Chapter 3 – The Mysterious Note

(Jasmine's POV)

The soft chime of the Raven Bloom doorbell rang as I set down a fresh bundle of tulips onto the wooden counter. The scent of roses, lilacs, and eucalyptus filled the air, mixing with the warmth of the sun filtering through the shop's large windows.

It was a normal day.

A peaceful morning spent trimming stems, arranging bouquets, and humming softly to the old radio playing in the background.

At least, it was—until Mira walked in.

"Ugh, I am never dating a musician again," she announced dramatically, dropping herself onto the stool beside the register.

I barely looked up as I continued arranging the tulips. "Good morning to you too, sunshine."

"I'm serious, Jas," Mira groaned, pulling her curly brown hair into a messy bun. "This guy? A total disaster. Thinks he's the next big thing, but do you know what he actually plays?"

I bit my lip, trying to contain my laugh. "Oh no, let me guess. The triangle?"

Mira shot me a glare. "Worse. The flute."

That did it. I snorted.

She gasped, clutching her chest. "Don't laugh at my pain! Do you have any idea how weird it is to be on a date, and he just randomly starts carrying around a flute? Like, what am I supposed to do? Clap every time he plays Hot Cross Buns?"

I doubled over, laughter spilling out before I could stop it.

Mira groaned. "I knew I shouldn't have told you."

I wiped my eyes, trying to regain some control. "No, no, please. I need this story to get me through the week."

She rolled her eyes but smirked. "You are the worst best friend."

"And yet, here you are."

"Because I have tea to spill and you have flowers to sell. It's a beautiful arrangement," she said, waving her hands around the shop.

I smiled. Mira had been my best friend since high school—one of the few constants in my life. Where I was quiet and reserved, she was wild and unapologetically herself.

And, more importantly, she was one of the few people who made me feel normal.

Before I could respond, the shop bell rang again.

I turned—and blinked in surprise.

A small boy, no older than six or seven, stood in the doorway. His clothes were a little wrinkled, his dark hair a tousled mess. He had big, nervous eyes, clutching something tightly in his hands.

I stepped forward, my voice soft. "Hey there, buddy. Can I help you?"

The boy hesitated, then slowly lifted his hand.

I froze.

A midnight rose.

The petals were velvety, dark as ink, the scent almost intoxicating. A strange sensation curled in my stomach as I stared at it.

Then I noticed the folded note tucked beneath the stem.

The boy extended the flower to me, his small fingers trembling.

"Someone told me to give this to you," he whispered.

Mira frowned. "Who?"

He shook his head quickly. "I don't know. They just said to bring it here."

Unease prickled down my spine. Carefully, I took the flower from his hands, plucking the note free.

An address was scrawled across the paper.

And beneath it—a time.

Tonight. Midnight.

I swallowed hard. "Who gave this to you?"

The boy shifted on his feet, looking nervous. "I… I have to go now."

Before I could say anything else, he turned and ran out the door.

I stood there, staring after him, my heart pounding.

Mira leaned in, peering over my shoulder. "Okay… this is officially weird. Who the hell leaves a creepy mystery flower and a note at a flower shop?"

I stared at the midnight rose in my hand.

Something about this felt… wrong.

And yet, I couldn't shake the feeling that whoever sent this note—

They knew me.

And they were waiting.