I walked in the cold, my boots crunching the snow lightly. My dark vest covered some of my core, but my grey undershirt seemed to keep in the cold. I had on some grey khakis as well, but those weren't very good at retaining heat either. Rubbing my arms, I quicken my pace and walk into the bookshop. There's nothing much to do here, but it's cozy and pays better than working at 7/11.

I walk in and my arms get tingly in the warm air. There's no one inside right now so I lazily swing my body onto the stool behind the counter. Placing the coffee on the counter, I rub my arms a little more before looking for something to do. There's a box of books that need to be shelved and nothing else so I get on that right away. I figure I could use my time in a better way, but shelving books seems pretty appealing right now.

After the first few books, I get a buzz from my pocket. I put down whatever book is in my hand and shove my hand into the pocket. After fishing around, I finally pull out my phone. I realize it's Nerris texting me. She's asking how the coffee is. Shit, I totally forgot about that.

I look back at the cup and go quickly take a sip. It's so hot and acidic, I half-choke on it and roughly gulp it down. Shuddering, I reply: "It's coffee."

Realizing what I said made no sense in context, I reply with 4 more extra texts saying: "Oops" "Yeah" "It's uh" "Really tastes like good coffee."

Nerris doesn't reply for several minutes, and when she does it's a little angry face. I chuckle, but before I can reply she texts again: "Wow u can't even text me w/o getting flustered."

I shake my head and reply: "I do not!"

"Yes, you do sugar."

"...>:0"

"See?"

"That's not flustered!"

"I can practically see your face rn."

She's right. Even when down the street, she can still make my face heat up. She just has that effect on me. I close my phone before I can write any more texts defending my pride. I get about halfway through the remaining books when I get another text.

"U want to meet up w/ me l8r?" She asks.

"Why? When?" I ask, trying to play it dumb.

"Just to hang. After ur job. My place or yours?"

God, she can rope me into just about anything, sly girl.

"Yours, I'm eating your food today."

"Not fair!!!"

"Oh hush."

">:/"

I chuckle and send one more text: "Brb, finishing shelving books."

I sigh as I pick up the pile I have and head off towards the shelves once more. The work is repetitive and hardly anyone is willing to make the trip from home to the bookstore at this time of year, so I have a lot of free time. I usually spend the first 15 minutes doing actual work, but the rest of the time I spend behind the counter on my phone. I finally finish shelving the romance books and head over to grab the fantasy ones.

After finishing up the entire pile I lie down in one of the aisles and sigh. I pick up my phone and check the time. God, it's only been half an hour. I trudge back to the counter and realize I left my coffee there. Sighing, I picked up the cup. It is now lukewarm, so I take a sip out of it. The acidic flavor still burns my mouth a little, but without the heat it's lost its kick. I finish the coffee in 3 long gulps and put the cup in the garbage can. Even though I've been going to that shop for 3 years, I'm convinced Nerris makes it best.

About an hour passed by while I thought about random things, and I hear someone open the door to the bookshop. I shoot up from my blank stare and turn to greet them.

It's Nerris. She has white flecks covering her body and she's shivering uncontrollably. I stand up to help her but she shakes her head and the wisps of white fall out. She gives me a big smile and puts her hands on her hips.

"Why're you here?" I ask, sliding off of the stool behind the counter.

"I thought I'd come to see you since you came to see me." She huffs, shoving her hands into her pockets.

"Yeah but you never do tha-" I start.

"Ok just-! I'm here now aren't I?" Nerris pouts, sticking her bottom lip out.

"Your pout face is so ugly." I tease, coming over and tapping her nose.

She wheezes and shoves my chest playfully, her smile widening further. I feel a smile crept my onto my face and I cover it with my hand.

"Alright stupid, c'mere," I grunt, waving Nerris over.

She walks over to the counter and I grab her waist. She makes a surprised gasp as I lift her onto the counter. Her face seems to darken around her cheeks but in a good way. The grays swirl and blend together to form a sort of dust on her face. It's cute.

"Now you're as t-tall as me," I mumble.

Nerris grins and looks at me, her eyes softening and appraising me as if to say: "What would I ever do without you..." I sigh as she brings my head to her neck and lays her head on top of mine. Shakily, I put an arm around her back and she lazily throws her arm around mine. We embrace for a few more seconds before I feel a crick in my neck. I turn around and sit on the stool behind the counter. I'm taller than Nerris now, but she doesn't seem to mind. My back is to her and she leans forward and grasps at my chest. I feel her place her head on my spine and I instinctively straighten my back. I lean my head back and catch a glimpse of her hair sprawling out over my shoulder.

"Harrison. Harrison. Haaaarrison." Nerris whines, tapping her head on my back.

"What," I grunt, lifting a hand to stroke her arms as they cling to my chest.

"You know, when we do things like this, the only place I want to be is closer to you." She whispers in my ear.

My face heats up. Nerris chuckles and I can feel the vibration through my back.

"I can always feel when you tense up. Your eyes go wide and your face darkens a few shades. Grey becomes color when I'm with you, even if we're not soulmates." She continues.

I grab both her hands with my own. I bring them up to my mouth. I can feel her curiosity seeping through her body and coursing through her veins. I'm not usually this calm or this romantic around her. She's usually the one making me flustered, but I'm determined to return the favor.

"I-If you're willing, I would definitely want to put the effort into b-becoming soulmates." I hoarsely whisper into her hands.

This time I could feel her flinch against my body.