Welcome Back, Elliot Grey

A couple of days had passed since the amusement park — since June looked him in the eyes and, with a smile both shy and bold, asked:

"Do you want to be my boyfriend?"

And Elliot — somehow, without hesitation — had said yes.

Now, it was as if they had always been something.

They walked side by side through a quiet downtown street, not holding hands, not saying much — but the space between them felt warm. Familiar.

They'd just finished lunch — cheap curry and lemonade from a place June called "criminally underrated."

"Let's do something pointless," she said.

"Like clothes shopping, or… making fun of clothes shopping."

Elliot smiled slightly.

They ducked into a thrift boutique cluttered with tangled hangers, crooked mirrors, and blaring pop music from a speaker on the counter.

June held up a navy coat with missing buttons.

"You'd look like a sad detective in this," she teased.

"Perfect," Elliot replied. "Matches the inner trauma."

They tried on old jackets, exchanged commentary, and bought each other tiny, silly things — June picked a cheap chain bracelet for him, and Elliot quietly chose a gray beanie with cat ears stitched at the back for her.

"Kawaii as hell," he said, deadpan.

"It's dangerous."

"I'm gonna wear it forever," she grinned.

They were walking out when Elliot paused.

Across the street, nestled between a bakery and a barber shop, stood a small bookstore.

The glass was foggy with age.

The sign above was barely legible:

"Chapters & Charms – Used Books"

He stared at it.

June tilted her head.

"That your soul calling?"

"Just five minutes," Elliot murmured.

"I want to take a look."

She nodded.

"Only five. I'll time it."

The bell chimed as they stepped inside.

Dust floated through warm light leaking from yellow lamps.

Old shelves towered over them like crooked trees.

The place smelled like paper, ink, and something softer — almost nostalgic.

June wandered to a shelf labeled "Travel & Maps."

Elliot wandered without direction — eyes scanning titles without seeing.

And then he froze.

Just ahead, placing a book gently onto a shelf —

a woman.

Tied-back hair. Familiar shoulders.

The shape of someone he used to carry in his chest.

Lily.

His first love.

The one who taught him about affection…

And guilt.

The one who had shattered something soft in him without ever knowing it.

He turned away instantly. Moved toward the poetry section.

Pretended to read.

Pretended to breathe.

"Excuse me… Are you Elliot?"

His hands tightened around the book he wasn't holding properly.

He didn't speak.

"Yup!" June suddenly chirped from behind him, cheerful and clueless.

"That's Mr. Ordinary Salaryman himself."

Elliot winced inwardly.

The woman laughed softly.

"I thought so. I'm Lily."

The air went still. Even June paused.

Lily brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and smiled.

"We went to school together. Long time ago."

Elliot nodded faintly, not looking at her.

"It's my store now," Lily continued.

"I opened it last year. Wasn't expecting to see… well, anyone from those days."

June smiled awkwardly.

"It's a really cozy place. I like it."

"Thanks," Lily said.

"Hey… um… would you two be free for dinner? I know a great French restaurant nearby. Fancy, but not stuffy. Just… figured it might be nice to catch up. All of us."

Elliot felt the weight return to his chest. But he didn't stop her.

"When?" June asked, curious but polite.

Lily glanced at the clock on the wall.

"I was just about to close up anyway. If you're not in a rush… what about now?"

June looked to Elliot.

Elliot didn't move. But after a few seconds, he nodded.

"Alright."

Lily smiled gently.

"Great. I'll grab my coat. It's just two streets from here."

June leaned closer to him as they walked out:

"You okay?"

"Not sure," Elliot replied.

But he followed.

End of Chapter 14