Her hands lay at the usual spot on Gloss. And her eyes remained glued to the new mannequin.

"Wow! Today's design is seriously the best," Gloss said, almost in sync with the girl's lips.

"I wish I could buy it." She shook her head rapidly, still dreamily staring.

"Better yet, design something like this," Gloss sighed dramatically.

"Cut the drama, Gloss," 1872 chuckled.

"Well forgive me for being a great actor," Gloss replied indignantly.

"Wait, we're missing out," he added and went back to listening.

1872 was glad he was positioned in such a way that he could have a great view of the girl without straining himself. Unfortunately for him, he had to look at the new mannequin the rest of the time.

What annoyed him further was the fact that the female mannequin was getting so much attention. And he missed 1700.

Shaking his thoughts off his head, he went back to looking at the girl.

Her wild brown hair fell down her shoulder as a total mess. Strands of hair fought to escape the red beanie she was wearing. Over the week, he noticed how she had started to dress with more and more layers of clothing, indicating how cold it was outside.

She pressed the tip of her exposed red nose on Gloss and he started squealing.

"Shut up. You're annoying," the new mannequin snapped.

Gloss instantly quietened.

After a split second, the girl's eyes snapped up to meet 1872's. He boldly continued staring at her, knowing she would never know.

She passionately mumbled something, shook her head and left.

Gloss finally decided to speak up.

"I don't think you should see her anymore."

"And why is that so?" 1872 asked, completely unfazed.

"I think she's..."

1872 didn't listen further though. He watched the girl cross the street, towards the café she always went to after visiting him. On her way, two handsome men passed by her. She waved to them enthusiastically, but they didn't bother to wave back. One of the men even had the audacity to turn and give her a look that didn't settle well with 1872.

Gloss had stopped talking. He knew when he wasn't being listened to.

'I consider you as a friend, 1872,' he thought.

She quickly walked into the café, her head hung low in disappointment. 1872 sighed softly.

"She deserves so much," he mumbled.

A pang of guilt and fear held on to Gloss as he sewed his mouth shut.

"Gloss, what is this that I'm feeling?" 1872 asked dazedly.

Only silence greeted him.

"What was she saying by the way? And oh my god! Why did she look at me?!?"

"She's a student. I think she's having a rough time right now... she mentioned Christmas."

"Christmas?"

"Yeah, it's in a week."

"Oh wow!" 1872 exclaimed.

"Did she say anything else?" he added, hoping to hear something about him.

"No."

~

The girl was back. Her old, ragged scarf was replaced with a bright red one. She looked comparatively happy, but she also seemed to be losing weight.

Her cheeks were shallower than they were ten days ago, when 1872 noticed her for the first time.

On that day, she went further than just pressing her face against Gloss. She basically kissed him.

"Hey Gloss, how was that?" the strange female mannequin teased Gloss, along with the new male.

Gloss didn't bother answering and 1872's heart sank.

"Probably as warm as her smile," 1872 muttered gloomily.

Although he knew it wasn't Gloss's fault, he couldn't help getting angry.

Gloss cleared his throat and finally spoke up, recovering from his shock.

"I think she's a designer too. And she wants a job here."

1872 sighed. "As much as it'd be nice to have her around, I don't think she should come. This is not a very nice place."

1872 was now quite sure of what he felt.

Gloss would've smiled, if he wasn't as worried as he was.