requested by someone on the deh amino!
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Evan parked his car in one of the many empty spots in front of a quaint jewelry store he had spotted. Evan was the type of person to think ahead, even thinking of marriage, despite not even having a significant other. He liked to look at rings and earrings, imagining them on someone who might just be his one day. Maybe it was weird, but he liked it. It gave him a sense of security, telling himself that he’d find the one eventually.
He walked in, smiling a little as he immediately went to browse the front cases. Shelves and shelves of glittery jewelry presented itself to Evan. He was enveloped in the beauty of it all.
He jumped as soon as he heard someone speak, which brought him out of his slight trance.
“I’m sorry, sir. Just wanted-” The man who was speaking to him, wearing a nice suit and glasses, paused mid-sentence to look at him.
“I’m sorry, what?” Evan asked meekly, quickly glancing down at the case of jewelry again before letting his eyes set back on the man in front of him. His eyes coursed up and down the man’s face, taking in his facial features before realizing it was probably utterly rude to do so.
“I wanted to know if you needed any help with selecting the perfect jewelry for the perfect price,” The man spoke, grinning charmingly, “I’m Jared Kleinman, head of this store. Or, manager, I should say.” He held his hand out for Evan to shake, his grin never fading. Evan shook it for a moment before pulling his hand away.
“I’m really just looking. Not ready to buy yet.” He regained his slightly lost composure and the unknown blush on his cheeks went away.
“Ah, I see. Let me know if you need anything at all then, sir.” Jared nodded and began to walk away to greet and help other customers. Soon, though, Evan did need help. He just wanted to see a ring, but it was in a case, so he had to ask. He waved Jared over.
“Could I see that ring, Mr. Kleinman?” Evan asked. Jared nodded and took it out of the glass case, beginning to tilt the ring so Evan could see the shine.
“This is a 1-carat ring, approximately 5,000 dollars,” Jared explained, “There are always sales here, though, so you’re probably better off buying another, mostly the same ring from the clearance section,” Jared explained as he walked over there. Evan followed on the other side of the counter. Surely, Jared spotted a ring that looked a bit different but was on sale for 1,300 dollars rather than 5,000. Evan nodded.
“I’d really, truly buy it if I were buying it for an occasion. I’m sorry, Mr. Kleinman. It is a beautiful ring, though.” Evan apologized, smiling a little.
“That’s perfectly fine, sir. I understand. I do appreciate you coming in, though.” Jared grinned, nodding. Evan waved and left the building before going home.
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In only a matter of days, Evan was back where he was only mere days ago. For some reason, he couldn’t get his worried mind off of the manager who had greeted him at the jewelry store. He remembered the name, luckily, due to it being the same as the manager’s name. He actually had to force himself out of the car to make himself go in, as he was anxious that Jared either wouldn’t be there or wouldn’t want him there.
Truth was, he kind of hoped that Evan would come back, even if it would be a rare occasion if he did. He almost didn’t believe when he saw the pretty-faced customer come through the door and blinked to make sure he wasn’t hallucinating or something.
“Welcome back to Jared’s. Coming back to buy that ring?” Jared chuckled, grinning from ear to ear as the other male approached.
“Oh, uh, no, actually. Just here to view again.” Evan smiled kindly at Jared.
“Are you sure you aren’t buying for someone special?” Jared asked with a wink, though his heart panged with jealousy.
“I’m sure. I haven’t really found ‘the one’ yet.” Evan explained with a straight face. Jared nodded, the jealousy he felt melting away slowly. He grinned.
“Yeah, me either, bud,” Jared nodded, chuckling, “Sometimes makes me wonder if I ever will find them.” Evan nodded in agreement silently.
The two had a small conversation before Evan announced he had to go. He said he’d be back to talk to Jared in a few days again.
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After the few days Evan mentioned passed, he was back at Jared’s, looking forward to talking to the shorter male. He planned to (somehow) give his phone number to Jared, seeing as his liking for him grew ten sizes, it seemed. He was almost scared when he realized he might have had a small crush on the store-owner, thinking it would never happen. He calmed his nerves by telling himself not to assume.
Evan walked in for the third time that month with a smile and a small piece of paper stuffed in his pocket. He was surprisingly confident, grinning at Jared as they met eyes. Evan walked over and started chatting with Jared, just like last time. Every joke Jared made, Evan laughed at them, even if they were dorky and fit in high school.
When they were done talking, both men went to grab something from their pockets. Simultaneously, the two placed small pieces of paper with phone numbers scribbled on them onto the counter, which caused them to laugh. They swapped phones and just put their numbers in that way, grinning largely. Both were happy that the other actually wanted their phone number.
Though both men were probably brave, it was Jared who was the bravest.
Right as Evan was about to leave, Jared spat out, “Would you want to go on a date or something?” Evan almost didn’t hear it but spun around fast with a dark blush on his face. He nodded, not being able to contain himself.
“Alright,” Jared chuckled, “Well, you have my number. We can plan from there.”
