It was a quiet afternoon, the kind that made the flower shop feel like it existed outside time.
Sunlight poured through the front windows, golden and soft, catching the dust motes as they floated lazily through the air. The shop had been swept, petals had been gathered, and the morning deliveries were all arranged in tidy bundles near the door.
Mina leaned on the counter, fanning herself with a paper receipt.
And across the room, sprawled in the sun like a housecat, was Senka.
Not working. Not helping.
Just lying there. Arms folded behind her head, eyes closed, the faintest smile tugging at her lips. She had dragged a woven rug from the corner and curled up on it like it was her personal sun altar.
Mina had the very strong urge to kick her.
But that would require crossing the room.
She settled for a glare instead.
"You're supposed to be helping."
"I am helping," Senka murmured without opening her eyes. "I'm drawing in customers with my serene, decorative presence."
"You're napping."
Senka opened one eye, amused. "Wouldn't you nap if you could? The sun is perfect. Warm but not too hot. Cozy. Peaceful. Just like a fox should be."
"You're not a house pet."
"I could be." She rolled onto her side and propped her head up on one arm. "All I'd need is a collar."
Mina turned sharply, suddenly very interested in a half-dried bouquet.
"…Are you blushing?" came the teasing voice from behind her.
"No."
"You are. I can hear it in your voice."
"That doesn't make sense."
"It does to me."
Mina didn't look back. "Why are you so lazy?"
Senka yawned dramatically. "Why are you so diligent?"
"Because someone has to be."
"Balance is important," Senka said wisely, already halfway back to lying flat again.
Mina pressed her lips together. She didn't smile. Not really.
The shop bell tinkled, and Mina glanced up as an older woman entered. She greeted her politely, helped her pick out a small bouquet of baby's breath and daisies, and sent her on her way with a ribbon-tied package and a quiet thank you.
All the while, she tried to ignore the way Senka dozed like she'd been part of the furniture for years.
Finally, the shop was empty again. Mina exhaled slowly and turned to the back room to fetch more vases.
When she returned, the rug in the corner was empty.
And her own seat behind the counter was very much not.
Senka had curled herself onto the bench Mina usually used, her silver hair catching the light, her breathing slow and even.
Mina stood there for a long second.
She knew she should wake her. Shoo her off. Reclaim her spot.
But instead, she quietly walked over and set the vase down.
Senka shifted in her sleep. One of her arms moved.
And without thinking, Mina sat beside her—just to rest for a moment.
That was the mistake.
The very moment she sat, Senka's eyes blinked open—just for a second—and then, with foxlike timing, she leaned against Mina's shoulder.
A small sound escaped Mina's throat.
Senka didn't say a word. Her eyes were closed again.
But her head rested perfectly in the crook of Mina's neck, soft silver hair brushing against Mina's skin, warm and gentle and uncomfortably pleasant.
Mina sat frozen.
Her heart thudded. Loudly.
"I know you're awake," she whispered.
No answer.
"Senka."
Still nothing.
"…You're faking this, aren't you?"
A beat passed.
And then—snrrk—a very fake-sounding snore.
Mina's face heated.
"I hate you."
"Mmm," Senka murmured sleepily. "You smell like flowers."
"That's because I work with flowers all day, you absolute fox."
Another quiet hum. This one real.
Senka shifted slightly, snuggling in. Her tail—Mina hadn't even realized it was out—slid lazily over Mina's lap.
Mina did not touch it.
Even though it looked… very soft.
She stared at the far wall, perfectly still. As if moving would somehow make the situation more real.
"Just for a minute," she said under her breath. "You'll move in a minute."
Senka did not move.
The shop remained warm. Peaceful. Quiet.
And Mina sat there, unmoving, unwilling to admit—especially to herself—that it wasn't so bad.
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Note:
Currently at chapter 12 (free) on Ko-Fi
https://ko-fi.com/ rabi08
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I am also currently translating a GL novel on Ko-Fi (for free):
[Striving for Success in Ancient Times]