𝐍𝐂𝐓 𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐒 ✦

𝟭𝟮: 𝗛𝗲𝗻𝘆𝗮𝗻𝗴

A Note Between the Aisles

Sypnopsis:

Hendery, who works late shifts at a convenience store, notices a mysterious boy named Yangyang who visits every night.

✦

Hendery's late-night shifts at the corner convenience store were often a quiet affair, punctuated only by the steady hum of refrigerators and the soft glow of neon lights. The rhythm of the store was soothing, but the solitude could sometimes stretch long and silent.

Then came a new presence that broke the monotony of his evenings-a boy who arrived with regularity just before closing time. From the first moment Hendery noticed him, he was intrigued. The boy had a unique aura about him, moving with a quiet grace that made him stand out from the usual late-night customers. His dark hair fell in tousled waves, and his eyes, deep and thoughtful, seemed to hold a world of unspoken stories.

Each night, the boy would head straight for the magazine aisle, where he would spend a few minutes flipping through pages with a meticulousness that fascinated Hendery. He never seemed to buy anything, just wandered through the aisles, absorbed in his silent exploration. Hendery found himself drawn to this mysterious figure, his curiosity growing with each passing night. Who was this boy who frequented his store with such dedication?

✦

One evening, as Hendery was tidying up near the magazine section, the boy emerged from the aisle and walked toward the counter. Their eyes met for the first time, and Hendery's heart skipped a beat at the sight of the boy's gentle smile.

❝Evening,❞ the boy said softly, his voice carrying a hint of warmth.

Hendery managed a polite smile. ❝Evening. Can I help you with anything tonight?❞

The boy shook his head, a slight smile playing on his lips. ❝No, just browsing. I enjoy the quiet here.❞

❝Yeah, it's a nice change of pace from the usual noise,❞ Hendery replied, feeling a pang of curiosity. ❝It's kind of like a little escape.❞

The boy's eyes twinkled with a touch of mischief. ❝Exactly. It's my small retreat.❞

As the boy left the store, Hendery found himself reflecting on their brief interaction. There was something memorable about the encounter. The boy had an ethereal quality, a presence that lingered in Hendery's thoughts long after he had gone.

✦

Days turned into weeks, and the boy became a fixture in Hendery's nightly routine. Each evening, he would arrive just before closing time, his presence a comforting constant. Despite their repeated encounters, Hendery still didn't know the boy's name. It was a detail that gnawed at him, a question that seemed to echo in the quiet of the store.

✦

As the first hints of spring touched the air, the boy entered the store with a different demeanor. He carried a small, wrapped package, and there was an air of excitement about him.

❝Evening,❞ the boy greeted, his voice carrying a note of anticipation.

❝Evening,❞ Hendery replied, his eyes drawn to the package. ❝What's that you've got there?❞

The boy's smile widened, revealing a mix of shyness and pleasure. ❝It's a gift. For you.❞

Hendery's heart fluttered with a mix of surprise and curiosity. ❝For me? Why?❞

The boy's eyes softened with affection. ❝I've noticed how much you've made this place special. It's more than just a store to me now, thanks to you. I wanted to show my appreciation.❞

Hendery accepted the package, his fingers brushing the wrapping paper. As he unwrapped it, he found a beautifully bound notebook with an intricate cover. It was a thoughtful gift that spoke volumes.

❝I don't know what to say,❞ Hendery said, his voice trembling slightly with emotion. ❝This is incredibly kind of you.❞

The boy stepped closer, his gaze earnest. ❝I've been coming here for a while now, and your presence has made each night something to look forward to. I wanted to give something back.❞

Hendery's heart swelled with gratitude. ❝Thank you. This means more to me than you know.❞

There was a brief, meaningful silence as the boy's gaze lingered on Hendery. Finally, he spoke with a gentle sincerity. ❝My name is Yangyang, by the way.❞

Hendery's eyes widened in surprise. ❝Yangyang. It's nice to finally know your name...I'm Hendery.❞

Yangyang's smile was soft and warm. ❝And I'm glad to finally share it. I've enjoyed our brief exchanges Hendery, even if they've been fleeting.❞

As the night progressed, Hendery and Yangyang shared a quiet, intimate moment. Their conversation flowed easily, revealing glimpses of their lives, passions, and dreams. Hendery learned that Yangyang was an aspiring writer, and Yangyang discovered that Hendery had a passion for art, his drawings reflecting a world of quiet beauty.

✦

When Yangyang left the store that night, there was a palpable shift in the atmosphere. The convenience store, once merely a backdrop to Hendery's solitary routine, had become a place of meaningful connection. The gift of the notebook was more than just a gesture; it symbolized the blossoming relationship between them.

As the store lights dimmed and the final customers departed, Hendery found himself alone behind the counter, still holding the small, wrapped package Yangyang had left him. The anticipation in his chest made his hands tremble slightly as he carefully unwrapped the gift.

Beneath the intricate wrapping lay a beautifully bound notebook, its cover adorned with delicate, intricate patterns. Hendery opened it slowly, his eyes falling on the first page. There, scrawled in neat, elegant handwriting, was a note from Yangyang.

✦

Dear Hendery,

Thank you for making my nights brighter with your presence. This notebook is for you to capture your thoughts and dreams, just as you have shared a bit of your world with me. I hope it brings you as much joy as you've brought to me.

If you ever want to talk more, or if you'd just like to continue sharing quiet moments, here's my number. I'd love to hear from you.

Yours sincerely,

Yangyang

✦

Beneath the note was a neatly written phone number. Hendery's heart raced as he read the note again, the words resonating with a warmth that filled him with hope. He traced his fingers over the number, feeling a surge of emotion. The gift was more than just a gesture-it was an invitation to deepen their connection, to turn their nightly encounters into something more.

As Hendery placed the note back into the notebook, he smiled, feeling a newfound sense of anticipation. The convenience store had become a place of meaningful connections, and with Yangyang's number in hand, Hendery knew that the chapters of their story were just beginning.

_____ END_____
2024
©𝗛𝘆𝘂𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗲𝗹𝘂𝘃𝘀__

⸻ ✦
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