𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 ✦ ʟ.ᴍʜ

Chapter: 18

XVIII: Wilted Flower

Charmed Moments | Delightful experiences that showcase the beauty of connections and the magic in shared interactions.

Sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the classroom, casting warm patches on the wooden floor.

The room was quiet, the kind of calm before the storm of chatter and chaos that came with class.

Minho sat at a desk, leaning back in his chair with an air of relaxed confidence, while Iris perched on the edge of her own desk, their knees almost touching.

"So, what do you think they're planning for us today?" Iris asked, her voice low but laced with curiosity.

Minho smirked, glancing at Riki, who was fiddling with a pencil, oblivious to the tension in the air.

"Probably another boring lecture. Unless Riki here has something more exciting up his sleeve."

Riki looked up, his brow furrowing in confusion. "What? I'm just trying to figure out how to draw a perfect circle. Not exactly thrilling stuff."

Iris chuckled softly, leaning slightly closer to Riki. "You never know, you might surprise us with your artistry, Riki."

Minho felt a flicker of annoyance as Iris leaned toward Riki, her laughter ringing out like music in the quiet room.

He shook it off, forcing a smile. "Yeah, a perfect circle. That's something everyone's dying to see."

Riki rolled his eyes, his usual carefree demeanor in full swing. "Hey, I'm just trying to be a well-rounded individual here." He grinned, glancing between them.
"But I do appreciate the support, I guess."

Iris shot Minho a playful look, one that made his heart race just a little faster. "We're rooting for you, Riki. You might just become the next Picasso."

"Or the next one to fail art class," Minho added, sarcasm dripping from his words.

As the playful banter continued, Iris occasionally shifted slightly closer to Riki, her laughter light and teasing.

Minho tried to ignore the way his irritation slowly bubbled up, but it was hard when the moment felt so electric, and the chemistry between him and Iris was undeniable.

"Maybe she's just acting a little too familiar with Riki because she hasn't seen him in a long time. It makes sense, of course she'd want to catch up with a close friend. It's completely normal, right?" He pondered, trying to rationalize the flutter of annoyance in his chest.

"I need to use the bathroom," Iris finally said, standing up and smoothing her skirt. "Be right back."

Minho watched her leave, a mix of annoyance and fondness swirling within him. As soon as the door clicked shut behind her, he turned to Riki, a warmth spreading through him as he recalled last night.

"You know," Minho began, a grin creeping onto his face, "Iris and I had an amazing time last night-"

"Yeah, I know," Riki cut in, raising an eyebrow with a smirk. "She told me all about it."

Minho felt his stomach drop. "You know? She told you?" His surprise morphed into a hint of betrayal.

"Of course! We're friends, after all," Riki replied, shrugging casually. "She was practically glowing when she talked about it."

"Couldn't help but share all the juicy details, you know?" He continued, a smirk forming on his lips.

Minho let out a low chuckle, trying to brush off the feeling. "Guess I didn't realize you were getting all the inside scoop," he said, his tone light, but a trace of annoyance lingered.

Before he could dwell on it any longer, the door swung open, and Iris walked back in, her cheeks flushed.

Riki, with a gleeful grin, immediately shot a look at Minho, raising his eyebrows mischievously. "Look who's back! We were just discussing your dazzling charms, Iris. Care to share more details?"

Iris's eyes widened, and her face turned crimson as she shot a glare at Riki. "You better not be spilling my secrets, Riki!"

Minho couldn't help but laugh, his annoyance dissipating as he watched them banter. Riki leaned back in his chair, a smug grin on his face.

"Oh, but you're the one who shared all the juicy details with me!"

"Details, huh? You mean how we were just having a nice time together?" Iris shot back, her tone playful yet feisty.

"Sure, if by 'nice time' you mean a romantic rendezvous," Riki quipped, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

Iris crossed her arms, trying to maintain her composure, but the corners of her lips twitched in amusement. "I'll have you know that there was nothing scandalous about it!"

"That's what they all say!" Riki laughed, throwing Minho a knowing look.

Minho leaned back in his chair, a lazy grin on his face as he watched Iris. "Did you rush back just to see us again?" he teased.

Iris's cheeks flushed slightly, and she fidgeted with the hem of her shirt. "Maybe," she admitted softly, glancing away.

Riki, catching the exchange, chuckled. "Maybe? That's cute. It's like watching a puppy try to hide its excitement."

Minho laughed, a teasing light in his eyes. "You're definitely barking up the wrong tree, Riki. She's just shy around her favorite person." he points at himself.

Iris shot him a half-hearted glare, but a smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "I'm not that shy..."

"Right," Riki said, rolling his eyes dramatically. "You're practically glowing over there."

As the atmosphere shifted with the approach of class, Iris quickly grabbed her bag, avoiding their teasing gazes.

"Okay, okay, enough," she mumbled, her face still warm.

"Don't worry, Iris. I'll make sure Riki behaves," Minho said with a wink, amusement dancing in his eyes.

Riki shook his head, a grin plastered on his face. "Good luck with that. He's a lost cause."

With laughter still in the air, the three of them settled into the quiet hum of the classroom, a comfortable tension weaving between Minho and Iris that hinted at the closeness they were building.

End of chapter 18