— floraison.

@✽ byungchan c.⁰²⁰⁴²⁰²³ indeed it was a familiar face. a face that she wished to have never seen again. all the anger slowly started to build up in the poor girls small body, a frown appearing on her lips. she didn't even realize she was frowning till she got a glimpse of herself in a reflective face. immediately, she switched expressions to one where he couldn't read any thought or feeling she felt in that moment. it was something she had mastered over the years the two were together, using it around the days when he would come home late while she stayed up waiting for him. she was worried. she was always worried sick to her stomach. but he never understood why.

but in that moment, she did feel angry...sadness...relief? relief that he was doing fine. he didn't seem like he was skipping out on meals and seemed a lot more happier than when he was with her. although she felt relief, anger and sadness dominated any other feeling in her body as flashbacks of their fight played through her mind. their yelling ringing through her ears.

"you are never there for me when i need you!" the sound of objects clashing to the ground as yuri packed her bags felt so vivid...so real. "this is the last time i stay waiting for you. the last time i hold onto hope...hoping that you will change and finally remember me!" fire spewed out with her words. "you have never once treated me like your girlfriend. i put in almost all of the effort and you always forget! my birthday, our anniversary, my graduation...you forget every single thing no matter how much i remind you!"

in the present moment, yuri took a deep breath as she let her lips curl up into a small smile. trying to blink away the tears that slowly welled up in her doe eyes. "i've been fine..." she responded, her voice soft. a lot softer than the last time they spoke. "i hope you've been fine as well," she added before letting her eyes trail down to the flowers in his hands. something he had only given to her once or twice in their two year long relationship. she hadn't realized her entire focus was on the bouquet he held till he spoke again. "why don't we get some coffee? for old time sake? unless you're busy..." she asked...quite boldly. something she had never in a million years would have seen herself doing. "yah byungchan. i think i do deserve a coffee with you. at least once," she said almost in a teasing manner as she wrapped her arms over her chest. "let me quickly grab my order and we can go. i know a good place down the street," she added.

after the breakup, she had gone through a tremendous change with her confidence. she was no longer the girl who waited around for someone that had no intentions of making equal effort. rather she was starting to put her foot down. she changed up her entire look. she was no longer the goody two shoes jo yuri byungchan once knew.

@✽ yuri j.⁰²⁰⁵²⁰²³ A familiar voice was heard as Byungchan looked up at the source where they voice was coming from, he stopped at his track when a face of someone he used to know was standing in front of him. A woman he hadn't seen for years after that horrible day, a day he didn't want to remember since it was the day he broke up with the woman in front of him. It was Jo Yuri, the woman once was his girlfriend now his ex. He couldn't believe his eyes as the woman he used to love was right in front of him once again, taking a few steps back so they can have some space in between them. All the memories just came back to him, that day when the argument happened and how they went separate ways after that.

The guilt was still in his mind since it was his fault that cause the break up, forgetting her birthday as well as their second anniversary together. It wasn't the first time he had forget about something important as that, so Yuri got fed up and decided to called it quit. Byungchan couldn't do anything even though he wanted to make things right and get back with her, but no matter what he tries Yuri would just reject him. Giving up at the end of the argument as he watched his then girlfriend walked out of the door of their shared apartment together, without a word he sat on the floor with his face in the palm of his hands before realizing that it was all over and that there won't be away to go back how things were before.

He snapped out of all those thoughts as he looked up at the woman in front of him, the empty hand was shaking as he slowly opened his mouth." L.. Long time no see... H...how have you been....?" Not knowing what else he could've say, looking down at the flower while holding onto the flower that he bought for the office." I, I think I should go, since I know you don't want to see me anymore. It was nice see you again, Yuri..." Byungchan's eyes was fixed on the flowers that was in his hand, even though he had so many other things he wanted to say he decided to just keep everything to himself because he was afraid those words would hurt the woman even more than he already did.

'Why would it be like this, you could have done something to fix this, Choi Byungchan.' He thought to himself but knowing everything that happened, it would just make everything worst. Looking back at Yuri one last time as he sighed, Byungchan tried his best to finish his so hey could be on his way back to the office." I... I should go now, see you around, maybe?" He shook his head as he fixed shirt and suit while holding the flowers,starting to walk toward the exit as he pass by her and this might be last time they would see each other but he had no regret, even though he wanted to see her again but it won't be the best for them and probably would make her suffer even more than he already done.

@✽ byungchan c.⁰²⁰⁴²⁰²³ It had been a while since yuri had the chance to refresh the flowers in her classroom. she always adored the idea of having fresh ones every once in a while as it made her and her students happy. but she was not expecting to bump into her ex as she approached the flower shop just a few minutes away from the school. she had no idea what to say or thing as the incident occurred.

eyes went wide as the door swung open the second she reached for it, the familiar face haunting her memories as she made eye contact with /him/. him being her ex boyfriend. "oh..." was all that managed to slip pass her lips as the two stood by the door. 'should i pretend not to know him?' she thought to herself. 'oh why did i even come here today...' she mentally cursed at herself as her hand that once reached for the door, fell to her side. "long time no see.." she muttered, a sense of bitterness evident in her words as nothing but a replay of their last encounter played in her head. flashbacks to the two arguing in their shared apartment, hot tears streaming down yuri's face as she yelled at the taller male. he had forgotten again. this time being her birthday and their second year anniversary. why did she stay so long when she was hurting...oh how she wished she knew the answer to that.

@✽ yuri j.⁰²⁰⁵²⁰²³ It had been a few years since Byungchan found someone he loves, was just going to the flower shop to get some flower for his house to decorate and some for his office as well, With that thought on his mind he remembered that there was a flower shop right next to his law firm that his colleague always recommended him to go which was perfect shop for him to et everything he wanted, walking towards the shop by following the direction that they told him, before he knew it he was standing in front of the shop. A really small shop from the outside but the smell of the flower that went across his face just drew him in, Byungchan slowly looking around the shop to find the perfect ones for his office and his house as he found the staff before asking them about which one would be the best for decorations. He remembered everything that she said as he began looking for those flowers in the shop.

Searching through the flowers that had been displayed around the shop as he slowly approaching the corner of the shop where all the expensive ones was on display, noticing some that could fit the style that he wanted for the office as he ask the staff the price before nodding his head." I will take these please, please send them to my office. This is the address " Writing down the address on the paper as Byungchan looks around for flowers that could be the perfect fit for his place, taking out his wallet as he paid for the flowers he just got.

Turning around to the other side of the shop as well as his watch to make sure he still got enough time for lunch, after paying for the flowers he walked to the other side of the shop before his eyes caught up by one bouquet of sunflowers that was tugged inside the other flowers, knowing that these would be really nice especially he needed some positive energy in the house so he decide to get some of that for his own house. " I will take these as well, thank you so much. Oh, please wrapped them pretty for me, thank you." He politely asked the staff as he paid for everything, smiled softly at the female staff before walking turning around and walked toward the door.

@✽ nicole j. normally, gyuri shied away from physical touch, fiercely protective of her personal space. yet when it came to those precious to her, she could make an exception. she returned the embrace with great fervor, giving her friend a gentle squeeze as if to check that she was there. “wow, a month? i’ve been back here for roughly the same amount of time. i’m more than happy to drop by. i’ve missed you.” she let go, a sheepish look on her face. her friend always had a knack for reading what was on gyuri’s mind. “i did want to ask but i’m relieved to see that you’re doing alright. seeing the state you were in, i never stopped worrying about you.” how could she not? gyuri could never forget that fateful plane ride, knowing her dear friend was about to hide away to heal from all the trauma she endured. “nicole. that’s a beautiful name. it suits you perfectly. would you’d like me to use it instead of your korean name?”

“oh right.” gyuri couldn’t help but sigh, recalling the sobering reason for her visit. “i need to find flowers to bring to my parents’ gravestones… it’s only been a month since they both passed away so i feel like it’s inappropriate to use flowers meant for a funeral and it’s way too early to get something meant for their death anniversary. i’m at a total loss.” the vulnerability left her frowning; however, she pushed the raw feeling away. “i could use the help.”

@✽ nicole j. just as she waited for someone to respond back, she could not help but to be in awe at what she had seen. it was almost like she would just open up a fairytale book and dive into the pages itself. So photogenic to the point that she wasn't hesitating to whip out her phone and took as many as she could possibly to set as her background. if anything, she wanted to pose with her daughter. taking a couple steps and stopping to take a pic before repeating this whole routine until she was addressed, she turned towards the voice and nodded at the florist, still having that amazed, dumb smile she had on throughout. "it is so beautiful here. I might have mistaken this space as a cafe if not for the fact that there're flowers everywhere with the absences of tables and chairs. Oh about that.. I am looking to spruce up my home now that it is just me and my daughter. And also to have some subtle fragrance throughout the home too. Do you have any idea what flowers would be best suited for that?"

@✽ gyuri p. it feels a little exciting, the attention that floraison has been receiving; a handful of visitors on her first day of opening, a bunch of neighboring owners coming to offer shop-warming gifts and to even purchase some decorative flowers. and today, she's even gotten some calls in for either floral suggestions or for a bouquet delivery — and while in the midst of a call, the familiar chime of the entrance door naturally makes her head turn. the first time she looks, it's to formally greet the customer, but when she glances a second time, it's for confirmation that she wasn't going crazy. without much of a blink, she speaks into the receiver, "i'm so sorry, something's suddenly come up. please call back to let me know of what time you'd like the flowers dropped off... thank you."

the smile nicole flashes gyuri, an old friend of hers, is one of relief and bewilderment. it's been awhile since anyone's called her yongju and it's a little overwhelming to hear, but she refuses to show it, especially when the pleasant surprise of seeing her friend trumps over anything else. "oh my god, gyuri. it's been /too/ long, really." without hesitation, nicole squeezes past the counter and envelops gyuri in a loose, but well needed embrace. it even lingers on for a good moment, not even realizing that she'd been holding her breath. "i've been in town for about a month now, just opened up floraison recently. it's sweet of you to drop by," she pulls back with a more softened look, finally letting out a sigh. "... i'm alright, in case you wanted to ask. and it might take some getting used to, but i go by nicole now — it's my english name."

she emits a sheepish laugh, glancing to the many flowers held on display. "also, would you mind repeating your earlier question? appropriate type of flowers for what occasion?"

@✽ youngji h. it's the opening week of floraison, and nicole swears she's never been more enthused to begin her work than now. even for the duration of the couple of weeks spent decorating the shop and meeting with her interior designer, she feels like she's never been happier. today, just as it's been the past few days, it's peaceful inside floraison — the cluster of different aromas, the sunlight welcoming itself through the window pane, and the soft instrumental of a 90s classic playlist. it's funny to say, but her flower shop looks like it's straight out of a fairytale. finishing an order for today's delivery, nicole practices the intended receiver's name on an extra sheet of wrapping paper before the tingling sounds of the entrance bells calls for her attention. she promptly makes her way to the front of the desk, an anticipated smile curling her lips as she spots a customer near one of her flower pots. "hello, welcome in! the daffodils are beautiful, aren't they?" she chuckles, leaning over the counter slightly. "anything i can help you with? you can let me know of any specific flowers you want, any advice for an occasion, or if you'd like a custom-made bouquet."

@✽ nicole j. the bell above the door chimed as gyuri entered dandelion’s newest flower shop, floraison. it had been the hot topic amongst the town’s small business owners and she was curious to check it out. there was another reason to visit as well. she wanted to leave flowers at their gravestone but was at a total loss on which flower to bring. despite having been so well-prepared for all the arrangements and details leading up to her parents’ funeral, she sure didn’t have a clue about what to do afterward. where was the online manual on how to visit a deceased loved one barely one month after their funeral?

hopefully, the answer would be here. gyuri took in the sight before her, appreciating all the tasteful arrangements of flowers delicately placed all over the store. spotting a worker behind the counter, she made her way over.. “hi, i was wondering if you could help me find the appropriate type of flowers to bring to–” she stopped mid-sentence, surprised to see who was behind the counter. “yongju, is that you? it’s been so long,” she said with a sweet smile reserved only for those closest to her heart. the last time she had seen her dear friend, the other woman was flying across the globe to recover from the brink of death. now she was here, in dandelion of all places. “you look great! i didn’t realize you were a florist now. how long have you been in town?”

@✽ nicole j. In need for some more fresh flowers to put as part of her home, she made a mental note to come down to the local florist's for some and once she had her house chores in order, left to do what she wanted to do so long in a while. flowers might not be a thing for everyone but it did to youngji as they were nothing but encouragement and colors in her life. through the years of battling her cancer, her mother had made it an incentive to bring it to her when she was hospitalised. at the very least, it would make a grey room look a little more better and bearable. as her feet took her to the front step of the flower shop, she realized she might never visit here and assumed that it must have recently opened. with that pondered out, she pushed against the door and poked her head in to see if there would be anyone to greet her and instead met with silence. once again having another assumption, she walked in and was definitely welcomed by the aromas of the flowers at the entrance, making her release a happy sigh. "what a place to be in here...", she grinned to herself, walking over to the neatly arranged pots of flowers. "Hello, is anyone in here?"

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@✽ sora p. () issok

He wanted to mentally slap himself.

Why did he felt so formal in front of his first love? First crush? First girlfriend? It almost acted as if his playful side from his texts wore off the moment his dark brown irises bore onto the petite figure of the female in front of him. The only thing he wanted to admit was he'd like to melt right now and Sora resemble that sunshine to do it.

"O-of course! I knew that."

Joshua scratched the back of his head before taking a seat, adding the pastry onto the table and proceed to unload the contents of the bag for the both of them to feast on. "What did you prepare for lunch? I do miss your cooking after such a long time." He knew that Sora was fond of creating new dishes that always made him crave to taste and this time was no different.

@✽ joshua h. () sorry for the late reply ;;

The warmth of his embrace was something that always seemed to bring a joyousness to her heart. Her arms instantly returning the hug with a tight squeeze following it. She never understood why he never showed his warmer and more comfortable side to other people. Sora would never understand that part of Joshua, why he remained so reserved to the public. But those thoughts were rendered into a distant memory when she felt him grab her chin and for a moment she looked at him before his actions moved in a different direction. “I missed you josh… it’s wonderful to have sometime to spend together.” The woman said joyously before she looked at the ‘gifts’ he brought.

“I wasn’t waiting too long, no need to worry josh.. and I need to be so formal you know? We’re not at a meeting or something. Just the two of us.” The woman sang out as she pulled out a chair for the man and gave it a soft pat. “Come now, let’s enjoy our lunch? Hm?” She offered the man another smile that matched the joy in her eyes as she waited for him to take his seat

@✽ sora p. His head snapped up to see her figure in view, a smile painted his lips which almost made the canvas of him half-complete. Joshua took the flight upstairs to where Sora was before giving her petite form a hug, enveloping her in his arms and warmth that he so missed. "It's nice to see you again." His hand drifted down to rest against the bottom of her chin. It was if he was about to grace her with his lips, but decided against the thought, anxiousness biting his skin as he brought his hand back on his side.

"Oh, I brought us two slices of cake and coffee for dessert along the way. I hope it is to your liking." Setting the paper bag down to the table, he took out the contents to be placed next to their assortment of food. "I hope I didn't make you wait too long for me to arrive." His voice almost faltered, guilt creeping into his system if that were the case.

@✽ joshua h. Food was one of the ways we loved one another, another kind of hug, another way to bring out that inner sunshine. And that was the way Sora showed her love toward people, the way she conveyed her care and affection for the people she loved most. And Joshua was no different.
She was grateful that he still wanted to be in her life after they parted romantically, however she could tell and feel like those feelings he had for her back then never truly went away. He still showed her such affection if how he spoke to her and even when they would cross paths within the town.

She remembered how kind and loving Joshua was to her when they were together and even the lovely letter he wrote to her when he went off the college and would come to town for his visits. He was by far the sweetest man she had the honour of saying was formally hers even if it was short-lived. It had her wandering to her room, and slowly pulling out that letter he had written to her all those years ago. It even caused a smile to adorn her face before she was snapped back to the reality of her life when she heard a familiar voice.
Joshua.
The woman found herself rushing back to the kitchen and placing the letter on the counter. “I’m up here!” She called out as she opened the door to her apartment from the top of the stairs.

@✽ sora p. Joshua usually has no sense of time.

The seasons would come and go like how the beauty of life has been for most of the citizens in the quaint town of dandelion. It was never an odd occurrence to have clients bustling in and out of the funeral parlor that he owned in the town, but a few found his health a bit concerning with his sleep on the line.

Maybe he did have occasional nights where he had to stay up for one funeral event and jug almost a liter of coffee in the morning. But now, reminded of the sweet scent of flowers roaming the vicinity of the graves, he knew that even the presence of home was something that he missed so dearly.

Joshua can't help but search for that familiarity in the woman's warmth. The way she resemble each growing stem and chromatic petals that could assemble an entire garden if he would to keep it that way. Maybe he should suggest that once he arrived to her place.

"Two tiramisu slices please and coffee."

Once having his order fulfilled he took the path to her flower shop, pausing briefly in front of the door to knock twice before walking in. Brown eyes surveyed the area to a more vibrant background rather than the dull stones that filled his eye sockets.

"Darling? I'm here."

@✽ joshua h. Sora was a lover of the autumn, of the colours that are bold and homely, strong and yet a call to remember the Earth and all she gives in the harvest months.she could let her eyes soak in those scarlet maple-hands and the golden leaves that create more beauty than Sora ever dare ask for. It is the season of inner calm and a kindly stoicism etched in memories of joy.
Of course her flowers remained unharmed from the chilling winds and the changing in temperatures, and it allowed her to have both the joy of the spring flowers and the colourful autumn hues.
It was the sound of her phone dinging that snapped the slim woman into the reality of her life once again. “What to make… what to make…” the woman whispered to herself as she wandered up the stairs to her apartment. She was a cook because she cooked from the heart. She gave of herself, always being creative, always nurturing with what she made. And that was how she ended up cooking up a taste, yet simple lunch for two. Greek style grilled shrimp orzo pasta salad and for a little treat after, she still have those strawberry scones she made that morning. Perfection. And now she would wait for her guest while she set the table carefully.

@✽ sora p. “alright, grandma. i'll be heading home soon, yes,” he endearingly voices out to his phone, a smile hanging on his lips even after the call ended and its curve widening upon the sight of a nearby flower shop. honestly, he hasn't always been the filial man he is now but after his grandfather passed, he was a witness to her grit and he promised himself from thereon to become someone she can depend on too. add to that the few close encounters he had due his work, he just knows how to not take things for granted. unfortunately, it's a lesson learned too late… before the negative thoughts managed to occupy his mind, he's quick to shake his head and head forth the shop, the bell above the door ringing in accordance of his entry. quickly, a variety of flowers welcome him and its scents almost overwhelm him if not for the ventilator overhead. “hello?” he calls out for a florist to gain recommendations but finding the counter empty, he settles with looking at the bouquets on the sides meanwhile.