[h3]Alexei Dragunov | Shirohane Flower Store | [/h3]

Whether it was the whole setting and the gratitude that he felt towards the Shirohanes or it was his own hidden feelings but tears lined his eyes as he looked at the receipt. Scribbled on it was the outstanding balance by the Elder Shirohane. He felt humbled and guilty at the same time. Thinking that his slip up may have had him milking his sorrow.

Taking a deep breath as he looked around the store away from the smiling patron, he wiped his eyes to snuff out the tears that built up inside. With a brief pause, he said. His voice a bit shaky, not having its trademark composure [color=ed1c24][b]"I'm already grateful for what you both have done for me, Shirohane-dono. Please do not burden me with favors I can't repay. I don't want to annoy you but I can't accept this. For your effort and care alone, I know that your price would be much higher than the Shiyaki's at the Lake's edge and your timely and punctual delivery routine as been a sense of awe and happiness to my family."[/b][/color]

He paused, tears building up in his eyes again as he bowed his head and wiped them again to face the lady. [b][color=ed1c24]"To me, your effort is not just a bouquet but a ray of hope, something that the best doctors in this country have been unable to achieve. I know it is crass to put price on something so priceless but I know that what you ask is too little."[/color][/b]

He looked at the lady with eyes filled with sorrow and gratitude.

[color=ed1c24][b]"If you doubt that I'll be unable to pay your price, I'm willing to drop out. But please, please don't do this."[/b][/color] He took out the envelope which had his salary. All of it, some 370,000 Yen.

[color=ed1c24][b]"Keep this and let me know what more I have to pay."[/b][/color] he said with a bow, seemingly regain his mask back on.