Chapter 13

The Tokyo summer was a beast. The kind that licked at you with humid breath, clinging to your skin like a second, unwelcome layer. The air hung thick with the scent of exhaust fumes, blooming jasmine, and the distant, salty tang of the ocean. Minji wiped a bead of sweat from her brow, the back of her hand smearing a streak of dirt across her forehead. It was days like these that made her question her life choices, particularly her decision to open a flower pot shop in the heart of the city.

"Sunshine & Bloom," the sign proclaimed in cheerful, hand-painted lettering. A far cry from how she felt right now.

She hailed a taxi, the yellow vehicle appearing like a beacon in the sweltering haze. Sliding onto the cool, faux-leather seat was a sliver of heaven. "Sunshine & Bloom, please," she said to the driver, a wizened man with a perpetually surprised expression and a meticulously knotted tie.

The taxi lurched into motion, weaving through the chaotic tapestry of Tokyo traffic. Minji leaned her head back, closing her eyes, and letting the surprisingly effective air conditioning wash over her. Today had been…challenging.

Finally, the taxi pulled up in front of Sunshine & Bloom. Minji paid the driver, adding a generous tip – a small act of self-care after the day she'd had. Stepping out of the cool cab and back into the humid Tokyo air felt like walking into a sauna.

The bell above the shop door jingled merrily as she entered. Sunshine & Bloom, despite its name, offered a cool, tranquil escape from the city's relentless energy. Rows of vibrant green plants lined the shelves, their leaves glistening under the soft glow of grow lights. The air was fragrant with the earthy scent of potting soil, the sweet perfume of blossoms, and a hint of something subtly floral – Lily's signature lavender air freshener.

Lily, was behind the counter, meticulously arranging a bouquet of sunflowers. She looked up as Minji entered, her bright smile faltering slightly.

"Lily, I'm back!" Minji announced, attempting a cheerful tone that felt decidedly forced.

Lily's eyes widened. "Lily sis, what happened to you?" she exclaimed, her voice laced with concern. She abandoned the sunflowers and rushed towards Minji, circling her like a worried mother hen.

Minji grimaced, looking down at her attire. She was indeed a sight. Her usually vibrant sundress was streaked with dust dirt, her hair was a tangled mess, and a noticeable...

"What…?" Minji began, feigning ignorance, though she knew perfectly well what Lily was referring to.

Lily pointed dramatically at the dirt stains adorning Minji's dress. "Yes, sis! It's all dust and… and dirty! You look like you wrestled a badger!"

Minji sighed dramatically. "Please, Lily, just wash up my dress, okay? I can't even look at it anymore."

Lily nodded, grabbing the offending garment with two fingers, as if it were contaminated. "Okay, sis. But seriously, what happened? Did Godzilla step on you?"

"I'll explain later," Minji mumbled, already halfway to the back room. "I'm so tired. I'm going to take a quick shower. It's too hot to even think. Just… wash my dress after I come out, please?"

"Okay, sis," Lily called after her, shaking her head and disappearing towards the laundry area.

Jiah.. "She stopped dead in her tracks when she saw Minji, a mischievous glint in her eyes".

"Hey, Minji! What happened to you?" Jiah asked, her voice dripping with mock concern. "Did you fall into a compost heap?"

Minji groaned. "I just slipped," she said, her voice muffled by the door to the back room.

Jiah's eyes widened, and she burst into a fit of giggles. "Slipped? Hahaha! Slipped! Minji..!"

The sound of Lily joining in the laughter echoed from the back room.

"Hahaha!" Lily chimed in, mimicking Jiah's infectious mirth. "Slipped? More like swan-dived into a manure pile!"

Minji emerged from the back room, her face flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and annoyance. "Stop smiling, both of you," she ordered, pointing a finger at Jiah and Lily in turn. "Do your work! Lily, finish that bouquet."

She glared at them, but the corner of her mouth twitched. It was hard to stay mad when they were both being so ridiculous.

Minji sighed. "Lily!" she barked, hoping to regain some control of the situation.

Lily, still giggling, managed to compose herself, at least somewhat. "Okay, okay, sis. I'll wash your dress. Just go relax in the shower. You deserve it after… whatever happened."

Minji retreated to the back room, the sound of Jiah and Lily's laughter still ringing in her ears. She couldn't help but smile. Despite the challenges, the dirt, and the occasional ceramic avalanche, she wouldn't trade her life at Sunshine & Bloom for anything.

The cold water cascaded over her, washing away the grime and the stress of the day. As she shampooed her hair, she replayed the events of the day in her mind, finding the humor in the chaos. Okay, maybe she had looked like she wrestled a badger. And maybe she had almost swan-dived into a manure pile. But at least she had her sister and her friend to laugh about it with.

Stepping out of the shower, she felt refreshed and rejuvenated. The air in the back room was thick with the scent of lavender and clean laundry. Lily had already washed her dress and hung it to dry. It was a simple act of kindness, but it meant the world to Minji.

the rest of the day., and Lily was back behind the counter, arranging a new display of succulents.

"Thanks, Lily," Minji said, her voice soft. "For washing my dress. And for… everything."

Lily looked up, her smile genuine and warm. "Anytime, sis. That's what sisters are for. Besides," she added with a wink, "someone has to keep you from completely destroying your wardrobe."

Minji laughed, feeling the last vestiges of stress melt away. "I guess you're right. I'm a menace to clothing."

She walked over to the counter and leaned against it, watching Lily work. The late afternoon sun streamed through the shop windows, casting a golden glow on the plants and flowers. The air was still hot, but it felt different now, somehow. Calmer. More peaceful.

"So," Minji said, after a moment of comfortable silence. "Tell me about these sunflowers. They look like they could brighten even the grumpiest customer's day."

Lily grinned. "They're from a new farmer," she explained, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "He grows them organically, and they're absolutely huge! I think they'll be a big hit."

Minji nodded, admiring the vibrant blooms. "I think you're right. They're beautiful."

As she stood there, surrounded by the beauty of Sunshine & Bloom and the warmth of her sister's company, Minji realized that even on the most challenging days, there was always something to be grateful for. The Tokyo summer might be a beast, but it was a beast she was willing to face, as long as she had her sunshine and her bloom.