My heart from the front [BL] Soldier X Florist

3. Thorns and Petals

×________________×

A month had passed since Lorenzo's last visit, and with each passing day, Dae-joo found himself glancing at the shop door more often than he would admit. The memory of their last conversation lingered, the warmth of Lorenzo's smile still fresh in his mind. But as the days turned into weeks, doubt began to creep in. Perhaps Lorenzo had been sent elsewhere, or worse, perhaps something had happened to him.

It was a rainy afternoon when the bell above the door finally chimed again, breaking Dae-joo from his thoughts. He looked up, his heart leaping at the sight of Lorenzo stepping inside. But the joy quickly turned to concern- Lorenzo's left arm was wrapped in a bandage, his hand clutched protectively against his side.

"Lorenzo!" Dae-joo exclaimed, rushing forward. "What happened to you?"

Lorenzo managed a faint smile, though his face was paler than before, his eyes tired. "I'm alright," he said, though his voice lacked its usual strength. "Just a little accident. But I kept my promise."

With his uninjured hand, Lorenzo reached into his coat pocket and carefully pulled out a small bundle, wrapped in cloth. He handed it to Dae-joo, who unwrapped it with gentle hands. Inside was a single, delicate flower- its petals a soft shade of pink, slightly crushed from the journey but still beautiful.

"I found it growing near the base," Lorenzo explained, his voice soft. "It wasn't easy to reach... and there were thorns. But I wanted to bring it to you, like I said I would."

Dae-joo's throat tightened at the sight of the flower, and at the thought of what Lorenzo must have gone through to bring it to him. "You didn't have to do this," he murmured, looking up into Lorenzo's eyes. "You should have taken care of yourself first."

Lorenzo chuckled weakly. "I did take care of myself. I just wanted to keep the promise. "

For a moment, they stood in silence, the sound of rain pattering against the windows the only noise in the shop. Dae-joo felt a wave of emotion rise within him-gratitude, concern, something more. Carefully, he placed the flower in a small vase on the counter, then turned back to Lorenzo.

"Come sit down," Dae-joo said gently, guiding him to a chair near the window. "You need to rest."

Lorenzo didn't resist, allowing himself to be led to the chair. As he sat down, Dae-joo disappeared into the back room for a moment, returning with a cup of warm tea. He handed it to Lorenzo, their fingers brushing as he did. "Drink this. It'll help."

Lorenzo took the cup, his eyes softening as he looked up at Dae-joo. "Thank you, Dae-joo."

Dae-joo shook his head, sitting down across from him. "You don't need to thank me. Just promise me you'll be more careful."

Lorenzo smiled, a hint of his usual warmth returning. "I promise."

They sat there for a while, the rain continuing to fall outside, creating a cocoon of quiet intimacy. Lorenzo sipped his tea slowly, his gaze drifting to the flower he had brought, now standing proudly in its vase. Despite its fragile appearance, it had made the journey-just as he had. And in that moment, both of them knew that this connection, like the flower, was something worth nurturing, no matter the thorns.

×__________________×