His Scent where Wind Blows

Chapter 1 : Promise

" Sweetie, I need the baby's-breath! "

" Coming, dad! "

In a cozy flower shop with such delightful medley of fragrances intermingling in the air. Busy florists moving around trimming stems, arranging bouquets, and watering plants, their hands a blur of activity amidst the colorful splendor.

" Phew, I'm just here for 2 weeks during semester break but it feels like otherwise. " He gently wiped his face with the handkerchief he pulled out from his pocket.

" Your father has taught you a lot since you were young, you're basically a natural in this career, Cielo. " A florist on shift replied in a distance.

" I'm just lucky to have an excellent tutor, really. " He smiled, and continued his shift.

Hours had passed. The florists on shift had went back home, there was only the owner's son left continuing his shift. He tidied the messy papers at the corner of the shop and began arranging the flowers on the cashier's table. There had not been any customers coming into the shop for the past 30 minutes, Cielo got his earphones on with music playing while trimming the pre-blooming flowers.

Just as he was about to turn his back and make his way to the backroom, the bell hanging beneath the door rang in a subtle and gentle movement.

Cielo smiled and greeted the visitor.

" Good afternoon and welcome, sir. Is there anything I can help? "

The visitor had a toned body and an extremely tall figure, with his hand holding a helmet, most likely paired for motorcycles. He walked towards the cashier's table and put his helmet down.

" Do you have bouquets for significants? " His voice was deep, but followed a subtle calming tone.

" We don't have pre-made bouquets available right now but I can make it for you on the spot, I'll lead you to the selections of flowers. " Cielo guided his way to the corner of the shop that was filled with different buckets of flowers.

While walking, the florist gave different suggestions to the man. They had finally came to a conclusion after a long choosing session. Cielo carried the flowers to the station table and immediately started working on the bouquet. On the other hand, the tall man observed the interior of the shop as well as the florist who was focusing on the bouquet.

In just a blink of an eye, the bouquet had been done professionally. Cielo handed the flowers to the motorcyclist as a confirmation of the bouquet's design.

" It's really pretty, thank you. " The man smiled.

" It's my honour. This way for the payment, please. " He guided the tall man to the counter and clicked in the sum of the money on the cash register.

" That'll be $350, sir. " Cielo looked into the eyes of the man and had a radiant smile on his face.

" Very well. "

Just as the man was about to make the payment, his phone rang.

" Sorry, I'll take this call. " He informed gently to the florist, slipped his phone out of his pocket and took the call.

It was not long when Cielo could sense the negative energy that came within him. The florist looked concerned when the motorcyclist distant the phone from his ear and hung up the phone. Silence went on for a little while before the tall man let out a sigh.

Cielo, a man of sunshine, he does not like seeing people in the blues. Without a doubt, he broke the silence and hesitantly asked about the situation.

" Uhm... I may be rude, but can I ask what's going on? " He spoke softly, his eyes never left the contact between their gaze.

" No, it's alright. My, significant, had broke up with me on the phone. " The man had a slight smile on his face before looking down to his phone. Cielo's heart dropped when he heard the news, the sympathy grew within him immediately.

" Oh dear... I'm so sorry for your loss... Why did they broke up on call? "

" She told me that she had an affair with someone else for quite a while, that's even longer than our relationship. How the tables have turned, I was the one who she's having an affair with. " The man gave a chuckle, leaning on the counter facing away from the florist.

" This is just beyond disrespectful! No one should be treating you that way! " Cielo yelled, letting his thoughts took over his voice.

" I have expected it, anyway. " The motorcyclist stood up and turned around.

" Thank you for the bouquet, though. I'll make the full payment. " The man slipped his card on the table and drew a smile on his face.

Cielo felt a little guilty for accepting the payment although it had to be done. He took his gaze into the man's eyes once again, his face had a faint smile, but his eyes felt so empty, like a dark pool with no endings.

The florist partially bowed as he watched the man walked his way towards the front door. At that moment in time, when the motorcyclist's hand reached out for the door handle, he froze. The motorcyclist stood there for a moment, he was hesitant whether to reach for the door handle or not. Though, it was not to the florist's concern as he was busy cleaning up the station.

The motorcyclist lowered his arm, rang the little bells underneath the handle, and made his way back into the shop. The sound of the bells had caught Cielo's attention immediately to lift his head up for another customer, just to find the same tall motorcyclist standing right in front of him.

" Oh, you're still here? Did you leave something behind? " Cielo looked around the surroundings, observing the tables and the stations.

The man looked into his eyes and gave a warm smile, lifting up the bouquet to the florist's hands. " Oh, no. I just want to give this to you. "

The young florist looked at him with his eyes wide open, he glanced down to the bouquet. It took him a minute to realise what was going on, his cheeks immediately turned red. Cielo turned his gaze to the man once again, with his heart beating in an unexplainable speed.

It was the first time someone had gave him a bouquet, excluding the fact that he had made that with his own hands.

Cielo hesitated for a while, in the end he still accepted the bouquet from the mysterious motorcyclist.

" Have you ride a motorcycle before? " He tilted his head, asking the question with a gentle smile.

" Ah... No, I haven't. " Cielo could hardly made eye contact with him as he was overwhelmed by the sudden emotions.

The motorcyclist chuckled and took a few steps closer, leading himself to the florist. He leaned down and smirked.

" I'll take you for a ride next time. "