𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐲|| 𝐇𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐱 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠|| 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟗

Y/n stood mesmerized, eyes scanning the vibrant album artwork and titles. The music shop that Hobie showed her was amazing. She had been searching for well half our the perfect vinyl to add to her collection, something that would encapsulate her ever-changing moods.
<<Found anythin' good yet?>> Hobie sauntered up to her, a mischievous glint in his eyes. His British accent was thick as always, ready to tease her in every way he could.
<<Not yet.>> Y/n replied with a serious tone, holding the two vinyl <<I'm still deciding which one I could take.>>.
Hobie peered at the options, a smirk playing on his lips <<Well, love, as much as I'd love to 'elp ya make a decision, I reckon the choice is all yours. Go with your gut, yeah?>>
Y/n nodded at Hobie's advice and continued to weigh her options. However, as she was lost in thought, but at the end she decided which one she wanted: Marvin Gaye's album, Let's Get It On. She couldn't help but be ready to listen to it once at home.
<<I think I'll get this one.>> she announced to Hobie. The tall boy looked over her and nodded, approving her choice <<That's a good one, love.>> then he turned at say <<What's that?>> he asked, poiting to something behind her. Curiosity piqued, Y/n turned to look, tginking he mean some other vinyl, or just a person. But at the end it was only to find that Hobie had seized the opportunity to snatch the vinyl she had been eyeing. She gasped, a mix of shock and amusement coloring her face. But it was too late. Hobie had made his way to the cashier, confidently paying for the record.
<<What do you think you're doing?>> Y/n tried to protest, as Hobie put some money in the cashier's hands and he took the bag with the vinyl inside. He was paying.
When Y/n realized what he had done, she furrowed her brow and attempted to complain <<I can pay for it myself. You didn't have to->>. But before she could finish her sentence, Hobie cut her off <<Nah, it's on me.>>
Y/n was taken aback by his words. She tried to maintain her seriousness, though, as she thanked him <<Well... uh thank you. I guess.>>.

Leaving the record shop with their new purchase in hand, Y/n and Hobie strolled along the vibrant city streets. The sun was setting, casting a warm, golden glow over the cobblestone pavement. Y/n was starting to feel the effects of the long day, and although she didn't want to admit it, she appreciated Hobie's company.
<<It's gettin' a bit dark. Mind if I walk you home?>> Hobie asked with a lopsided grin.
Y/n hesitated momentarily. Then she realized that it was really dark and she couldn't know who could be in the sdark streets. The she relented <<Alright, just for a little while.>>.
They walked in silence, the city engulfed in a hush as the faint hum of streetlights flickered to life. Y/n couldn't help but feel a growing sense of curiosity about Hobie's motivations.
<<Why did you really buy that vinyl for me?>> she finally broke the silence <<You know I could've paid for it myself.>>
A shrug accompanied Hobie's response. <<Well, it was a bit pricey, yeah? Also I wanted to do somethin' nice to make up for the rubbish things I said earlier. Call it a peace offerin', if you will. Or call it kindness.>> he stayed quiet a bit and finished talking saying <<I knew you wouldn't let me do it if I asked you. So I just did it.>>
She didn't believe he would remember what he said the first time they met. Or, at least, she didn't know he would apologize for that. Her eyes widened and her surprise melting into a gentle smile. She appreciated his attempt to make amends <<You really didn't have to. I appreciate, but you don't owe me anything.>>.
Hobie chuckled, putting his hands in his pockets, shrugging <<I know I didn't have to, love. Consider it my way of showin' ya that I'm sorry for my rude manners. I was... jealous of your good music, your band really rocked it that night, y'know?>>.
Y/n couldn't help but be surprised by his sincerity.
<<Really?>>.
<<Really.>>.
With a little resistance, she thanked him once again, her voice laced with genuine gratitude.

They halted on a quiet street, Y/n indicating that she could go on alone from there. Hobie nodded understandingly. But before he could turn around and leave, he extended his hand towards her, a question in his eyes.
<<So, are we in good terms now?>> Hobie asked, a playful glimmer in his eyes. Y/n looked at him hand, after looking and him and nodding, feeling her heart swell with newfound goodwill. She took his hand and shook it lightly. <<Yes, we are.>>.
Hobie smirked, satisfied, ready to tease her again <<Oh we are friends now, love?>> he couldn't help but tease her again. She rolled her eyes playfully and shrugged <<We're good, Hobie. No hard feelings.>>.
<<Alright.>> he smirked, putting his hand down in his pocket again <<You sure you can walk from here to your house? I don't mind taking you there.>>
She nodded confidently <<I am sure of it. It's just behind the corner.>>.
The tall boy nodded, taking a breath in and speaking for the last time <<Be safe, okay love?>> then he raised an hand to say goodbye and then, he turned and walked back from where they were coming.
With a final farewell, they parted ways, each heading off into the night. The vinyl securely tucked under Y/n's arm.