er's

ith the occasional sound of pages flipping and the distant murmur of customers browsing

focus isn't

on

y as if she's reading their stories through touch. Her hair falls over her face slightly, and every now and th

verything

ork together every day. That it's normal to know someon

ing. Or why I find myself wanting to say things-personal things, things I don't

nd return my attention to sorting

in the break room, sighing dramatically as she unwraps her sandwich. "If I ha

open my own lunch

but wait until someone asks where the 'sel

every day. It's what makes the long shifts bearable. With Ji-ah, conversations never feel

my failed attempt at making coffee this morning, the weird customer

something that c

," she says, wiping her hands on a na

I keep my face neutral. "Ethan?" I ask, feigni

him yesterday during a walk. Totally accidental. We just... ended up

tighten aro

ha

se, it'

never second-guesses himself. The one who goes after what he wants

's interest

of person who naturally draws people in. But

hrug. "Didn't thin

brow. "And what e

e

flinch. But instead, I let out a short laugh. "I don't

, studying me. "Et

stop myself. "He's no

. "Do you no

her consider him in a way she's never considered me

e just... goes thro

yes. "Are you war

ng away. "Just saying, don't get caught u

. "It's just coffee, Oliver.

a smirk. "Sur

e. It feels like something shifting

I ha