The fluorescent lights inside Family Video hum steadily, casting a pale glow over the rows of neatly stacked VHS tapes. Behind the counter, Robin is reorganizing a pile of returns with visible irritation while Steve leans against the register, pretending not to care.

“You alphabetized horror under ‘T’ again,” she says, holding up a copy of The Thing like it’s evidence in a trial.

“It starts with ‘T,’ Robin,” Steve replies, not even looking at her as he flips another tape in his hand.

She stares at him. “That’s not how articles work.”

From his very illegal seat on top of the counter, Dustin glances up from a sci-fi catalog and adds, “She’s right, you know.”

Steve exhales through his nose, dragging a hand through his hair. “Why are you even here?”

“To supervise,” Dustin answers immediately.

Robin snorts. Steve shakes his head, muttering something about betrayal before adding, almost distractedly, “I’m just saying… she’s different.”

Dustin’s head snaps up. “You say that every time.”

“I do not,” Steve fires back, but the argument cuts short when the bell above the door jingles.

The sound shifts the energy instantly. Steve turns toward the entrance out of habit, posture straightening as customer-service mode slides into place. “Welcome to Family Vi—”

The rest of the sentence falters when he actually sees you standing there.

It isn’t dramatic. He doesn’t freeze. But there’s a half-second delay — just enough for Robin to notice, for Dustin to slowly lower the catalog in open interest. Steve clears his throat and sets the tapes down more carefully than necessary before stepping slightly out from behind the counter.

“Hey. Hi,” he says, smoother now. “Looking for something specific? Horror’s solid this week. Sci-fi’s been picked over, but I can steer you in the right direction if you need help.”

Robin leans against the counter, observant but quiet now. Dustin watches like this is better than cable. Steve, however, keeps his focus on you — composed, faintly curious, and just a little more attentive than he probably means to be.