Homeless Vain

54

"Interesting," the synopsis of the book I picked from the shelf was intriguing. It had raised anticipations and excitement that I nearly stomped my feet against the floor like a toddler threw a tantrum if they did not get the toys they wanted.

Lucky Evelyn and Jacob decided to close the cafe for today. Which means, I could have my whole time to finish this book.

A head was then sneaking over my shoulder, peeking into the content I was holding. Now, tell me who in this world won't be startled and eventually scream when they encounter such a thing?

I was not even screaming but also flinching and also stumbling.

"Ivy!" Chanhee yelled from the table we were sitting at together earlier, seemed way too angry. He probably was in the middle of gossiping and I just had to interrupt him. His gaze was full of fury but then softened upon looking my way. "W-what are you guys doing?"

It took me a solid one second to understand his question. Because silly me, I didn't notice myself in an awkward position with Kevin.

My arm was under his soft touch which he had pulled closer to his frame. I assumed he was just being nice to help me out while I was stumbling but, bro needn't hold too long right?

"Don't worry, we don't see anything," Jacob said, turning Chanhee's head back to the group before beckoning us to keep talking.

Swiftly I managed to be freed, scolding the boy for making me surprised.

"Must you resemble a giraffe like that?" I shook my head, watching him awkwardly rubbing his nape as he said sorry. My focus was then darting back to the book, a little imaginary bulb was then lighting bright. "Kev, you should read this book. I think it's perfect. I haven't read it yet but the synopsis is written well."

I looked fine talking to him, didn't I?

Well, maybe on the outer. Who knows what happened inside?

Swayed by his presence? - Maybe a little.

Anyway, Kevin seemed like he wasn't focusing at all. It seemed like I was talking alone and what he did was only smirking as he looked into my eyes.

"Are you even listening?" I groaned, holding myself from the eye roll.

"I am," he confirmed, and a small smile drawn on his face. "It just... this moment feels like a dream."

I snorted.

"What does that even mean?" I flipped open the book cover just to let it close again when he spoke up.

"You.. are talking to me feel like a dream."

I whipped my head towards him, raising a brow as if needing an elaboration.

"I thought you wouldn't talk to me again," his eyes were sorrowful as if he just received an earful from me. And he must have noticed himself because a while later, he shook his head, breaking the trance. "Look Ivy, can we talk? Like a real talk? I..I just want to talk to you about s-something. If I don't, it will keep h-haunting me and-"

"Kevin," I called his name, rather stern, head tilted to have him focused on me. "We can. What is it?"

I stood straight after putting the book back on the shelf, my arms were then pulled over my chest.

Kevin made himself comfortable, his slumped shoulders were now straight which had made his chest muscles prominent.

Whaaatt- don't stare!

"I.. have sat with Jacob for 3 hours of schooling that day," he started. "It is the longest schooling I've ever had with him but I'm glad I did."

I nodded.