LUCK & SECRET

CHAPTER 03

The Library Moment

Weekends are my time; they are the only days when I can relax. What am I supposed to do today? I don't have a plan. I check my wallet; I still have some money from eomma. I should go to the Big Library in Seoul City, which is only 20 minutes away and free.

The Book Park is located inside B Square. I can't stop smiling while I look at the irregular colors surrounding the shelves; this is great for Insta photos. There are more than 100,000 books displayed on each floor, with some stacked on wooden shelves that stretch all the way from floor level to the ceiling! This almost makes me feel like I'm walking through time and space; it makes me want to stay here forever.

This is a cultural space and also a regular venue for arts, literature, and basic science events. The silence of people focusing on their own books while enjoying their drinks and cakes makes me feel at peace, and I can be myself.

When I was busy choosing books, I noticed someone sitting alone in a window seat toward the end of the corner. That guy appears strange since he is reading while wearing sunglasses, a hat with a Z emblem, and all-black long clothing, including his face mask. Is he not feeling hot this summer?

He sat in my favorite spot, a very comfy blue pastel window seat sofa, surrounded by white built-in bookshelves on each side and covered by another bookshelf. Only a few people knew about it since it appeared to be a hidden spot in the corner of an unpopular bookshelf, out of reach of students or kids.

I sigh. I can't blame him because it's a public facility. I sit next to him, and I'm looking to the side. It's unpleasant of me to bother him. When I was reading, I suddenly heard some muttering. My gaze peaked to the left, where this man was talking to himself. It's so annoying, I'd better put on earphones now. Honestly, I could go somewhere else, but this place is more comfortable. I'd rather stay and read, and okay, I can ignore him.

"Aaaagh! I can't!!" He suddenly yells. My eyes were wide open. My gaze turned to my left side again to check on him. Why? Why? Is he for real? Only I can hear those yells, even though I use earphones.

I can't see his face, but I can tell he's desperate since both of his hands are on his head. Gosh, I rolled my eyes, if I pretend to hear nothing, maybe he'll yell again. I tried to talk to him, thinking maybe he needed help.

"Excuse me, are you all right? You seem to be in trouble," I ask.

"I'm sorry." I yelled too loudly, which must bother you." He says this gently.

Yes, that's correct, and that's why I forced myself to speak with you. That's what I think.

"Do you need help?" "Maybe I'm able to help." I ask.

"I studied it; it was quite difficult." He handed me a French book that he had been reading to me.

"Poème du Mois - 007 Le dormeur du val? This poetry book is not easy to learn. "Are you already at this level?" I ask, and I think maybe he's a beginner.

"Actually, I began learning it two weeks ago, we learn faster when we do something we are enthusiastic about; I enjoy reading while seeking inspiration from poems. Haha." He laughed and raised his voice.

I realized something when he spoke confidently, but he avoided eye contact with me; it appears that he tried so hard to hide his face since he couldn't stop touching his mask and fixing his sunglasses; possibly he felt uncomfortable as well.

"Yes, it's true, but at the very least, you must learn the basics before reading any artistic French poetry, so you can understand the genuine meaning of what the author wrote," I respond gently, attempting to focus just on the books so he can speak easily.