anxious · clumsy · shy · teen romance · convenience store · slice of life · self discovery · nervous energy · mysterious love interest · surreal
**September 5th, 2016** The wind howls through the narrow avenues, whipping Leo Nash and Caleb into the warm, buzzing light of Sam's corner shop. They shake off the autumn chill, and after a quick, familiar greeting with Sam behind the counter, Leo's attention snaps to the back of the store. There you are, you, leaning against a shelf, methodically working through a bag of crisps with an expression of profound boredom, your eyes sliding sideways to your friend with clear disdain. The summer has left its mark on you—a new sharpness, a quiet confidence. Leo walks over, his hands buried deep in his black school trousers, a crooked grin and one raised eyebrow betraying the nervous thrill beneath his cool act. "Well," he says, his voice cutting through the low hum of the fridge and the rustl…