#business websites

[wordpressblogsblog]

Best Perks of PSD to WordPress Conversion for Business Websites

Introduction

If you're planning to create or revamp your business website, you've probably heard of WordPress. It’s one of the most powerful tools for building modern websites. Converting a custom PSD design into WordPress can give your website a unique look while offering all the benefits of a flexible, feature-rich platform. With help from reliable WordPress development services, this approach can help businesses stand out in today’s competitive online world.

Let’s explore why PSD to WordPress conversion is a great choice for business websites.

1. Responsive Websites for Every Device

A responsive website adapts beautifully to all screen sizes whether your visitors are browsing on a smartphone, tablet, or desktop. By converting PSD designs into WordPress, you can create a responsive site that ensures a seamless user experience. This means happier visitors and better engagement, especially when built by experts offering WordPress web development services.

2. SEO-Optimized for Better Visibility

WordPress is known for being SEO-friendly. During the conversion process, developers follow SEO best practices like optimizing site structure, load time, and metadata. This gives your business an edge in search rankings. By working with professionals offering Custom WordPress development services, your website will be primed to attract more traffic and generate leads.

3. Cost-Effective and Time-Saving

Designing a website from scratch can take time and often costs more. Converting a PSD into WordPress is faster and more affordable. With ready-made plugins and themes, WordPress speeds up the development process while ensuring high quality. A trusted WordPress development company can handle this efficiently, delivering a great website without breaking the bank.

4. Easily Manageable Content

With WordPress, managing your website content is a breeze even if you’re not tech-savvy. You can update text, images, or products with just a few clicks. Once your PSD is converted, the WordPress platform gives you full control over your website. This simplicity is one of the main reasons businesses prefer WordPress website development services.

5. Scalability to Grow with Your Business

As your business grows, your website should grow with it. WordPress makes this possible. Whether you want to add new features, integrate an online store, or expand your website’s capacity, custom WordPress development services ensure your site is ready to scale.

6. Enhanced E-Commerce Capabilities

For businesses looking to sell online, WordPress paired with WooCommerce is a game-changer. It supports e-commerce features like shopping carts, payment gateways, and inventory management. By opting for WordPress ecommerce development services, you can turn your website into a powerful online store.

7. Ongoing Support and Security

After your PSD design is converted, keeping your website secure and up-to-date is essential. A reliable WordPress development company offers ongoing maintenance and support to ensure your site runs smoothly. From regular updates to security patches, they handle it all, giving you peace of mind.

Conclusion

Converting a PSD design to WordPress is one of the smartest choices for businesses looking for a visually stunning, functional, and user-friendly website. With the right WordPress development services, your site can be responsive, SEO-optimized, and scalable giving your business a competitive edge in today’s digital landscape.

If you’re ready to take your website to the next level, partnering with a custom WordPress development company can make all the difference.

[dcpwebdesigners-blog]

Why WordPress Is the Best Platform for Business Websites in 2024

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, selecting the right platform for your business website is crucial. An effective website is more than just a digital presence; it’s a powerful tool that can drive growth, improve brand visibility, and engage customers. WordPress has consistently proven to be the platform of choice for millions of businesses worldwide, and in 2024, its benefits continue to outshine other content management systems (CMS).

​From unmatched flexibility to robust SEO features, WordPress offers an ideal foundation for a business website. In this article, we’ll explore why WordPress remains the best choice in 2024 and how Web Designers can help your business harness the power of WordPress to elevate your online presence.

1. Unmatched Flexibility and Customization

One of the greatest strengths of WordPress is its versatility. Unlike many closed-source platforms, WordPress is open-source, meaning it offers limitless customization possibilities. Businesses can create anything from a simple blog to a complex e-commerce site, all tailored to meet specific needs.

​Whether your company requires a minimalist design or a feature-rich website, WordPress provides thousands of themes and plugins to make it possible. Web Designers can guide you through the customization process, ensuring that your website reflects your unique brand identity.

​2. User-Friendly Interface and Easy Content Management

WordPress is known for its user-friendly interface, making it accessible even to those with limited technical knowledge. Its intuitive dashboard allows business owners to manage content, update pages, and make minor adjustments without needing to understand complex code. ​ With WordPress, your business can easily update content on the go, keeping information relevant and engaging for your audience. Web Designers offer training to help clients become proficient with WordPress, empowering you to take control of your website’s content.

3. Robust SEO Features for Improved Search Rankings

SEO is essential for businesses aiming to increase online visibility and attract organic traffic. WordPress is inherently SEO-friendly, providing features such as customizable permalinks, image alt tags, and meta descriptions that are essential for on-page optimization. ​ Furthermore, WordPress supports powerful SEO plugins like Yoast SEO and RankMath, allowing you to fine-tune every aspect of your SEO strategy. By leveraging these tools, Web Designers can optimize your site to rank higher in search engines, driving more visitors to your website.

​4. Mobile Responsiveness for a Seamless User Experience

​With mobile internet usage surpassing desktop, it’s essential for business websites to be mobile-responsive. WordPress themes are designed with responsiveness in mind, ensuring your website looks and functions well on all devices. ​ Responsive design improves user experience and also benefits SEO, as Google favours mobile-friendly websites in its rankings.

Read More: https://web-tips-n-tricks.weebly.com/blog/why-wordpress-is-the-best-platform-for-business-websites-in-2024

[allaboutyoupostnthings]

My Favorite Websites for Learning and More

Daily writing promptWhat are your favorite websites?View all responses There are way too many websites for me to count. I know I will miss quite a few. See below. EWTN National Shrine of Diving Mercy MassTimes Catholic Online Most religious sites are and will be added from this page of my site. Other sites Of Course, my websites: All About You – E-Commerce All About You –…

[harrisonaffiliatemarketing]

What Is Your Digital Asset? (As a Business owner)

when we talk about digital assets we are not just referring to cryptocurrency and the rest of them. The term digital asset in business refers to your website. Dear business owners, I want to ask you this question do you have digital assets? I will emphasize the importance of having a website as a small business owner. you know we often neglect how good is it to have a good website for your…

[brilliqs]

Custom Website Design & Development Services | Brilliqs

Brilliqs offers custom website design and development services with responsive designs, SEO optimization, and e-commerce solutions. Enhance your online presence with user-friendly, business-tailored websites.

[thememakker]

Mplify - Versatile Bootstrap 4 Admin Template by Thememakker

Mplify Admin makes the development process easy and fast for you and aims to help you implement your idea in real time.

Product Highlights

Mplify is a fully professional, responsive, modern, multi-purpose, and feature-rich admin template. It can be used to create various websites, admin templates, admin dashboards, backend websites, CMS, CRM, blogs, business websites, timelines, and portfolios. This versatility makes it an ideal choice for developers looking to build functional and aesthetically pleasing web applications efficiently.

Key Features

Bootstrap 4.3.1: Ensures compatibility and modern design standards.

jQuery 3.3.1: Offers extensive plugins and support.

Built-in SCSS: Provides more flexibility and control over styles.

Light & Dark Full Support: Allows users to switch between light and dark themes.

RTL Full Support: Right-to-left language support for global accessibility.

W3C Validate Code: Ensures high coding standards and practices.

Mobile and Tablet Friendly: Responsive design for all devices.

Treeview: For hierarchical data display.

Drag & Drop Upload: Simplifies file uploading processes.

Image Cropping: Integrated tools for editing images.

Summernote: Rich text editor integration.

Markdown: Support for markdown formatting.

Beautiful Inbox Interface: User-friendly email management.

User-Friendly Chat App: Built-in chat application.

Scrum & Kanban Taskboard: Task management tools.

Add Events to Your Calendar: Event management capabilities.

File Manager: Efficient file organization and management.

Blogging: Tools to manage and create blog posts.

Testimonials: Features to showcase user testimonials.

Maintenance: Tools to manage and schedule maintenance.

Team Board: Collaboration tools for team management.

Search Result: Enhanced search functionalities.

Beautiful Pricing: Elegant pricing tables and plans.

Contact List & Grid: Efficient contact management.

User Profile: Customizable user profiles.

Extended Forms: Advanced form functionalities.

Clean Widgets: A variety of clean, modern widgets.

Technical Specifications

Bootstrap 4.3.1

Bootstrap 4.3.1 is a powerful front-end framework for faster and easier web development. It includes HTML and CSS-based design templates for typography, forms, buttons, tables, navigation, modals, image carousels, and many other interface components, as well as optional JavaScript plugins. Mplify leverages Bootstrap 4.3.1 to ensure a consistent and responsive design across all devices.

jQuery 3.3.1

jQuery is a fast, small, and feature-rich JavaScript library. It makes things like HTML document traversal and manipulation, event handling, and animation much simpler with an easy-to-use custom API integration that works across a multitude of browsers. Mplify includes jQuery 3.3.1 to provide enhanced functionality and interactivity to your applications.

Built-in SCSS

SCSS is a preprocessor scripting language that is interpreted or compiled into CSS. It allows you to use variables, nested rules, mixins, inline imports, and more, all with a fully CSS-compatible syntax. With SCSS, Mplify offers a more powerful and flexible way to manage styles.

Light & Dark Full Support

Mplify comes with built-in support for light and dark themes, allowing users to switch between these modes based on their preferences. This feature enhances user experience and accessibility, especially in different lighting conditions.

RTL Full Support

For developers targeting global audiences, Mplify provides full right-to-left (RTL) language support. This feature ensures that languages like Arabic, Hebrew, and Persian are properly displayed, making the template versatile and inclusive.

W3C Validate Code

The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) sets the standards for web development. Mplify adheres to W3C's coding standards, ensuring that the template is built with clean, valid code, which improves browser compatibility, SEO, and overall performance.

Mobile and Tablet Friendly

In today's mobile-first world, having a responsive design is crucial. Mplify is designed to be fully responsive, ensuring that your mobile application looks great and functions seamlessly on all devices, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones.

Applications

Mplify’s versatile design and feature set make it suitable for a wide range of applications across various industries. Here are some key applications:

Admin Dashboards

Mplify provides a robust framework for building admin dashboards. With its extensive set of UI components, charts, forms, and tables, you can create comprehensive dashboards that provide valuable insights and data visualization.

CMS (Content Management Systems)

With features like blogging, file management, and user profile management, Mplify can be used to build powerful CMS platforms. Its clean widgets and beautiful interface ensure that the content management experience is both efficient and enjoyable.

CRM (Customer Relationship Management)

Mplify’s built-in tools for managing contacts, scheduling events, and maintaining communication through a chat app make it an excellent choice for developing CRM systems. These features help businesses manage customer interactions and data effectively.

Business Websites

The multi-purpose nature of Mplify allows it to be used for various business websites. Whether you need a portfolio, a blog, or a corporate website, Mplify provides the necessary tools and components to create a professional online presence.

Blogging Platforms

With integrated tools like Summernote for rich text editing and Markdown support, Mplify is ideal for creating blogging platforms. The beautiful inbox interface and testimonial features enhance the blogging experience, making it easy to manage and publish content.

Benefits

Easy and Fast Development

Mplify is designed to streamline the development process. With its pre-built components and templates, you can quickly assemble functional and aesthetically pleasing applications. This reduces development time and costs, allowing you to focus on implementing your ideas in real time.

Professional and Modern Design

Mplify offers a clean, modern design that is both professional and user-friendly. The template includes a variety of customizable widgets and components that adhere to the latest design standards, ensuring your application looks polished and up-to-date.

Comprehensive Feature Set

From task management tools like Scrum and Kanban boards to extensive form functionalities, Mplify provides a wide range of features that cater to various needs. This comprehensive feature set makes it a versatile solution for different types of projects.

Responsive and Mobile-Friendly

With Mplify, you can ensure that your application is accessible on all devices. Its responsive design adapts to different screen sizes, providing a seamless user experience on desktops, tablets, and smartphones.

Global Accessibility

Mplify’s RTL support and multi-language capabilities make it suitable for global applications. This feature ensures that your application can cater to users from different regions, enhancing its reach and usability.

Regular Updates and Support

When you purchase a license for Mplify, you receive all future updates for free. This ensures that your application remains up-to-date with the latest features and improvements. Additionally, Mplify provides excellent customer support to assist with any issues or queries.

Challenges and Limitations

Learning Curve

While Mplify is designed to be user-friendly, there may be a learning curve for beginners who are not familiar with Bootstrap or jQuery. However, comprehensive documentation and community support can help mitigate this challenge.

Customization

Although Mplify offers a wide range of customization options, extensive customization may require advanced knowledge of SCSS and JavaScript. This could be a limitation for developers who are not well-versed in these technologies.

Performance

As with any feature-rich template, there is a potential for performance issues if too many components and plugins are used simultaneously. It is important to optimize the application and selectively use features to maintain optimal performance.

Latest Innovations

Enhanced UI Components

Mplify continues to evolve with regular updates that introduce new and improved UI components. These enhancements ensure that your application remains modern and functional.

Advanced-Data Visualization

Recent updates have focused on improving data visualization capabilities. With enhanced charting tools and interactive elements, Mplify allows for more dynamic and engaging data presentation.

Integration with New Technologies

Mplify is continuously updated to integrate with the latest web technologies. This ensures compatibility with new frameworks and libraries, providing developers with more tools to build advanced applications.

Future Prospects

AI and Machine Learning Integration

The future of Mplify may include integration with AI and machine learning tools. This would enable developers to build more intelligent and automated applications, enhancing user experience and functionality.

Expanded Plugin Support

As the web development landscape evolves, Mplify is likely to expand its plugin support. This will provide developers with more options for extending the functionality of their applications.

Improved Accessibility Features

Mplify is expected to continue enhancing its accessibility features. This includes better support for assistive technologies and compliance with accessibility standards, ensuring that applications built with Mplify are inclusive for all users.

Comparative Analysis

Versus Other Bootstrap Templates

When compared to other Bootstrap templates, Mplify stands out due to its comprehensive feature set, modern design, and extensive customization options. While other templates may offer similar components, Mplify's unique features like RTL support and advanced task management tools give it an edge.

Versus Custom Development

Opting for a pre-built template like Mplify can significantly reduce development time and costs compared to custom web development. While custom development offers more flexibility, Mplify provides a robust foundation that can be easily customized to meet specific needs.

User Guides and Tutorials

Getting Started with Mplify

Installation: Download and install Mplify from the official website or marketplace.

Configuration: Configure the template settings according to your project requirements.

Customization: Use the built-in SCSS files to customize the styles and appearance.

Integration: Integrate Mplify with your backend systems and databases.

Deployment: Deploy your application on your preferred hosting platform.

Advanced Customization Techniques

SCSS Variables: Use SCSS variables to easily change colors, fonts, and other styles.

JavaScript Customization: Extend the functionality by adding custom JavaScript code.

Component Modification: Modify existing components or create new ones to meet specific needs.

Performance Optimization: Optimize the performance by minifying CSS and JavaScript files, and selectively loading components.

Conclusion

Mplify is a powerful, versatile, and user-friendly Bootstrap 4 admin dashboard template. It offers a wide range of features and customization options, making it suitable for various applications, from admin dashboards to business websites. With its modern design, responsive layout, and extensive documentation, Mplify simplifies the development process, allowing developers to implement their ideas in real time efficiently.

Whether you are building a CMS, CRM, or a personal blog, Mplify provides the tools and flexibility needed to create a professional and functional web application. Its ongoing updates and support ensure that your projects remain current and compatible with the latest web technologies.

[isabellaseraphinabloger]

The Ultimate Guide to the Most Used WordPress Plugins

In the vast ecosystem of WordPress plugins, choosing the right ones can make or break your website's functionality and performance. With thousands of options available, it's essential to understand which plugins are the most popular and why they're favored by users worldwide.

One plugin that stands out as a cornerstone for any WordPress website is Yoast SEO. This powerful tool helps optimize your site for search engines, ensuring better visibility and higher rankings. With features like content analysis, XML sitemap creation, and social media integration, Yoast SEO streamlines the process of optimizing your website for maximum exposure.

Another must-have plugin is WooCommerce, which transforms your WordPress site into a fully functional e-commerce platform. Whether you're selling physical products, digital downloads, or services, WooCommerce provides a seamless shopping experience for your customers. With customizable storefronts, secure payment gateways, and extensive product management options, WooCommerce empowers businesses of all sizes to succeed online.

For enhancing website security, Wordfence Security is a popular choice among WordPress users. This plugin offers real-time threat defense, firewall protection, and malware scanning to keep your site safe from hackers and malicious attacks. With features like login security, IP blocking, and security incident recovery, Wordfence Security provides peace of mind for website owners.

When it comes to optimizing website speed and performance, WP Rocket is a top contender. This caching plugin improves page load times, reduces server load, and enhances overall user experience. With features like lazy loading, database optimization, and browser caching, WP Rocket helps maximize website performance without compromising functionality.

In conclusion, while the WordPress plugin landscape is vast and diverse, several plugins stand out as essential for any website. From SEO optimization to e-commerce functionality to security and performance enhancements, these plugins play a crucial role in the success of WordPress websites. Must-Have WordPress Plugins for Business Websites.

[domaindro]

Why start a free website?

Starting a free website is an attractive option for many individuals and businesses, especially those that are just starting out. A free website can provide an easy and cost-effective way to get your message out there and start building an audience. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider starting a free website.

Low Cost: One of the main benefits of a free website is the low cost. There are a variety of free hosting services available, which means you don’t have to spend money on web hosting or a domain name. This makes it a great way to get started without having to invest too much money.

Easy to Use: Many free website providers offer easy-to-use tools and templates so that you don’t have to be a web developer to build a website. This makes it easy for anyone to create a professional-looking website without having to learn complex coding or design skills.

Flexible: Free websites are also very flexible. You can customize a website to match your needs by adding features such as forms, videos, and images. You can also easily modify the look and feel of your website to make it unique.

Reach Out to Customers: With a free website, you’ll have an online presence that can help you reach out to potential customers. You can use your website to showcase your products and services, build relationships with customers, and even promote special offers.

Grow Your Brand: A free website can also be a great way to establish and grow your brand. You can use it to create an online presence and showcase your brand. This can help you build credibility and trust with your customers.

Starting a free website is a great way to get started online without having to invest too much money. You can use it to reach out to customers, grow your brand, and showcase your products and services. It’s also an easy and cost-effective way to get started. So, if you’re looking to get your message out there, consider starting a free website. - Register .COM Domain Names

[jstarkd00110]

business websites

Aspire Business Planning Services is a business planning and research company located in Toronto, Ontario, which provides a number of services to small-to-medium sized businesses (as well as government organizations), including: Business plan development, including business counselling services and the development of detailed financial projections Professional business website design Consulting services, including assisting in the navigation of various government funded subsidy opportunities for small businesses Marketing plan development, including sales strategies Marketing research, including data collection, data analysis, and marketing research reports Feasibility and visibility studies Search engine optimization strategies The team at Aspire Business Planning Services are equipped with extensive experience in the field of business planning and development, having assisted businesses from all industries procure millions of dollars in funding.

[youraborkha]

Developing Custom PHP Laravel Websites with React.js or Vue.js: Expand Your Business Online

Introduction:

In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for businesses to thrive. Building a custom PHP Laravel website using React.js or Vue.js can empower businesses to reach a wider audience and tap into the potential of e-commerce. In this article, we introduce Hamza, a freelance developer specializing in developing custom websites, and explore the benefits of leveraging PHP Laravel with modern front-end frameworks.

Unlocking Business Potential:

Entrepreneurs and business owners should not confine themselves to a limited market. By investing in a custom PHP Laravel website, businesses can establish a powerful online presence and seize new opportunities. Going online opens doors to a global customer base and enables businesses to showcase their products or services effectively.

Our Expertise:

Hamza specializes in various aspects of website development, including web applications/CMS building, professional business website development, SAAS-based applications, email/SMS marketing applications, and website deployment/migrations. With a broad range of expertise, Hamza is well-equipped to cater to diverse business needs.

Modern Frontend Stack:

To create engaging and dynamic user interfaces, Hamza leverages the latest versions of front-end technologies. React.js, Angular, and Vue.js are among the preferred choices for building responsive and interactive websites. These frameworks enhance the user experience and provide a seamless browsing experience across different devices.

Laravel Packages and Integrations:

Hamza’s experience includes working with popular Laravel packages such as LaraAdmin, Voyager, and Crudbooster. These packages offer additional functionalities and streamline the development process. Moreover, integrating APIs into Laravel applications allows businesses to leverage third-party services and enhance the website’s capabilities.

Why Choose Us:

With a focus on delivering high-quality work, Hamza brings over seven years of experience to each project. Clients benefit from unlimited revisions and thoroughly tested, bug-free websites. Client satisfaction is the top priority, making Hamza the go-to choice for reliable Laravel PHP development and full-stack web development.

Take the Next Step:

Before making a purchase, it is essential to discuss your specific requirements with Hamza to ensure a seamless development process and avoid any potential cancellations. Feel free to reach out for a consultation and discuss how a custom PHP Laravel website can elevate your business.

Hamza Service {Link}

Conclusion:

Building a custom PHP Laravel website using React.js or Vue.js offers businesses the opportunity to expand their reach and tap into the vast potential of e-commerce. With Hamza’s expertise and dedication to client satisfaction, businesses can unlock the benefits of a well-designed and robust website. Don’t hesitate to contact Hamza to embark on your journey towards a successful online presence.

[goal-hall]

Top 12 Best Informative Websites to Learn About Business

This post counts down the top 12 informative websites which will easily help you to learn about business. 1. Entrepreneur 2. Business Insider 3. Forbes 4.Bloomberg Read more. Click the link below

This post counts down the top 12 informative websites which will easily help you to learn about business. Being a businessman or an entrepreneur is a must to stretch yourself searching for information, knowledge and skills to strengthen your career. This happens because a business is an up-and-down journey. Therefore you need quality skills, information and knowledge to grow with it. By knowing…

[heyriette]

I was looking for a job

And then I found a job

[indolentjellyfish]

Squid glass dip pens!

I didn't get much torch time this summer so instead of trying to churn out a bunch of the same old I decided to learn a new skill. I haven't perfected it yet but I'm getting there.

[02511213942]

haha *turns you into a catboy*

[m1d-45]

the corner of 1st and 9th

summary: you've given a little too much information to your favorite barista... not that it matters, when he already knows.

word count: 3k

-> warnings: stalking . he is unwell guys

-> gn reader (you/yours) is a hot drink enjoyer . mb

taglist: @samarill || @sarienic || @valeriele3 || @shizunxie || @boba-is-a-soup || @yuus3n || @esthelily || @turningfrogsgay || @cupandtea24 || @genshin-impacts-me || @chaoticfivesworld || @raaawwwr || @ryuryuryuyurboat || @undrxtxd || @rainswept || @wanderersqt || @rozz-eokkk

< masterlist >

reasons to NOT think that he is stalking you:

you tap your pen on the corner of your paper, eyes glancing between your writing and the clock. there’s no sound but the intermittent ac and the chatter of voices from the common room, a group of your dormmate’s friends that you’re not keen on interacting with. it’s a reminder of the fact that you’re assuredly spending too much time locked up in your room thinking about this, but you can’t stop. you haven’t been able to stop thinking about it, about him.

thoma was a normal barista at an innocuous cafe. and he was definitely, assuredly not stalking you… right?

you go there fairly often

the estate was a dimly unpopular cafe set right near your dorms, perfectly on the way to most of your classes and not too far out of the way if you wanted a quick bite. despite clearly being a family business, it had managed to partner with the university, and accepted the meal plan you were forced to buy. given its proximity to you and the fact that the other options got rather repetitive, you frequented the small shop. it was never too crowded, so it wasn’t impossible to assume that you were one of the few regulars.

there were exactly two consistent baristas that worked there, with the occasional new face only ever showing for a few days. there was no set uniform, as far as you could tell. one was a young girl, likely another student, who constantly yawned and always had to push up her sleeves to work the register. she didn’t talk much; the one time you had complimented her sweater, she looked at you like you were a raccoon that had waltzed in and tried to pay with cash.

the other was the object of your paranoia: thoma, a chatty redhead who always seemed to drag out the conversation longer than he had to. he didn’t wear a name tag, but did introduce himself after you gave your name for your order, like you were meeting as friends and not in a mercantile exchange. when he handed you your receipt, there was a doodle of a dog in a suit at the bottom wishing you a good day.

your schedule was rather uneven, what with waxing and waning stress and assignments and the various misaligned tests you had to take. but still, you had credits to burn and their menu was solid, so you came back whenever you wanted.

2. he’s just being nice

thoma was an occasionally odd guy, but not overtly strange. he smiled and said hello and goodbye in the regular tone someone in customer service would, provided they were either really enthusiastic about their job or desperately trying not to get fired. he wore a plain black tee and jeans and despite the silver tags around his neck, never really screamed ex-military. he seemed rather young to be deployed anyway…

regardless, he was still just a normal guy. it was normal to memorize someone’s order if they came back so often, right? normal. it was normal to ask why you looked tired, or what had happened if you were in a better mood, or to wish you luck if you were about to head to class.

he was a normal, nice guy. he never made a big deal if you came in near closing time—in your defense, their hours seemed to shift from week to week—and still recited your usual back to you in case it had changed.

it never did. his smile was proud whenever you said so.

he was forgiving, from what you could see. whenever another staff member made a mistake, or if a customer dropped something, or if a funny looking bird flew by the window and he spilled whatever he was holding, he was quick to laugh it off. he laughed a lot, actually. rarely was any visit when he was working devoid of it, whether loud and excited or quietly amused. when he wasn’t, he wore an easygoing grin, the kind that implicitly forgave you for tripping over your words or the rug by the front door. he worked quickly and quietly and sometimes you’d find you were given a discount “just because.”

3. you’re probably overthinking things.

the problem had started around the same time midterms did.

the attendees at the tables grew sparser, busy studying or sleeping or praying. there were days when you’d walk in and be the only one there, aside from whoever was at the counter that day. when you walked in, you had just enough time to see the deep frown etched on thoma’s face before it slipped away, customer service smile back on his face.

you debated over whether to ask the entire time you waited. it was the polite thing to do, wasn’t it? it wasn’t as if you were friends, but still. if someone’s sad, you ask why. that’s the normal thing to do..

he still called your name, despite you being the only one there. how did this place stay afloat? surely there was some bigger chain willing to pay the rent. the middle of a college campus was the best spot for a place selling caffeine..

now that you thought about it, why was this place so quiet?

you shook it off and went to pick up your drink, finding a small pastry there instead. you blinked, looking up to correct him, but he was already looking at you with the same smile as always.

“they’re going to go out of date soon,” he explained, “and we over-ordered, anyway. take as many as you want!”

…odd. this didn’t look like a new building. did they not know business slowed around this time?

but not too far out of order. you took the freebie, waited a few minutes longer for your drink, and went on your day.

reasons TO think he is stalking you:

he knows where you are

you, like everyone else, had assignments due, and tests to get to. your free time dwindled to a select few naps, and your, like everyone else’s, trips to the cafe slowed to a stop.

and yet, the next time you visited, he knew.

he knew.

you dragged yourself through the doors on a spur of whim, determined to reward yourself for making it through the past few weeks. god, you were tired. you blinked the exhaustion from your eyes long enough to find the barista on shift; thoma, as usual, greeted you with a smile.

“welcome back! same as usual?”

you nodded, digging through your wallet, but instead of punching in your order as usual, he reached behind him, setting down a to-go cup in front of you.

it was still steaming.

you froze, the sight settling into your exhausted mind, unable to even force your hands to pay.

why the fuck did thoma know you were coming back today?

you didn’t even know you were coming. this was an impulse, an idea you barely thought through.

after what you can only assume is too long, he lets out a laugh. not nervous, or uncomfortable, but the same casual laugh as when he spills something while someone’s watching. your eyes find his, easygoing and bright.

“i hope you’re not too surprised,” he starts, like you’re not keenly aware of every beat of your heart. “i just figured you should get some rest as soon as possible.”

is it worse, you wonder, if he just made the same drink every day until you came back and simply got lucky? that’s the only answer that doesn’t involve you calling student services, but even that makes your skin crawl. you pay as fast as you can and grab the drink, rushing the rest of the trip back to your dorm.

it went cold on your desk, too unnerving to ever take a sip of.

2. he knows your schedule

it took… a lot of mental energy to force yourself back to the estate. you didn’t even want to go, not really, but the other options nearby either didn’t take school credits or simply tasted worse. you didn’t know what it was, but it was always off. too strong, too weak, with an odd aftertaste. it was a different problem every time, one that wore down your resistance.

nothing was better than a (technically not) free pick-me-up. you had all these credits anyway, you might as well use them on something you actually liked, right?

it’s not like you were known for making good decisions, okay? maybe… maybe it was just a fluke? maybe you could ask him about it. there’s even a chance that it’s not him working the counter!

…yeah, not a chance. a quick glance inside shows the same bright copper hair as always… though the girl is at the register this time, and he’s in the back. there’s only a handful of other people inside, so you’re probably fine.

you walked in, the bell ringing, a few patrons looking up on instinct. the girl at the register does the same right as thoma abandoned the order he was working on, tapping her on the shoulder. “sayu, let me handle this one, okay?”

great. sayu, apparently, looks at you with what you can only describe as pity, shrugging and returning to the back counter. you stood a bit further from the counter than normal, but thoma still continued to smile.

“hey there! your usual?”

he looked so normal. you couldn’t ignore how pleasant his smile was, how easily he waved like he wasn’t the reason you stayed up until the sun rose, unable to look away from the cup on your desk. it almost annoyed you, knowing he probably didn’t even think about it. so you grabbed that irritation, twisted it into words, and pushed it through your teeth; “how did you know when i was going to come here?”

for a moment, his smile faltered. his laugh was quieter, nervous, nothing like before. he shrugged, pushing up the bandana around his forehead, green eyes avoiding yours. “ah, lucky guess?”

you’re a lot of things. stupid is.. probably on that list, given your presence here, but you’re not stupid enough to believe him about that. to his credit, he seems to recognize that, shoulders slumping with a sigh.

“okay, that’s a lie. i’m sorry.” he shakes his head, as if chiding himself for trying. “one of my friends happened to see you, and he said you looked upset. i thought you might appreciate the thought…?”

yeah, you might, if that wasn’t a fucking insane thing to do.

he looks sheepish enough, or as much as one can when it’s clear he doesn’t actually feel bad for what he did.

“…don’t do it again. it’s weird.”

it’s comical, how much he brightens, standing straighter like a flower finally put in the sun. “of course! if you don’t mind the wait, then i’m not complaining.”

that should have been it. you paid, you waited, and though sayu is the one that makes your drink it’s thoma that called you up to the counter. it’s a constant, at this point, same as your order and the chipper grin as he handed you your drink instead of leaving it there, a wax bag in his other hand.

“take this as an apology,” he explains, “i really didn’t mean to unnerve you.”

sure. you’re willing to believe that, if only for the sake of normalcy. you took both, the warmth easing your tense hands.

he lingered. he always did. he stood, and waited, and when he had enough of your staring, he spoke. “if there’s anything else i can do, just let me know. i could even give you my notes to study, if you want! i know you’ve got a test coming up.”

you’re learning to hate his smile. it’s so easy, his words soft and fluid with a genuine curiosity that sent chills across your skin.

there’s the possibility that he just also attends school. you’re aware of that. you swallowed your fear and managed the breath to ask what you really, really didn’t want to know. “do you also have ms yae?”

if you had access to a time machine… well, you’d stop yourself from ever stepping foot in the estate to begin with. but if you couldn’t do that, you’d come back to that instant, and keep yourself from ever asking such a stupid question.

some things were better unsaid. never did you understand that more than when thoma replied, eyes as sharp as a blade of grass.

“of course not. but you do, don’t you?”

you put your pen down, the ink from your anxious tapping now covering most of the upper corner of the page.

you hate it. you hate it. you hate that you wrote his name willingly, you hate that you’re so shaken by something you could have easily avoided, you hate that your life has taken such a turn.

you should have just stayed gone. you’ve stopped now, but now he knew you were stuck here for this semester. leaving mid-term would wreak havoc on your transcript, let alone your grades or schedule or however you were supposed to find another college to attend on such short notice.

you refocus on your list. objectively speaking, there’s more reasons to think this is normal, but the downside of lists like this is that they failed to fully capture the way your heart had dropped that day.

it was a month ago. a month, and you haven’t been able to stop looking over your shoulder whenever you went outside. you should really just call someone…

would student services be open at this hour?

you dig through the school’s website for a bit, but only find an address and a phone number for the department head. what “department” this falls under, you’re not sure, and you’re not keen on making a call less than an hour before midnight, so you don’t ask either. no dice. not for a few hours, at least. it’s just you, not really alone in your dorm, both because of the phantoms in your periphery and the fact that the walls are thin, letting you hear the cheers and disappointment of whatever game they’re playing in the common room.

it’s a bit of an anchor. the world is still going to turn, after all, and you need to be ready to meet it; you need to rest. being on edge for so long is wearing you down, and the weight on your shoulders will only grow if you keep sitting here. after a moment to consider the paper, you rip the list of your worries into short shreds, dumping the remains into the trash. you stand, stretch, and begin to tidy up, plugging in your phone and reaching for your water bottle, only to find it empty. you must have forgotten to refill it in your panic.. you look to the door, mentally weighing the benefits of going out and refilling it. there’s people in the common room, and you’re not too keen on being looked at right now, but it’s not as if they’re the ones plaguing you. it’s a common room for a reason, and filling it now will reduce the number of things to do tomorrow morning.

in search of a blessing for your future self, you unlock and open your door, the voices getting louder. some are familiar, but you shelve the memories. you have a mission. you unscrew the cap as you walk, aiming for the small kitchenette against the wall. archons willing, you won’t even have to interact with anybody. you walk, avoiding their eyes and even doing a rather good job at it, in your opinion. you fill your bottle, lingering just long enough to get the cap on without spilling anything, and turn to leave.

in a moment of weakness, you glance at the tv. there’s some sort of pvp game going on, with both players and bystanders crowded around the lone couch, most watching the ebb and flow of victory in earnest.

most, except one. on the floor, hands neatly in his lap, is the last person you want to see. he’s missing his bandana, but he still has that same smile, one gloved hand raised in a familiar wave.

you don’t think about what he’s said or done. you don’t think about the fact that you definitely should have told your roommates not to let him in. no, all you can think about is the fact that he now knows where you live, right down to the suite number.

it takes a lot of effort to drag your eyes away, pulling your feet into the dorm. you don’t want to think about how much effort it will take to leave tomorrow.

you don’t want to think about what could be waiting for you.