Young Adults

CHAPTER 14

After the grand sleepover had come to an end and her friends had said their goodbyes until Monday, (Y/n) found herself riding in the passenger seat of her mother's car, the familiar hum of the engine filling the space. The streets were quieter than usual, the soft morning light casting a golden hue over the town.

On Sundays, her mother always adjusted the store hours, opening from 12:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. She claimed it was her way of ensuring she and her employees had a bit of a weekend, even if they were still working. "If for any reason someone needs a plant after 5 p.m.," her mother often said, "they can dig one up for free in the park."

(Y/n) chuckled at the memory. That humor was quintessentially her mother—lighthearted and a little cheeky. Despite her playful remarks, her mother had built the plant store into a thriving business over the years.

"You're quiet this morning," her mother noted, glancing at her briefly while keeping her hands on the steering wheel.

(Y/n) shrugged, staring out the window as they passed by the rows of houses. "Just tired, I guess."

"Late night?" her mother teased, a knowing smile tugging at her lips. "I could hear you girls laughing all the way downstairs."

A faint blush crept onto (Y/n)'s cheeks. "Sorry. We didn't mean to get so loud."

Her mother waved it off. "Don't apologize. I'm glad you're enjoying yourself. You deserve it, you know."

(Y/n) glanced over at her mother, feeling a warm sense of gratitude. Her mother always had a way of making her feel supported, even in the smallest moments.

As they approached the plant store, (Y/n) could see the freshly painted sign gleaming in the sunlight. Her mother had updated it just before the grand opening last weekend, and the cheerful green and yellow hues made it stand out beautifully against the storefront's brick exterior.

"So," her mother began, pulling into the small parking lot, "any special plans for today, or are you going to stay in the floral section and work your magic?"

(Y/n) smiled, already knowing her answer. "The floral section, definitely. That's where I feel the most comfortable."

Her mother parked the car and leaned back in her seat, smiling warmly. "Good. Because Moser already called to make sure you'd be there. I think she's hoping for another one of your arrangements."

(Y/n) let out a small laugh, feeling a mix of pride and slight nerves. "I'll do my best."

"You always do, sweetheart," her mother said reassuringly.

With that, they stepped out of the car, the crisp morning air brushing against their faces as they headed toward the store.

As they approached the store, (Y/n) spotted Hanji sitting on the stone bench near the entrance, her eyes fixed on her phone as she scrolled with intense focus. The faint click of their footsteps on the pavement must have caught her attention, as she suddenly looked up, her face breaking into a wide grin.

Hanji stood up with an exaggerated flourish, shoving her phone into her pocket and waving energetically. "Well, good morni—oh wait, nope, afternoon! Good afternoon, ladies!" she corrected herself jubilantly, her lively tone echoing through the quiet lot.

(Y/n)'s mother chuckled warmly. "Good afternoon, Hanji. Always a ray of sunshine, aren't you?"

Hanji placed her hands on her hips, striking a dramatic pose. "Only for you, boss lady."

(Y/n) smiled softly at the exchange, her gaze flickering between the two. Her mother often praised Hanji as her favorite employee, a sentiment she didn't shy away from sharing.