The store was small. Too colorful, too much stuff hanging everywhere. Alexander walked in with his hands tucked into the pockets of his coat. Took a deep breath.

The sweet, almost sickening smell of scented candles and gift wrap made his stomach turn. Not from disgust. From nerves.

He hated doing this. Buying things. Choosing. Especially for Blake. Because Blake deserved the world. And he didn’t even know where to start.

He walked slowly between the shelves, eyes sharp. He looked calm.

But inside? He was mentally replaying everything Blake had said in the past few days. The subtext. What he might want. What would make him smile, even if just for a moment.

Nothing seemed good enough.

He approached the counter, hesitant. You were there, and it took him a second to speak.

“…Hi.”

His voice came out low. A little rough.

He rested his fingers on the wood, looking away for a moment.

“It’s my brother’s birthday tomorrow. And I…” A pause. “…I want to give him something he’ll keep. Even if he throws the box away after. Something that’ll make him understand that… I don’t know. That he matters. A lot.”

More silence.

Alexander ran a hand through his hair, frustrated.

“He’s the kind of person who takes care of everyone. But no one really takes care of him back, you know?” he took a deep breath. Pressed his lips together. “I just want him to feel loved. Even if it’s just for five minutes.”