Breathless

2

unedited

The next time I saw him was two weeks later.

Masks had been officially enforced, and there were several precautions taken within the store itself to ensure there was less spreading of the virus.

Of course, there were the threats of a lockdown nonetheless. Somehow, people didn't believe it. I suppose I couldn't blame them, though who wouldn't rather be safe than sorry?

Anyways. Onto the point.

I swear I wasn't stalking him or anything - I was restocking some of our extra supplies on the shelves and happened by him standing in the feminine care aisle. Again.

His girlfriend must fucking adore him.

Noticing he's looking between two products, I roll my cart by him and call out.

"Hello, sir! Is there anything I can help you with?"

The man turns his head to me and shakes his head.

Having hoped for another conversation with him, I can't help the slight disappointment when he turns me away.

I start rolling the cart away when I hear a noise.

"Wait!" He calls. The look in his eyes is sheepish when I turn back to him, and he straightens his tie. "I actually... am in need of assistance."

I smile, even while knowing he can't see it.

"Of course, sir. What can I help you with?"

He points silently, and I move towards the two boxes he's pointing at. Tampons.

"Personally, I can't tell you which ones are better," I laugh, "but this one seems particularly more popular with the ladies."

"Ah..." He seems confused, grey eyes looking between the brightly colored boxes before he picks up the one I'd chosen. "I see."

He takes two before following me back up to the front.

The silence is a bit uncomfortable, and I can't help but glancing at him repeatedly.

"So um... those are for the same girl as last week?" My feeble attempt at making conversation is met with silence, and I can feel my face heating up in embarassment.

"No," he says finally. "Girlfriend."

I blink a few times. So the other time.. wasn't for his girlfriend? Or was it a different one?

"They didn't like the ones I bought last time. Or the other things," he starts suddenly. "I'd rather they not g..."

His voice trails off, and I can't make out what he says afterwards despite my straining to hear.

I took a large interest in the 'they', of course. Did he have.. multiple girlfriends?

I shake my head. Maybe a sister.

Continuing through my original task, I don't notice that the man seems to be trailing behind me. However, I do realize that I'm crazily interested in his life for no real reason besides blatant curiosity.

"Ridiculous," I mutter. I don't even know his name.

"Hey."

I turn to the voice in surprise, immediately recognizing the lowness as the same from before.

"How can I help you?"

"I just-" He cuts himself off, a small frown creasing his brows. "Thank you. For earlier. I'm Han Jumin."