A Stroll Through the Market
The weekend had finally arrived, and for once, Lee Jihoon had no urgent plans.
No work deadlines.
No meetings.
No Kevin trying to convince him of conspiracy theories about their boss.
Just a slow, peaceful morning.
The outdoor market near his apartment was in full swing—a vibrant, bustling space where vendors sold fresh produce, handmade crafts, and delicious street food.
The air was rich with the scent of baked goods, roasted coffee, and sizzling tteokbokki.
Jihoon casually walked through the stalls, hands in his pockets, soaking in the atmosphere.
Elderly women haggled over the price of vegetables.A street musician strummed his guitar, singing softly.Kids ran around, tugging at their parents' hands, pointing at stalls selling sweets.
It was lively, warm, and full of simple joys.
Jihoon stopped at a small food cart, considering getting a snack, when something caught his eye.
A flower stall.
But unlike the other vendors, who had steady streams of customers, this one was quiet.
A young woman stood behind the counter, gently rearranging bouquets, a slightly troubled look on her face.
Her name tag read "Kang Eunji."
She glanced up hopefully whenever a passerby slowed down—only for them to keep walking.
Jihoon lingered for a moment, watching.
Her flowers were beautiful—fresh, vibrant, carefully arranged.
Yet, no one was buying them.
Ding!
A familiar notification popped up.
[New Kindness Challenge]
Someone is struggling with their business. Help them out in any way you can.
Reward: 30,000 KRW
Jihoon smirked.
Well, this was something new.
A Friendly Approach
Jihoon casually walked over to the flower stall, stopping in front of the counter.
Eunji immediately perked up, forcing a polite smile.
"Hello! Would you like to buy some flowers today?" she asked, her voice bright but slightly nervous.
Jihoon glanced over the bouquets, noting the selection.
Roses.Tulips.Daisies wrapped in delicate pastel paper.
Her work was impressive.
Still, something was off.
"Business slow today?" Jihoon asked, his tone light.
Eunji hesitated, then sighed.
"…Yeah. This week, actually."
She rearranged a bouquet absentmindedly, avoiding his gaze.
"I think people just don't buy flowers as much anymore," she admitted. "Unless it's for a special occasion."
Jihoon raised an eyebrow.
"You're saying people in Korea don't buy flowers?"
Eunji chuckled softly. "I know, right? But unless it's Valentine's Day or a proposal, people don't really think about buying them."
Jihoon tilted his head.
That wasn't true.
Flowers weren't just for romance.
They could be for friendship, encouragement, apologies—even just to brighten someone's day.
People just needed a reminder.
Jihoon pulled out his phone.
"What are you doing?" Eunji asked, puzzled.
Jihoon smirked. "Marketing."
He quickly opened his social media app and typed a message:
"A small act of kindness can start with flowers. Surprise someone today. 🌸 #SupportSmallBusiness #SpreadSmiles"
Then, he snapped a quick photo of the flower stall and posted it.
Eunji blinked. "Wait, you just… advertised my stall?"
Jihoon grinned. "Yup."
Eunji looked skeptical. "You really think that'll help?"
Jihoon shrugged. "Well, let's see."
The Ripple Effect
A few minutes later, a woman in her mid-30s walked by, scrolling through her phone.
She paused, glanced up at the flower stall, then smiled.
"I just saw a post about this stall," she said. "I think I'll get a bouquet for my friend."
Eunji's eyes widened.
"Oh! That's wonderful. What kind of flowers does she like?"
As Eunji wrapped the bouquet, another couple stopped nearby, whispering to each other.
"Maybe we should get some for your mom?" the woman suggested.
The man nodded. "Yeah. She loves tulips."
Within minutes, more people started approaching the stall.
Some just looked.
Others bought flowers—one bouquet, then another.
Jihoon casually stepped aside, watching as Eunji went from looking worried to excitedly helping customers.
Her hands moved quickly, wrapping bouquets with care.
Her voice was lighter, more confident as she helped people pick the right flowers.
She was smiling now—genuinely.
Ding!
[Kindness Opportunity Completed!]
Reward: 30,000 KRW
A Grateful Florist
After finishing up with a customer, Eunji turned back to Jihoon.
She looked slightly overwhelmed but in a good way.
"I… I can't believe that worked," she admitted, laughing. "You just casually boosted my business in five minutes."
Jihoon smirked. "Marketing isn't that hard. People just need a reason to notice."
Eunji shook her head in amazement.
"You didn't have to do that," she said. "But… thank you. Seriously."
Jihoon shrugged. "Happy to help."
Eunji hesitated, then quickly grabbed a small bouquet of daisies and held it out to him.
"For you," she said, smiling. "As a thank-you."
Jihoon raised an eyebrow. "You sure? I didn't actually buy anything."
Eunji nodded firmly. "You helped me sell a lot more than I expected today. So… just take it."
Jihoon chuckled and accepted the bouquet.
"Alright," he said. "I'll take them. But only if you keep up the good work."
Eunji laughed. "Deal."
A Reminder in Bloom
As Jihoon walked away from the market, the small bouquet of daisies in his hand, his phone buzzed again.
Ding!
[Bonus Reward Unlocked!]
Encouraging someone's passion is a kindness that lasts.
+10,000 KRW
Jihoon smirked.
Not a bad way to spend the morning.
He glanced down at the flowers in his hand.
Maybe he'd give them to someone.
Or maybe…
He'd keep them for himself—as a simple reminder.
That sometimes, all people needed was a little encouragement.
Ding!
[Daily Kindness Reflection]
"A little support can turn doubt into confidence. Sometimes, all someone needs is for you to believe in them before they can believe in themselves."
Jihoon smiled, adjusting the bouquet in his hands.
Yeah.
That was a good thought to start the day with.
One small act at a time.
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