Has that woman made up with her husband? Violet thought as she accidentally saw Ririka, who was with her husband taking care of their flower shop.
Violet happened to be taking a weekend stroll. And she accidentally saw a familiar woman. Moved by her curiosity, Violet went to the flower shop.
KLING
The sound of a bell signaled that someone was entering the shop. Ririka kindly greeted the potential buyer.
“Welcome, are you looking for some pretty flowers for someone?” Ririka kindly greeted Violet as she walked into the shop.
“Oh that, I wanted to take a look at the flowers here. It seems like your flower shop is quite famous these days on social media. That's why I came here.”
Ririka smiled. “It just so happens that the shop is not busy today. Do you mind if I accompany you to look through the flowers in my shop?” she offered kindly.
“Okay, if you don't mind.” Violet said yes to Ririka's offer.
Ririka then invited Violet to look around her shop, which was filled with beautiful flowers. Ririka didn't just invite Violet to look around her shop, she also occasionally engaged Violet in conversation to make her shopper feel comfortable.
Violet may never speak directly to Ririka. She would just watch her from afar. Especially during the times when she was trying to investigate her relationship with Sae.
“The flowers here are beautiful. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that it's a woman as beautiful as you who takes care of the flowers,” Violet commented.
“Thank you for the compliment. I feel a bit embarrassed to hear it.” Ririka said in a voice that sounded nervous.
“Ah... sorry I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable. It's just that I do feel that you are as beautiful as the flowers in your shop.”
“No, no. I'm just happy to be complimented by you. It's just that I'm the type of person who is easily embarrassed when I get compliments from people I've just met,” said Ririka.
Violet smiled. For some reason, her conversation with Ririka felt so natural. She felt like she was chatting with a close friend. In retrospect, she probably would never have been this friendly to the woman who she considered to be the obstacle to her relationship with Sae.
“You're adorable. With your sweet nature like this, it's only natural that your flower shop would become famous. People seem to like not only your beautiful flowers but also your charming self.” Feeling like close friends, Violet didn't even stop to continue teasing Ririka.
Ririka, hearing Violet's compliments, felt shy again. But in a way, she felt comfortable. It felt strange to her, but somehow she also felt comfortable with Violet's presence.
“That's sorry if it seems rude. But would you mind if we got to know each other. I feel so comfortable with you. You seem like a fun person to talk to as a friend.” And who would have thought that Ririka would ask Violet to get acquainted and even want to make her a friend.
It was honestly quite a shock for Violet. But because she herself also felt so comfortable with Ririka's presence. She again said yes to Ririka's request.
**S*
“My name is Violet. Nice to meet you, Ririka,” Violet replied as she extended her hand.
Ririka accepted the hand with a warm smile. “Nice to meet you, Violet. Shall we speak informally?”
Violet nodded in agreement. “Yes, that sounds good too.”
Ririka's smile spread across her face. “Violet do you live around here?”
“Ah I just happened to be taking a weekend stroll and happened to see your shop,” Violet replied.
Their conversation flowed smoothly, discussing everything from their favorite types of flowers to their respective hobbies. Ririka shared that she had always loved flowers and things like that, while Violet expressed her love for art and painting.
“So, do you like to paint? That's amazing! I've always been in awe of people who can put their feelings into art,” Ririka said enthusiastically, coincidentally sharing a similar interest with Violet. Because in addition to loving flowers, she sometimes took the time to paint.
“Thank you, Ririka. Actually, painting is my way of expressing myself and releasing stress,” Violet said.
While they were talking, a man came from the back of the shop. It turned out to be Ririka's husband, Ness. “Ririka, do you need any help here?” he asked kindly.
“No, no, Ness. I was just chatting with Violet, our customer,” Ririka replied. “Ness, this is Violet, she loves coming to our shop and looking at flowers.”
“Nice to meet you, Violet. Thank you for visiting our shop,” Ness said with a friendly smile.
Violet felt comfortable seeing the couple's closeness and harmony. Apparently, Ririka and Ness's relationship had improved. This made Violet feel even more relieved.
“Do you like flowers too, Ness?” asked Violet, trying to engage Ririka's husband in conversation.
“Oh, of course. Flowers are Ririka's first love and I've always supported her. We take care of the shop together,” Ness replied proudly.
Ririka smiled at her husband's interaction with Violet. “Ness is always there to help. He's the best partner I could ask for,” she said lovingly. She looked so proud of her husband. Of course, what wife wouldn't be proud to have a husband like Ness.
Feeling a genuine warmth between them, Violet found it easier to open up. The three of them spent time talking about everything from the flower business to their own life experiences. The time flew by.
“Violet, would you like to try flower arranging? I can teach you if you want,” Ririka offered suddenly.
“Oh, I don't know if I can, but I want to try!” replied Violet enthusiastically. She took Ririka's offer well.
Ririka took Violet to the workbench and began teaching her how to arrange flowers. Ness also gave her advice and helped her get the necessary tools. Violet is happy and learns a lot. The process brought them closer together.
“Violet, oh my gosh... your flower arrangement looks so beautiful!” complimented Ririka when they were done.
“Thank you, it's all thanks to you for patiently teaching me,” Violet said with a big smile.
Ririka then invites Violet to meet again another time, perhaps for lunch or coffee. “I feel like we have a lot in common and I want us to be closer friends,” Ririka said sincerely.
Who would have thought that the unexpected friendship flowed smoothly. It was as if the two were destined for a friendship.
“I feel the same way, Ririka. I'm glad to know you myself. It would be great if we met again later,” Violet replied happily.
After a while, Violet took her leave. She brought a flower arrangement she had made herself as a memento. Her feelings were mixed, but mostly happy. Who would have thought that she could be best friends with Ririka, who was once considered an obstacle? This friendship, which feels like a flower just beginning to bloom, brings hope and warmth to Violet's heart.
The two promised to meet again and get to know each other better. And so, a day that began with curiosity and a hint of doubt, ended with the beginning of a warm and precious friendship.
Two women who might have been destined to be enemies end up as friends who feel comfortable in each other's presence.