Flower Messenger

Chapter 3.

"I guess you were always like that," Ken replies quietly while finishing the bandaging around my foot.

I chuckle, tilting my head in question.

He quietly smiles while slowly wrapping the last of the bandage with care like a gift.

"You always offered to help others with the littlest tasks whether you were asked to or not. You handled not only assignments delicately, but also the feelings of others and never asked for anything in return." He takes a deep sign of proudness.

I stay silent in disbelief and confusion. I've always hoped to catch others' attention but I've never expected to receive it in any degree, especially his.

"However, only till after I graduated, I realized how much I regretted not talking to you more and keeping in touch."

The words hit with a feeling of emptiness and remorse, as if I always knew we expressed parallel emotions. Even though throughout the years I mastered the art of sense and identifying others emotions to the best of my ability, but at his soft words, I turned quiet.

Since my younger years, I learned to never expect another to everyone think of you because rarely others do. I was told and taught to be very independent, that one day I would completely be alone and could survive without anyone. And every time something did knock on my door and I let them in, even for just a second, I would feel like I did wrong and hate myself for it.

Memories of blossom filled springs fluttered around in my head.

"But now, I found you so I'm happy."

"Yes it's nice to have contact with a good friend again," I finally reply back unconsciously feeling shy.

As he's putting away the first aid kit I leap off the counter. As I gather up my stuff Ken is writing something down on a ripped piece of newspaper that is usually used to wrap up flowers. A few seconds later, Ken grabs my right hand and cups it, gently placing the slips of paper into my hand.

"Here's my contact information, so we won't lose each other again."

"Oh thanks, do you have another piece of paper, I'll give you mine."

He rips the other edge of the same newspaper and puts in on the counter and fetches me a blue ballpoint pen. I write down my contact information too and distantly take a step back and hand it back to him. His eyes smile and his lips curl at my reserved actions. He closes the distance I created and in route to tell me someone, he is stopped.

Abruptly we hear senior's voice from afar, "Ken, someone needs your help".

Ken dark brown eyes look away from mine, toward the direction of the voice and he replies, "Alright be there in a second."

He looks back at me and he mouth mutely words sorry. He starts moving away and I reach to grab his arm. He turns back with a curious yet sincere face.

I whisper, "I'll go now if that's okay, I still have some errands to run." Ken makes the okay sign with his right hand and whispers back, "See you later".

Tell me if I should continue, I have big plans for this.