5. A Stroll In The Snow

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The evening had settled over Seoul, and the first snow of winter was gently falling, creating a soft, white blanket over the city. Inside the flower shop, Dae-joo busied himself with closing up for the day, carefully packing away the remaining flowers and tidying the counter. The shop was quiet, save for the soft sound of the radio playing classic tunes in the background.

The bell above the door chimed, and Dae-joo looked up to see Lorenzo stepping inside, his cheeks red from the cold. He removed his hat and shook off the snow, smiling warmly at Dae-joo.

"Hello, Dae-joo," Lorenzo greeted, his voice carrying a cheerful lilt despite the chill in the air.

"Hi, Lorenzo," Dae-joo replied, returning the smile. "You're just in time. I'm about to close up for the today."

Lorenzo nodded, glancing around at the shop, now lit by the soft glow of the evening lights. "I was hoping to catch you before you closed. I'd like to buy some flowers for a friend. Something that can brighten up their day."

Dae-joo moved to the flower display, carefully selecting a fresh assortment of blooms. As he worked, he noticed the thoughtful look on Lorenzo's face, a mix of reflection and anticipation. "How about these? They're bright and cheerful-just what you need to lift someone's spirits."

Lorenzo inspected the bouquet, nodding in approval. "Perfect. Thank you, Dae-joo."

Dae-joo wrapped the bouquet with practiced hands, and Lorenzo watched with interest, his gaze occasionally drifting to Dae-joo's face. The shop was filled with a warm, intimate light that seemed to accentuate the connection between them.

As Dae-joo finished wrapping the flowers, he handed them over. "Here you go. I hope they bring joy to your friend."

"Thank you," Lorenzo said, accepting the bouquet. "And... I was wondering if you'd be interested in joining me for a walk after you close up. The snow looks beautiful tonight, and I thought it might be nice to share it."

Dae-joo's eyes widened slightly, surprised by the invitation. "A walk in the snow? That sounds lovely, but it'll be a bit chilly."

Lorenzo smiled, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "I promise it'll be worth it. I could use some company, and I think you might enjoy it too."

Dae-joo considered the offer for a moment, then nodded with a smile. "Alright, I'd like that."

They closed up the shop together, the evening air growing colder as they prepared to leave. Once outside, Lorenzo wrapped his scarf more tightly around his neck and looked over at Dae-joo, who adjusted his coat and scarf.

The streets were quiet, the snow creating a serene, almost magical atmosphere. Lorenzo led the way to a nearby park, where the snow-covered trees and glistening paths seemed to transform the world into a winter wonderland.

As they walked, the crunch of snow beneath their boots and the soft glow of streetlights created a peaceful backdrop. Lorenzo glanced over at Dae-joo, noticing how the cold made his breath visible in small puffs, and how the snowflakes caught in his hair, creating a delicate halo.

"Have you always lived here?" Lorenzo asked, breaking the comfortable silence.

Dae-joo shook his head. "No, I moved here a few years ago. My family had a small farm before, but I decided to follow my passion for flowers. I found this place and made it my home."

Lorenzo listened intently, appreciating the personal glimpse into Dae-joo's life. "I'm glad you did. It seems like you've made a wonderful place for yourself."

Dae-joo smiled, touched by the sentiment. "Thank you. I've found a lot of joy in it."

They continued their walk, occasionally stopping to admire the snow-covered landscape. The conversation drifted to lighter topics-favorite books, music, and the small joys in life. Each shared story seemed to draw them closer, and the warmth of their connection contrasted with the chill in the air.

As they reached a small bridge over a frozen pond, Lorenzo turned to face Dae-joo. "Thank you for joining me tonight. It's been nice to have someone to share this with."

Dae-joo met his gaze, feeling a gentle warmth in his chest. "It's been lovely. I'm glad you asked."

Lorenzo smiled, a hint of relief and affection in his eyes. "Me too."

The two stood there for a moment, enjoying the quiet beauty of the snowfall and the shared sense of peace. Though the night was cold, the connection between them provided a comforting warmth, a promise of more moments like this to come.

As they made their way back through the snow, the world around them seemed to shine a little brighter, and the unspoken bond between them grew ever stronger.

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