Comic Book Store Guy Novels & Stories

I hang it back up. --- Month Six. 9:17 PM. I’m closing the bookstore. Last customer gone, gates half-down, counting the register. The bell dings. “Sorry, we’re—” I look up. Dominic. Not CEO Dominic. Not tux Dominic. Just… him. Black sweater. Jeans. Hair longer, like he hasn’t bothered to cut it. He looks like he’s been upstate, reading books, chopping wood or whatever retired billionaires do. He looks like a man. Not a fortress.

I can't remember all of the times that I have fallen into their trap, only to learn later on that it was all a trick. As I make my way into the bookstore, I see that it's a good size without being too much. The shelves look immaculate, and I find myself falling in the love with the store. A man around my father’s age walks up to me and smiles. I can tell this store is his life, and he loves every second of it. “May I help you find anything, Miss?” His smile is gentle, and I can’t help but smile back. “Well, yes and no. I saw that you were looking for help, and also where is your classics section?” The man began to chuckle no doubt at my bluntness about it all.

I sighed, looking around the softly lit boutique, and it kept hitting me that I didn't want to be there. "Hi!" Someone chimed. I looked up. It was a store attendant, a gay man— obviously, from his makeup and the deadly heels he had on, I was beginning to wonder how he even walked on them. He curled his fingers, gesturing so much as he talked. "We have another couple here to seal the deal, right?" He smacked his lips as he chewed gum. "Beverly Ray?" Mercury asked, "It's you, right? You're all over my fyp! Oh, my fucking gosh!"

Caroline’s Point of View The moment I step into the store, I can already tell something is different. The usual calm atmosphere is replaced with an excited buzz, the kind of energy that only happens during a sale or a promotional event. Customers crowd around the display cases, their eyes wide with fascination, and laughter occasionally ripples through the room. That’s when I see him. Alessandro Luca Romano, the Italian whirlwind himself, standing at the center of it all, looking like he owns the place.

“That’s Tom. He’s harmless, mostly. But if he starts talking about voices under the floor, don’t listen.” “Good to know,” I said, standing. “Thanks for breakfast. And the unsolicited horror lore.” She laughed. “You’ll fit right in.” The bell above the door chimed as I stepped into the next store. The man behind the counter — tall, gruff, built like an oak tree — looked up from a shelf of hammers. “Morning. What can I help you with?” “Roof nails, duct tape, and possibly holy water.” He grinned. “Sorry, we’re fresh out of miracles. You new in town?”

“I can’t agree more! Did you see how they pass the ball at each other? Doesn’t it remind you of playing with your friends too?” The old man chuckled again. “Yes. Yes, of course. Sadly, my body is not what it used to be. That’s why I enjoy watching them play nowadays.” Gilbert faked a cough and nudged Jai on the side, reminding the thunder boy what they’re really here for. “Oh, umm. Excuse me, uncle. We’re looking for a magazine store nearby.” Jai said. “Why, I have one.” The man turned around and pointed to the magazine store across the street. The man turned to them again. “Come by my shop and let’s talk there. What do you like? Coffee or tea?”

In jeans, hoodie, looking like the world’s most suspiciously handsome vagrant. He pushed off the post when he saw me. “Hey,” he said. “Bookstore girl.” “Border wolf,” I replied. His mouth twitched. “Touché.” “What are you doing here?” “Supporting small businesses,” he said. “Thinking about buying a bookmark.” “You don’t believe in bookmarks.” He blinked. “How would you know that?” “You don’t have the energy of someone who gently saves a page.” He laughed—actually laughed. It changed his whole face.

As soon as he said that, the person standing in front of the line dropped a book. Hunter picked it up and read the title of the comic books. “Boys over flowers.” The owner of the book turned around. He has small face, slanted eyes and cheerful appearance. "Oh? That's mine," the guy said before getting his book back from Hunter. “Thank you for picking it up!” After smiling to Hunter, the man looked back to the cashier and placed his order. Hunter leaned closer to his companions and whispered, “That man is reading romantic comics.” The three giggled in secret. Soon, it was their turn to order.

My shopping experience there was amazing, and I even see myself probably visiting there whenever I need to treat myself to a comic getaway. The elevator dings, and the doors slide open. After stepping out of the elevator with my Chinese takeout in one hand, and the bag of pencils, gloves, socks, and the new comic books I got from the bookstore in my other hand, I begin walking to my condo unit. The thought of meeting Leo inside gnaws at my guts, filling me with the same instant anger that once flooded my veins about a couple hours ago after I met him and that Maddie girl clinging and playing around with each other.

Because I am still not that familiar with dollars. Then at about noon, a guy comes to me really angry, raising his voice because the comic book he wanted is out of stock. Sana has to come and help me coerce him out of the shop. Even after the guy leaves, I feel terribly upset. And soon, another woman gets mad cause her card gets declined unexpectedly. Finally, at 1 Pm, our shift is over and Mr Hopkins and his daughter arrive to take my and Sana's places. I let out a releived sigh, getting up from the register and letting Mr Hopkins sit down.