When Fran stepped inside the bookstore, he was welcomed by the therapeutic smell of books which he loved the most. Buying books online would not give you this kind of experience, that’s why, Fran always made sure to buy his books in person.
He had this habit where he would sniff the inside of a newly bought book first before reading it. For him, it was some kind of a ritual. That way, he would have more connection with the book. Yes, it might sound absurd, but, he was weird like that. No judgment, please.
Fran walked towards the newly published book section. He scanned some titles and skimmed the books that caught his interest. Fran was a big fan of well-established writers, however, some new writers were worth checking out for, too. Fran enjoyed reading stories with fresh voices and ideas related to our world today. Well, old or new—it didn’t matter to Fran. As long as a book was interesting, he would definitely read it in a heartbeat.
After checking out the newly published book section, Fran decided to buy four books from the selection. One of the shop assistants saw him carrying the books and offered him a shopping basket. Fran took it from the shop assistant immediately. He was too excited to buy books that he forgot to get a shopping basket on his own.
Fran’s next stop was the bestsellers’ section. His heart leapt with joy when he saw that 8 out of 10 books from the selection were written by his favorite authors. Fran didn’t even bother to read the synopsis on each book, he immediately placed those 8 books in his shopping basket. He was about to leave when he suddenly stopped. He took the other two bestseller books and put them in his shopping basket. He thought, “No book shall be left behind.”
Fran was not yet finished with his book haul. He searched every shelf, every corner, and every section of the bookstore. And for his last stop, he decided to go to the crime/mystery section. It was fortunate for him because no one was there. Fran had the chance to skim through books without someone bothering him. So, he indulged himself.
“No, man. I’m in a bookstore. My sister asked me to buy a freaking book. Yes, I’m done with my summer job. We can practice for the whole day. Ah, but not today. I’ve been awake for three straight days now. I look like a zombie. Hahahaha! You got it, man.”
When Fran heard someone talking loudly, he frowned. Yes, they were not in a library. But still, what the heck? The owner of the voice was bothering him.
“I’m telling you. I need some sleep. And we still do not have a vocalist for the band—why are you so eager to practice? Hahahahaha.”
Fran had had enough. He looked for the owner of the voice. He saw the back of a tall man—talking to someone on his phone. He walked towards the man.
“Hahahaha. You’re really a clown, man. Talk to you later. What? Hahahaha. You piece of shhhh—“
“Excuse me… ”
Fran held out his voice. Yes, he was annoyed, but, he still wanted to act civil.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
“Ah, yes…” The man turned his body towards Fran’s direction. He was smiling. “Do I know you?” The man asked.
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However, what made Fran choke back his words was not the stranger’s height—it was the stranger’s face. That freaking handsome of a face!!!
The man looked like he was really lacking sleep. He could barely open his eyes and they had deep black circles. He possessed a pointed nose and naturally red lips. The man was so handsome even though he was not in his best condition. He looked like a movie star! Fran could not help but stare at the stranger. It was not the first time he saw someone good-looking, but, this man… Oh, this man!
His palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy. There's vomit on his sweater already, mom's spaghetti...
Yes, thank you, Eminem! Those lyrics eerily described what Fran was feeling at the moment. There was something special about the man that made his knees weak, made him sweat, and made his heart beat fast. He could not figure what was so special about the man that made Fran think like a crazy idiot!
“Ah, excuse me? Do you need something from me?”
Fran woke up from a pleasant dream. He realized he was being an idiot in front of a stranger. He could not help but blush. He felt so embarrassed!
Fran composed himself. He looked straight at the man’s eyes. “Y-you’re bothering me with how loud you were talking on the phone.” There, he said it.
The man’s face became apologetic. He gave Fran a shy smile. “Oh, I’m sorry…”
Fran heaved a sigh. “Be aware of your surroundings next time.”
The man licked his lips, then, laughed nervously. “Ah, yeah, next time. Again, I’m sorry.”
Fran nodded. Silence emerged between them.
That was supposed to be the end of conversation between the two of them. However, the man kept on looking at Fran with a smile. Fran found himself having a hard time taking off his gaze away from the man.
“Honey, buy this book for me…”
“Of course, darling! Choose whatever book that you like. Your honey will buy it for you.”
“Ah, thanks, honey. I love you!”
“I love you, too. Give me a kiss later, okay?”
Fran felt like he was slapped and woke up from a trance. His attention shifted to the couple flirting in front of a nearby shelf. The guy’s arm was hugging the girl’s hips.
“Ah, I’ll go ahead…”
Fran’s attention returned to the handsome man. The latter’s gaze was on Fran’s shopping basket.
“I’ve disturbed you enough. I’ll leave you with your business.” The man yawned. He looked sleepier than earlier. He gave Fran one last smile before walking away.
Fran did not say anything. Though, in his heart, he felt something was amiss. His gaze did not leave the stranger. Fran saw the man walked away like in a daze. Not long after, the stranger bumped into someone else. After apologizing, the man kept on walking. Fran decided to go back to his business of buying books, only to stop on his tracks, when he figured out something looked wrong with the man he encountered earlier.
The man stopped walking. What happened next made Fran gasped for air. He saw the man collapsed on the floor. Fran ran to the man’s direction. The stranger was unconscious. A store assistant approached them.
Fran instructed the employee. His voice was a bit panicky. “Please call an ambulance!”
The shop assistant answered, “There’s a hospital nearby. We have a service car here. I’ll drive you there.”
“Okay, that’s great. Thank you!” The employee was about to help Fran carry the man when he remembered something. “Ah, can you please call one of your co-workers?“
The employee looked confused. “I think, the two of us are enough to carry—”
Fran interrupted the employee. “No, it’s not about that. I’m worried about my books! Ask your co-worker to keep my books because I am going to return for them later.”
The employee scratched his head. But did what he was told.
Fran looked at the unconscious man in his arms. He could not help but worry about this stranger.
It’s so gud … waiting for the next update*~~
I’ve been captured by the title… 🙃
ahh I love Fran!
thanks for the chapter <3
Camping! MC is actually relatable~ Thank you for releasing this!
Lmao mom’s spaghetti xDD
Do you know the Lose Yourself Crab Rave remix by Kranskaart on YT? I’m not sure I can link here but it should be easy to find. It’s frickin’ awesome and super hyperactive and I love it XD
You are right Fan ! Books are the most important in this situation. I would also take care of my book too ! Thanks for the chapter !
Interesting~ Love this Story already!
Thank you for the chapter <3
Oohh a tall and stunning stranger who blushes, smiles, apologizes and…drops like a rock 😯