Solitary Goodbye | JaeYong

Chapter 2 : Warm

The day gradually turned into night, and the night unexpectedly began to rain.

Taeyong looked at the time and realizes it is time to close the shop. There was no customer just like yesterday. It's sad, but he has to get used to it. Things should no longer be unusual for him. He stares at the window patterned with dots of rain drops, wondering if it was safe to ride his motorcycle at this time. Thinking about it is useless since he has no choice but to go home. He already packed his things into his bag, however his ringtone stopped him in his tracks as he was about to walk to the door. Picking up his phone, he raised an eyebrow at the contact's name.

"Mom?"

"Taeyong-ah? Are you busy?" Taeyong smiled when he heard the sweet tones.

"No. I was about to close the shop." he answered.

The mother hummed, "I'm glad I didn't bother you."

"Is there anything wrong? Why did you call?"

"Oh nothing~, I just want to check in and see how you were. Have you eaten? Is there any food at home? I can bring food to your house and we can eat together. Are you taking care of your health? Did you catch a cold recently?"

The way his mother bombarded him with questions made him chuckled a bit. "I'm fine, mom. There's still food at home. I'll cook it as soon as I get home."

"Really?"

"Yes, mom. You don't have to worry too much."

"Okay honey, make sure you eat and be a good boy."

"I will-"

The doorbell suddenly rang making Taeyong tense up in surprise. This is odd. It's already night. Who will come at a time like this?

"Sorry mom, there's a customer. I'll call you back."

"Aww, it's okay honey. We can talk once you get home."

"Okay, bye mom. Love you."

He declined the call and quickly turned around to face the customer as he was facing back before. Putting a smile, he tried to look enthusiastic.

"Welcome! What can I help you?"

Taeyong choked on his own words as he saw the man in front of him standing with a surprised face as well. Who wouldn't be shocked? It was the man from this morning. He can't believe they will actually meet again! Oh the world is indeed small.

"It's you!" Taeyong shouted a bit excitedly making the stranger flinch, "sorry, I didn't mean to scare you." he scratched his head awkwardly.

"It's okay." The stranger retorted shortly.

"Right. Uhm- what can I help you with?" He repeated the same question.

"A bouquet of roses please." The stranger simply answered.

Taeyong nodded as a sign of understanding, "follow me."

Taeyong silently snipped the stems. He always engaged with his clients, but the stranger is unusually too quiet. He made an effort to talk with the man but he continued giving brief responses. Taeyong decided not to continue the conversation because he felt awkward. He then offered him to find a seat, but the stranger refused to and continued watching the florist doing his job.

Was his job that interesting to him?

He couldn't handle the pressure any longer. It was getting too quiet and motionless. Although the nature of his work was intended to be soothing, it became the exact opposite.