkwan joined their team through Seokmin. He had only recently moved to Seoul and was looking for a job. With flower delivery orders rising, it was the perfect time to talk the owner (and, unfortunately, her kids) into spending more on wages. If he didn’t have this problem, he could pay the others more, and then he wouldn’t have lost Mingyu. Because of Seungkwan, he didn’t have to deliver the flowers himself anymore or send Seokmin on his way and could better keep an eye on him so that nobody spoke to him.

Jeonghan sat behind the counter himself (Minghao wasn’t there today, Seokmin was too busy with Joshua’s plant, and Soonyoung was getting on his nerves today by constantly talking about his last date with Jihoon). He wasn’t expecting it when Seungcheol entered the store. But Jeonghans eyes fixed on him instantly. How he paused and looked around.

“Are you lost?” he smirked. Seungcheol hadn’t even been here in weeks. Had he just imagined that the other found him attractive?

Seungcheol came to him. “No, I would like a bouquet of flowers. I want to give it to someone. But it shouldn’t look pretty? I only meant it to be a hypocritical gift.”

Jeonghan laughed. A hypocritical gift? Oh, he liked Seungcheol! “My pride doesn’t allow me to make a bouquet not pretty. But you are lucky. There is a language of flowers. You can tell me what you want to say to the person to be gifted and I will pick the flowers accordingly.”

“Really? Well...I’d like to tell her fuck you.”

His grin widened. Maybe Seungcheol would tell him the story behind it? Who deserved to get such a bouquet, and why? “I like you Seungcheol. Give me 20 minutes and you’ll get your bouquet.”

“Thank you.”

Even as Seungcheol left the store, Jeonghan called for Soonyoung. He would take care of the bouquet himself. He only had to research which flowers were suitable for this. After all, it wasn’t every day that someone asked for a bouquet like this. But it was fun putting together a bouquet that meant something else like “I love you”, “I like you”, etc.

In a good mood, Jeonghan crossed the street and entered Seungcheols studio. “A bouquet that says ‘Fuck you’ for the gentleman,” he said, handing the bouquet to Seungcheol.

The other frowned at the bouquet. “Are you sure it’s saying that?”

“I know my trade. Orange lilies mean hate, the cranesbills mean stupidity and-“

“Alright, I believe you,” Seungcheol interrupted, laughing. He took the bouquet from Jeonghan and gave him the money.

“Who’s the lucky person? Boyfriend, girlfriend, or acquaintance?”

“The nice lady from the jeweler.” Ah. He didn’t elaborate on whether he had a boyfriend or girlfriend. Did that mean he wasn’t interested?

Seungcheol grabbed his key and Jeonghan went with him outside. “Good luck.”, he wished him. He couldn’t figure out Seungcheol. Maybe he had just imagined it. Or did Seungcheol see Jeonghan flirting with Seokmins suitors and didn’t see a chance? Woe betide if Joshua’s unwillingness ruins his chances!

Seungkwan did well as a flower courier. People were praising the nice young man who was recently delivering the flowers (as if that wasn’t the case before!).

“Here at Koneko, Jeonghan on the phone. What can I do for you?” he answered the phone in a good mood after just seeing Seungcheol through the shop window. If only he would finally come to the store!

“Hi, this is Vernon.”

Ah. He knew the name. Jeonghan had an insanely good memory for names and faces. He was a friend of Seokmin, Wonwoo, and Jihoon and also worked with Seungcheol at the tattoo shop. He had apparently recently had a fight with his boyfriend and through Wonwoo they had made up. Mingyu had told him about it many times and Jeonghan vaguely remembered that the other was quite crushed at first when Wonwoo bought a bouquet for someone else. It was also thanks to Wonwoo that Vernon now regularly ordered a bouquet. But he would never say it aloud because then Mingyu would demand a share of the profit for his boyfriend.

“I need another bouquet. But can the flower courier from two weeks ago, so Seungkwan, deliver it?”

Jeonghan paused for a moment. “Did Soonyoung do something wrong?” Had he upset another customer? He could be so exhausting sometimes! Even though Soonyoung worked well most of the time, he had a few moments...when Jeonghan wanted to give up.

“No no. We would just like to have it delivered by Seungkwan.”

Jeonghan asked no more questions. At least not Vernon on the phone. But he would ask Seokmin! Something was behind it. He felt that.

He didn’t want to admit it, but he couldn’t get Seungcheol out of his head. Although their last conversation had been normal, he couldn’t have been wrong. Seungcheol had clearly shown interest in him at first! But he didn’t show up and after 2 weeks Jeonghan had had enough. He often walked past his shop window (of course only when Seungcheol was already gone) and took a closer look at the plastic plants and reproduced them in real life. He was pretty proud of it because his compilation looked almost exactly the same. And if Seungcheol didn’t take a step towards him, Jeonghan had to do it. He took the flower and went back to Seungcheols studio. Luckily for him, Seungcheol was behind the desk. As Jeonghan entered, he looked up. But instead of looking pleased, he seemed skeptical. Hello? He should be happy that Jeonghan paid him a visit!

“I thought I’d bring you a living version of your...decoration. Someone complained yesterday that you have fake plants here even though we’re across the street.” It was another lie. But if it helped him, why not?

Seungcheol now looked at him indignantly. “Who was that?”

He totally misread the meaning of Jeonghans sentence. The point here was that Jeonghan was kind enough to give him a plant. “Don’t you want to take the plant from me first?” he asked him and lifted the flowerpot a little. Immediately Seungcheol jumped up and took it from him.

“I guess...thank you? If it dies, don’t blame me!”

Jeonghan watched him swapping the real plant for the plastic one. He had to laugh. He had expected this reaction. “I gave you care instructions. Even the biggest plant killer would have to cope with that.”

“But that doesn’t mean anything, does it? Like my bouquet back then?”

Now Jeonghan had to laugh again. More. He hadn’t expected that. Did he really view Jeonghan that way? “What? No! I brought you the same one you had as a plastic one.”

Finally, Seungcheol laughed too. “Otherwise, I would have had to ban you from the shop.”

“What a pity. Then we would never see each other again.” Jeonghan teased and winked at the other. But there was no reply. Was he...was he really wrong? It was nothing more than friendly chatter. You could no longer feel any attraction. Jeonghan had better get Seungcheol out of his head before he got any hopes. He turned to leave and was about to say goodbye when Seungcheol spoke. “Tell me, do you think I can come to your shop and practice drawing? You’ve seen my flowers.”

Look at that. Jeonghan wasn’t wrong after all! If he wanted to practice, he could also get flowers. But Seungcheol wanted to come to them. He wanted to be near Jeonghan!

“You think that will help you? Then you should settle down with us right away. But sure, come over when you want.”, he teased again before he went back satisfied.

And this time, he didn’t have to wait forever! In the evening, when the others had already left and Jeonghan had locked the shop so that he could take care of the unpleasant office work in peace, he heard a knock. It was so quiet in the flower shop (and Jeonghan enjoyed the silence. As nice as it was, but with Seokmin and Soonyoung, he rarely got any peace) that he heard it with no problem. Who else could that be? Did Seungkwan forget something? Jeonghan went to the front. As he got closer, he recognized Seungcheol. With the plant he had brought him earlier. Was it true with that week? Had Seungcheol already damaged the plant? Jeonghan rushed to unlock and open the door.

“Are you already having problems with the plant?”

“Yes. Unfortunately, I have to return it.”

Return it? He had taken such an effort with it! And the other just wanted to give them back! Pah!

My colleague has a pollen allergy.”

“A pollen allergy?” Jeonghan asked, frowning. He eyed the other. He couldn’t tell if he was lying and just making it up as an excuse. But why should he return the plant? And it wasn’t until he remembered Vernon that he realized Seungcheol was telling the truth. He stepped aside to allow Seungcheol to enter and followed him as he placed the flowerpot on the counter.

“Sorry. You worked hard.”

“That?” Jeonghan pointed to the flowerpot. “Oh, not worth mentioning.” He wouldn’t show it that it had offended him. Why didn’t Seungcheol do anything? Jeonghan was used to people hitting on him. Not the other way around.

“What are you doing here so late? Aren’t you already closed?” Seungcheol asked after a while of just looking at each other. And those questions showed Jeonghan that the other was interested! Then why didn’t he do anything?

“Office work. I hardly have time for it because I’m training two people, and then I just have to stay longer.”

The other nodded in understanding. “Are you staying long? I could take my first drawing lesson.”

Was it finally time? Or did Seungcheol really need the practice? It was so difficult to judge him correctly.

“Now? Okay. If you want. I’m busy at the back of the storeroom.” He tried to downplay the situation. He pointed to the back where the storeroom was. “Bring your plant, yes?”

Without waiting for Seungcheols reaction, he went to the back and cleaned up a spot for Seungcheol to spread out. He also brought him printer paper and various pens (unfortunately, there were only pencils and two different pens lying around. But if he wanted to draw, he had to bring the things himself). “You can sit here. Do you have any flowers you want to draw? Or shall I bring you one?”

“You pick one for me.”

Jeonghan almost chose a flower that meant something. But Seungcheol would never think of looking for its meaning, anyway. And if he asked Jeonghan, he would lie again. So he gave him an orange lily. “Here. It’s not the prettiest anymore and we can’t use it, so go wild. Can you guess what kind it is? And no, the meaning means nothing.”

He was curious if Seungcheol remembered their encounter. Even if he didn’t recognize the lily, it wouldn’t be tragic. But what if?

“One of the Fuck You flowers, right?”

Jeonghan laughed. “Right. A lily. Stay as long as you want. If you need anything, call me.”

So Seungcheol remembered the flower. Jeonghan only had to wait until he would finally make the first step.

He was getting on badly with the paperwork. Which was mainly because Seungcheol was in the room and not doing anything. He often took the lily in his hand and looked at it and drew. And that was it. Well, they talked a little. But Jeonghan had imagined more. He also expected the drawing class to be just an excuse to get closer to him. And what happened? Nothing!

Jeonghan stood up with a sigh. To distract himself, he began putting together a bouquet for tomorrow. At least he could distract himself and didn’t always have to look at Seungcheol. When he was done, he raised his head. Seungcheol looked at him and, for a moment, they made eye contact. And yet Jeonghan couldn’t read the other.

“Done with your drawing lesson?”

He wanted to go to him and look at his drawings, but he noticed how Seungcheol quickly placed another sheet over his current one. Didn’t he even want to show Jeonghan? Then not!

“Just drop everything. I’ll clean that up tomorrow,” he said when Seungcheol nodded. He would tell Soonyoung that. Or Seokmin. Depending on who annoyed him first thing in the morning. His mood was not good tonight.

They didn’t talk much as they went outside and Jeonghan closed everything. And he really didn’t have the nerve to play any games today.

“Come home safely, Seungcheol. And take care of yourself. You know our area isn’t so safe anymore now that a tattoo shop has opened up here,” he teased. He pointed to Joshua’s house. “I have to see a friend now.” He would sleep by Joshua tonight. It was way too late to go home.

“Have a nice evening Jeonghan,” Seungcheol said goodbye and Jeonghan looked after him.

The next day, Seungkwan called in sick. Jeonghan ordered Soonyoung into the storeroom and sent Seokmin away to deliver the bouquet. It was safe since it was the bouquet for Chan. Chan was friends with Seokmin and was dating Vernon. And yet Seungkwan didn’t really fit into the picture. If he had the nerve, Jeonghan would have to ask Seokmin. Each time Vernon requested that Seungkwan delivered the bouquet. Jeonghan just sat down at the cash register and did nothing. At least until the next customer came. He was insanely handsome. Not like the customers he sometimes had to save Seokmin from. No, he was exactly Jeonghans type. And since the situation was so stressful for him, he easily surrendered to his efforts and enjoyed being wooed. That’s how you treated him, Seungcheol!

Time passed and nothing happened. Neither with Joshua and Seokmin, nor with Jun and Minghao, and what frustrated him most, neither with him and Seungcheol. Seungcheol was often in the flower shop drawing, but that was it. They talked, but more like acquaintances or at most friends. Even when Jeonghan visited him at his studio, Seungcheol didn’t make the first move. And Jeonghan didn’t see why he should do more than he already did. He was used to being wooed. Just that others made efforts about him. And not just wait.

It was now February; Valentine’s Day was just around the corner and work was getting more stressful. Lots of orders, lots of walk-in customers, and of course, then Jeonghan had to get sick. At first, he wanted to drag himself to the store sick, until Joshua got involved. And so Jeonghan only announced that he would only come in an emergency and went back to bed.

At noon, the doorbell rang. Jeonghan woke up feeling even worse than this morning. He got to his feet and shuffled to the door. Just who could it be? He had to take a short break in front of his door and leaned against the wall because his vision went black. Only when his vision cleared did he grab the doorknob and open his door. It was Jun.

“I’ll bring you your lunch. Seokmin told me you weren’t feeling well.”

Jeonghan shuffled into his living room and sat down on his sofa. Jun followed him and handed him his lunch box. “Would you like me to cook you something warm?”

“No. I just need to get some sleep. I’ll eat later, I promise.” He wasn’t hungry, but he knew there was no other way to get rid of Jun. “How’s it going with Minghao? What are your plans for Valentine’s Day?” he asked, changing the subject.

“Oh, I don’t know. He doesn’t seem to respond to my pick-up lines. Are you sure he likes me?”

“For sure. He is always happy about the lunch box. And doesn’t he always go to the trouble of saying thank you? Just ask him. What is there to lose?”

“You’re right. Thank you. Get in touch if you need anything, ok?”

Jeonghan was half asleep when he left. Jun visited him daily and made sure he got food. And Joshua also called several times a day, went shopping for him, and visited him. In delirium, he even dreamed that Seungcheol was visiting him, but unfortunately, it was only a dream. And only then did he realize he was seriously interested in the other. He didn’t want a flirt, a one-night stand, or an affair. No, he wanted a relationship. Shit, was he really ready to get back into a relationship? Joshua wasn’t the only one who had been in a terrible relationship. Jeonghan was now over his toxic relationship. Maybe this was the reason he wasn’t looking for anything long term. Until Seungcheol came. And then, of all people, Jeonghan ended up with the person most likely not interested in him!

Only after a few days was he fit enough to work again. Minghao seemed relieved for him to be back. This one had worked more and Jeonghan was grateful to him for that. And he had initially classified Minghao as a hopeless case. He had made himself.

Jeonghan seemed to have missed a lot. Jun texted him to tell Minghao to pick him up on Valentine’s Day. And when he gave Joshua the next poor plant in the morning, he didn’t look thrilled.

“I don’t think that’s necessary anymore. I...I asked him out, and he turned me down.”

“Excuse me?” He wasn’t there for a few days and so much had already happened?

Joshua shrugged. If Seokmin wasn’t such a nice guy, Jeonghan would tell him his opinion. How could he turn Joshua down? Where he had finally asked him out? Damn it, he couldn’t have been that wrong, could he?

“Don’t worry, carry on as discussed. I’ll question him.”

But the stress overwhelmed him (since he wasn’t quite fit yet) and Jeonghan didn’t get around to talking to him until the afternoon when Seokmin checked on the new plant again.

“Did Joshua actually pay for the care?”

Seokmin froze in his movements and turned to him in shock. “Paid? I thought...I thought he didn’t have to.”

It was almost cute how Seokmin reacted. But before he started crying, Jeonghan calmed him down: “But you sacrifice a lot of time for him. Don’t you think he should pay?”

“I’m working overtime to make up for it! Really. It’s not a problem”

He could hardly imagine that Seokmin had turned Joshua down. Sure, Seokmin was a good person...but would he react that way to anyone else?

“And he also offered to invite me to something. But of course, I said no.”

Ah, there he had it. But what? “Why did you cancel? Let him invite you.”

“No, I enjoy doing it. It’s really okay.”

Why...thought Seokmin...didn’t he take the invitation as a date? He had to tell Joshua that. He decided to drop the subject for now. The two needed to communicate more clearly with each other.

When Joshua came into the shop a little later, Jeonghan pulled him to the back of the storeroom.

“I think your problem isn’t a problem at all!” he announced.

Joshua (he had to persuade him to even come today) looked at him tiredly. “What do you mean?”

“Seokmin didn’t take it as an invitation to go out on a date. He thought you just wanted to return the favor because he takes care of your plants.”

But the expected reaction did not come. Joshua just nodded and managed an “Okay.”

“Did you not understand me? You just have to make it clearer. Then it will work.”

“No. I think it was a mistake. He wouldn’t admit to you that he turned me down.”

Jeonghan was getting annoyed. He was still a little frazzled, really not wanting to do anything more than visit Seungcheol (since he had not seen him for a few days) and everyone here was making a fuss again! They made it much harder for themselves.

“Just ask him! I can’t keep stepping in just so nobody asks him out!” He wouldn’t be able to keep it up forever either! It wasn’t fair to the people. He flirted with them, got their phone number, but had to turn them all down. It was weird. Ever since Seungcheol came into his life, he was no longer interested in those insignificant dates.

A knock prevented Joshua from answering him. Seokmin entered. “Are you alright?”

“Yeah, we’re fine,” Jeonghan hastened to say. He waved Joshua to silence. Seokmin certainly had heard nothing. He was way too nice to eavesdrop (Jeonghan would surely have). “What did you want?”

“Didn’t matter that much,” Seokmin said, but Jeonghan saw the lie in his eyes. It was definitely about Joshua.

But no matter how many times he asked Joshua about it, he stubbornly refused to try it with Seokmin again. Jeonghan didn’t understand it. And as the work increased as Valentine’s Day approached, the less he tried. And then suddenly it was Valentine’s Day and somehow nobody was further than a few weeks ago. Joshua and Seokmin got stuck. He knew that neither of them had a date and he urgently had to think of something to get the two to have a talk today. Minghao had agreed to go on a date with Jun, but he still seemed reserved to Jun when they saw each other. Jeonghan wasn’t sure what was going on, but something was wrong. And as for Seungcheol…he hadn’t seen him at all. Jeonghan himself was so stressed that he couldn’t go over to this one and Seungcheol didn’t come anymore. Even when he once delivered the bouquet to Chan himself and got a book for Vernon from him (if it wasn’t an excuse to go to the tattoo shop, he would never have done it), he didn’t see Seungcheol. Was he wrong? Or did Seungcheol just find him attractive but didn’t like him? He had told the others that he had a date later that day...but that was a lie. He had kept the evening free in case Seungcheol would come over and ask him. And now he was alone. He thought about texting any of his flirts - but decided against it. He couldn’t remember anyone who had made an impression.

It was only in the evening, shortly before the long-awaited end of the day, that he had an idea. Soonyoung had already left (Jeonghan didn’t begrudge Soonyoungs luck. He had also given Jeonghan grief for a long time), and when he saw Jun standing outside, he called out to Minghao, “Minghao, Jun is waiting outside. Have fun!”

“Thanks. You too. Have a nice evening.“

Jeonghan went to the back of the storeroom. A bouquet was waiting there, which was ordered but not picked up. A couple had probably separated before Valentine’s Day. Well, that would benefit Seokmin right now. Jeonghan hesitated when he tried to change the address. It was the bouquet for Chan. Wasn’t Seungkwan not just on his way to delivering it? Frowning, he removed the card. Well, he couldn’t change it now. He wrote down Joshua’s address, wrote a message for him, and then he took his things and went back to the front. Now his lie that he was on a date was perfect.

“Damn. Seokmin, we forgot an order. Could you please take care of this? I have to go on my date. Thanks, you’re the best!”

Before Seokmin could protest (and he wouldn’t anyway), Jeonghan left. However, only to the other side of the street, so that Seokmin couldn’t see him. He watched through the shop window as Seokmin went to the back, got the bouquet, and locked everything. How he faltered outside when he probably saw the address for the first time, but then rang Joshua’s bell.

Jeonghan waited in the cold for Seokmin to disappear into the doorway, and when Seokmin still didn’t come out 10 minutes later, he turned to leave. The street seemed deserted this late at night. As a result, he noticed that a light on his side of the street was still on. His heart faltered when he realized where. Seungcheol!

Without hesitation, he went to his shop. Before that, however, he stopped and looked inside. Seungcheol could only be recognized by his hair as he sat behind the reception desk. He had his head down and seemed to work? At this time? Was he waiting...for an appointment or a date? Without further ado, Jeonghan entered. He was tired of waiting for Seungcheol. He finally wanted to be sure. And if he had to be alone on Valentine’s Day, then he could suffer too. What difference did it make?

“You’re still working.” He couldn’t think of anything better. But he didn’t want to start with the most important question right away.

“Yes...I have...I have an appointment.” His heart skipped a beat when he heard that. Appointment. Not date! But why did Seungcheol look like he wasn’t expecting Jeonghan? As if he weren’t glad to see him?

“An appointment? Today? Don’t you have a date?”

“Date?” Seungcheol looked confused. “No. And you? On the way to one?”

“No. I don’t have a date today.”

He wanted to see his reaction first before revealing that he had been waiting for Seungcheol. If he was already giving any sign that he didn’t care, it was obvious. Then he would forget Seungcheol. It wouldn’t be that easy, but he would manage somehow.

“You had enough choice,” Seungcheol remarked

“I...I was hoping a certain person would ask me, but nothing came,” Jeonghan answered, and only then did he realize the words. He had enough choice? What? “Enough choice?” Oh no. “Was that… is that why you hadn’t asked me?”, he slipped out. Seungcheol noticed? He had tried so hard not to save Seokmin in front of him. Wasn’t that why he asked him? If Joshua had blown his chance at Seungcheol...

Seungcheol didn’t answer. Had Jeonghan never had a chance? He laughed bitterly. “And I thought something was going to happen between us. That you might be interested in me. While…while you were just being nice. How could I be so wrong?”

“And why didn’t you ask me? Why do I have to be the one to make the first move?”

Jeonghan faltered. Was Seungcheol sulking? Seungcheol, who had always been the strong and confident type?

Jeonghan sat down on Seungcheols counter. “You’re right. I…I was so busy with the others. I’m sorry. What do you think about us ordering food and holding our date here until your client arrives? And then...I can show you my apartment. And in between, we can sort everything out. I think I would have had it easier with flowers with you.”

He should have given Seungcheol flowers with meanings for his drawings. And get Soonyoung to tell him about the meanings.

Seungcheol seemed surprised. Jeonghan couldn’t tell if it was because of his apology or because of the date. The other…seemed good for more surprises than Jeonghan had thought. But it was refreshing to meet someone who wasn’t an open book to him.

Seungcheols appointment didn’t come that evening. But they settled into the tattoo shop for a while when the food was delivered. Curious by Jeonghans words, Seungcheol coaxed the stories out of him. How he had helped Mingyu and Soonyoung (or prevented worse from Soonyoung), how Seokmin and Minghao had come to them, and he had helped Joshua and encouraged Jun and together they tried to make sense of the story with Vernon, Chan, and Seungkwan. Of course, Jeonghans flirts came up. Jeonghan almost feared that this would ruin his chance with Seungcheol, but Seungcheol shrugged.

“You were single, weren’t you? Why do you think you are accountable to anyone? As long as you’re faithful to me when things get serious.”

And Jeonghan fell a little in love with the other that night. He didn’t know if Seungcheol was aware of it, but it was a secret he would carry around with him for a while. Seungcheol was right. They should take it slow.

“One thing disappoints me, Seungcheol,” Jeonghan began. They had long finished eating. Jeonghan was tired, but Seungcheol didn’t want to leave just in case his appointment would come. Jeonghan lay down on his couch and Seungcheol grabbed his arm and drew something on it. “Everyone has a pretty sweet story. And we? Nothing. Absolutely nothing.”

“The one with the fuck-you flowers? Is that nothing?”

“What’s cute about that? Jun made Minghao a lunch box every day! And Minghao gave it back to him every day, filled with flowers.”

“You made me my decoration.” Seungcheol tried again.

“The ones you kept for how long? A few hours! No…Wonwoo gave Mingyu a bouquet that he made himself.” There was nothing about their story that was romantic and funny and sweet.

“I used to come to your shop almost every week to draw.”

“Have I ever seen any of it? That’s not it. I gave Joshua plants to let Seokmin nurse them back to health.”

“I was only drawing at your shop, to be near you!”

Seungcheol was trying to find something. And it was too much fun shutting down whatever this one brought up. “Did I find out about this? Jihoon came into the store after he must have received twenty tiger lilies.”

Seungcheol said nothing. Couldn’t he think of anything else? Jeonghan would still have a counterattack. But when nothing came from Seungcheol, Jeonghan began, “And as far as we know, Vernon always asked for Seungkwan. It annoys me that we don’t know more about it. Why did Seungkwan bring him books?”

Seungcheol still said nothing. Only when he had finished drawing and put down the pen did he look up. “Just be patient, okay? See here.”

Jeonghan raised his arm and looked at Seungcheols drawing. “You’re actually better,” he stated. Seungcheol had drawn two camellias. They weren’t perfect, but they were a lot better than the scrawl he’d seen in his sketch pad. Why did he choose camellias? Camellias were his-

“Those are your favorite flowers, aren’t they? Camellias?”

Jeonghans eyes widened in surprise. He lowered his arm and looked at Seungcheol. “How do you know?”

“You have some in the window. Every time you take care of them, you look completely different.”

How could he not fall for the other?

“This is far from a sweet and romantic story!”

By the time they realized that Seungcheols appointment was would not show up, it was very late and Seungcheol escorted him home in a taxi but didn’t get inside his apartment. And it was okay like that. Jeonghan did well with the “take it slow” approach. So far, at least.

The night was much too short, but he was in the flower shop on time. And to his amazement, Soonyoung was the only one who was also on time. He was already watering the flowers with a happy smile on his lips when Jeonghan entered.

“Good morning,” Soonyoung announced cheerfully, enticing Jeonghan to smile.

“You seem to be in a good mood. Did your date go well yesterday, yes?”

“I’m moving in with Jihoon! That doesn’t mean you can torture me with work day and night, okay? But...I love him so much. You wouldn’t believe how much.”

He was happy for Soonyoung. And maybe he would take advantage of the fact that he lived so close to the flower shop.

While Soonyoung continued to take care of the flowers, Jeonghan was about to go to the storeroom when he saw Seokmin leaving the house next door. In Joshua’s clothes. He grinned. His plan was a complete success. After Seokmin, Joshua left the house. As soon as Joshua had closed the door, he looked into the flower shop and their eyes met. Jeonghan couldn’t see his expression, but Joshua came into the flower shop behind Seokmin. He put the card on the table that Jeonghan had put in the forgotten bouquet yesterday.

“You’re not right about everything, Jeonghan.”

Jeonghan glanced at the card. There was a “Thank you” written in Joshua’s handwriting. Jeonghan looked up again. Just to see Joshua saying goodbye to Seokmin. With a kiss on the cheek. “But with almost everything, right?” he smiled.

Seungkwan was 2 hours late. 2 hours! Any other day, Jeonghan would scold him. But he looked stressed out and there wasn’t much going on today, anyway. A few unfortunates who forgot Valentine’s Day and ordered extra expensive bouquets, but otherwise there was nothing to deliver.

“I forgot the bouquet yesterday. I would take it with me today.” Seungkwan admitted.

Forgot? The bouquet he was supposed to deliver? Jeonghan laughed. “You’re out of luck. I gave it to Seokmin for Joshua. I’ll make you a new one if you tell me about you, Vernon and Chan.” When Seungkwan blushed, Jeonghan grinned triumphantly. He found everything out! Seungkwan accompanied him to the storeroom and while Jeonghan remade the bouquet and Seungkwan told him an equally cute story (He had to come up with something with Seungcheol...he couldn’t admit that getting to know each other was absolutely boring!), Seungkwan made several flowers paper.

“These are for Vernon,” Seungkwan explained at Jeonghans gaze.

“He’s allergic to pollen, I know.” Vernon had screwed up his chance for a sweet story with Seungcheol. If these plants had been the trigger to make Seungcheol a plant lover. He would always come back to the flower shop to have something new made for him. But no, Jeonghan apparently wasn’t allowed to have a romantic story.

But it should change. Minghao had a day off and Jun didn’t show up in the morning. Jeonghan didn’t begrudge them both, but none of them expected it and nobody had food with them. They depended too much on Jun. Jeonghan ordered pizza at lunchtime and sent Seokmin to bring Vernon and Seungcheol something and Soonyoung disappeared upstairs to give Jihoon something. When Seokmin came back, he brought him an envelope. Flowers were drawn on it. Was this from Seungcheol? Jeonghan carefully opened the envelope and pulled out the content. They were various sketches of lilies. They were awful. But that meant - was that from Seungcheols first drawing lesson here? He turned the pages and stopped when he saw himself. And other than the flowers, he was perfectly drawn. He looked wonderful. He carefully folded the paper and put it back in the envelope when he realized what that might mean. Was Seungcheol trying to make something cute and romantic out of their story?

Shortly after the second envelope the next day (Again, there was a sketch of a flower and one of Jeonghan inside. Was that his second drawing lesson? He didn’t remember which flowers he gave the other one.) Mingyu showed up.

“Mingyu!” Soonyoung shouted happily and wanted to rush towards him, but Mingyu came to Jeonghan. While Soonyoung pouted, Mingyu hugged Jeonghan.

“I just wanted to thank you. Wonwoo...he told me what you did.”

On the third day, Minghao reappeared. And what was even more important – Jun! They finally got their food back. Jun came into the shop for a moment and Jeonghan watched as he gave the bag to Minghao and said goodbye to him with a long kiss. “I be-leaf in you,” Jun said, laughing and avoiding Minghaos arm. “Jun!”

Jeonghan got letters from Seungcheol every day and he finally started to really focus on his own love life. Oh, he focused on it so well. He was in the tattoo shop with Seungcheol almost every day or they were here in the flower shop. Not only were there hot make-out scenes in the flower shop’s storeroom, but also on the couch at Seungcheols tattoo shop. But he wouldn’t have anything else to focus on, anyway. He had helped everyone!

Jeonghan was happy, and so was his family. It couldn’t have gone better. Until the old lady who owned the flower shop passed away. Jeonghan survived after that only with Seungcheols help. It was… intense. Her children interfered in his work and wanted to do everything better. Until the will was found in which she had left the flower shop and the house next door to Jeonghan. Jeonghan had never helped her much. He hadn’t gone shopping for her or talked to her. He had only taken care of the flower shop. And that this one now belonged to him! Him! Officially!

It felt so good to step into the empty apartment. With his key. But it would not remain empty for long. Even though it was only 3 months after Valentine’s Day, he would move in here with Seungcheol very soon (Seungcheol had quickly thrown out his “take it slow” notion). Jeonghan went through each room and checked that all the windows were closed before going outside again. The flower shop was closed today, but Jeonghan wanted to have a look at his shop. He locked the apartment and walked past Joshua’s apartment (who now owed him rent) and then Jihoon and Soonyoungs apartment (who now also had to pay him rent) before stepping out of the house and strolling towards the entrance. Jeonghan unlocked the door and inhaled the scent. He loved it here. The flower shop was his home. And it would continue to be.