The man was gazing at me again as I offered him a shy smile.
"I did caution you that this area can be dangerous, didn't I?" He tilted his head slightly, assessing me as if I didn't grasp a thing about his words.
I understood what he was saying, but he is the reason I'm here. He's a fine person. This is my first encounter with a gifted individual who treats people like me fairly, and I wish to learn more about him.
"What's your name?" I inquired, and he blinked in surprise.
"You want to know my name? Why?" he questioned suspiciously.
I chuckled, "because you seem like a good person."
He appeared surprised by my statement. "Don't be too trusting of others." He sighed and turned back to his work. He walked over to the food and arranged it neatly. I, being myself, followed him.
"What are you doing?" I asked, intrigued. "Doing my job," he answered flatly. He picked up one of the snacks and placed it on the other shelf. "Does this shop have many little customers?" I trailed behind him.
"Hm, yeah," he shrugged. The man sighed as he glanced at me. "But honestly, I don't mind. I still receive money from them." He then returned to the counter.
"Then I'll be your forever customer!" I exclaimed joyfully, moving towards him. I quickly surveyed the items in the shop.
"I suppose I'll grab some snacks for now." I headed to the area where the snacks were displayed. "You already bought snacks yesterday, but okay," he remarked. After selecting the snacks I wanted, I placed them on the counter. He began scanning them.
"So... when will you tell me your name?" I broke the silence. The man paused to think for a moment, then sighed. "Alright, since you're persistent. My name is Felix." He offered a small smile.
"Felix..." I echoed his name; it fits him perfectly. I admire people with a mindset like Felix. He's a wonderful person. "What a lovely name... I'm Clara," I replied.
"Clara... That's a nice name," he said. He then handed me a paper bag. "6 dollars." I nodded and gave him the payment. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Felix," I said with a friendly smile.
Felix nodded back at me. I then exited the store.
The next day...
"I'm back!" I greeted him enthusiastically, waving with a bright smile. I noticed him rubbing his forehead in frustration. "You're incredibly stubborn. I already told you that coming here every day is hazardous." He gently reprimanded me.
"How could I resist visiting your shop? I've made a wonderful friend!" I settled into the chair by the counter. "If you're here to shop, then shop. But if you just want to chat, then leave." He said coolly, and I have to admit his words stung a bit, but I secretly enjoyed his frosty demeanor. I knew there was a kind heart behind that icy exterior.
"Oh, but I came just to see you! Isn't that good for you?" I pouted, trying to put on an adorable expression. I hoped this would sway him.
And it did. Yes!
"Alright. You can stay, but I expect some quiet." He shot me a warning glare that made me a little nervous, but I complied. Well, I might have only complied for a few minutes because once my fear faded, I resumed peppering him with questions.
"Where do you reside?"
"What abilities do you have?"
"Did you hear about the dark hero? Have you crossed paths with him?"
"Did you build this shop all by yourself? It's so aesthetic. I absolutely love it!"
"Do you have any friends? Well, I am now your friend!"
"Are you currently single?"
"What's it like living in this affluent area?"
"Do you associate with the wealthy?"
"Am I bothering you?"
I heard him exhale in annoyance. "You really ask a lot of questions..." He grumbled. I responded with a thumbs-up. "That is certainly true."
My remark made him roll his eyes before he returned to his work. After a short while, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned to find him offering me some snacks. My eyes lit up with joy.
"Is this for me?" I inquired.
"Are you not interested?" He raised an eyebrow, ready to take the snack back, but I quickly seized his hand. "No! I'll accept it. Thank you." His eyes widened as he felt my skin against his. I took the snack and happily began to eat it. I could sense his gaze still on me, then I heard him cough slightly and begin tidying the store.
I observed him while snacking on the chips. He was a tall man, his muscles filling out his clothes. His biceps flexed each time he swept the floor. Just wow.
I love the view.