14 flowers

The school bell rung, and Renjun began to pack his belongings. The once filled classroom becoming empty. Class is finally over but there's more for Renjun to do. He swings his bag over his shoulder as he takes his leave, greeted by the typical noise. Renjun glances over his wristwatch as he slowly approaches the front gate of their school; 4:51pm.

"I still have time."

Renjun thought, nodding his head eagerly as he began to jog his way to the nearby flower shop.

The flower shop has a wide array of flowers displayed by their front porch. From bright red, and vibrant, yellow flowers, to subtle pink, white flowers. Flowers were sorted by their colours and type, neatly placed in separate pots on top of a long, wooden deck. The different shades of the flower petals make the flower shop eye-catching. The pleasant aroma of flowers that wafts the air makes it hard to miss, too.

Renjun takes a deep breath, inhaling the delightful aroma of red roses. The smell soothed his nerves. He carefully pushes the glass door open, as the bell above the door emits a 'ding' sound.

The boy at the counter snapped his head at Renjun's direction, the corners of his lips curving into a smile upon seeing the familiar boy in front of him.

"Ge!"

The boy chirped in his high-pitched voice, leaving the counter and shuffling his way towards Renjun, while clutching a few flowers in hand.

"Hey, Lele. Helping your parents again, I'm guessing?"

Renjun smiled at Chenle's cheerful personality.

He always admired the boy for always being happy and positive in life, sometimes he wish for him to be like Chenle.

"Actually, I work here now! Well, excluding the days I have classes."

Chenle exclaimed, motioning Renjun to take a sit on one of the stools that were placed in front of the counter. Renjun took a sit, while Chenle sat on the stool parallel to his.

"That's good to know, Lele! I'm happy to know you're doing something that you love and enjoy."

"Flowers and decorating have always been the two things I enjoy doing. Being given the chance to do them both is so exciting and fulfilling! Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul. You're here to get a bouquet for Jaemin, right?" Chenle cocked his head to the side, giving Renjun a quick glance before averting his gaze on the stems of the flower he was holding, creating a mental note on how short he will be keeping the stems.

Renjun hums in response.

"Yes. I'm going to head to the hospital after."

The latter emitted a chuckle, putting the flowers down as he stood up.

"I have been arranging all the bouquets for Jaemin all along. I barely have the time to visit him, please ask him how he's doing for me. Let me just grab it for you."

Chenle hands the bouquet to Renjun, smiling ever so delicately.

"Flowers bring happiness. May this bouquet of flowers bring happiness to Jaemin. Please tell him I miss him and I hope he feels better soon."

Chenle waved goodbye to Renjun as Renjun returned the gesture.

Renjun walks to the bus shed and waits for a bus to stop, keeping the bouquet of flowers Chenle arranged for Jaemin close.