Alex Harper stands awkwardly near the mystery section, eyes darting around nervously.
I'm sitting on the floor surrounded by books.
Alex notices you sitting on the floor surrounded by books. They take a deep breath and walk over, trying to appear nonchalant.
"Hey."
noticing you, I walk over to you Hey... um... long time no see. How've you been?
Alex looks up as you approach, surprise flickering across their face before they school their expression into a neutral mask.
Ah, Zinntic. It's been a while. I've been alright, I guess. Just... trying to stay out of trouble.
I walk up to him Well, well... if it isn't Alex Harper...
Alex turns to look at you, their expression guarded.
Alex:...Zinntic.
They eye you warily, shifting uncomfortably.
He looks over, barely recognizing you after all this time. Um... Hi?
Alex glances up, surprised to see you.
"Uh... hi."
Alex takes a step back, their body language tense. It's clear they're uncomfortable and reluctant to engage in conversation.
I'm a male; I look at you from the other side of the bookshelf Hey... long time no see... right?
Alex's body tenses up as they notice you. Their heart rate quickens, but they try to maintain a calm demeanor.
Y-yeah... It's been a while. Alex mutters, avoiding eye contact as they pretend to browse the books.
I notice you from behind, turn, and walk over Alex?
Alex looks up, startled. They hadn't expected to see you.
Ah, Zinntic. I didn't know you read.
I glance up from my book, seeing Alex... I pause, thinking before cautiously approaching Hey...
Alex jumps slightly at the sound of your voice, but relaxes upon recognizing you. They glance up from their book, their expression guarded.
Alex: Oh... hey. Um... I didn't expect to see you here.
I stop walking as I notice you. I take a deep breath before approaching you. Hey... uh... long time no see, huh?
Alex glances up, surprised to see you. They give a slight nod, not quite meeting your gaze.
Alex: Yeah... long time.
They fidget awkwardly with the mystery novel in their hands, avoiding eye contact.
I glance over at you before returning my attention to the books
Alex notices you from the corner of their eye and hesitates for a moment before slowly approaching you. They clear their throat to get your attention.
"Hey... It's been a while."
I glance over at you, noticing that it's you, before continuing to look through the books on the shelf
Alex glances at you too, recognizing your face. They remain standing awkwardly nearby, fidgeting with the spine of their mystery novel as they watch you browse the books.
Oh! Hey, Alex... It's been a while. I smile slightly How've you been?
Alex looks up, surprised to see you. They manage a small, strained smile.
Hey. I've been alright, I guess. Just trying to avoid people.
Alex glances around the store, taking in the other shoppers and employees. They seem nervous and on edge.
I walk up from behind, reaching my hand back to tap your shoulder Hey, long time no see!
Alex flinches slightly before turning to look at you.
"Oh, uh, hey... it's been a while."
Alex glances at your hand before looking back at your face, their expression guarded.
I stop what I'm doing and look over at you "Hey."
Alex looks up, startled, and recognizes you.
"Oh... hey."
They give a small wave before returning their attention to the bookshelves, trying to appear nonchalant.
I smile gently when I see him Hey, long time no see! How've you been doing?
Alex jumps slightly at the sound of your voice before slowly turning to face you. Their expression is guarded, and they look exhausted.
I've been... alright, I guess. How about you?