HYMN OF THE RAIN

Stormy shoes

The doorbell rings as the door creaks open.

"Welcome to Post Books."

It's become a habit since Linda taught me. Especially after I realize how serious she is about how it has made customers like the place a bit better. 

I believe her, though. I've seen how people love our effort to make them feel welcomed.

If it's for the job, I don't mind stepping out of my comfort zone a bit. I'm usually not one who'd go out of my way to greet people who I'm not that close too.

But there's just this one customer who doesn't look like he appreciate it at all. Still, he always comes around once a week anyway.

I've gotten used to how annoyed he looks at me whenever I greet him, though. I don't know if it's because of how unpleasant my voice sounds thanks to my awkward attempt to be 'friendly' and 'welcoming'...

Or maybe because he looks like he's got the weight of the world on his shoulders every time he comes in. 

I can't tell which one is it.

But for someone with a cold exterior, his taste for books is actually pretty.. unique.
Whenever he comes in (and it's usually half an hour before we close), the guy will go straight to the children's book section.

I'm not judging, I swear.

It's just quite an amusing sight to see how contrast he is with his hooded black jacket being surrounded by colorful books about piggies, and talking trucks.

"Excuse me. Can I pay for the book already?"
The annoyed stare meets my eyes again. I accept the book he's given to me, glancing at the title. Little Blue Truck. 

Interesting choice.

"Sorry," I swiftly scan the book's barcode before announcing the price.

Before you ask, my Math skills do not upgrade overnight that I'm suddenly in charge of the cash register- as if!  Linda is out grabbing snacks, so I'm in charge of the cash register besides keeping an eye for the bookstore.

The guy hands me his money, and soon he's out of the door.

This is the first time I got to see him up close, since he never asks for my assistance whenever he drops by, and Linda is always around whenever he comes in.

He looks like he's around my age. Black eyes matching his hoodie.
It always looks like he's ready to fight someone who even touches him the slightest. I doubt a puppy can make him smile. A guy like him seems just like a rock- tough inside and out.

The doorbell rings again as he steps out, and I realize as two familiar figures wave at me from outside. Rosa's curious glance is stuck on the guy's back as he's walking away.

"Who's that?" she soon asks as the two let themselves in. Alexa is already exploring the shelves, while Rosa seems like she won't join anytime soon.

"A customer."

"He's cute."

"He has this intimidating vibe, don't you think?" Alexa pipes in, and I shrug.

"I think so."

"He's cute!" she's saying that as if that's enough to change our opinions about the gloomy guy.

"Yes, Rosa, he kinda is. What're you gonna do about it?"

"If I were you, I'd try to get his number." she throws a wink my way, and I involuntarily roll my eyes. 

Sometimes I wonder how polar opposites such as we are can be friends. 

"I'd rather not do that. I can't make the store lose any customers because of me."

"Oh come on. He's just... stiff. He'll come around if you keep up the friendly act."

"Doubt it." I shake my head, and somewhere in between the shelves, we can hear Alexa's hum of agreement. 

Rosa lets out a sigh, and for a second I think she's finally done with the topic. But then she turns at me with a grin.

"Okay, I'll do it. He'll crack- you'll see!"

"Oh no no no! You're not dragging me into this."

"Come on, you won't have to do anything but watch."

"You are not doing that here. I don't want him to hate the place!" 

"Deal." Rosa smiles victoriously. I doubt she'll be smiling like that after talking to him.

No offense, but I think he's not a fan of having conversations with a complete stranger. Especially who's only talking to him to prove a point.

Maybe I should tell her. Maybe.

I keep telling myself that even until she bids her goodbye after planning the whole thing.

Boy, what am I getting myself into?

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It's back!
This is just the first draft, so forgive me if you find some mistakes.