"You didn’t have to come all the way here."
Selina tilted her head slightly. There was a playful look in her eyes as she glanced at Gray.
"And miss your big day? Not a chance."
She slowly looked around the store, taking in the sight of the crowded aisles and busy staff.
"But wow..." she breathed softly. "It’s even better than I imagined. Everything looks amazing, Gray."
"It still feels a little surreal seeing it like this." Gray chuckled quietly.
Selina’s eyes lingered on him for a moment before she smiled again. "You should be proud. You worked hard for this. I still remember the times you were busy, especially a week ago."
Gray laughed lightly. "Yeah... I remember that too. Joel and I barely slept for a week."
"But I’m happy that it clearly paid off," she muttered in a soft voice. "Look at everyone. They’re happy to be here."
Gray glanced around and, truth be told, everyone looked happy.
"Yeah," he said quietly. "I guess it did."
Selina smiled. "I’m really proud of you."
For a moment, he just looked at her, unsure what to say. Her words were warm enough that it touched his heart. warmth, the kind that reached deeper than praise.
"Thanks," he finally said. "That means a lot coming from you."
Gray chuckled softly, the tension in his chest slowly disappearing. But then, he narrowed his eyes slightly, and a teasing smirk formed on his face.
"But I know that look," he said. "You’re not here only to support me, are you?"
Selina blinked, then let out a light laugh.
"I guess you know me too well." From behind her, she pulled out a small cream-colored envelope and handed it to him.
"I’m actually here to give you this."
"What’s this for?" Gray raised a brow and accepted it.
"It’s an event my friend’s organizing," Selina explained. She tried to be casual, but her eyes were obviously watching Gray’s face to see how he would react. "It’s a charity event next week. I figured that since we’re... You know, together, then maybe I should start including you in things I do."
Gray looked at the envelope, then back at her. Slowly, the corner of his lips rose to a small smile.
"So that’s your real reason, huh?"
"Partly," she admitted before letting out a small chuckle. "But I still meant what I said earlier. I really am proud of you."
"Then I guess I’ll be there." Gray laughed softly, shaking his head.
Selina’s eyes brightened instantly.
"Really? You’ll come? I know you’re not exactly the ’event’ type."
"Yeah," Gray said simply, his voice calm but sincere. "I’ll be there. Don’t worry."
"Then it’s a date." Selina smiled, which reached her eyes.
Gray just stood there for a second, watching her smile so widely before smiling back.
"Yeah... it is."
Selina’s smile softened, but the excitement in her eyes was still evident. "I guess that’s it," she said gently. "I won’t take too much of your time. I know you’re busy today."
Gray nodded, the faintest trace of warmth still in his tone. "Alright. I’ll see you home later."
"And I’ll see you too," she replied softly.
For a moment, neither of them said anything. They just stared at each other’s eyes, knowing that the two of them couldn’t do anything in public. After a short while, Selina gave a small wave at Gray before turning to leave.
Gray watched her go while his fingers still brushed lightly against the envelope she’d handed him. Then, with a quiet exhale, he put it into his pocket and turned back toward the store floor, where Joel was still calling out instructions to the staff.
He walked back toward the center of the store, where Joel was giving directions to a few employees arranging the snack aisle.
However, before he could arrive there, a staff member called out for him.
"Sir, we’re running low on shopping baskets near the entrance," one of the staff called out.
"Don’t worry, I’ll handle it," Gray replied. He smiled at the staff before walking in the opposite direction where the front of the store. He gathered the stray baskets from the counter, stacking them neatly before placing them by the door.
A few customers smiled at him in passing, and he greeted them back with a polite nod.
Just then, Joel went to him with a clipboard in his hand. It seemed like he was already done talking to the staff from earlier.
"We’re doing well so far, sir," he said, looking a bit relieved.
Gray gave a small smile. "Keep it up. Let’s make sure everyone gets what they need."
"Yes, boss," Joel nodded with a grin. He tucked his clipboard under his arm and smiled.
"You know, boss? This is way smoother than I expected. I thought we’d be dealing with chaos by now."
"Yeah, same here." Gray chuckled lightly.
"But you know what, boss, boss." Joel glanced around, watching the aisles. "The staff is actually doing good. I think your idea of letting them train in our store really paid off. I didn’t think it would be this helpful."
Gray just laughed at that.
"I guess I should trust you more, boss." "Got it, boss. You’re too considerate sometimes."
Gray smirked. "You have no choice."
The two of them shared a small laugh at that. However, before either of them could say another word, a loud voice suddenly sounded against the cheerful atmosphere of the store.
"Hey! Who’s in charge of this store, huh?!"
Both Gray and Joel turned their heads toward the entrance. The lovely energy of the store immediately died down. Everyone fell silent because of the loud shout. The people’s gazes flew to the entrance.
In there, they saw a man standing in the doorway. He was holding a crumpled brown paper bag in one hand. His brows were furrowed, and his face was flushed with anger. The staff near the entrance froze, unsure of what to do.
Gray’s expression changed instantly from calm to alert.
"Looks like we’ve got a problem."