Shinee One Shots

Taemin - Books

The first time Taemin saw her was when he decided to visit a brand new bookstore in his neighbourhood. He had a little time off and thought, what better time to catch up on his reading?

He'd seen the flyers announcing the opening about a month ago, so he made his way there, entering a store which looked clean, but cosy. He walked around a little, taking it all in and scanning the shelves for the new releases. Eventually, he noticed one of the employees walking up to him, a young woman with a bright smile.

"Hello, can I help you with anything?"

Usually he'd say no and just look at things himself, but today he was feeling relaxed.

"Sure. I'm trying to find something new to read."

"What kind of things do you normally like then?"

"Books with a deeper meaning. Something kind of philosophical, you know?"

She nodded, taking on a pensive look.

"Oh, and I also really like manga," he added a little sheepishly, feeling that that contrasted a lot with what he'd just said. If she thought that, it certainly didn't show on her face.

"I think we have a couple of things that could interest you, if you'd like to follow me."

He followed her to another section where she took out various books and explained them all to him. It was obvious that she was passionate about the topic, and he found he liked listening to her explain.

"You could try out some of these books before you buy, we actually have cosy reading corners for that." She gestured towards them.

"Really? I think I will then."

She was definitely right about the reading corners being cosy. Taemin sat on a floor cushion, getting lost in the book he was reading, and the next time he looked up, he noticed that the store had significantly emptied. The same woman from earlier approached him, an apologetic smile on her face.

"It's almost closing time, Sir."

"Oh, no worries. I just got lost in this." He held the book up.

"It's good, isn't it? I heard there'll be a second one soon. Want me to keep one aside for you?"

"Sure, why not."

By the time Taemin left the store he'd signed up for a loyalty card and bought every book the woman recommended, drawn in by her friendliness. Somehow it didn't feel commercial, it was like she genuinely liked the job she was doing.

That was only confirmed over his next visits. He'd found the store so cosy and comfortable that he'd naturally find himself returning there to read in a peaceful environment and get new reading recommendations. He enjoyed chatting with her, and would sometimes just sit there and watch her work instead of reading. It was one of the highlights of his week.

"Are you sure you're going there for the books?" asked one of Taemin's friends as they hung out at his café. "Because you seem to like one particular employee a lot."

Taemin blushed a little. "Her recommendations are great. She just gets me, you know?"

His friend smirked knowingly. "I see."

"It's not like that," he protested, but deep down he was beginning to wonder if it was. After all, often he'd be looking forward to seeing her again, not specifically buying books. And maybe the fact that he'd buy anything she recommended was another sign.

The next time he went there, his favourite employee didn't seem to be around. Feeling a wave of panic wash over him, he looked around the store for her, eventually asking one of the other employees about it. He found out that she was on holiday, and he breathed a sigh of relief. The way he'd felt when he thought he wouldn't see her again made him realise that it had definitely gone past friendship at this point. But would she feel the same? After all, she could just be being nice to him. And they didn't know much about each other. But somehow, it felt like she knew him in a way others didn't. He had to try, or else he'd always regret it. He just had to figure out how.

____

It was a rainy afternoon when Taemin went back to the bookstore, clutching a present in his hand. He could already see her at the counter, chatting animatedly with another customer. She looked up when he entered, a big smile coming across her face and illuminating her features.

Cute.

"Hey." She started when she came up to him. "Long time no see."

"Yes." He chuckled nervously.

"Do you want me to show you the new releases?"

"Well yes... but no... Actually..." He cleared his throat and tried to regain his composure. "I have something for you."

He produced the present that he had behind his back, much to her surprise.

"A present?"

"You'll like it, I'm sure. Have a look at it as soon as you can."

"Oh Taemin..." She drifted off, examining it, and then looking back at him with a soft smile. He could see the hint of emotion in her eyes.

"That's all I came for. Enjoy it and have a good day."

He gave her one final smile before walking out.

____

Taemin sat by the water fountain in a nearby mall, clasping and unclasping his hands. He'd given her the present he'd spent weeks thinking of, a first edition of a book she'd happened to mention was her favourite, with a note slipped inside asking her to meet him here. But would she actually come? He had no way of knowing.

He was drumming his fingers on his thighs when he spotted her walking shyly towards him, wearing her coat and clutching her bag. It looked like she'd just finished work.

"Hey." Taemin smiled, making space for her, even though he didn't need to. "Have a seat."

"Thank you." She sat, and pulled the book out of her bag. "Taemin, this is a wonderful gift, but it's too much, how can I accept this from a customer? I have to give it back."

She tried to hand it to him but he pushed it back into her hands gently. "I want you to have this, for everything you've done for me. I don't think you realise how much you and the store have been like an oasis in the desert for me."

Her eyes widened in surprise as she clutched the book to her chest.

"The reason I invited you here is because... I have something to confess. I know it probably seems strange, but I really like you. I feel like we connect on another level. You've seen a part of me others don't see. If it's alright with you, I'd like to take you out on a date."

She didn't say anything for a couple of moments, seemingly stunned.

"Of course, it's okay if you don't want to," he hurriedly added.

"Taemin... I... Yes."

"Yes?"

She nodded, giving him a shy look. "To be honest, I felt the connection between us too. I liked you almost from the start and looked forward to you coming in, but never in a million years did I think you felt the same way."

Taemin smiled brightly. "This is way better than a book ending."

She laughed, making him chuckle too.

"So... Wanna have dinner together? My treat."

"Sure."

"Oh, and one last thing. If you want... can I kiss you?" He felt bashful, but he just had to ask.

"Yes." She beamed at him as she nodded, leaning in and pressing her lips to his, joining them in a sweet kiss.

Later when he walked off holding her hand, he looked at their joined hands and thought what he'd thought earlier: this was definitely better than any book he'd read.