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I can’t believe how huge this Apple Store is. It’s not ridiculously oversized like some futuristic showroom, but it’s still the biggest one I’ve ever seen… sleek, modern, and almost blindingly white. Everything is arranged on clean, minimalist stands: rows of iPhones glowing under soft lighting, iPads propped at perfect angles, MacBooks open and ready, even the newest watches and accessories. Every single device is securely locked down with discreet cables and sensors so no one can just walk off with anything. A handful of well-dressed customers are scattered around, gently tapping and swiping on the demo units like they’re testing luxury cars.
There are quiet seating areas with low white sofas, elegant staff desks, and a few tall, lush green plants that are probably fake but look expensive anyway. The whole place smells faintly of new electronics and expensive cologne.
I swallow hard, my throat suddenly dry.
Selina gently pulls me toward the iPad section. “You want one, Kitty?”
I’m speechless. The overwhelm hits me like a wave… too many choices, too many eyes, too much everything. My chest tightens and my palms start to sweat. I really don’t want to embarrass myself here, especially not in front of Soren. The thought that he might look at me differently if he sees how broken and anxious I am, makes my stomach twist. I don’t even know why I suddenly care so much about what he thinks.
A well-groomed man in a crisp, perfectly pressed uniform strolls over with a polite smile. His outfit looks nicer than anything I’m wearing. “Good morning. Is there anything in particular I can assist you with today?”
Selina answers for me, smooth and confident. “This is Christopher. He needs a new iPad.”
She says it so casually, like I already own one and it’s just time for an upgrade.
The man turns to me and offers his hand. “Hi there, Christopher. I’m Benjamin. It’d be a pleasure to help you today.”
I stare at his hand for a beat too long, then slowly reach out and shake it. “Thanks,” I manage, my voice barely above a whisper.
With my other, I squeeze Selina’s hand tighter as anxiety starts crawling up my spine.
Benjamin begins explaining the newest generation, talking about processors, displays, battery life. I understand the words, I’m not stupid, but they’re comingat me too fast. My brain feels like it’s short-circuiting. I start getting upset with myself, embarrassment burning hot in my cheeks. This was a bad idea; I shouldn’t have come.
Selina suddenly steps away. I frown, confused and a little panicked, until a large, familiar hand settles warmly on my lower back. Soren leans down, his breath brushing my ear as he presses his deep red handkerchief, the one that was neatly folded in his suit pocket, into my hand.
“If you want to leave,” he murmurs, low enough that only I can hear, “just say the word.”
I dab at my forehead quickly and shake my head. I don’t want to run.
Clearing my throat, I point at one of the iPad Air models on display. “Can I get that in the pastel blue colour?”
Benjamin smiles kindly. “Of course. However, there are different options for screen size, storage, Wi-Fi…”
Soren interrupts in that deep, commanding voice of his. “Give him the biggest size. Give him the most storage. Give him Wi-Fi and cellular…”
I look up at him, not really hearing the rest of the words, just feeling grateful for the interruption. All those options definitely would have sent me spiralling.
“How much is it?” I ask quietly, turning back to Benjamin.
He answers smoothly, “That would be $1,499.”
I look up at Soren, eyes wide, and whisper in shock, “For a tablet?”
Soren nods once. “We’ll take it.”
He turns to Selina and Armen. “Go with him. Deal with the payment.”
They both nod and follow Benjamin as Soren gently guides me out of the store with his hand still resting on my lower back. He leads me to a marble bench in the middle of the wide walkway, next to a pillar, and sits down. I follow and sit beside him, feeling small.
Soren drapes his arm around my shoulders and asks quietly, “You good, kid?”
I sigh and lean into him a little. “Mhmm.”
I’mnotgood… I feel bad for wasting his time. “Sorry,” I mumble.
Soren grumbles under his breath. “I told you I don’t do comfort, Kit. So just… don’t apologise, you’re doing just fine, and get whatever the hell you want.”
