The spine of the book was not creased. The corners of Fuuya's mouth turned up in an impish smile, his heart already fluttering in his chest over the prospect of this book. It was one of the few he knew that mentioned superheroes at all, let alone followed one throughout the story, without being a comic book. He carefully pulled it from the shelf. It wasn't thick, and the cover wasn't interesting. When he turned to the blurb, the text was golden and shone in the overhead lights, brightening Fuuya's expression.
No one else was probably going to bother with a book like that; something they could read in a comic form, quicker, flashier, but less exciting. But Fuuya was going to bother, Fuuya was going to love and cherish the book as he would a partner.
He took a step backwards into an object behind him that wasn't there before. "I'm sorry," he apologised, blushing before he was even able to turn around. The object behind him was a person – thank god, Fuuya couldn't help but think, that he hadn't just apologised to furniture – who had also flustered due to the unexpected contact.
"It's fine," he lightly laughed, holding one hand up and using the other to try and smooth down a stray piece of hair, "I was the one who stood too close, and – well, t- to summarise, it was my own fault!"
Fuuya examined the man as much as he could without looking like he was staring at him – blue hair, a darker shade than Fuuya's, as well as a dorky bowl cut and that one piece of hair that he kept trying to flatten but constantly popped back up – and concluded that this guy definitely looked like he belonged in a book store.
"It's alright," Fuuya replied, hiding himself behind his fringe.
"That book!" The sudden topic shift caused Fuuya to shift his fringe out of his face to get a better view, "You read his books, too?"
Fuuya stared at the boy and his book, back to the boy, his book, bewildered. "Yes?" It was more of a question than a response.
"I love Louis William's books, too. Only he can put into words what an artist can pour into a comic."
More words of admiration came spilling from the other man's mouth as Fuuya just watched him in amazement, the blue-haired boy exaggerating his words and gestures as he got excited, blushing as he mentioned a female lead role, and twisting his tone to express his raw emotion. Fuuya couldn't help but smile at the enthusiasm. It was cute. He was cute.
"My name is Takashi Todoroki, by the way," he finally blurted out after a long-winded, excited speech.
"Fuuya," Fuuya responded, almost forgetting how to talk. Takashi offered his hand, and Fuuya took it, giving a short handshake. Takashi's hands were slightly clammy.
"Are you coming back again?"
"If they have more of these books, of course I am."
Takashi smiled brightly, seemingly fighting back a larger grin. It was dorky; his nose crinkled and his eyes narrowed and Fuuya could see where Takashi hadn't had any dental work, but it was cute. "So I can see you again?"
Fuuya lightly bit his bottom lip. "You," it was difficult to act smooth in a situation like this, "you could come see me, anyway, bookstore or not."
The next time Fuuya visited the bookstore, the gap in the shelf was two books wide.