Signed, Gaius

Chapter 8

★ Eight ★

Gaius hurried back to the library after handing out books to the newcomers and giving them a quick rundown on the chess pieces. Spotting Ophelia on the balcony from the entrance, he jogged up the stairs and tapped on her table. She looked up and flashed a smile.

"You found what you were after?" he asked, settling into the seat opposite her and eyeing the book in her hands.

"I think so."

He took a look at the cover. "Van Gogh. You're a fan?"

"Oh, yeah! I find him interesting. I don't know much about him, though. I've seen a few of his works."

"Isn't he the artist who," he paused and gestured over his right ear, "chopped off his own ears?"

"Yes. Besides being a great painter." She laughed a little, amused.

He nodded, and they both fell silent. She shut the book, placed it on the desk then looked over the railing and down at the lobby thronged with students, and then to her book. It got a little awkward and she tried to look anywhere else but his eyes.

"Are you planning to read?" he asked, breaking the silence.

She looked up at him and shook her head. "No. I was just waiting... I mean you said you would return. So..."

"Cool! Shall we head to the Club House? Korong's there holding a session for the new members. School will be over in a half-hour. We could go get him, chat on the way."

"Sure. He chose music, right?"

"Yeah." Gaius grinned as he stood up. "He's there just because he loves the trumpet. I bet he's already playing it now. Are you going to borrow that book?"

"Yeah. I'll give it a read."

They descended the stairs, stood in a queue for a while, issued the book at the counter, and as they turned to leave after signing out by the door, they ran into Hringni and her closest friend, Daisy. Hringni exclaimed a little as she had been giggling with her friend quite intensely on the way.

"Holy smokes!" Hringni burst into laughter. Then, with a sudden realization, she exclaimed, "Hey!" upon recognizing Gaius. Her surprise only heightened when she noticed Ophelia with him. "Oh! Ophelia!" she added, clearly astonished to see them together. "What a surprise to find you both here."

Ophelia tactfully noticed the subtle change in Hringni's complexion, and a twinge of guilt swept over her almost immediately. Having heard rumors about something brewing between the two, she had no intention of causing any misunderstanding.

"What are you two doing here?" Asked Hringni.

"We just ran into each other," answered Gaius. "Are you already buried in your books?" He teased her about studying too much.

Hringni laughed, rolling her eyes. "Speak for yourself, please. But we might be hosting an introductory quiz soon for the new entrants next week. So, we're here to pick up some quiz books. Be sure to stop by both of you."

"Sure."

"Which club are you in, Ophelia?" Asked Hringni again.

"Social Service."

"Ah!" Hringni nodded deliberately, followed by a little smirk that she tried to hide, but failed. "Well, good luck with that. Bye!"

"Bye."

Ophelia noticed Gaius glancing after the girl as she pranced inside, seemingly in a good mood. As they walked down the steps, Ophelia followed closely behind him.