Lists | Phan

One: The First Step

The shopping centre was packed, noisy and full of study material. Groups of teenagers that provided endless supplies of body language and communication skills that ended up in Phil's notebook.

Walk calmly but confidently. You own this place.

Phil scanned the different stores until he came to a stop in front of one that caught his eye, and ventured inside. He weaved around a few immaculately dressed mannequins and browsed some hoodies hung up on railings, finding a few that he thought looked good but...

"I know nothing about fashion..." He muttered to himself, sliding a green zip-up jacket along the railing to look at the black one behind it.

A voice came from behind him.

"Do you need any help, sir?"

Holy fucking shit.

Phil jumped and spun around.

No. Wait. Calm down. Laugh it off.

His laugh came out a little forced and breathy.

Fuck.

He was faced with a very concerned looking brunette boy.

"Ahaha, you made me jump..."

Phil's voice came out croaky.

Clear your throat. Smile.

The blonde looked up at him.

"I'm sorry; I guess I kinda snuck up on you. Is there anything I can help you with?"

Phil took a deep breath. This is what you came here for, he told himself. Get it together. Smile, look a little embarrassed.

He looked at the boy's name-tag.

'Connor.'

Eye contact.

"I'm starting college soon and I need a new wardrobe." Laugh.

That one came out better, much more natural.

Ask for help.

"I've never really been good with choosing clothes, could you help me?"

Look hopeful. Smile.

Connor smiled sweetly at him.

"That's what I'm here for. If you'd come with me, I bet I can find you something perfect."

Alright, here we go.

Phil wiped his hands on his jeans again. This was more difficult than it looked, but it was going well. All according to plan.

Connor led him all around the store, picking out t-shirts, dress shirts, jackets, hoodies, jeans and even accessories. Phil followed him, making conscious efforts to contribute to the conversation, compliment Connor's choices and smile. Keep smiling. Keep fucking smiling.

Phil was led to the changing rooms and a huge pile of clothes were dumped on him. With one last grin at Connor, he closed the door on the small booth and set to changing into the first set of clothes.

God, I hope I can afford this.

The outfit Connor had picked out was simple, but stylish. White t-shirt with a silver design underneath black and silver zip up jacket. Dark blue tight-fitting jeans and his own sneakers – which went really well with the whole thing, thankfully. Connor had guessed his size like an expert; Phil wondered how long he'd been doing this job. He wiped his hands on his own jeans that were hanging up and took a deep breath.