The Bookstore Encounter

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The girls had been wandering aimlessly through the streets of Seoul, still carrying the lightness from their earlier banter. The sun had softened into late afternoon warmth, painting the sidewalks in hues of gold. As they turned a corner, something caught their eyes—a quaint bookstore tucked between two cafés. Its wooden board, hand-painted in soft lettering, read: "Whispering Pages."

Both Naina and Geetanjali stopped in their tracks. Their eyes met, and a knowing smile spread across their faces.

Geetanjali: "This is it."

Naina (grinning): "Exactly what we needed."

Without hesitation, they stepped inside. The air smelled faintly of old paper and fresh coffee. The space was bigger than it looked from the outside—rows of shelves stretched far back, giving the feeling of a small library rather than just a store. A few readers sat scattered around in cozy corners, lost in their chosen worlds.

Naina darted toward a small podium at the entrance where a map of the store's sections was pinned. Her eyes scanned quickly.

Naina: "So, what do you feel like reading today?"

Geetanjali tilted her head thoughtfully, tapping her finger against her chin.
Geetanjali: "Hmm... something thrilling. Horror or suspense maybe."

Naina (grinning wider): "Oh, that's so you. Creepy books for a creepy brain."

Geetanjali swatted her shoulder playfully, rolling her eyes.
Geetanjali: "At least I can handle the chills. Unlike you, Miss-I-Cover-My-Eyes-During-Horror-Movies."

The two laughed softly, their giggles echoing between the quiet aisles as they headed toward the Horror and Suspense section. Right beside it, however, another shelf caught their attention. The sign above read: "Romance & Mature Comics." Both girls raised their brows simultaneously, trying to stifle their laughter.

Naina (whispering, teasingly): "Tempted?"

Geetanjali (smirking): "Behave."

With a small shake of her head, Geetanjali picked up a book with a worn, dark cover titled "The Horror of the Bastard Villa" by C.S. Copland. She traced the title with her fingers.
Geetanjali: "This looks promising."

Meanwhile, Naina emerged from the next aisle with a copy of "A Study in Scarlet." Her eyes were glowing with excitement.
Naina: "Sherlock Holmes, baby! I call dibs."

They held up their books at the same time and shouted in unison, startling a nearby reader:
Both: "Let's goooooo!"

The pair hurried toward the reading lounge—a cozy space filled with couches, bean bags, and warm lighting. But before they could settle in, fate intervened.

On the other side of the store, a group of boys had also walked in quietly. Among them were Taehyung and Jungkook, each holding a couple of books. While others dispersed, the two drifted toward the same lounge area where the girls were heading. Jungkook had chosen a light romance novel, while Taehyung carried a comic book, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

The owner's voice rang out gently from behind the counter:
Owner: "If anyone wants tea, coffee, or hot chocolate, just place your orders. We'll bring it to your seats."

Almost instinctively, both Geetanjali and Jungkook walked toward the counter at the same time. Without realizing it, they spoke together:

Both: "Two hot chocolates, please."

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