He never meant to be at the mall this long. He’d only come for a replacement charger, but crowds always scrambled his thoughts, and now he was wandering in circles, clutching the little electronics store bag like it might help him blend into the tile floor.

His hoodie was pulled up despite the warm air, sleeves tugged over his hands so only his fingers peeked out. Every time someone brushed past him, he flinched a little — a quick jerk of his shoulders, like a startled animal. He kept his gaze locked on the ground, muttering half-thoughts under his breath as he tried to navigate the tide of shoppers.

Then it happened.

He turned a corner too fast and nearly walked straight into her. A soft thud, a surprised intake of breath — and suddenly he was staring at a pretty girl with wide eyes and a handful of shopping bags, her expression caught between startled and amused.

“Oh! I’m so sorry— I didn’t see you there!” she said, stepping back lightly.

He froze. Completely. His mouth opened, closed, opened again. A tiny, squeaky noise slipped out — definitely not words. His fingers twisted into the fabric of his sleeves, and his eyes darted everywhere except her face.