CH 24

I spent my holiday mornings in an empty store without any plans to go out.

I stared outside the window while drinking my own brewed tea.

The weather was nice, and there was no wind outside.

The bright morning light shined.

The steps of the people who went through the city were light—while I myself didn’t feel like going anywhere.

I thought that if I were to watch the outside scenery, the urge would come by itself. But I was mistaken.

I’ll just go back to my room.

As I stood up thinking that, I felt that someone was looking at me.

When I reflexively turned my gaze, the person I had been waiting for was there.

The moment he noticed, he raised his hand lightly and pointed to the entrance door.

I immediately went to unlock it.

“Ryan, long time no see.”

“Flores, I wanted to see you.”

Ryan, who I saw for the first time in a month, laughed with a bright face. I was relieved, I couldn’t help but hug him.

“I’m glad. I’ve been worried about you. You seem fine.”

“I’m sorry for having worried you. Is it alright for me to come in?”

“Yes, I’m free.”

I couldn’t say that I had been waiting for Ryan the entire time. I moved my body out from the doorway to make a path to invite him.

“I know it’s holiday, but I have something I want to talk to you about in private. I’m glad you were in the store.”

“You’ve made it worthwhile for me. Will you wait for a moment so I can brew more tea? If you’re going to spend the rest of your day here, would you like some cookies?”

“It’s alright.”

Ryan grabbed my arm as I went for the kitchen, and gently shook his head.

“I just want you to listen to me for a bit. I’ll be leaving as soon as I’m done.”

“Is that so…?”

It seemed that Ryan didn’t intend to stay for long. I wanted him to take it easy because it had been a long time since we last met though.

He might have had some plans for afterwards.

Maybe, he was just visiting because he happened to be in the area.

Unfortunately, I had no excuse to hold him back. So, I sat down next to Ryan while sat in his usual seat with his arms crossed.

For him to visit me, I was already happy enough. I was glad to know that Ryan was no longer depressed.

I was sure he came in regards to what happened last time.

“I’m sorry for not showing up. I’ve been a little overwhelmed since then.”

“It’s alright. I’m glad you’ve decided to come today.”

“…Flores spoils me too much.”

He answered bashfully while casting his gaze downward.

Ever since he first came to my store, I had been indulging in his kindness.

He befriended me without worrying about the differences in our social standing, and listened to my rambling as an equal.

It made me so happy.

“…A week after I’ve showed that pitiable display to you, my subordinate regained his consciousness.”

“Is that so? I’m truly glad…”

I almost cried.

I didn’t know the injured person, but I was relieved to hear he was safe—because that way, Ryan’s heart would also be safe.

“It’s all thanks to Flores.”

“I didn’t do anything.”

I laughed involuntarily, but Ryan shook his head with a serious expression.

“No, because you told me everything will be alright, I found the strength to believe.”

“…I just said some irresponsible words.”

“But you said it for me. Thank you.”

Even after my blatant refusal, Ryan’s expression remained unchanging.

He must had been aware of my poor reassurance, yet still accepted it regardless.

I was a little embarrassed when I thought that.

“Thanks to you, I was encouraged. I believed that my subordinate would recover. I was able to visit him in the hospital every day. Thanks to you, I was able to witness the moment he regained consciousness.”

“That’s…”

It wasn’t because of me.

After his men were exposed to a dangerous situation, Ryan kept blaming himself.

“That was the first time I found the courage within me to apologize to him. It’s all thanks to you, Flores.”

“…I, I’m happy I was of help.”

I could no longer deny his words. To be honest, I was glad Ryan said them.

I thought that it was impudent, but I felt that my love had rewarded, even though I did almost nothing to help Ryan.