NUMINOUS | Harry Styles

FIVE

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"Vera, can you make sure the new arrivals are displayed prominently near the entrance?" The soft-spoken request from her boss and bookstore owner, Mr. Thompson, interrupted her quiet reverie.

Vera looked up from her desk, momentarily pulled away from the gentle daydream that had enveloped her thoughts. The new books were stacked haphazardly near the entrance. She worked with ease arranging them in an aesthetic manner to showcase their appeal. It was never too busy inside the bookstore, always consisting of a few customers strolling through the aisles, their fingers grazing over book spines, their eyes lighting up with curiosity.

The work day always seemed to pass without her knowledge, as she hummed along doing her tasks. Exiting the bookstore into the chilly embrace of the evening cold air, Vera would pull her coat tightly against her body. The wind tingled against her skin, and in these moments, Vera found herself craving the comfort of a warm cup of tea.

Her footsteps echoed in the streets, waving to familiar faces as she made her way to the nearby tea store. The familiar chime of the door welcomed her, inhaling the rich aroma of various blends. As she perused the assortment of teas, contemplating which one might soothe her senses, a familiar voice cut through the serene ambiance.

It was almost like a little inside joke they unknowingly shared with one another. Each time one of them noticed the appearance of the other, it was as if there was an unwritten rule to acknowledge them by interrupting their moment of peace.

"Decided to expand your horizons from books to tea?" Harry's tone held a hint of teasing.

Vera turned to find him standing there, a smirk playing on his lips. She chuckled, realizing that their encounters had become a part of her routine. "I figured a change of pace wouldn't hurt. What about you? Are you a tea enthusiast now?"

Harry shrugged nonchalantly. "I can appreciate a good cup of tea."

The more interactions that took place between the two, the more Harry words spoke. Single-word responses expanded into brief sentences. A man of few words, she guesses. But Vera enjoyed them nevertheless.

And that just like that Vera began anticipating encounters with Harry. And Harry didn't mind Vera's presence.

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October brought a chill to the air and a flutter to Vera's heart. The crisp wind nipped at Vera's cheeks as she made her way down the cobblestone streets. Leaves of brilliant gold, crimson, and amber rustled in the gentle breeze, heralding the changing of seasons. Pulling her scarf a little tighter, she quickened her pace towards the warmth and comfort of the bookshop.

As Vera stepped inside, the rich aroma of aging paper and leather bindings wrapped around her like a familiar embrace. She flipped the sign to "Open" and began her morning routine of tidying up and preparing for the day ahead.

While dusting off the front counter, Vera's thoughts turned to Harry. Over the past weeks, he had become a regular fixture amongst the shelves. At first prickly and standoffish, his demeanor had gradually softened during their interactions, revealing glimmers of his gentle soul.

Vera found herself looking forward to his visits, often setting aside books she thought he might enjoy. Though terse in speech, Harry's body language and subtle expressions conveyed his appreciation. A barely perceptible upturn of his lips when he discovered her selections, the extra moment taken to gently caress a cover.

Smiling to herself, Vera selected a few new arrivals she just knew would capture Harry's interest - an illustrated guide to magical plants and fungi, a historical compendium of ancient herb lore, and an anthology of fantasy stories featuring botanical themes. She placed them prominently on a shelf near the entrance, hopefully catching his eye later that day.