Shawn Mendes Imagines

Valentine's Day

*A/N: This does take a while to build up but I promise it gets better so please read the whole thing!*

Valentine's Day. One of the most commercialised holidays there is. A day where people go all out to show the people they love how much they love them. But I've always thought, if you really loved a person, why wouldn't you show them that every day?I've never been able to put that to the test though, because, you see, I've never been in love.

*****

"Are you sure you don't want to come out with Mike and I tonight?" Y/F/N, my best friend, asks, fixing her make-up one last time before she heads out to meet her boyfriend.
"As much as I'd love to join you both for your romantic Valentine's Day dinner, I have plans. Besides, you deserve a night alone together." The part about me having plans isn't strictly true, but I'm not telling her that. "Thank you, though." I hug her quickly, playfully messing up her expertly curled hair.
"Okay, if you're sure..." She says doubtfully, biting her lip as she fixes her hair.
"I'm positive. Now go out and have some fun! Don't leave that boyfriend of yours waiting downstairs any longer." I lightly push her out the door, a grin plastered on my face.
"You're the best." She turns around to hug me heading downstairs.

I wait until I hear the front door slam shut before I grab my coat and head out myself. Making my way downtown, the air is buzzing with the excitement of people on their way to spend time with their loved ones. Couples, both young and old, walk alongside me on the pathway, smiling from ear to ear. Once again I'm reminded of how painfully alone I am. I put in my earphones, drowning out the world as the centre of the city comes into view.

Fairy lights are strewn everywhere, illuminating the cold darkness. Conversation and laughter drifts out of each restaurant in bursts, filling the busy streets. I glance in each window as I pass it, noticing how each is filled with almost only couples. Not for the first time I'm glad that I didn't accept Y/F/N's offer to join, knowing I'd only be a third-wheel and stick out like a sore thumb.

I left the house not knowing where I would end up, but before long I find myself standing outside my favourite bookshop. Makes sense, I suppose. This place is where I'm at my happiest. Lucky for me, this bookshop is open 24/7. It's a little strange but that's one of the reasons I love it so much. Another is Lucy, the old woman who owns it.

I push open the door, the bell hanging above it chiming. "Happy Valentine's Day Lucy," I greet the smiling woman seated behind the counter.
"Y/N! What a surprise! What are you doing here on a day like this?" She reaches over the counter to take my coat off me, knowing I'll be here for a while.
"You know, Luce, sometimes all a girl wants is to read." I smile at her. Although a boyfriend would also be nice, I add in my head.
"I know the feeling," she smiles back. "You know where everything is. Let me know if you need anything, sweetheart." She pats my arm before retreating into the back room.

I put my earphones back as I make my way to the back of the store, like I always do. As far as I can tell, there's no one else here. The store is dimly as I trace my fingers across the spines of the books, searching for one to transport me away from here for a while.

It only takes a few minutes for me to zone out, completely oblivious to the shop around me. All of a sudden I feel someone brush up behind me, causing me to jump about a foot in the air and one of my earphones to fall out.
"Sorry, hun," the person mumbles, continuing to walk deeper into the shop. I turn around to see who bumped into me and am surprised when I notice the tall boy a few shelves down. He's turned away from me so I can't see his face, but judging by his build I wouldn't say he's much older than me.  Just as I'm about to turn away, the boy runs his hand through his hair and I catch sight of a tattoo on his hand. Something about the two birds seems familiar to me but I can't figure out what it is. I brush it off and turn back to the books, zoning out once again.