Series Title/AU: My Baby Brother is the Strongest Character
<<read the synopsis and content warnings first>>
Pairing/Relationships: Samuel Seo x Reader, isekaid!older sister!Reader x Gun Park
Content Warning: sexual themes
Before transferring to J High, you were a regular at this hole in the wall next to your old apartment. You much preferred drinking there than at the bar near the hospital.
The bartender greeted you as you stepped inside.
There was only one other patron here and he was seated in a booth.
“Is it just me or did you get bigger?”
Samuel regarded you with a smile. “That’s sexual harassment, noona.”
“Well, you seem even more buff than usual. You’re not doping, are you?”
“Very funny.”
You shimmied into the seat across from him. “I’m serious, Samuel, girls don’t like fake muscles. Plus, you’ll end up sterile.”
“You know that I don’t.” He motioned for the bartender, who then brought out two cocktails. “You sounded nasally over the phone so I got you a hot toddy.”
“Eager to get me drunk, I see.”
“I’m only being a gentleman.”
“You’re just trying to get into my pants.”
“Is it working?”
“Mm. 43 points. I’ve had better. You’re still too green for me, Sammy.”
“I swear, you’re the only woman who will ever say that to me. One night, just give me one night to prove you wrong.”
“I dunno about that.”
“Do you want me to beg harder?”
“Well, I do love pathetic men.”
There was a beat and you two burst out laughing. You met Samuel two years ago, when he punched out a guy who was too persistent for his own good. You’ve been drinking buddies ever since. Although this was the second time you two drank together since you moved. He was a very busy man. And you were too lazy and cheap to make the trip here every weekend.
“You’re wearing the tie I got you." You reached over the table to touch the silk fabric. It was last year’s birthday present. “I knew blue looked good on you.”
“I wish you’d let me buy you clothes.”
You pulled back before he could hold your hand. “You just want to take them off me.”
“Noona.”
“Sammy.”
“You never let me buy you anything, not even for your birthday.”
“You send me bouquets, that’s more than enough—and don’t argue with me, it’s been a long week.”
He shook his head. “All right, changing the subject now: how’s life as a school nurse?”
“It’s quite an experience.”
“Peaceful?”
“You know damn well it’s the opposite. Everyone keeps barging in whenever they like, and usually it’s to ask advice. I want to yell at them: ‘I’m a nurse, not the damn counselor!’ Especially not with my salary.”
“Is it really that bad?”
“It’s not as hectic as holding together other peoples’ organs, but I’d rather be yelling at young doctors than sit with teenagers all day. I need to watch what I say and take extra care of my expressions. They’re at that age where one wrong move and I become enemy number one.”
“So quit.”
“As tempting as it is to retire early and fulfill my dreams of becoming a wealthy spinster who has affairs with every bachelor in town, we both know I’m too poor for that.”
“If you’re willing to compromise, I can make the wealthy part come true, just say yes and we can file the marriage papers first thing tomorrow.”
“What, and break the hearts of your countless girlfriends? Thanks but I’d rather not risk getting stabbed on the walk down the aisle.”
“I don’t have girlfriends.”
“Sure, you don’t.” You finished off your toddy. “Anyway, I don’t hate my job. It pays better than what I made at the hospital and the kids are actually respectful.”
“You know what I think? I think you care about those kids.”
“Please.”
“You do, you can’t help it. You’re a real softie and I just know you love your job.”
“No one loves their job, Sammy. To work is to lose in life.”
“Then marry me. You don’t have to work or clean or cook, just sit at home and do whatever you want. I’ll make you the happiest woman alive.”
“If you want to make me happy, get me another toddy.”
The Samuel joking with you now was different from the character you read about. He was a bigger flirt than he ever was in the webcomic and he didn’t get angry when you interrupted him. For a character who became popular for being unhinged on top of being unbelievably hot, he was quite hinged. At least to you.
Time flew as you two laughed about the shared frustration with your respective jobs and the people at work.
You were too drunk and exhausted to argue with him over the bill, and next thing you knew, you were waking up in his passenger seat.
“Noona?" He tapped your shoulder. "We’re at your house.”
“Mm?” You yawned and looked outside. “That’s my house.”
He chuckled. “Yes, it is.”
“I’d invite you but I don’t think you’ll fit through the door.”
“Hilarious.”
You gave him a smile. “Thanks for the ride.”
“Anytime.”
“It was nice seeing you tonight, Sammy. It’s a shame we can’t do this every week like we used to.”
“I hear you.”
“Night.”
“Good night, noona.”
He waited until you were safely inside your little house before reclining in his seat. It’s too small, he thought. Everything in this whole neighborhood was too tiny and dirty. Someone like you should be living in a bigger, cleaner, safer place.
Samuel took off his glasses with a sigh. “Guess, she still doesn’t remember.”
“Samuel has no daddy! Samuel has no—”
Something small flew through the air, hitting the kid's head. Gray and dark yellow goo splattered over his face. Samuel knew it was a rotten egg just by the smell alone.
A girl, a whole foot taller than all of them, stood by the trashcans, holding a half-empty egg carton and sporting a mean look. The boys in his class were ruffians, but they were still just brats, so they were too chicken to fight back and cycled away.
Samuel wanted to say something. He knew he should have at least said thank you, but you were already turning around, leaving the expired eggs in the trash.
Later that night, he found out you were his new neighbor. Sort of. You lived with the sick granny that ran the fishcake stall outside his school, which surprised him. Everyone in the neighborhood knew that the granny had no children, let alone grandchildren, but Samuel didn’t care.
“Hi there.” Your smile was polite, almost mechanical. But to someone like him, it was warmer and brighter than the morning sun.
He stuttered out his school name and grade.
“I'm several grades above you. I guess that makes me your noona, huh?"
You motioned for him to hold out his hands.
Samuel obediently presented his palms, not sure what to expect.
You set down a tupperware full of fried chicken on his hands and then dropped several candies on the lid.
“T-thank you.”
You were already turning around, waving him off. “Don't forget to return the container tomorrow.”
The door closed with a click and Samuel, for the first time in his life, was happy to be living in their garbage dump of a home.
Samuel stopped asking about his dad. Sure, he wondered and hoped to see him again, even if only a photo, but his thoughts were now consumed with the nice girl next door.
He didn't mind getting cornered by his classmates for being “fatherless” as much as before. It was fine when they took his measly allowance, he can handle them throwing things at him. Once you appeared, everything else seemed so small. You shared your lunches with him (even giving him a bigger share!), bought him strawberry milk from the vending machine, and walked home with him. You didn't care that he was poor or had no dad.
Just having you in his life was enough.
Or so he thought.
***
“You're leaving? But—but why?”
“I told you, Sammy,” you said, folding your shirt over your lap. “I can’t stay here.”
“Is it because of those weird men in suits? Everyone’s been talking about them, I know that they were looking for someone like you. It’s because of them, right? You’re in danger because of them!”
“It’s…complicated, but they aren’t here to hurt me, so don’t worry.”
“Then, is it because of me?”
You looked at him like you were going to flick his forehead again. “Are you crazy? I told you to stop staying stuff like that.”
He ground his teeth until you squished his cheeks and tipped his head to meet your eyes.
“This isn't anybody's fault, dummy, especially not yours.”
You smiled, calming his heart.
“When will I see you again?”
“Hm, hard to say.”
“When we're older, will you come back and stay with me?”
You shrugged. “I don't like making empty promises.”
It was his turn to grab you. His skinny fingers dug into your arms. “I'll become stronger so you don't have to protect me anymore. I-I'll make so much money that you don’t ever have to buy me a drink again!”
“Sammy—”
“—and I'll find my dad so people won't make fun of you for hanging out with me. I'll make sure no one talks bad about you again!”
“Sammy.” The familiar, comforting weight of your hand over his head lulled his racing heart. “Thank you for thinking about me. But you know, you don’t have to do those things. I think you’re cool just the way you are. I just can’t stay because…well, like I said, it’s complicated.”
“... I understand.”
“Good.” You ruffled his head but before you could pull away, he grabbed your hand.
“You don’t have to come back for me, noona.” He squeezed you tightly. “When I grow up, I’ll find you.”
“Nn~ Samuel—ow!”
He smacked her thigh. “I told you not to talk.”
“I’m sorry! Ah~”
He closed his eyes.
He pretended that it was your fingers pulling on his hair, imagined it was your legs over his shoulders.
He didn’t lie. He didn’t have girlfriends, this was just another practice run so he wouldn’t disappoint the real thing.
a/n: He's so tall and handsome as hell~ so bad but he does it SO WELL~🎶I don't care if Samuel's a red flag, he's a mistake I'm willing to make
(oh and for those who are curious, this scenario is a little before Reader's reunion with Gun)
Disclaimer: The images used are screencaptures from Ep. 289, 312 and 407 of the Lookism manhwa.
calling samuel seo! husband only makes him want you more
warnings ᦸ oh he is hugeee, p in v, rough sex, creampie, breeding kink, mating press and dirty talk 18+MDNI.
“you’re late,” he said, voice smooth like polished steel. “i expected my wife home ten minutes ago.”
you slipped off your coat and let it drop onto the leather couch. “traffic. could’ve taken me another hour.”
a low scoff escaped him. “excuses.” he finally faced you, dark eyes unreadable behind the lenses. “strip and get on the bed with your legs spread wide. we do this my way like always.”
you didn’t move. instead, you walked toward him slowly, red heels clicking against the marble floor. when you stopped inches away, you could see the faint tension in his jaw. “always so fucking polite with your orders, husband,” you murmured, reaching up to tug lightly at his tie. “what if tonight i don’t feel like being the obedient wife i am?”
his hand shot out, fingers wrapping around your wrist in a bruising grip. “the rules exist for a reason. i provide the life, you provide the obedience. no emotions. no lingering. no—
you cut him off by stepping even closer, pressing your body flush against the hard line of his suit, letting him feel how soaked your pussy already was. “what if the flesh wants something else tonight, samuel? what if your wife wants to feel that thick cock stretching her properly, until she’s leaking your cum for days?”
for a heartbeat, he didn’t move. then his grip tightened, and he yanked you forward until your lips were almost touching. “careful. about what you wish for,” he warned, voice dropping into that dangerous low register. “you’re playing with fire.”
“then burn me. fuck me like you need me.”
the words barely left your mouth before he spun you around and slammed you against the cool glass of the window. the city sprawled twenty stories below, but all you could feel was the heat of your husband pinning you there, his cock already rock hard and throbbing against your ass through his slacks.
his free hand came up, cupping your jaw roughly as he crashed his mouth against yours. the kiss was brutal. he tasted like expensive whiskey and pure sin. when he pulled back, his breathing was ragged. “take your clothes off. now! or i’ll rip them off and fuck you against this window so the whole city watches your tits bounce.”
you smiled against his lips and instead reached for his belt, your wedding band catching the light. “make me, husband.”
his eyes flashed with dark lust. in one fluid motion, he grabbed both your wrists and pinned them above your head with one large hand. the other hand made quick work of your shirt buttons flying across the floor as he tore it open like it offended him. cool air hit your hardened nipples, but it was nothing compared to the way he stared at your body like a starving man.
“look at these perfect fucking tits,” he growled, mouth latching onto one, sucking hard enough to leave dark marks while his teeth grazed the sensitive peak. “so eager tonight. your pussy’s already dripping down your thighs for your husband.”
he shoved a hand between your legs, fingers sliding through your soaked folds with humiliating ease. “fuck, you’re drenched. this greedy little wife pussy is weeping for me already.” he pressed two thick fingers inside you without warning, curling them deep, pumping roughly while his thumb rubbed tight, mean circles on your swollen clit. the wet, obscene squelching sounds filled the penthouse as he finger fucked you mercilessly, stretching you open.
you moaned, hips bucking shamelessly against his hand. “samuel—
“quiet, my wife. take it.” he added a third finger, scissoring you wide, his suit jacket brushing your bare skin as he worked you closer to the edge. your creamy juices coated his fingers and dripped down his wrist. “look at the mess you’re making. so fucking perfect for me.”
only when your legs were shaking did he pull back. you heard the metallic clink of his belt, the slow drag of his zipper. he didn’t undress fully just freed his cock. the cock which was thick, veiny, heavy, and already leaking precum from the flushed tip. he slapped it against your dripping pussy a few times, teasing your clit with the slick head.
“beg for it,” he ordered.
you bit your lip, being the stubborn angel you are. “make me.”
well… that just made him more excited. in one brutal thrust, his fat cock splitting your tight cunt open. the sudden stretch burned so good you screamed, eyes rolling back as he bottomed out, balls pressed tight against you.
“fuuuuck,” he hissed, forehead dropping to your shoulder. “so fucking tight… this perfect wife pussy was made for my cock.” then he started moving hard, deep, punishing strokes that slammed you against the window with every thrust.
one hand stayed wrapped around your throat from behind, squeezing just enough to make you lightheaded while the other gripped your hip hard enough to bruise. “take every fucking inch. this is what my wife needs.”
suddenly, he pulled out, leaving you clenching around nothing and whining pathetically. he hauled you away from the glass and threw you onto the bed. crawling over you instantly, he pinned your knees to your chest in a brutal mating press, folding you in half. his heavy weight crushed you into the mattress as he lined up and slammed back inside with one savage thrust, his thick cock spearing deep into your soaked cunt.
the new angle made him hit that perfect spot relentlessly. his balls slapped wetly against your ass with every brutal plunge. he looked down at you, eyes wild and dark behind fogged glasses, sweat dripping from his forehead onto your tits.
“look at you,” he rasped, voice strained. “folded up and taking me so deep. they all think i’m untouchable… but you know better, don’t you, my wife?”
you could barely form words. every thrust punched the air from your lungs, his cock dragging against your walls, making filthy wet sounds. his pace grew erratic, needier. the perfectly combed black hair fell forward. his glasses slipped.
“samuel…p-please—fill me,” you gasped.
he hooked your legs even higher over his shoulders, pounding harder, deeper, the bed creaking violently. “you’re not supposed to feel this fucking good,” he growled, voice cracking. “this wasn’t… shit… this wasn’t part of the deal.”
he kissed you then. being the messy man he is, spit-slick and filthy as he railed you without mercy. his tongue fucked your mouth in time with his cock destroying your pussy.
when your orgasm hit, it shattered you. your cunt clamped down like a vice, gushing around his thrusting cock as you screamed into his mouth, body convulsing.
“fuck— i’m gonna cum,” he groaned, hips stuttering. he tried to pull back, but you locked your ankles behind his back, pulling him deeper.
“samuel please,” you whispered against his lips, voice hoarse. “breed your wife. break every fucking rule and pump me full of your hot cum.”
his control snapped completely. with a broken, animalistic moan, he buried himself balls deep and came hard thick, hot ropes of cum flooding your spasming cunt in heavy spurts. he kept grinding deep, milking every drop into you as his whole body shook, forehead pressed to yours.
for a long time, the only sounds were your shared heavy breathing and the wet drip of his cum leaking out around his still buried cock.
he didn’t pull out. instead, his arms tightened around you possessively. he looked you dead in the eye, “…now say thank you, my good girl. fuck the rules.”
Hey so this is my first time doing a request and so I’m lowk nervous and feel free to ignore this req if you want but can you do some scenarios with a reader that has selective mutism with gun, goo, Jake, and Samuel. And any other characters you wanna add also I love your fics sm!🥺
a/n: hiii anon ♡ it's my first time as well, so don't worry lol. i had to make some researches for this one, so i hope u will like it!
Gun, Goo, Samuel, Jake
boys with a reader who has selective mutism
In general, I think all of them look for independence in a partner but they wouldn't mind doing things like telling the waiter your order or not pushing you to talk to new people. The problem starts when it's causing you discomfort or making your life more difficult.
I mean if the reader is constantly stressed because of it, they would definitely try to do something about it. Some of them wouldn't sugarcoat it at all (let's be realistic, even though I love writing romanticized scenarios).
☆ GUN
Well, good luck, because this is the guy who turned Daniel into a masterpiece. He can make you overcome something as simple (for him) as selective mutism. Gun is either going to make you even more anxious or you'll get over it within a month.
You swallowed hard while standing beside him.
He was silent. The barista was silent as well, blinking at both of you after asking for your order but neither of you said anything. His hands rested casually in his pockets, not bothered by the situation at all.
You said this whole selective mutism thing was causing you discomfort? Well, overcome it. Gun was simple when it came to things like that.
You felt your stress level reaching its peak as another customer stepped into line behind you.
"Two cappuccinos, please..." you said, your voice quiet but the barista, bless her soul, understood you and immediately started preparing the order.
Gun didn't say a word, even though your eyes had been drilling holes into the side of his face the entire time. Sometimes you really were questioning how you ended up with this man.
"You think this will help me?" you asked once the two of you left the cafe.
Gun had even made you pick up the order yourself and properly thank the barista.
"You ordered without my help. You can do it," he said simply, opening the car door for you. "It's reverse psychology."
He doesn't know shit about psychology.
☆ GOO
Good luck with this one too. You really have to be immature enough to match his stupid jokes if you want to get close to him. Because I genuinely can't imagine him not bringing it up all the time. Nothing too much, of course. He knows when to slow down.
"What happened, pancake?" Goo asked, setting a paper bag full of something delicious-smelling on the coffee table.
You were lying with your face right into the pillow. The most dramatic pose possible after experiencing the worst fifteen minutes of your life at the public hospital because you needed a single document.
That woman had been so annoyed by how quietly you spoke, which only made you even more nervous.
You were trying to be nice. Why couldn't she do the same?!
"The world is so cruel to it's nicest souls..." you mumbled into the pillow before turning to look at him. After hearing about your unsuccessful trip, Goo immediately started laughing his ass off.
Not a second of sympathy.
"The world is so cruel to my pinkie pie..." he snorted at his own joke before catching your unimpressed stare.
"You are being a bitch and I'm staying home for the rest of my life."
"Not very progressive of you to become a stay-at-home wifey," he teased again. You continued staring. "What? I'm very informed about feminism. I watched a TikTok about it."
He really can't take anything seriously.
☆ SAMUEL
To be honest, Samuel isn't the type to be a shoulder to cry on. He'll take care of you, but in his own way. That guy needs help too... he's not exactly the most emotionally reliable person around.
You were stressed as hell. You had been rehearsing that conversation for twenty minutes beforehand. And it still didn't go as planned.
Again.
You awkwardly handed the documents to another employee, nodded at his question, and hurried away. You were trying. Really trying.
A cold bottle pressed against your cheek, making you look up at the intruder. Samuel glanced at you from head to toe and let out a deep sigh. So loud and unapologetic.
Without another glance, you took the water from his hand and thanked him, even though you already knew what he was going to say.
"You really need to deal with that," he said simply, making you grimace. "You can't even work normally."
"I know, smartass." you opened the bottle and stared at it for a few seconds. "I'm trying but every time I open my mouth, it just doesn't feel right. Do you understand that?"
"Not really," he answered in the same flat tone. It was your turn to sigh. Samuel was lucky you were patient.
He fell silent, looking at you from behind his brand-new glasses. You looked like someone had kicked your puppy. Samuel clicked his tongue.
"Find a specialist. I'll pay for it."
He's not going to deal with it directly but he does have money.
☆ JAKE
Probably the most sensible one on this list. Jake may have some questionable morals but he's incredibly sweet when it comes to the people he loves. If there's a problem, he'll try to help. Your well-being is his priority.
"We can start with something simple," Jake said after several moments of thinking.
He knew about your problem and he knew it was causing you distress. Jake hates seeing his loved ones stressed, so he slowly brought up the topic.
Eventually, the conversation turned to how much it affected your life and honestly, he felt bad for you.
"For example?" you asked quietly, playing with the edge of his sleeve while resting your head on his shoulder. His arm wrapped around you, making sure you felt safe in his presence.
"Small steps. Maybe start with buying an ice cream," he nodded toward a nearby ice cream stand.
You pursed your lips, considering it. It didn't sound too difficult.
"I can try..."
You nodded and took a moment before standing up. While taking a deep breath, you were mentally rehearsing what to say.
"Do you want me to come with you?"
You shook your head.
"Okay. I'll be right here, baby. If you don't feel like doing it, just come back to me."
God. So sweet. You really didn't want to disappoint him, even if it meant pushing through that damn feeling in your chest.
And you did it.
When you came back carrying two ice creams, Jake greeted you with a bright smile before pressing a big kiss to your forehead.
"Good job. Not so scary, right?"
He'd make sure you knew he was there whenever you needed him.
ㅤㅤᘛᘚ ✿ 𝗽𝗿𝗲́𝗰𝗶𝘀 ⋮ how johan seong, eli jang, jake kim & samuel seo + taehun seong act when they're jealous ｡>﹏< headcanons───O732
ㅤ ୨୧ JOHAN SEONG
cutie baby he can do no wrong (no i'm not biased)
he mostly doesn't mind you being affectionate with others bc duh you're so nice and sweet ofc you have many friends / acquaintances ! he's perfectly happy js standing by your side (like the true puppybf he is)
if it's someone showing romantic interest towards you though, he'll become SO sulky (n then kinda mad at himself for being vulnerable w/ his emotions. he's truly a seong.)
johan would rather voluntarily hang out with gun than ever get mad at You, obviously, it's not your fault you're so perfect ?
probably just tries to look extra intimidating so the person backs off on their own (he'll be your scary dog privilege Please let him)
his jealousy will mostly manifest in him being extra brooding n mopey Afterwards
would like reassurances n praise ab him being your favorite boy forever in the whole world (#trust me)
ㅤ ୨୧ ELI JANG
hear out my vision on this one
Yes he is a pacifist at heart but also eli doesn't gaf ab people he doesn't care for
what he does is he plays it smart
if someone seems to be acting a little Too friendly towards you for his liking, he sets his well thought out plans in motion
and by plans, i mean yenna
when the girl comes up to you, holding out her hands like she wants to be lifted up, all sweet n giggly n referring to u as her parent (tho u and eli have probably only JUST started seeing e/o) .. the person opposite u Gets Absolutely Hit with the cuteness beam of you n yenna tgt
and THEN add eli to the mix, who joins the 2 of u not long after, saying he "couldn't stop yenna bc she just missed u too much :("
no person at All could try to break up a "family" this cute, so 10/10 times this works like an absolute charm
moral of the story? a win is always a win !
ㅤ ୨୧ JAKE KIM
firm believer of proving himself
when seeing someone tryna hit on u, he INSERTS himself into the conversation so fast u wouldn't even realize it
hell the person hitting on u won't even realize it
he's just THAT smooth
jake really makes getting ur attention a full-on competition bro it's crazy
pretends like he's the most innocent lil baby who can do No wrong, all while subtly teasing u, calling u ALL sorts of nicknames (baby, pookie T_T, sweetheart, jagi ~ !! etc ..) pulling u in by ur waist (Woah chill im so easy) playing w ur hair n so on
keeps trying to one-up the other person so hard. and he's clearly winning so the person ends up embarrassed n backs off on their own T_T
and he'd be SO proud of himself after, winking n smirking at u
dork extraordinaire (i love him)
ㅤ ୨୧ SAMUEL SEO
oh boy
gets riled up WAY too easily
his inferiority complex is battling for dominance with his superiority complex meaning that it genuinely takes very Very little to get him alll huffy and bristly w/ you
it could be you quite literally Just giggling while you text a coworker and he'd be all "who's that huh. Huh."
if he sees you being physically affectionate with someone ... you might as well say your prayers right then and there
he will (probably) bide his time though
stares daggers into whatever guy you're with but will keep his business smile on for as long as you have your lil conversation
then drags you off to a secluded hallway to interrogate you about it
it'll end up with you pinned against a wall, but tbf!, that's NOT a bad outcome
ㅤ ୨୧ TAEHUN SEONG
yes we know he's emotionally avoidant (because being in touch w/ your emotions is Cringe !!11 !! ew) but honestly he'd be so mature ab it compared to Some other people !
seeing some guy try to (very unsuccessfully) pick you up or try to get ur number, taehun's mostly just very smug like "yeah that's MY s/o!" and he totally trusts u obviously
besides he also has faith in his looks
like WHO is picking some Random guy over Taehun Seong (cocky mf) (but he's right tho)
ofc there's some exceptions ! he might get a lil jealous Particularly if ur glazing / complimenting someone's athleticism a tad too enthusiastically
like hello he's Right here? and he's better? at everything? obviously?
gets over it pretty quickly tho u just gotta make it up to him !!
wink
ㅤㅤⓘ hi please drop reqs im so lookismpilled and htfmaxxing rn ^_^
G/N. Part of convenience store AU. Can be standalone. You're both grown up and life has happened.
Leave him be | Dinner Guest | Doctors and Patients | Baby | Dragons | Masterlists
You don't look after the store as well as your parents.
The place is nostalgic, full of memories for you, whereas your mom and dad poured their hopes and dreams into it. Now that they've passed, you couldn't bring yourself to sell it and move on even if you feel like your life is drifting away.
Your day begins with flipping the sign to Open, and ends with flipping the sign to Closed. Stocking shelves and counting inventory, a lunch at the counter with your phone for company. You're a side character to those that frequent your store. Stressed students grabbing their lunch, families picking up dinner ingredients, young couples so in love that even browsing your mundane wares is an adventure.
The old, rusty doorbell jingles and alerts you to hopefully the last customer of a long day.
"Welcome!" You call out on reflex, seated and elbows resting on the counter as you count down the minutes until you can close.
"Evening."
You recognise that voice anywhere. It's deeper, even if it's only been a year since you've last seen him. He's taller too, his suit filling out better than you recall. There's confidence in his posture and how he holds himself.
There's barely any traces of his childhood self left.
That's good, you think, internally chiding yourself for wanting to see glimpses of the small Samuel again. He was your best friend but life was so much more difficult for him than it should be.
"Sammy-" you begin but correct yourself. "Samuel. I didn't realise you were in town."
It's the truth. There's no way of knowing if he was around or not. Most of your ties are severed.
"I was in the neighbourhood," he responds, then to your surprise, he avoids your gaze when he tells you, "Sammy is fine."
"Sammy," you try it once more on your tongue and smile.
Samuel is someone you barely know.
Sammy feels like hazy summers sitting side by side trying to cool off in front of a fan, building snowmen in front of the store as the cold seeps through both your gloves, sleepovers and staying up too late watching scary movies then not being able to sleep even when the sun rises.
Sammy was a constant part of your life, had pride of place in your heart, and the thought of separating you two was unthinkable.
"This place feels the same," his voice cuts through your thoughts as he runs his hand along the counter. It's not a criticism, there's wistfulness in his tone and care in the way he touches the surface.
He stops centimeters away from your fingers.
You notice the way his knuckles are red and swollen. Your eyes rove up. There's faded dirt on his jacket and when you peer at his face, a bruise sitting on his temple partly hidden by his fringe.
"Are you ok?" Alarmed, your hand tenderly grasps his and you urgently reach up to push his hair aside.
He's stiff when you touch him though he doesn't deny you. You're wrong when you said there's no traces left of the Sammy you used to know. He still looks like he has half a mind to bolt, there's uneasiness radiating off him in waves but he stays put for you.
His voice is casual, dismissive. "I'm fine. It's nothing."
You stare at him incredulously and he defiantly stares back, challenging you to disagree.
Your lives had diverged a long time ago, yet he's back here with you tonight. You thought the gods of time and fate had sentenced you two to be apart except it looks like you are still destined to be intertwined. At least for a little longer.
You call his bluff, because even though it's been years, Sammy could never truly be a stranger.
It's never been fine, it's never been nothing.
If he doesn't want you to fuss over him then you will just play this differently.
"I love you, ok." You release your hold to give him a playful tap on the shoulder. "Come back and see me soon. Stop being a stranger."
Sammy's eyebrow shoots up, his mouth falls briefly open as something inscrutable flashes across his features.
He's stuck. In time, in place; the words, in his throat.
You smile softly at his expression. "Think of me, of this," you gesture at the store, "as your safe space."
Something inside him breaks. He closes his eyes. He can't look at you right now. Inside this place with the flickering fluorescent light sits the only person and the only memories that have mattered.
Sammy chances a glance at you and it's like all those years have never happened. You've both stepped back in time and you're just kids again.
He nods, a small bob of the head but he feels like he can finally breathe.
He reaches over the counter, closes his eyes once more and rests his forehead against yours.
