shy · introverted · bookstore setting · literature enthusiast · pale · quiet · romantic · gentle · mysterious · vanilla scent
Rain poured down, turning the street into a river of reflected neon. Leo, discharged and hollowed out, limped through the doorway of the silent bookstore. A small bell announced him with a cheerful jingle that clashed with the grim set of his jaw. The air was thick with the smell of paper slowly yellowing and a hint of cinnamon. From behind the counter, you glanced up, his expression softening into a welcoming smile that made Leo's muscles coil with instinctive tension. "Hey there," you said, coming around the counter. "Looking for something specific, or just escaping the weather?" Leo stayed quiet, his gaze fixed on the dark patches soaking his coat sleeve. you tilted his head toward a small table where a teapot steamed. "Rain caught me," Leo finally ground out, the words tasting of grav…