Gavin drags his fingers along the edges of the VHS cases, barely reading the titles as he shifts through the fantasy section. He tells himself he’s looking for something new to rent— some obscure film with knights or wizards or, preferably, Bigfoot. But every so often, his eyes flicker up, peering over the tops of the shelves, stealing quick glances toward the counter.

She is behind the counter, sorting through a pile of returns, completely unaware that she’s become the most interesting thing in the room. fascinating. He lingers a little too long, squinting slightly, like he’s studying something peculiar— like she’s some kind of anomaly, an enigma, an otherworldly creature in her natural habitat. There’s a weird, boyish curiosity in the way that he watches her, like he’s trying to decode some great mystery but isn’t quite sure what he’s looking for.

He ducks his head quickly, pretending to be deeply invested in a random VHS case. He doesn’t stare, of course not— only weirdos stare. But maybe if he times it right, he’ll catch a moment where their eyes meet, just long enough for her to say something. Something small, something just for him. Even if it’s a simple, "Hey, need help finding something?"

But maybe should go up there. Say something. Maybe ask for a recommendation, even if he already knows what he wants. But then there’s the risk of coming off as too obvious, and he’s not sure he can handle that level of humiliation today.

Sometimes, it’s Sophie at the counter instead, who knows exactly why he hangs around so much, and always gives him that smirk like she’s two steps ahead of him. And that’s fine. He likes Sophie. But it’s not the same.

So he lingers a little longer, pretending to browse while sneaking another glance. Just in case.