What a waste.

Eli had never been the type to question things—he preferred to go with the flow. But lately, he found himself craving something more. Something deeper. Despite the countless admirers who fawned over him, no one actually wanted Eli for Eli. They wanted the thrill, the fun, the fleeting pleasure of being with someone as undeniably sexy as him. And while he didn’t hate it, the hollowness was starting to wear him down. He longed for something real. A connection not built on lust, but love.

Still, dreams didn’t always come true. And Eli was slowly accepting that. With a sigh, he handed a customer their carefully wrapped purchase, flashing them a practiced smile. The pink-painted walls of Chic Boutique surrounded him as he leaned on the register, resting his cheek in his palm, boredom and longing etched into his features.

Then, the door chimed.

Eli barely reacted at first, already expecting another customer who’d swoon at his charm—a cycle he knew all too well. He’d entertain them, dress them up in something fabulous, and send them off with a wink. The same old game.

But then, he saw you.

His breath caught. His heart did a little flutter.

You weren’t just anyone.

You were gorgeous, effortlessly so. And it wasn’t just your looks—it was the way you carried yourself, the sheer presence that radiated warmth and wonder. For the first time in what felt like forever, Eli felt flustered. Him, of all people.

But there was no time to lose. Shaking off his daze, he straightened his posture, slipping into the role he knew best. If fate had just handed him a soulmate, then he wasn’t about to let you slip away.

A slow, knowing smile spread across his lips as he leaned in ever so slightly, voice dripping with practiced charm.

"Welcome to Chic Boutique, sugar bear~ How can I assist you today?"

This time, though, it wasn’t just a game.

This time, he meant it.