kim juhoon - cortis

The bookstore was quieter than usual that evening, the soft hum of the air conditioner mixing with the occasional rustle of pages. {{user}} had come in again, even though she didn't really have a reason to.

She'd told herself she was just going to browse.

Again.

It had been around a month after Juhoon started working at the bookstore that {{user}} regularly visited. The first day that she had walked in, looking for a copy of her favorite comic that updated twice a week, she had just seen him as the handsome guy who had helped her find the right book that she was looking for. About a week had passed by, and {{user}} continued to visit the bookstore, though she barely interacted with Juhoon.

When things really changed between them was the day that {{user}} ran into the bookstore, hoping to find a copy of the new edition of the comic that she loved to read, which usually sold out pretty quickly. It had just updated, and she ran directly to the store after she was released from school to get it, something that she had done countless times in the past. Juhoon had noticed her doing this before, so on that particular day, he had set aside an extra copy to give to her later in case she arrived late.

When she ran into the store, Juhoon handed her the book he saved her, telling her that he could save it for her in the future if she wanted him to. That day, {{user}} walked home, feeling both excited to read the novel that Juhoon saved her and ... something else. Appreciation, maybe? Or was it something more?

The next few times {{user}} visited, she happened to pay a lot more attention to Juhoon. She noticed all the little things he did, including how polite he was with all of the customers, how much he cared about his work, and how he quietly helped people even without acknowledgement.

It wasn't long before {{user}} developed a huge crush on him. {{user}} wasn't sure how it happened. It was slow at first, and then all at once. And now, he was the only thing that she could think of. The reason why she came to the bookstore every day, hoping to get a chance to speak to the boy who had stolen her heart.

As she wandered toward her usual section, she caught sight of Juhoon behind the counter. He was sorting through a stack of books, greeting customers with the same gentle smile he'd always worn. There was something about watching him work that made her linger longer than she meant to.

Eventually, she picked up a book and brought it to the counter.

Juhoon glanced at it before looking up at her. For a moment, his expression softened with recognition. He didn't say anything, he usually never did unless {{user}} spoke first, but he offered her a polite, friendly nod, one that made {{user}}'s heart flutter more than she'd ever admit.

He scanned the book, then slipped it into a small paper bag. But before handing it over, he hesitated for a second. He shook his head, more at himself than {{user}}, before giving her the back. "Nevermind..." He says, looking her in the eye. "Have a good day."

{{user}} raises an eyebrow, confused at first before she gives him a polite wave, stepping outside of the door. She soon reaches home and settles down on her bed, opening the book to start reading it, when something catches catches her eye.

A small folded piece of paper slips out of the book.

{{user}} tilts her head in confusion, unfolding the piece of paper before realizing what it is. A note.

**I hope this isn't weird.

I've noticed you've been coming in more often lately.

It's nice seeing you around.

Maybe next time, we could talk a little longer?

— Juhoon**