Yanni quickly ran across the road from the bus stop, doing her best to find cover before the dark clouds release a heavy downpour. Quickly checking the watch she had 2 hours, and 30 minutes before her driver could pick her up for tonight’s winter show.

Inwardly groaning when a large raindrop landed on her arm, quickly followed by another, before she knew it a full-on sheet of rain came down over her vision.

Doing her best to dodge the rain Yanni quickly throws herself under a shop awning, thankfully landing her step gracefully, silently thanking Lisa for teaching her over years of dance practice as a trainee.

Scanning her surroundings Yanni exhales and watches her breath create a hazy cloud while listening to the rhythmic pounding of rain on the awning. Shooting her driver a quick text telling him about her location she hopes he makes it on time.

The illumination coming from within the store caught her eye, slowly peering in she saw shelves of flowers and herbs, lining the walls with a little description of them.

Noticing the open sigh, Yanni decided to try her luck. Opening the door she is immediately greeted by warmth and an aroma of flowers and herbs.

“Excuse me, Miss can I help you? I’m Song Xinran.”

Yanni feels her face turn crimson, and it wasn’t just from the fact that her clothes were soaked. A cute employee with curtain bangs and a small side pony greeted her.

Blushing Yanni finally shakes of the head, teeth chattering as she does so.

“I’m Dai Yanni… Sorry, I was trying to avoid the rain.” Yanni finally managed to get out teeth chattering in between words.

Xinran can't help but take note of the cute stranger standing in her store, sending a sympathetic smile she nods in understanding. 

“Well… you’re welcome to stay here as long as you need, as the owner I’ll allow it this once.” Sending Yanni a wink, she turns to go organize something under the counter.

“Your store is really cute, I really like the yellow buttercups." 

Yanni watches in amusement as she sees the top of Xinran’s head pop up from behind the counter, and is greeted with a kind eye smile.

“Thank you, it’s been my dream since I was a kind to own my own flower art store.”

Finally emerging from behind the counter, with a blanket in hand, Xinran gestures for Yanni to come and take the blanket. Gladly Yanni closes the gap between them and unfolds the blanket, before wrapping it around herself while basking in both the warmth and the smell of lavender.

Xinran invites Yanni to take a sit in front of the counter, before continuing to close down the store for the night. She can’t help but feel at home with Xinran’s kind personality, the last thing she remembers is that her heart couldn’t help but beat quickly when Xinran was around.  

As Xinran makes her way behind the counter again, she can’t help but notice Yanni peacefully resting against the counter. At first, she had thought Yanni was just thinking, but as she slowly got closer it was clear that the older woman was asleep.

Slowly brushing a damp stray of hair out of her face, Xinran couldn’t help but be in awe of the other one’s beauty. Noticing that Yanni was still shivering in her sleep, Xinran ran to get her jacket that she keeps at the store.

Slowly approaching Xinran gently wraps Yanni in the jacket, and is inwardly thrilled when she stops shaking. Glancing outside it seems that the rain had stopped, for now.

Checking the clock it reads 10 o’clock, Xinran can’t help but worry. Yanni’s been at her shop for over 2 hours, debating whether or not she should take the girl home.

Bright headlights fill her shop windows, squinting Xinran sees a

A well-dressed man gets out of the car before opening her shop door.

“Thank you for watching Yanni, I’ll take it from here.”

Solemnly nodding, Xinran watches the tall man gently pick up Yanni and carry her to the car

/

"I have a letter for Song Xinran." A man with shaggy hair greets her at her shop the next morning. 

Thanking the mysterious messenger, Xinran opens the envelope and is surprised to find a yellow press buttercup, once she's back behind her familiar counter she finally pulls out the letter. 

'You are cordially invited to a
Masquerade Ball
A special evening of
Cocktails, Music, Dinner, and Dancing
Tonight' 

P.s. Thank you.

Sincerely, Yanni. 

Xinran couldn't but feel her face flush the heat reaching the tips of her ears. Before closing down the store, and heading home to pick out an outfit for her, not so secret date. 

/

Xinran felt anxious, standing at the doors of the party. Her black mask carefully sitting on her face, her blue dress highlighted her dark hair and red lips. Yet, she could help but feel uneasy. 

Meanwhile somewhere backstage a nervous Yanni is pacing back and forth, worried about Xinran. She knows it was risking inviting her crush to both a ball and one of her performances, but she couldn't help but wanted to see Xinran one more time. 

A stage manager comes in breaks her train of thought, telling her that it's time to go on. Nodding she smooths out her dark blue dress and waits in the wings for the music to start nervously clutching her mic.

/

Xinran was so lost, she felt like a fish out of water. All the people at the ball were wearing vibrant bright gem colors, while she was in a baby blue dress. Not to mention overhearing their conversations, they ranged from the stock market to hushed gossip about the mysterious girl in blue. Thinking Yanni might have forgotten, Xinran starts to make her way towards the door. 
 

However, she is stopped by the lights dimming and an angelic figure taking the stage. It took Xinran a moment to recognize her, but her heart knew immediately it was the same girl who found shelter in her flower store.

/ 

Scanning the crowd, Yanni caught a glimpse of a vision in baby blue. Seeing Xinran had actually shown made her heart skip a beat, she couldn't help but shoot Xinran a wink. It was dark, but Yanni could have sworn she saw a blush make its way to Xinran's cheeks.

/

After the performance, Xinran went walking hoping to find fresh air. However, when an arm grabbed her a pulled her toward the balcony, she couldn't help but let out a small squeak. 

Yanni let out a quiet giggle before turning around the balcony, it was empty but the music from the ball still carried. 
 

Offering her hand for a dance, Yanni bowed. Trying to hear through the loud heartbeat in her ears, Xinran hesitantly grabbed Yanni's hand. 
 

Finally breaking the silence Yanni said "I didn't know if you would show, I was worried you forgot about me" 

Xinran couldn't help but scoff, "When a pretty girl runs into my shop from the rain, it's kinda hard to forget." 
 

Blushing at the comment Yanni, continued to sway them back and forward. As the music slowly builds, she can't help but stare at Xinran, and then her lips.

Noticing Yanni's, Xinran slowly brings trails her hands from Yanni's waist to her neck and lightly pulls. Following Xinran's movement, she closes the distance, allowing for Xinran to tilt her head up and capture her lips. 

They both pant while pulling away, Yanni leaning down to rest her forehead against Xinran's. 

Between pants, Yanni manages to ask,  "Will you be my girlfriend?"

Without giving a reply, Xinran's lips are once again one Yanni's. Smiling into the kiss, implying that she would love to.