It was a warm afternoon as the golden sunlight filtered through the glass windows of "Lily's Blooms," a floral shop nestled in a quiet corner of the city. The shop was a sanctuary of color and life, where the fragrance of fresh flowers mingled with the gentle hum of distant traffic. Every inch of the space was adorned with meticulously arranged bouquets, vases, and baskets, each showcasing the vibrant beauty of the flowers within.
Hanaria reached the shop, her steps slowing as she neared the window display. Her eyes were immediately drawn to the delicate spider lilies, their crimson petals fanning out like a dancer's skirt. Behind the display, she spotted a familiar figure—masked and composed—the same boy she had glimpsed at the cemetery. Now, he was here, carefully arranging a bouquet of white roses, his movements graceful and precise, yet devoid of any warmth. His expression was one of deep concentration, but his eyes were distant, as though he were detached from the beauty he was crafting.
The soft chime of the bell signaled her entrance, but Alexis barely acknowledged her, continuing his work with the white roses. Hanaria moved closer to the spider lilies, her usual tough expression softening as she beheld the flowers. Despite her short, messy hair and bold stride, the sight of the lilies always stirred something tender within her. She reached out, fingers brushing the delicate petals.
"They're just so beautiful..." she murmured to herself, her voice barely above a whisper.
Alexis's sharp gaze flicked up from his work, his eyes cold as he addressed her. "They're for display, not for touching," he said curtly, his tone as frosty as his expression.
Hanaria pulled her hand back, unfazed by his harshness. She turned to him with a small, genuine smile. "I know," she replied, glancing back at the lilies. "I just can't help but admire them every time I see them. Spider lilies are my favorite."
Surprise flickered across Alexis's face, quickly masked by his usual indifference. "Is that so?" His tone was distant, almost challenging. "Why would you like something most people find unsettling? They're associated with death, after all."
"I'm aware," Hanaria said, her smile unwavering. "But I don't see them that way. To me, they symbolize renewal and new beginnings. They remind me that even in the darkest times, there's always a chance to start over, to learn and grow."
Alexis was taken aback by her words. A pang of nostalgia tugged at his heart, a warmth he hadn't felt in a long time. He hadn't expected such a response, especially from someone who seemed so carefree. "Renewal, huh?" he muttered, his gaze shifting back to the spider lilies. His expression softened, the cold edge in his eyes melting away.
Noticing the change in his demeanor, Hanaria stepped closer, intrigued by the mysterious boy. "What about you?" she asked gently. "Why do you have them on display if you don't like them?"
Alexis paused, caught off guard by her directness. He wasn't one to open up to strangers, let alone about something so personal. And yet, there was something about Hanaria's warmth that drew him in, making it harder to keep his walls up.
"They were my grandmother's favorite," he finally admitted, his voice quieter now. "She used to say the same thing you did, but not even she could escape the finality of death." His expression darkened as he continued, "All I see now is a reminder of the end. In the end, everything eventually dies, and you're left alone. The only fair thing in this world is an unfair reality."
Hanaria's smile faded, replaced by a look of understanding. She could sense the pain and loneliness in his words, the way he tried to mask his emotions with a cold exterior. "But just like the red spider lily that blooms with vibrant beauty after a season of dormancy, every ending carries within it the seeds of renewal and the promise of new beginnings," she said softly.
Alexis's eyes widened at her words, the warmth in her voice stirring something deep within him. For a moment, it felt as if his grandmother was standing beside him once again, her gentle presence comforting him.
"One day, you'll find the spider lily that makes life worth living, transcending even the fear of death," Hanaria continued with a gentle smile. "And when you do, you'll realize that in order to move forward, we should stop worrying about the uncertainties of life and instead embrace the present, the moments we have right now."
Alexis was at a loss for words, her kindness and optimism cutting through his defenses like sunlight piercing through a thick fog. He wasn't used to people challenging his views, and even when they did, he could usually brush them off with ease. But Hanaria had managed to touch a part of him he thought he'd buried long ago. His gaze met hers, and for the first time, there was a hint of vulnerability in his eyes. "I-..." he began, but was interrupted by the ringing of Hanaria's phone.
"Where the hell are you!? Classes are starting!" came Sheila's voice, scolding her through the phone.
"Oh god, I forgot! I'll be right there!" Hanaria replied in a panic, quickly stuffing the phone back into her bag.
"Sorry for rambling so much!" she said, bowing in apology. "I'll be back soon to admire the spider lilies again!" With that, she hurried out of the shop, the door closing with a soft jingle behind her.
For a moment, Alexis stood in stunned silence. Beneath his mask, a slight smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he watched the strange yet intriguing girl leave. He wanted to dismiss her words as naive, yet deep down, a part of him resonated with what she had said. As he turned back to the spider lilies, he couldn't shake the strange feeling stirring in his chest, the warmth that lingered long after she was gone. He wouldn't admit it to himself just yet, but her words had left a mark on him—a mark he couldn't easily erase.
