Chapter Text
Joe spent the entire day waiting for you, his eyes relentlessly looking out the store's window with the hope of seeing you walking by to get one of his books. But the more seconds passed, the more he realized you weren't gonna stop by today. Why would you, anyway? You two barely had a conversation last night, and you were clearly enjoying a night out with your friends. Maybe you forgot, or maybe you were to busy to come and ask a stranger for some book reccommendations.
He gives out a sigh as he turns the sign on the door, letting possible customers that the store is now closed. What a wasteful day.
He was disappointed, to say the least. When he first met your girlfriend, Cecilia, he believed he had found love again. He believe he was the beginning of his very own love story, however tragic it might have been when he realized that she was already dating another man. But then, he met you, and his whole perspective changed. You were the beginning of his love story, surprising him in the best possible ways. He can't believe that he didn't get it sooner, with all the online stalking he did on you before following you into that bar... he was an idiot, that's for sure. But now? Now, he knows who to pursue. The universe has made it very clear.
Eventually, he'll need to find a way to get rid of Cecilia, the most boring and insipid girl he's ever met, he's now realizing. But first, he needs for you two to get closer, become friends.
He gives out another sigh. Maybe you'll come by the store tomorrow-
His train of thoughts gets interrupted when he hears a tapping on the door's window, his head slowly turning with an annoyed look on his face. Though, when he sees you grinning at him and sending a wave, he can't help but froze in place for a few seconds with shock.
A sense of excitement rushes through as he feels his lips stretch into a small smile, his feet taking him towards the store's entrance so he can unlock the door for you.
"Hey there, stranger." He doesn't know how he can manage to speak out those words, his fingers already tingling from the feelings swirling inside his chest. "Thought you wouldn't come by, today."
"Ah, sorry. I got stuck at work late." You give out one of your usual grins, making his heart skip a beat as you walk in the store. "I'm not bothering, though, right? The sign said you were close."
"No, don't worry." Joe makes a small movement with his hand, his body feeling lighter than it should be as he walks towards the counter. "The store's never closed for people who have taste."
You chuckle at his words, slowly following him as you let your eyes take in the sight of the book store. Joe's lips stretch into a pride grin when he notices the spark of excitement in your eyes, a look of impressed on your face. Knowing you love his workplace just fills him with life; maybe you'll even enjoy working with him here, someday.
"Here." Joe picks up a book he had left on the main counter, one he picked out especially for you, and he turns back to you. "If you enjoyed the book your girlfriend got you, you'll definitely like this one."
"Great! Thank you." You take the book from his hands, a shot of electricity running through Joe as soon as your fingers touch, and you take the time to carefully examine the book's cover. "Wow! The cover feels so nice to the touch. I can't believe you've picked something like this for a complete stranger like me."
"Ah, don't mention it." Joe shakes his head as he puts his hands into his jeans' pocket, hoping it'll be enough to hide the tremors in his hands. "I can't tell you're a good person, (Y/N)."
"Thanks, that's nice to hear." You look back in his eyes, a soft look in yours as you show off the book. "How much?"
"How about I lend it to you for now?" Joe's lips stretch onto his cheeks, the nervous feeling spreading up to his throat. "If you like it, you can come back, and I'll recommend something else to you."
"Man, you're way too nice to me." You chuckle, a light of excitement appearing in your eyes. "But thank you. I'll definitely take you up on that offer."
The tingling sensation in his fingertips spreads through his palms, Joe barely managing to hide his emotions as he smiles. "No problem."
"Well, I better get going." You give out another chuckle, slowly walking back towards the store's entrance along with Joe. "My girlfriend's waiting for me at home."
Joe can't help but feel his left eye twitch at those words; though, he doesn't let his annoyance appear on his features. "Get home safely."
"I will." You give one last look right as you step out the door, your smile brighter than any he has ever seen. "See you soon, Joe!"
He silently waves at your leaving form, his smile slightly faltering as soon as you look away from him. Oh, does he wish for you to be walking home with him instead of getting to wherever's Cecilia's living at the moment. But he needs to be patient... he needs to, in order to not repeat the same mistakes he did so many times before.
He closes the door behind him, a dark light taking over his eyes.
Sooner than later, he'll get the happy ending to his little love story.