Ah'

ent, I was utterly still. Stunned. And then, I couldn't help but notice-the sheer presence of hi

the flush on my cheeks betraying me. I quickly averted

concern. Then, following my gaze, his eyes dropped to his arms,

t am I saying? I'm just flustered from the fall. I-I'm rambling. Sorry, sorry," I blurted, eager to escape th

ough realizing the proximity, he quickly released it. "Sorry, I didn't

that I'm the owner of this store, and I wouldn't want you to leave because of that... I'll get you some water, and you're welcom

is fleeting, awkward encounter. It was a comforting realization t

seemed to carry the weight of the world effortlessly-an image of elegance, even in the mund

ndom book, hoping to make my way to the checkout counter where I

t from me, but then stopped, staring at the cover with a puzzled expres

cover art featured a nearly naked woman with exaggerated curv

ice far too high-pitched to be convincing. My mind scrambled for an

lips, but his gaze lingered on the book longer than nec

moved here from Korea a couple of weeks ago." I fidgeted, m

're new! That explains it. What b

. Waitressing, dog walking-nothing too ambitious. Just something to pay the bills and enjoy a slow

ning. "I'm actually looking for someone to manage the store. Typ

would be perfect. Should I bring a resu

smile that lit up his fa