Candid

Three

Loud echoes of foot steps makes it hard for me to focus on reading.

Library supposed to be quiet right?

I closed the book that I'm reading. Maybe I should go on the second floor of this library.

I stood up quietly, making sure that I would not create even a tiny bit of a sound. But luck never really got to know it's job on me.

My chair created an awkward noise. I froze there on my spot. Standing. Hugging my book on my chest.

People locked there eyes at me. I sighed in relief when they averted their gazes immediately. They continue their chitchats. Voices echoes with every movements of their lips.

I walk slowly up to the stairs.

Smells of books greeted me and my nostrils. Old and cold. Books that are holding informations to be absorbed by someone who will take them. Not physically but mentally.

Informations that might change their life.

Smell of rain entering slowly. I glance at the the window not far from me. It's just a mist earlier and now the sky above is letting out its anger harshly.

It's not windy yet I shiver.

The ambiance is calming. It's perfect. The rain is pouring outside while I'm here, surrounded by the scrambled letters which are written in a paper.

I smile to myself. I'm alone here. No noises.

But someone just came to break that silence.

He is walking while reading the book on his hands. I try to take a peek on the title of the book but the cover is just color black.

Everytime I'm in peace, he always comes out of nowhere and stopping the tranquility.

Maybe he felt that he isn't alone now. His eyes made its way to look at me. He's wearing a plain black hoodie and a grey sweatpants. He's still holding the book on his right hand whilst the other is resting inside the pocket of his hoodie.

It looks like he's trying to remember me because he's eyes were screaming that I'm familiar to him.

When he's face lit up, he made his way towards me.

"I never thought that you're still here on earth."

I furrowed my brows with what he said. I don't know if I'm going to be offended or not.

"This is just you're imagination. I'm not real."

He laughed at what I said. It echoed.

"So you're a fan of reading too, huh?"

He then sat in front of me. He placed the book on the table. I thought he will continue reading but his attention is now all on me.

"I will never say that I'm a fan. But I will say that I'm willing to die for it."

There was amusement written all over his face. Hands on his cheek, he is still looking at me. I feel like I am outside, under the heat of the sun because I can feel my body getting warmer.

"Stop looking at me, will you? You're distracting me. Just go back on reading."

I said not taking a glance on him. I can feel his stares at me.

"In what way someone call you?"

"Pardon?" I asked. Not sure about what he said.

"I mean, how does anyone call you? Like a name?"

Oh. He just want to ask my name. What an idiot making me feel like an idiot too.

"My mother calls me sweety, my father calls me princess. My friends sometimes calls me bitch, girl, dude, bro, or whatever comes up to their minds."

There is no way in hell that I'm going to tell him my name.

"So, can I call you Ai?"

For the second time since meeting him today, confusion floods.

I just shrugged my shoulders.

"You can just call me Anta."

I just nodded, continuing reading my book.

I heard his low chuckled. My eyes take a look at him quickly. His eyes glistening. His lips smiling. He's now reading the book again. When I look at him for the second time, his eyes met mine; the wind enters.

That gloomy eyes were not gloomy anymore. Unlike the weather today, his eyes filled with joy.