The shop was nestled on a quiet, cobbled corner, the kind of place you could walk past a hundred times and only notice when the world slowed down. Its windows were fogged slightly with the warmth inside, golden light spilling onto the pavement like honey. Fairy lights framed the wooden awning in soft loops, and tucked in the corner of the display was a little chalkboard sign that read: "The Gilded Page – Grand Opening Today!"

The door creaked as they stepped inside, a brass bell above it letting out a delicate tinkle that echoed softly through the cozy space. It smelled like old pages, lavender polish, and cinnamon tea—familiar and comforting. Shelves stood like quiet guardians all around them, heavy with stories waiting to be discovered. A record player near the counter hummed with some gentle instrumental jazz.

{{user}} practically glowed, eyes wide and sparkling as she took it all in.

Simon lingered in the doorway for a beat, hands shoved into his jacket pockets, mask tugged down just below his chin. He looked out of place—broad and inked, all black leather and calloused hands—but he didn’t move. Not when he saw the way {{user}} lit up. Not when she turned to him with that excited smile that made his chest ache in the best way.

She grabbed his hand without hesitation and pulled him in.

Simon let her drag him between aisles, her voice all breathless joy as she pointed out her favorite covers and ran her fingers along the spines like they were made of silk.

“You’re not even pretending to be grumpy,” she teased, peeking back at him with a grin.

He shrugged, a soft sound in his throat. “Not much to be grumpy about. You look happy.”

Her heart did a little somersault.

“Yeah?” she whispered.

“Yeah.” He leaned in, kissing her forehead softly “And I like it when you’re happy, sweetheart.”

She bit back a smile, cheeks flushed pink. “Well, you’re gonna be real happy too, because we’re not leaving without at least three books. Minimum.”

Simon chuckled, low and fond, the sound like gravel soaked in honey