[b]Kotori Shirohane - Warakuma Shopping District: Shirohane Flowershop | After School[/b]

Following her answer, a silence fell between the two students as they continued on their way. Unsure whether her answer had been enough, Kotori decided to simply let it be as it was; directing her eyes on the road ahead - they'd already reached the Shopping District by now, meaning that their destination was no longer far. A moment later, Alexei spoke up again - to thank her. Blinking up at him in surprise, Kotori then shook her head as if to say that it was no matter needing thanks. He did seem more at ease though, judging from the small smile on his lips - before he pointed out the flower store not far in front of them.

As they headed for it, Alexei struck up another question, inquiring about who made the Ikebana. "My mother does most of it. I help out, but I'm afraid I'm not as good as she is. And we have both, seeds as well as potted flowers," Kotori explained as they entered through the front door, the familiar scent of dozens of different flowers greeting her in their various colours. A small smile came across her face at the sight, as it always did - until she redirected her attention to the woman a a little into the shop, currently busy turning a potted flower just right so that it would look its best before looking up at hearing the small bell attached to the door ringing: Tsubame Shirohane, owner of the Shirohane Flowershop and Kotori's mother.

It wasn't exactly difficult to see the resemblance between mother and daughter - Kotori clearly had her mother's eyes and hair, even if the older's was shorter and tied up for practicality's sake. Turning to greet the customers, a wide smile could be seen on Tsubame as she recognised her daughter - even as she cocked her head to the side ever so slightly in a questioning manner at the fact that she wasn't alone; such a thing being quite rare indeed. She wiped her hand on the green apron with the white flower-and-feather symbol of the shop on as the tall boy, obviously a student of the same school as Kotori judging by his uniform, bowed in greeting.

Kotori meanwhile gave a small bow, too, along with a quiet "I'm home" as her mother came closer. "Welcome home and welcome," Tsubame said in a cheerful voice, her smile unabated, in turn to Kotori and Alexei. She looked at the latter with a concentrated look in her eye for a moment - before snapping her finger, realisation coming over her face. "You must be Alexei Dragunov-kun, yes? Kotori here said you'd probably be coming by," she said to a small nod on Kotori's behalf; not in the least perturbed by the tall and imposing Third Year's appearance.

As similar as their looks may be, it seemed that there was quite the difference in personality from mother to daughter - where the latter was quiet and reserved, the former was far more of a cheerful and approachable person; fitting her role as a friendly neighbourhood store owner quite nicely. "So, how exactly can we help you?" Tsubame asked, laying a hand on Kotori's shoulder to include her in the question - whilst she'd remained quiet throughout, it seemed that her mother was more than making up for her silence with her own cheery attitude.